Dog Dental Chews of 2024: Recommended for Oral Health

As a pet parent, I’ve always wondered what the best dental chews for my furry friend are. This year, the five top vet-recommended dog dental chews have been identified: Amazon Brand – Wag Dental Dog Treats, Ark Naturals Soft Brushless Toothpaste, Vegan Dental Chew Sticks, Purina DentaLife Large Dog Chews, and Pedigree Dentastix.

They’re all praised for their ability to reduce plaque and tartar and improve gum health. But what makes each one stand out?

Hang tight; we’re about to explore the unique selling points of each chew.

Note: Clicking on the above links will take you to further information, current prices, and customer reviews on Amazon and selected other retailers.

Amazon Brand – Wag Dental Dog Treats (36 Count, Unflavored)

If you’re seeking a cost-effective and healthier alternative to brand-name dental chews for your medium-sized dog, Amazon’s Wag Dental Dog Treats stand out with their ability to reduce plaque and tartar, all while being grain-free and made in a family-owned facility in the USA.

These non-GMO treats come in non-BPA packaging and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or poultry by-products. Many customers praise their value compared to brand-name alternatives, and dogs seem to love them.

Feed your dog one treat per day, but remember to monitor its weight. These treats aren’t recommended for dogs under 5 lbs or younger than six months.

Some users have noted that the treats can be soft, so ensure your pet chews them properly to prevent swallowing large chunks.

Best For: Medium-sized dog owners seeking a cost-effective and healthier alternative to brand-name dental chews.

Pros:

• Reduces plaque and tartar through chewing.
• Contains no grain, artificial colors, flavors, or poultry by-products; non-GMO and non-BPA packaging.

Cons:

• Not suitable for dogs under 5 lbs or younger than 6 months.
• Some users noted concerns about the treats being too soft, leading to swallowing without adequate chewing.

Ark Naturals Soft Brushless Toothpaste for Small Dog Breeds

For small breed dog owners seeking effective oral care, Ark Naturals Soft Brushless Toothpaste is a top choice in the Dog Dental Chews of 2024, thanks to its unique 4-in-1 dental care features.

It reduces plaque and tartar while its unique texture and ridges clean along the gumline. The chewy toothpaste center polishes teeth, and daily chewing freshens breath with aromatic spices.

It’s designed for adult dogs, especially gentle chewers who aren’t fans of traditional brushing. This pick does wonders in improving your dog’s oral health and freshening their breath.

While some users find the chews a bit hard for senior dogs or those with dental issues, most appreciate the high-quality ingredients and noticeable results.

Despite its higher price point, you’ll likely find its effectiveness worth the cost. If unsure about its suitability for dogs with health or dental issues, remember to consult your vet.

Best For: Small breed adult dogs, especially gentle chewers who dislike traditional brushing methods.

Pros:

• Provides a 4-in-1 dental care solution: reduces plaque and tartar, cleans along the gumline, polishes teeth, and freshens breath.
• High-quality ingredients contribute to noticeable improvements in oral health.

Cons:

• Some users find the chews too hard for senior dogs or those with existing dental issues.
• Higher price point compared to some other dental chew options.

Dental Chew Sticks Dog Treats (20 Sticks, Made in USA)

You’ll hit the jackpot with Dog Treat Naturals’ Dental Chew Sticks if you’re seeking vegan, eco-friendly dog treats that enhance dental health and freshen your breath.

Made in the USA, these chew sticks are packed with responsibly sourced ingredients like chickpeas and agar. Thanks to their star-shaped ridges, they’re designed to fight tartar and plaque, and they contain fresh mint and apple pomace for breath freshening.

These chews are produced in a solar-powered facility and come in a 100% recyclable bag, underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Customers rave about their dogs’ improved dental health and breath, although some note the hardness of the treats.

Remember, these are meant for intermittent or supplemental feeding, so always guarantee your furry friend has access to fresh water.

