Like humans, dogs need routine dental care to prevent bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. Taking your dog for regular professional cleanings at a veterinarian's office is the most important aspect of oral healthcare, but at-home maintenance is critical, too. Along with brushing their teeth daily, giving them the best dental chews for dogs can be an easy way to help keep their teeth healthy.
We narrowed down the top dog dental chews based on the advice of canine dental health experts and an in-depth review of dental treats accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), an organization that verifies the effectiveness of dental products for animals. Our top pick is Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews. These long-lasting chews have a unique shape that helps remove plaque and tartar from a dog's teeth.
It's important to note that even the best dental chews are no substitute for daily brushing and regular professional vet cleanings. Dental chews are most effective when combined with a complete oral care regimen for your dog. You can also use one of the best dog toothpastes to make brushing more enjoyable for your pet.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best dental chews for dogs
Best overall: Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews for Dogs - See at Chewy
Best budget: Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats - See at Chewy
Best for large dogs: Pedigree Dentastix Variety Pack for Large Dogs - See at Chewy
Best for small dogs: Greenies Petite Dental Treats - See at Chewy
Best for allergies: Wellness Whimzees Brushzees Natural Dental Treats for Dogs - See at Chewy
Best overall
These long-lasting chews work to remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas of a dog’s teeth.
- VOHC acccepted
- Unique shape reaches more areas of the teeth
- Four sizes
- Only one flavor
There are two qualities shared by all of the best dental chews for dogs: They should take time to chew and be shaped to effectively scrub plaque off a dog's teeth. Our top pick, Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews, have a unique Z-shape design that both promotes prolonged chewing and accesses hard-to-reach areas of a dog's teeth.
A dental treat must be long-lasting to be effective, says Dr. Brenda Mulherin, a board-certified veterinary dentist and clinical professor at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Prolonged chewing mimics the mechanical action of toothbrushing, which is the only way to remove plaque from a dog's mouth effectively.
You can give your dog a Virbac C.E.T. dental chew once daily to help remove plaque. When plaque, a film caused by bacteria, builds up on the teeth, it mineralizes into tartar, a hard brown substance that can only be completely removed with a professional dental cleaning. The excessive and prolonged presence of plaque and tartar leads to periodontal disease, which can destroy a dog's gums and teeth if left untreated, says Mulherin.
Virbac's chews have a short ingredient list that is free of animal proteins, making them a great option for dogs with meat sensitivities and allergies. Unfortunately, some dogs may not find the only flavor option enticing.
Best budget
These affordable chicken-flavored dental chews come in at a fraction of the price of our other top picks.
- Budget-friendly
- Ribbed texture
- VOHC accepted
- Only one flavor
- Not suitable for dogs with sensitivities to chicken
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats are an excellent choice if you're looking for a more affordable dental chew. Shaped like a ridged cylinder, each of these rice and wheat flour-based chews can get into hard-to-reach spots on a dog's teeth.
These treats are VOHC-accepted for tartar only, but Mulherin says this doesn't make them any less effective for plaque removal, or less worthy of being called one of the best dental chews for dogs. Because plaque is a precursor to tartar, she says some brands may only request the VOHC evaluate a chew's effectiveness for preventing tartar buildup. A dental chew that's VOHC-accepted for tartar will still slow the accumulation of plaque and mineralization of tartar. "In general, a dental treat or dental diet will help decrease plaque and calculus by about 40% compared to doing nothing at all," says Dr. Stephanie Goldschmidt, a board-certified veterinary dentist and assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
These chews contain chicken byproduct meal, so if your dog is picky about poultry flavor or sensitive to chicken, they are not a good choice.
Best for large dogs
These long-lasting chews for large dogs are lower in calories than many of the best chews and are available in three flavors.
- Three flavors
- Multidimensional shape
- VOHC accepted
- Not suitable for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or gelatin
When it comes to selecting the best dental chews for dogs, the size of the breed matters. If you have an extra-large breed dog, you'll want to monitor them closely to ensure the treat is large enough. It's important to avoid dental treats that can be swallowed and pose a choking hazard, says Dr. Dwight Alleyne, a senior associate veterinarian at Petfolk and expert at JustAnswer.
