Best Dog Dental Chews
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Dog Dental Chew FAQ
Everything you need to know about dental chews for dogs
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Overall Best Dog Dental Chews
Chewy
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats, 36 count
What Dogs Love:
  • PLEASANT FLAVOR
  • EASY TO DIGEST
What Humans Love:
  • FIGHTS PLAQUE
  • REDUCES BAD BREATH
Reviewers Say:

These toothbrush-shaped dog dental chews are some of the most popular on the market with over 5,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.8 rating. They're made from natural ingredients that are easy to digest and claim to reduce tartar accumulation by 60% and plaque accumulation by 32%.

This regular size is for dogs between 25 and 50 pounds, but you can als...

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These toothbrush-shaped dog dental chews are some of the most popular on the market with over 5,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.8 rating. They're made from natural ingredients that are easy to digest and claim to reduce tartar accumulation by 60% and plaque accumulation by 32%.

This regular size is for dogs between 25 and 50 pounds, but you can also buy chews of different sizes for smaller or large dogs. Choose between packs that contain anywhere between 6 and 54 chews.
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Greenies are so popular for a reason, as their enticing taste and easy digestibility make them great dental chews for dogs of all sorts.

What Humans Love:

Proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, these daily dental chews are an ideal way to keep teeth clean between brushings.

Reviewers Say:

These toothbrush-shaped dog dental chews are some of the most popular on the market with over 5,000 Amazon reviews and a...

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These toothbrush-shaped dog dental chews are some of the most popular on the market with over 5,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.8 rating. They're made from natural ingredients that are easy to digest and claim to reduce tartar accumulation by 60% and plaque accumulation by 32%.

This regular size is for dogs between 25 and 50 pounds, but you can also buy chews of different sizes for smaller or large dogs. Choose between packs that contain anywhere between 6 and 54 chews.
Best Budget Dog Dental Chews
Amazon
Dingo Tartar And Breath Dental Sticks For All Dogs, 48-Count
What Dogs Love:
  • Tasty
  • Contains real chicken
What Humans Love:
  • Affordable
  • Low calorie
  • Long-lasting
Reviewers Say:

Thanks to their highly palatable flavor with real chicken, even picky eaters will love these dental chews. The abrasive action of chewing these treats helps to reduce tartar build-up but not any more so than chewing anything else with an abrasive texture.

Although reasonably sized, they're best for small and medium dogs; large dogs are likely ...

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Thanks to their highly palatable flavor with real chicken, even picky eaters will love these dental chews. The abrasive action of chewing these treats helps to reduce tartar build-up but not any more so than chewing anything else with an abrasive texture.

Although reasonably sized, they're best for small and medium dogs; large dogs are likely to chomp them down in seconds. You can buy them in a range of pack sizes between 10 and 384. These chews have a 4.5 rating from over 1,000 reviews.
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What Dogs Love:

These yummy dog dental chews are made with real chicken and they appeal to even the pickiest of eaters.

What Humans Love:

These wallet-friendly dog dental chews make great daily low-calorie treats and can be bought in quantities as high as 384 per bag.

Reviewers Say:

Thanks to their highly palatable flavor with real chicken, even picky eaters will love these dental chews. The abrasive ...

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+
Thanks to their highly palatable flavor with real chicken, even picky eaters will love these dental chews. The abrasive action of chewing these treats helps to reduce tartar build-up but not any more so than chewing anything else with an abrasive texture.

Although reasonably sized, they're best for small and medium dogs; large dogs are likely to chomp them down in seconds. You can buy them in a range of pack sizes between 10 and 384. These chews have a 4.5 rating from over 1,000 reviews.
Most Durable Dog Dental Chews
Chewy
Blue Buffalo Dental Bones All Natural Large Dog Treats, 36-oz bag
What Dogs Love:
  • GOOD FLAVOR
  • PLEASANT TEXTURE FOR CHEWING
What Humans Love:
  • QUALITY INGREDIENTS
  • ADDED VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Reviewers Say:

If your dog gets through standard dental chews in seconds, you might want to choose these dental bones. Since they're chunkier than most dental chews, they tend to last longer.