Best For: Dog owners seeking a vegan, eco-friendly option for improving their pet’s dental health and freshening breath.

Pros:

• Made in the USA with responsibly sourced vegan ingredients
• Effectively fights tartar and plaque while freshening doggy breath

Cons:

• Some dogs may find the treats too hard to chew
• Intended only for intermittent or supplemental feeding, not as a meal replacement

Purina DentaLife Large Dog Dental Chews (18 ct. Pouch)

When your large dog’s dental health is a priority, Purina DentaLife Large Dog Dental Chews outshine the rest, boasting a scientifically proven ability to reduce tartar buildup by an average of 57%.

Specially designed for big dogs, these chews are made in USA facilities and carry the seal of acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

They’re not just practical; they’re tasty, too, with a chicken flavor your dog will love. And you’ll appreciate that they’re free from artificial flavors and colors.

Remember, these chews are treats, not meals, so they should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Always provide fresh water when feeding these chews.

With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from nearly 10,000 reviews, you can feel confident choosing Purina DentaLife for your dog’s oral health.

Best For: Large-sized dogs (40+ lbs.) in need of dental care and tartar control, with a preference for chicken flavor.

Pros:

• Reduces tartar buildup by an average of 57%, improving oral health
• Made in the USA, with VOHC acceptance, ensuring quality and safety

Cons:

• Not suitable for puppies under one year or dogs under 15 pounds, limiting its usage
• Can be consumed quickly, according to some customer reviews

Pedigree Dentastix Dental Dog Treats for Large Dogs (36 Treats)

If your adult large breed dog struggles with dental problems, it’ll love the Pedigree Dentastix Dental Dog Treats for Large Dogs, a tasty treat clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Specifically designed for dogs over 30 lbs, these treats feature a unique X-shape that actively promotes dental health. For maximum benefits, feed your dog one Dentastix a day, but remember they’re not suitable for puppies or dogs under 40 lbs.

Customers rave about the fresh mint flavor, noting that it’s improved their dogs’ breath and overall dental health. Plus, with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from over 40,000 reviews, you know you’re getting a quality product.

You’ll also appreciate the resealable bag, which keeps the treats fresh and gives them great value.

Best For: Adult large breed dogs over 30 lbs who need help with dental health and hygiene.

Pros:

• Clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
• The fresh mint flavor is enjoyable for dogs and helps freshen their breath.

Cons:

• Not suitable for puppies or dogs under 40 lbs.
• Some dogs may not prefer the mint flavor.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Dental Chews

Choosing the right dental chews for your dog is no small task.

I’ll guide you through some key factors to consider, such as dental health benefits, ingredient quality, suitable dog sizes, chewing experience, and even eco-friendliness.

Dental Health Benefits

Considering the dental health benefits, it’s essential to know that regular use of dental chews can significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup in dogs. Some chews are even scientifically proven to cut down tartar by an impressive 57% through consistent chewing.

These chews are crafted with unique textures and shapes that work wonders in cleaning teeth along the gum line, which in turn boosts oral health.

Plus, they’re not just a treat for your dog’s teeth. Thanks to ingredients like mint and aromatic spices, they also help freshen your dog’s breath. So, you’re not just getting a tooth cleaner but a breath freshener as well.

But the benefits don’t stop at fresh breath and clean teeth. Regularly feeding your dog dental chews can support their overall dental hygiene. This simple habit can help prevent potential dental issues down the line, saving you costly trips to the vet.

However, it’s essential to monitor the chews’ hardness. Softer options might be better for older dogs or those with existing dental problems. After all, we want our furry friends to enjoy their chew time, not struggle with it.

Ingredient Quality

Regarding the quality of ingredients in your dog’s dental chews, don’t settle for anything less than natural, non-GMO components. High-quality chews should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your pet over time.

I firmly believe in feeding my dogs only the best, including their dental chews.

