8 Best Dog Dental Chews Reviews | Tried-and-Tested by a Senior Doggo
By using the very best dog dental chews, you’re keeping your dog’s pearly whites clean, as well as his whole body healthier. Haiku tested 8 great options on the market. Check out these best dog dental chews reviews and make the best choice for your furry friend!
Dental health is vital to our canine best friends’ overall well-being, yet it is a task that even the most awesome of pet parents neglect. Food, saliva, and bacteria in your dog’s mouth form plaque. Even if the best dog dental chews cannot replace the old-fashioned toothpaste for dogs, a lot of people use dental chews for oral care to keep doggos healthy and happy.
You have “ruff”-ly 48 hours to remove plaque before it becomes tartar, that yellowish-brown build-up that turns hard, smelly, and ultimately causes infection, abscesses, and gums to lift and recede.
I ordered 8 size-appropriate dental treats for my best buddy, Haiku, to try, including ones specified as age-appropriate (he is a senior). I also selected varying price ranges.
As you read the best dog dental chews review below, keep in mind every dog is unique. Looking at reviews done by other pet parents, I noticed vast differences in how dogs responded, but here is what my furry child and I report about the chewiness, digestibility, and ability to keep teeth clean and freshen breath of these 8 best dog dental chews.
- Merial Oravet Dental Hygiene Chew for Large Dogs
- Zesty Paws Omega 3 Dental Sticks for Dogs
- Natural Balance Dental Chews
- BLUE Wilderness Wild Bones Grain Free Dental Chews
- Barkworthies All-Natural Himalayan Yak Cheese Dog Chews
- Charlie’s Choice ProDent PLUS Dental Health Chews for Dogs
- Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews for Dogs
- Purina DentaLife Adult Large Dog Treats
Our Top 3 Picks
8 Best Dog Dental Chews for Your Doggo
8. Purina DentaLife Adult Large Dog Treats
- Economical at less than $1 per chew
- Dog potentially liked the taste
- Ingredients: salts, by-products, and carcinogens
- Consumed quickly
This is the only treat I bought that is on the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) website as an “Accepted Treat” – please read my conclusion.
Just shy of 5” X .75” in diameter, these chews have 8 ridges and air pockets, creating a porous, chewy texture which would seem to scrape debris. They have a slight foody smell to my nose, but nothing strong.
It took Haiku less than 45 seconds to consume a treat, but as I mention in the video below, the grooves may be enough to do the job. His teeth did look clean afterward.
That said, the Purina DentaLife treats contain quite a few salts, preservatives, chicken by-product meal, and sodium tripolyphosphate, which did not make this dog mom happy.
Plus, according to the National Institute of Health and Dog Food Advisor, BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) in the diet has been found to consistently produce certain types of tumors in laboratory animals. Therefore, my boy will not consume any more of these dental chews ☹.
7. Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews for Dogs
- Senior specific
- Pleasant scent; nice breath afterwards
- Dog enjoyed chewing on them
- Consumed too quickly to provide much cleaning
- Many arrived broken into tiny pieces
The packaging claims this product fights plaque and tartar while freshening breath with cinnamon, clove, and spearmint. Chews appeared easily digestible due to their airy texture, although 1/3 of the package was broken upon arrival. In fairness, they were packed with 8 other treats (some much harder), so in a normal purchase situation, this may not happen.
The scent was pleasant enough thanks to the breath-freshening ingredients, but I was concerned about the clove, thinking it was harmful to dogs. Upon further research, I learned that in small amounts, it is not!
Designed for senior dogs, these treats were not overly abrasive (sporting few grooves), so not too tough on older dogs’ teeth and gums. The scrubbing benefits come from the sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) in their composition.
Although quite crunchy, Haiku gobbled the 3” treat in 5 seconds, so my concern is it didn’t have much time to work its magic on his choppers, but his mouth had a hint of spearmint afterward.
6. Charlie’s Choice ProDent PLUS Dental Health Chews for Dogs
- Nicely packaged in a tub
- Cost effective
- Smell was strong and unpleasant
- Consumed very quickly
- Concern about warning on packaging
On the label of this product, it’s mentioned that if your pet has a pre-existing medical condition or is currently taking any kind of medication, you should consult your veterinarian before giving them these chews.
There were no reviews of this product or other information to be found that could help me out. Formulated by a veterinarian, my hope is the company is just taking extreme caution, but I am concerned as to what might be in these dental chews that could be harmful under certain health conditions.
For example, in large quantities, anise seed can result in diarrhea and a low heart rate. The next morning, my boy’s poo was a bit green and softer than usual, but he quickly recovered, and I’ve noticed no other side effects.
I found the odor to be unpleasant, but the treats came nicely packaged and whole. They gave my boy a crunch but were gone in 15 seconds. No visible difference to his teeth after consuming.