They comes in four sizes to suit dogs from 5 pounds to 50 pound plus, and three package sizes: 12, 27, and 36 ounces (the number of bones you'll receive depends on thei...

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If your dog gets through standard dental chews in seconds, you might want to choose these dental bones. Since they're chunkier than most dental chews, they tend to last longer.

They comes in four sizes to suit dogs from 5 pounds to 50 pound plus, and three package sizes: 12, 27, and 36 ounces (the number of bones you'll receive depends on their size). Their 4.5 rating on Amazon helps them stand out as a quality choice for your canine companion.
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What Dogs Love:

Heavy chewers especially will love these durable dental treats, which are more substantial and longer-lasting than some other brands.

What Humans Love:

Blue is a brand known for quality, and these dog dental chews are no exception, plus they include added vitamins and minerals.

Reviewers Say:

If your dog gets through standard dental chews in seconds, you might want to choose these dental bones. Since they're ch...

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If your dog gets through standard dental chews in seconds, you might want to choose these dental bones. Since they're chunkier than most dental chews, they tend to last longer.

They comes in four sizes to suit dogs from 5 pounds to 50 pound plus, and three package sizes: 12, 27, and 36 ounces (the number of bones you'll receive depends on their size). Their 4.5 rating on Amazon helps them stand out as a quality choice for your canine companion.
Our Other Favorite
Chewy
Virbac C.E.T. HEXtra Premium Dental Dog Chews, Large
What Dogs Love:
  • MADE FROM TASTY BEEF RAWHIDE
What Humans Love:
  • RANGE OF SIZES
  • ENZYMES CLEAN TEETH BETTER
Reviewers Say:

The enzymatic formula of these dental chews really gets to work cleaning teeth even in parts of the mouth the chew never touched. Made primarily from beef rawhide, we'd highly recommend you supervise your dog with these chews and never feed dogs chews that are inappropriate for their size.

You can choose from four sizes ranging from x-small to...

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The enzymatic formula of these dental chews really gets to work cleaning teeth even in parts of the mouth the chew never touched. Made primarily from beef rawhide, we'd highly recommend you supervise your dog with these chews and never feed dogs chews that are inappropriate for their size.

You can choose from four sizes ranging from x-small to large, each with approximately 30 chews to a bag. These chews have received well over 7,000 Amazon reviews with a 4.3 rating.
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What Humans Love:
  • RANGE OF SIZES
  • ENZYMES CLEAN TEETH BETTER
What Dogs Love:
  • MADE FROM TASTY BEEF RAWHIDE
Reviewers Say:

The enzymatic formula of these dental chews really gets to work cleaning teeth even in parts of the mouth the chew never...

Read More
+
The enzymatic formula of these dental chews really gets to work cleaning teeth even in parts of the mouth the chew never touched. Made primarily from beef rawhide, we'd highly recommend you supervise your dog with these chews and never feed dogs chews that are inappropriate for their size.

You can choose from four sizes ranging from x-small to large, each with approximately 30 chews to a bag. These chews have received well over 7,000 Amazon reviews with a 4.3 rating.
Amazon
Pedigree Dentastix 51-Treat Variety Pack, 2.76Lbs (1.25 Kg) Large
What Dogs Love:
  • Range of flavors
What Humans Love:
  • Excellent tartar reduction
  • Freshens breath
Reviewers Say:

Dentastix are arguably some of the most popular dog dental chews on the market. They have a triple action formula to reduce tartar build-up, clean teeth, and freshen breath. This variety pack contains 51 treat in total of three flavors: original, beef, and fresh.

While this pack contains large chews only for dogs over 30 pounds, small and medi...

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Dentastix are arguably some of the most popular dog dental chews on the market. They have a triple action formula to reduce tartar build-up, clean teeth, and freshen breath. This variety pack contains 51 treat in total of three flavors: original, beef, and fresh.

While this pack contains large chews only for dogs over 30 pounds, small and medium sizes are also available in different listings. The 4.8 Amazon rating from over 1,000 reviews is a positive sign that these are quality dental chews.
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • Excellent tartar reduction
  • Freshens breath
What Dogs Love:
  • Range of flavors
Reviewers Say:

Dentastix are arguably some of the most popular dog dental chews on the market. They have a triple action formula to red...