Our top pick for large dogs (those 40 pounds and up) is Pedigree Dentastix. The rice and wheat-based chews come in a variety pack that includes three flavors: two meaty and one minty. While these dental treats are generous in size, at just under 5 inches long, they are lower in calories than most chews for large dogs.
The treat's longer length and X-shaped design encourage prolonged chewing, and the ridges reach more surfaces of the teeth to remove plaque. Goldschmidt recommends following the sizing guidance on the treat's package.
This pack is excellent for dogs who like a variety of flavors. If, however, your dog has strong preferences, you can purchase individual packages of the chicken, beef, and fresh flavors.
Best for small dogs
These dental chews are specially designed for the tiniest pups and come in a variety of flavors.
- Various flavors and varieties
- Grooved shape
- VOHC accepted
- Not suitable for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or gelatin
The best dental chews for dogs aren't the same for small and large breeds. The reason is that small dogs may have difficulty chewing on larger dental treats, so giving your pet the correct size treat is essential to ensure it's effective. Greenies Petite Dental Dog Treats are made for dogs with smaller mouths, and the chewy toothbrush-shaped treats have grooves designed to scrub plaque from a dog's teeth.
Tinier dogs tend to be more susceptible to dental disease because their smaller, crowded mouths accumulate plaque and tartar faster, Goldschmidt says. In addition to daily toothbrushing, dental chews can help keep plaque at bay. Goldschmidt says small dogs may have difficulty breaking apart chews that are too large, and too-small treats may pose a choking hazard.
Greenies Petite Dental Treats come in seven varieties, including fruit and vegetable flavors and an Aging Care version with added glucosamine and chondroitin. All of the flavor varieties contain gelatin, however, which may not be appropriate for some dogs with meat protein allergies.
Best for allergies
Wellness Whimzees Brushzees are free of meat proteins and gluten.
- Vegetarian
- Grain and gluten-free
- Unique shape
- VOHC accepted
- Only one flavor
- Higher in calories
- Expensive
Many of the best dental chews for dogs aren't suitable for pups with sensitivities or allergies to meat proteins and gluten. Wellness Whimzees Brushzees are free of these ingredients, making them an excellent option for dogs with special dietary needs.
Alleyne recommends chews with unique shapes and grooves because dimensional dental sticks may help disturb plaque more than smooth treats lacking ridges or curves. Whimzees Brushzees have deep ridges and a wide top that resembles a tooth.
These chews are on the high side in terms of calories, so make sure to give them in moderation and with the guidance of your veterinarian.
What to look for in dog dental chews
Choosing the best dental chews for dogs may take some trial and error. Our experts helped us narrow down a list of qualities to consider, including treat shape and consistency, ingredients, VOHC acceptance, size, and nutritional transparency.
Shape: Look for dental sticks with unique shapes that encourage extended chewing. "Dental chews only work if dogs chew the treat," says Alleyne. "Some dogs will just swallow the treat, so they're not as effective." He says that unusual shapes and ridges can keep your dog engaged while they chew, which may help the treat last longer and increase its effectiveness at removing plaque.
Consistency: When selecting a dental chew, it's crucial to make sure it's not too hard. "What we don't like are any sort of chews that are so hard that an animal might break their teeth on them," says Dr. Nadine Fiani, a board-certified veterinary dentist and an associate clinical professor in the section of dentistry and oral surgery at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She uses this simple test: If you can indent the chew with your fingernail, it is most likely safe for your dog. Avoid rawhide, antlers, and bones, which can lead to cracked and broken teeth and may cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
VOHC Seal of Acceptance: Our experts recommend giving your dog dental chews with a VOHC Seal of Acceptance for plaque, tartar, or both. The VOHC is a professional council of veterinary dentists and dental scientists overseen by the American Veterinary Dental College. The council evaluates whether products for dogs and cats effectively remove plaque and tartar when used as directed.