5. Barkworthies All-Natural Himalayan Yak Cheese Dog Chews
- Noticeable difference in teeth after 10 mins
- Dog enjoyed it; kept coming back for more
- Wholesome ingredients
- Hard for some dogs; may cause gums to bleed
- Frustrating for dogs used to quickly consume treats
- The price is a bit high (almost $5 each) but may last several days
This is a tough, dense, 6” long chew that will take most dogs hours, if not days, to consume. After the first 10 minutes of chewing, my boy only left some teeth mark impressions on it. Since he is not used to the gnawing, I allowed him to work on these chews in 10-minute segments, so as not to cause soreness to his un-toughened gums.
Although enjoying it, Haiku did seem to take short breaks, and I felt his slight frustration in not being able to quickly consume it like he is accustomed to with other dog treats. For dogs used to the gnawing, you can’t do much better.
Even after a short 10-minute chew session, I could see a difference in Haiku’s teeth, cleaned to the gum line, and no particular aroma to his breath afterward – good or bad.
This is the only chew we tried that is not sourced in the USA – however, it’s grain-free, lactose-free, preservative-free, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free, and contains only three ingredients: Yak & Cow Milk, Lime Juice, and Salt. To my human nose, it smells slightly like aged cheese, but not unpleasant or overwhelming.
4. BLUE Wilderness Wild Bones Grain Free Dental Chews
- Oil of rosemary, DHA, taurine & vitamins
- Dog enjoyed it
- Consumed quickly
- This is the second most costly treat, so it might burn a hole in your pocket
Measuring 4.5 X 1.75 inches, this is a hearty chew for my 75 lbs. pooch (the size is recommended for dogs 50 lbs. and up). Its smooth design caused me to wonder if it would massage plaque off my boy’s gums, but it packed a crunch that was abrasive.
Upon further research, I saw the smooth design soothes sore gums during teething, however, at 14-years-old, that is not a concern for my senior dog.
The bone-shaped chew was consumed in just under two minutes. Although I’m thrilled to have seen no by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy, overall, the ingredients don’t provide much, if any, nutritional value. Still, in all fairness, this is designed to clean the teeth and not supplement the diet.
From a dental chew standpoint, the rosemary oil is a plus. In small amounts, this aromatic herb is safe for dogs and packs both an antimicrobial and digestive punch.
While performing the “sniff test” after the chew was consumed, my boy’s breath was pleasant, emanating no essence of anything. Added benefits include DHA for cognitive development, taurine to promote heart health, and vitamins to support the immune system.
3. Natural Balance Dental Chews
- Limited ingredients
- Grooved design
- The price is quite affordable
- Consumed really quickly
- Slight foody smell
Although this smaller, 2.75” X .75” chew had textural lines and grooves to scrub away debris, the gum massaging factor was lost on my canine. He polished the Natural Balance dental chew off in under 20 seconds, with no gnawing whatsoever!
I appreciate the limited ingredients, meaning no long list of things I couldn’t pronounce. Although richer and more plentiful (due to the chicken and sweet potato formula), it’s not unpleasant to the human olfactory system, and my dog loved it.
Two chews per day are recommended for a dog my boy’s size.
2. Zesty Paws Omega 3 Dental Sticks for Dogs
- Noticeable improvement in teeth
- Long grooved design lasted several minutes
- Fresh smell and breath afterward
- Great ingredients
- Good customer service
- A bit costly, but you get what you pay for
Long and grooved, this chew took Haiku minutes to break and chew into oblivion. Apparently delicious, it packed a crunch, and there is a lot I like about this chew: Omega 3s from hemp, salmon, and krill!
Being an Akita, a Northern breed, I always make sure my furry son has quality fish in his diet, and it was a plus that the company uses MSC-Certified Sustainable Krill, meaning they are looking out for our ecosystem.
Zesty Paws also contains bone broth, the new rage in great dog health. Peppermint oil gave it a fresh smell, which was imparted to my dog’s breath after consumption.
I was surprised to receive a personalized email from Zenwise Health (the parent company) after ordering with reminder instructions on how to integrate these chews into my dog’s diet and to pay attention to the “best by” date. Obviously, they care about their customers!
1. Merial Oravet Dental Hygiene Chew for Large Dogs
- Took good amount of time to consume
- Individually packaged for freshness
- Ingredient prevents bacteria from attaching to teeth
- Good safety measures on packaging
- Breath & teeth appeared cleaner, no distinct aroma
- If given daily, these treats add a serious chunk of money to your monthly budget
A bit harder to chew than most, this one took almost 2 minutes to consume, so it had plenty of time to perform a scrubbing action. The Oravet treats are individually wrapped for freshness (which I like) and have a pleasant aroma even to my human sniffer.