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+
Dentastix are arguably some of the most popular dog dental chews on the market. They have a triple action formula to reduce tartar build-up, clean teeth, and freshen breath. This variety pack contains 51 treat in total of three flavors: original, beef, and fresh.

While this pack contains large chews only for dogs over 30 pounds, small and medium sizes are also available in different listings. The 4.8 Amazon rating from over 1,000 reviews is a positive sign that these are quality dental chews.
Chewy
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews, Medium, 30 Count
What Dogs Love:
  • PALATABLE
  • EASY TO DIGEST
What Humans Love:
  • FRESHENS BAD BREATH
  • REDUCES PLAQUE AND TARTAR
Reviewers Say:

With a completely vegetarian recipe, dogs who don't or can't eat meat can enjoy these dental chews and the oral hygiene benefits that come with them. However, they're effective in their own right, even if your dog does eat meat. The z-shape is excellent at getting in nooks and crannies for better cleaning.

You can choose from sizes from x-smal...

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With a completely vegetarian recipe, dogs who don't or can't eat meat can enjoy these dental chews and the oral hygiene benefits that come with them. However, they're effective in their own right, even if your dog does eat meat. The z-shape is excellent at getting in nooks and crannies for better cleaning.

You can choose from sizes from x-small to large with 30 treats to each bag. These chews also contain a prebiotic for digestive health. They have a very respectable 4.5 rating on Amazon.
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • FRESHENS BAD BREATH
  • REDUCES PLAQUE AND TARTAR
What Dogs Love:
  • PALATABLE
  • EASY TO DIGEST
Reviewers Say:

With a completely vegetarian recipe, dogs who don't or can't eat meat can enjoy these dental chews and the oral hygiene ...

Read More
+
With a completely vegetarian recipe, dogs who don't or can't eat meat can enjoy these dental chews and the oral hygiene benefits that come with them. However, they're effective in their own right, even if your dog does eat meat. The z-shape is excellent at getting in nooks and crannies for better cleaning.

You can choose from sizes from x-small to large with 30 treats to each bag. These chews also contain a prebiotic for digestive health. They have a very respectable 4.5 rating on Amazon.
Amazon
GREENIES Weight Management Dental Regular Dog Treats – Treat TUB-PAK Package 27 oz. 27 Treats
What Dogs Love:
  • Same great taste as full calorie chews
What Humans Love:
  • Reduces plaque and tartar
  • Helps manage weight gain
Reviewers Say:

These have all the same great features as our top pick but with fewer calories to help dogs who need to lose weight or find it hard to maintain a healthy weight if they get treats.

Pick from four sizes starting at teenie for dogs of 5 to 15 pounds and working up to large for dogs of 50 to 100 pounds. Package sizes are either 12 or 27 ounces, w...

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These have all the same great features as our top pick but with fewer calories to help dogs who need to lose weight or find it hard to maintain a healthy weight if they get treats.

Pick from four sizes starting at teenie for dogs of 5 to 15 pounds and working up to large for dogs of 50 to 100 pounds. Package sizes are either 12 or 27 ounces, with the number of treats varying depending on their size. These dental chews have an impressive 4.8 rating from around 3,000 reviews.
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • Reduces plaque and tartar
  • Helps manage weight gain
What Dogs Love:
  • Same great taste as full calorie chews
Reviewers Say:

These have all the same great features as our top pick but with fewer calories to help dogs who need to lose weight or f...

Read More
+
These have all the same great features as our top pick but with fewer calories to help dogs who need to lose weight or find it hard to maintain a healthy weight if they get treats.