While the gold standard for the best dental chews for dogs is VOHC acceptance, a product isn't necessarily bad if it doesn't have this seal because the product might not have undergone evaluation yet, says Dr. Maria Soltero-Rivera, a board-certified veterinary dentist and an assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. However, Goldschmidt says that products with the VOHC seal are proven to remove at least 20%, and typically up to 40%, of existing plaque, tartar, or both.
Size: It's important to select dental chews that are appropriately sized for your dog. Avoid treats that are excessively large for small dogs and too small for large dogs. The weight guidance on a product's packaging is usually a good indicator of whether a treat is appropriate for your dog, but Goldschmidt says you should always monitor your pet to ensure they don't swallow a poorly sized chew.
Ingredients: You should always check the ingredients list — which should be easy to find on the product's packaging — for anything potentially harmful to your pet. The most crucial thing to remember when shopping for any dog dental product is that it must be fluoride-free, says Soltero-Rivera. Fluoride is highly toxic to dogs, and exposure can be fatal. Other ingredients to avoid include artificial sweeteners like xylitol. If your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, you'll also want to check the label for those ingredients. Dental chews with added vitamins and omega fatty acids may also benefit your dog.
Calories and feeding directions: Our experts recommend looking at the nutrition information and feeding recommendations on the package. Dental chews tend to be higher in calories than regular treats, so stick to giving your dog a dental treat once daily to avoid excessive calorie intake. Whenever in doubt, ask your veterinarian for guidance.
How we selected the best dog dental chews
We selected the best dental chews for dogs based on their acceptance by the VOHC, the guidance we shared in the "what to look for" section above, and the advice of our experts.
Our experts include diplomates of the American Veterinary Dental College, the certifying organization for veterinary dentists in North America and a sponsor of the VOHC. These diplomates include Dr. Nadine Fiani, an associate clinical professor in the section of dentistry and oral surgery at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Stephanie Goldschmidt, an assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Brenda Mulherin, a clinical professor at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Maria Soltero-Rivera, assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. We also interviewed Dr. Dwight Alleyne, a senior associate veterinarian at Petfolk and expert at JustAnswer.
Dog dental chews FAQs
What dental chews work best for dogs?
The best dental chews for dogs help scrub plaque off a dog's teeth. To do this, they should take time for your dog to chew and be difficult to gulp down. The chewing motion simulates toothbrushing, which is the most effective way to remove plaque from a dog's teeth before it hardens into tartar. However, even the best dental chews for dogs should not replace a daily brushing routine and should be used in combination with regular toothbrushing. Soltero-Rivera says brushing your dog's teeth is the most important aspect of at-home dental care.
Do dental chews really work for dogs?
Yes. VOHC-accepted dental chews are proven to remove plaque and tartar buildup from a dog's teeth. But giving your dog dental chews is not nearly as effective as brushing their teeth with a toothbrush. Our experts recommend brushing your dog's teeth daily to prevent periodontal disease and using dental chews to supplement at-home brushing and professional dental cleanings. They also advise consulting with your veterinarian to find the best routine for professional cleanings, which can range from every few months to once a year.
What can happen if you don't clean your dog's teeth?
If you don't clean your dog's teeth regularly, plaque and tartar can accumulate, causing gum inflammation, a condition known as gingivitis, and periodontal disease, which damages the tissues that attach the teeth to the jaw. If the disease progresses, Fiani says a dog's gums may recede from their teeth, eventually causing tooth loss and even bone damage. But with daily brushing, dental chews, and regular professional cleanings, the disease can be avoided. "Periodontal disease is preventable," says Goldschmidt. "It takes some work at home and setting them up with a professional plan."
Are dental chews healthy for dogs?
Yes. Dental chews can be a healthy dog treat that can assist in plaque removal. These treats are often high in calories, however, so make sure you're not exceeding your dog's daily calorie limit by introducing too many chews into their diet. The best dog treats, including dental chews, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's diet. We recommend purchasing dental chews with guidance from your veterinarian to ensure you're selecting the right ones for your dog.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].