Ingredients that promote dental health, like fresh mint or other natural breath fresheners, can enhance the effectiveness of the chews. They clean your furry friend’s teeth and leave their breath smelling fresh. I’ve found that chews containing such ingredients are a hit with my dogs.

Also, consider chews with functional ingredients like chickpeas or agar, especially if your pup is vegan. These ingredients can provide dental benefits and are gentle on a dog’s digestive system. My dogs have never had any digestive issues with chews containing these ingredients.

Lastly, remember to take into account the source of ingredients. Products made in facilities adhering to strict safety and quality standards are preferable. I always check the manufacturing details before buying any chews for my dogs. Your pet’s health is worth that extra bit of diligence.

Suitable Dog Sizes

Just as we’ve considered the quality of ingredients, it’s equally important to pick the right size and type of dental chew for your dog, ensuring it’s suitable for its size, weight, and chewing habits.

Dog dental chews often have specific size categories, including small, medium, and large breeds. This is typically based on weight ranges such as under 25 lbs for small dogs, between 25-50 lbs for medium dogs, and over 40 lbs for large dogs.

It’s also essential to note that many dental chews suggest a daily limit, usually one treat per day, to avoid overfeeding. This is especially significant for maintaining a healthy diet in your pet.

The texture and size of dental chews can greatly vary. Some are designed for gentle chewers, while others are intended for dogs that require more robust chewing to clean their teeth effectively.

Lastly, consider your dog’s age and dental health. Some chews may not be suitable for puppies under a certain weight or for senior dogs with dental issues.

Hard chews can risk tooth fractures, particularly in small-breed dogs.

Chewing Experience

When considering dog dental chews, it’s essential to consider not just the size but also the chewing experience, factoring in the texture, design, and hardness of the treat.

The texture and design are essential as unique shapes and ridges can help reduce tartar and plaque while cleaning along the gumline as your dog chews. The chewiness in the center of some treats can polish teeth, offering a dual action of cleaning and freshening breath as your furry friend gnaws on them.

The hardness of the dental chews isn’t to be overlooked. Softer chews are easier for senior dogs or those with dental issues to handle.

Regular chewing of these treats is advised, with some brands suggesting up to two chews daily for maximum dental health benefits.

Eco-Friendliness

Diving into the domain of eco-friendliness, it’s crucial to consider that many dog dental chews are now crafted from responsibly sourced ingredients and often feature plant-based or vegan formulations to lessen their environmental impact. This shift in production practices is a considerable stride towards sustainability, which we can all appreciate.

Not only are the ingredients a focus, but the manufacturing process also plays a role in the eco-friendliness of these products. Some brands even go the extra mile by operating in facilities powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar, effectively reducing their carbon footprint.

The packaging is another component to reflect upon. Many companies now opt for recyclable packaging, significantly reducing waste in our landfills. It’s a small step, but every bit helps in our quest to protect the environment.

Another factor I suggest reflecting on is whether the chews are made in the USA. This not only supports local economies but also reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping.

Price and Value

Shifting our focus to the price and value aspect, we must highlight that dog dental chews can vary widely, with prices typically ranging from around $10 to $30 per package. This variation makes it necessary to assess the cost per treat, not just the overall package price, to understand the value better.

Some products offer competitive pricing, providing similar dental benefits as popular brands at a lower cost. This appeals to budget-conscious pet owners who still prioritize their dog’s oral health.

The price often reflects the quality of the ingredients. Premium chews, made from non-GMO, grain-free, and responsibly sourced ingredients, usually cost more, but they can improve your pet’s health outcomes.

Customer feedback is a valuable resource to gauge if the product’s effectiveness justifies the price.

Many users don’t mind paying more for chews that improve their dog’s dental health and freshen their breath.

Regular assessment of the price-to-value ratio of dental chews guarantees that you’re choosing options that fit your budget while effectively supporting your dog’s oral hygiene.

It’s a delicate balance but worth achieving for your furry friend’s wellbeing.