Pick from four sizes starting at teenie for dogs of 5 to 15 pounds and working up to large for dogs of 50 to 100 pounds. Package sizes are either 12 or 27 ounces, with the number of treats varying depending on their size. These dental chews have an impressive 4.8 rating from around 3,000 reviews.
Chewy
WHIMZEES Variety Pack Grain-Free Medium Dental Dog Treats, 28 count
What Dogs Love:
  • PLEASANT TO CHEW
  • PALATABLE FLAVOR
What Humans Love:
  • PLENTY OF RIDGES FOR CLEANING ACTION
  • GMO-FREE
Reviewers Say:

Thanks to the range of grooves and ridges on these dog dental chews, they get in the small spaces between dogs' teeth for excellent cleaning power. The formula happens to be vegan, though they're great chews for all dogs.

You can choose sizes from x-small to large. X-small packs contain 48 treats, small contain 24, medium contain 12, and large...

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Thanks to the range of grooves and ridges on these dog dental chews, they get in the small spaces between dogs' teeth for excellent cleaning power. The formula happens to be vegan, though they're great chews for all dogs.

You can choose sizes from x-small to large. X-small packs contain 48 treats, small contain 24, medium contain 12, and large contain 6, or you can choose 30 day packs in either small, medium, or large. With a 4.6 rating from around 1,000 reviews , you can tell these do their job well.
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • PLENTY OF RIDGES FOR CLEANING ACTION
  • GMO-FREE
What Dogs Love:
  • PLEASANT TO CHEW
  • PALATABLE FLAVOR
Reviewers Say:

Thanks to the range of grooves and ridges on these dog dental chews, they get in the small spaces between dogs' teeth fo...

Read More
+
Thanks to the range of grooves and ridges on these dog dental chews, they get in the small spaces between dogs' teeth for excellent cleaning power. The formula happens to be vegan, though they're great chews for all dogs.

You can choose sizes from x-small to large. X-small packs contain 48 treats, small contain 24, medium contain 12, and large contain 6, or you can choose 30 day packs in either small, medium, or large. With a 4.6 rating from around 1,000 reviews , you can tell these do their job well.
Amazon
Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste, Dog Dental Chews for Small Breeds, Vet Recommended for Plaque, Bacteria & Tartar Control, 1 Pack
What Dogs Love:
  • Pleasant flavor
What Humans Love:
  • No artificial colors or preservatives
  • Toothpaste center
Reviewers Say:

The 4-in-1 action of these chews provides ridges for better cleaning, a toothpaste center, breath-freshening ingredients, and optimal mechanical cleaning. Unfortunately for your large canine companions, these chews are only suited to small dogs between 8 and 20 pounds.

Each bag contains 12 ounces worth of dental chews and you can either buy a ...

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The 4-in-1 action of these chews provides ridges for better cleaning, a toothpaste center, breath-freshening ingredients, and optimal mechanical cleaning. Unfortunately for your large canine companions, these chews are only suited to small dogs between 8 and 20 pounds.

Each bag contains 12 ounces worth of dental chews and you can either buy a single bag, a pack of two 12 ounce bags, or a large 35 ounce value pack. The 4.3 rating is the lowest on this list but still very decent.
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • No artificial colors or preservatives
  • Toothpaste center
What Dogs Love:
  • Pleasant flavor
Reviewers Say:

The 4-in-1 action of these chews provides ridges for better cleaning, a toothpaste center, breath-freshening ingredients...

Read More
+
The 4-in-1 action of these chews provides ridges for better cleaning, a toothpaste center, breath-freshening ingredients, and optimal mechanical cleaning. Unfortunately for your large canine companions, these chews are only suited to small dogs between 8 and 20 pounds.

Each bag contains 12 ounces worth of dental chews and you can either buy a single bag, a pack of two 12 ounce bags, or a large 35 ounce value pack. The 4.3 rating is the lowest on this list but still very decent.

What is a Dog Dental Chew?

A dog dental chew is a dog treat that has some tooth-cleaning powers. Most canine dental chews are made using mildly abrasive ingredients that can help disrupt or remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Some dental chews claim to remove tartar, but once plaque has hardened into tartar, it needs to be removed by professional scaling. However, by reducing the amount of plaque in the mouth, this helps to prevent new tartar build-up.

What to Look for in Dental Treats

Whether you're trying to prevent stinky dog breath, to find healthy treat options for your pet, keep your dog's teeth clean, or supplement your canine's dental care, here's what you need to know before buying dental treats for your dog.