Two-toned, the center beige groove contains 7% delmophinol HCI (Hydrochloride), which I discovered prevents biofilm (aka bacteria) from attaching to the gingiva.
The packaging offered excellent caution about monitoring your pup and choosing size-appropriate treats.
Haiku’s breath smelled non-descript afterward, which I feel is a plus. Dogs really shouldn’t have minty breath, but obviously not stinky breath either. Chlorophyll, I believe, absorbs the odor without imparting any.
Best Dog Dental Chews: FAQs
Before we wrap up our guide here on best dog dental chews reviews and recommendations, let’s answer some essential questions!
1. Do dog dental chews really work for dogs’ dental health?
The answer to this question is relatively tricky, as it is a mix of yes and no. To be more specific, dog dental chews are efficient in keeping plaque and tartar to a minimum in your dog’s mouth, refreshing his breath, and improve gum strength. However, the best dental care you can offer your doggo includes brushing its teeth with toothpaste, pay regular visits to the vet for oral health check-ups and interventions, offering a balanced diet of healthy dog foods, and throw in some dental chews in the equation.
2. So can dental dog chews replace dog toothpaste altogether?
No, not really. Imagine your dental health limited to mint chewing gum and mouth wash. No matter how good these products are, they cannot substitute the old-fashioned teeth brushing and regular dentist visits. It is the same for dogs. In the lack of proper dental care, dog chews and treats can do only so much.
3. What are the best dog dental chews recommended by vets?
The Purina DentaLife Adult Large Dog Treats is the only dental dog chew reviewed here. It comes with an endorsement from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. However, to our knowledge, veterinarians also recommend the Canine Greenies and the Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews for Dogs. Before you buy any such treats and chews, make sure you talk to your vet first. As we have seen from the reviews above, some dental treats come with side effects and you need to keep your doggo safe at all times.
4. How often should I give my dog dental chews?
If you brush your dog’s teeth regularly (twice a week, according to some specialists) and you do not miss the vet appointment for check-ups, you can give your dog a dental treat a couple of times a week. Some say you can give a dental chew to your dog on a daily basis, but discuss it with your vet first.
5. How can I improve my dog’s breath and dental health?
Here are some options to improve your doggo’s bad breath and maintain an overall good oral health:
- Brush the dog’s teeth with toothpaste for dogs (not for humans!)
- Visit the vet for tartar and plaque removal according to the doctor’s recommendations;
- Insert dental dog chews and treats in the dog’s routine;
- Encourage the dog to chew and chomp on raw carrots, rawhide, parsley, or cucumbers. However, discuss with the vet about adding raw vegetables in your dog’s diet;
- Use water additives according to the vet’s recommendations.
Best Dental Dog Chews: Conclusion
In conclusion, Haiku’s and my TOP THREE CHOICES for the best dog dental chews are, in alphabetical order:
- Barkworthies All-Natural Himalayan Yak Cheese Dog Chews
- Merial Oravet Dental Hygiene Chew for Large Dogs
- Zesty Paws Omega 3 Dental Sticks for Dogs
After careful taste testing, all three of these showed visible results after only one use, so I’m hoping they would benefit my dog’s oral care with long-term use. It’s important to know your dog and start slowly if you are introducing a harder chew into his diet and if he isn’t usually a gnawer – you don’t want bloody gums!
These chews varied in costs from $0.20 each to almost $5.00, but how long they last is also important to take into account. Some were devoured in 15-20 seconds, not really ample time to scrape debris from teeth, while a couple took several minutes, and one…several days.
Always observe your pet the entire time he is consuming a chew and be prepared to jump to the rescue should he require assistance with an obstruction. Knowing Pet First Aid & the doggie Heimlich-like maneuver can be a life-saver!
All of the chews consumed in this best dog dental chews review appeared to be well digested by my boy, taking into account his bodily habits over the next several days.
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Advice
When trying new products, always keep a keen eye for changes in stool or stomach upsets. Many pets transition without issue, but some may take a while to adjust to some of the ingredients (i.e.: anise, chlorophyll) in these treats, and others may not tolerate them at all. Follow all directions and don’t overfeed.
Dental chews aren’t food per se, but they have a specific task of scraping away debris and preventing plaque from forming. So, although not completely nutrition-based, some of these have excellent ingredients and would be my choice for that reason, as well as the quick results they showed.
Remember though, dental care is for a lifetime, and by keeping your dog’s mouth clean and healthy, you just may increase his overall wellness as well.
Thank you so much for this very informative article on dog chews. It will definitely save me time and money as I’ve been searching for nutritious chews that will also clean the teeth of my two senior dogs
Glad to be helpful, and saving time and $$$ is always a good thing. Thanks for taking the time to read the article for your dog’s sake!