Dog Dental Health 101

Keeping your dog's teeth healthy is an important part of maintaining his overall health, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Brushing your dog's teeth is "the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for dental cleanings," says the AVMA. “Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible, and brushing several times a week can be effective.”

Be sure to use toothpaste made for dogs, not your toothpaste. Wiping the outside of the teeth with dog dental wipes at least every 2-3 days can also remove plaque.

As part of your pet's routine care, your vet should check your dog's teeth and gums at least once a year to help prevent tooth and gum pain. The AVMA recommends taking your dog to the vet sooner if they're experiencing any of the following:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Extra teeth
- Discolored, tartar-covered teeth
- Any unusual chewing or drooling
- Pain, bleeding, or swelling around the mouth

How Dental Treats Can Help Your Dog's Teeth

Some dogs have a difficult time accepting tooth brushing. Dog dental treats may be more palatable (and acceptable) to your pet than a regular old toothbrush and toothpaste or tooth wipes. And they do help keep your dog's mouth clean.

Treating your dog to something special is one way to show your love. That’s even better when the treats you offer are beneficial to your pet's health. According to the American Animal Hospital Association 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, there are certain dental treats that can, in fact, help with your pet's oral health.
These are dental treats that receive the approval of the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which promotes dental products — including dental treats — for dogs and cats.

The VOHC, which is overseen by the American Veterinary Dental College, recognizes products that have met or exceeded the VOHC standards for plaque control and tartar control in dogs and cats. Use of products containing the VOHC Seal of Acceptance can, according to the organization, help reduce the severity of periodontal (dental) disease in pets.

Types of Dental Treats

There are two major categories of dental treats the VOHC has awarded with its seal. All of the examples below help minimize tartar.

Rawhide chew treats, including popular brands such as:
- Purina Busy HeartyHide Chew Treats

Edible treats, including popular brands such as:
- Canine Greenies
- Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews for Dogs
- HealthiDent, Bright Bites, and Checkups Chews for Dogs (all sizes)
- Virbac CET VeggieDent Chews for Dogs (all sizes)
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews for Dogs

Alternatives to Dental Treats

If you're looking for something other than treats, some dog food is specially formulated to help with dental health. In general, dry kibble, especially the larger size, is better for dogs’ teeth than canned food. The VOHC also offers its seal to dog food designed to help with plaque and tartar.

Treats to Avoid

Hard treats, such as antlers or synthetic or natural bones, that could potentially damage your pet's teeth should be avoided, according to the American Animal Hospital Association 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.

Frequently Asked Questions
How many dental chews should I give my dog?

This is usually limited to a single dental chew daily but check the packaging as it can vary between brands.

Do dog dental chews really work?

It partially depends on your expectations. If you think dental chews are going to remove existing tartar and replace the need for brushing your dog's teeth, then no, they won't do this. However, if you're hoping they'll remove some of the plaque in your dog's mouth to help prevent new tartar build-up between brushes, yes they do work.

What should I do if a dental treat makes my dog sick?

As long as your dog isn't vomiting continuously, veterinarian treatment probably isn't necessary. However, you should avoid feeding any more of the dental treat that made your dog sick. It's likely that there's nothing inherently wrong with the dental chew, but like any dog food or treat, there'll be the occasional dog that it just doesn't agree with.

Are dental chews bad for dogs?

Every chew treat has potential dangers to dogs, especially if they usually gulp down their food. Some dental chews are extra tasty, so dogs are more likely to try to swallow them quickly. The best thing to do is to monitor your dog when they have a chew treat to make sure they take the time to properly chew and slowly the treat.

What do dental treats do for dogs?

Dental treats or chews solve multiple purposes. They can help prevent stinky dog breath, keep your dog's teeth clean, or supplement your canine's dental care. Additionally, dental chews can be a healthy treat option for your pet.

Can dog dental chews replace toothbrushing?

Dog dental chews shouldn't replace toothbrushing or dental care, but they can be a great part of your dog's oral health routine. Talk to your vet about how often to clean your dog's teeth.

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