Many dog owners toss a biscuit to their furry friend for good behavior, for doing a trick or to connect with them. Yet, could a tasty snack do more to support their well-being? It raises the question of whether dental treats are a nice-to-have or a genuine necessity for dog oral health.
What Vets Say About Your Dog’s Dental Health
Around 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age two, often in the form of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gingivitis. When owners fail to address the problem, it leaves them susceptible to periodontal disease, which causes bone loss, loose teeth and painful infections in their mouths.
Veterinary specialist Dr. Adriana Regalado says a dog’s dental hygiene is critical, as it can seriously affect their overall wellness. “If an animal has severe dental disease, they can swallow harmful bacteria and toxins along with food particles, causing negative changes in other areas of their body.”
Providing proper oral health care to a dog reduces excess cytokine and leukotriene production and boosts their immune system. It’s an essential part of pet ownership not to overlook.
Do Dogs Need Dental Treats?
Although a proper brushing is the gold standard for dog oral health, only 14% of their owners schedule an annual cleaning with their veterinarian. As such, the American Animal Hospital Association recommends dental chews as a supplement to help slow plaque buildup.
The chews leverage a dog’s natural chewing behaviors, improving their teeth, gums and breath by scraping away plaque, much like a toothbrush does for people. These special treats have abrasive textures to help with this, even in hard-to-reach areas.
Budget-Friendly Dental Chews for Greater Canine Oral Health
The top-rated dental chews for dogs don’t have to break the bank. Loving Pets Products can help support canine oral health with real ingredients at an affordable price. The brand is the perfect entry point for owners who are new to dental chews for their furry friend.
Ora-Bone Dental Treats for Dogs
The Ora-Bone Dental Treats for Dogs help clean a dog’s mouth while they chew, thanks to its unique ribbing and channels. The small nibs on the heart-shaped ends are designed specifically to scrape a dog’s tongue and remove bacteria and bad breath.
Additionally, the treats use natural, refreshing ingredients like parsley and mint, as well as real chicken ingredients. They’re currently available for medium-sized dogs between 21 and 50 pounds and come in a bag with 10 pieces.
Key Features
- Features ribs and channels that provide up to twice the cleaning surface area compared to other treats
- Heart-shaped ends have special nibs that scrape the dog’s tongue and freshen their breath
- Uses a parsley and mint formula that naturally fights bad breath
- Includes real chicken ingredients with no artificial flavors or colors
Chicken Dental Sticks for Dogs
Loving Pet’s Chicken Dental Sticks for Dogs are a great option for toy and small breeds. Dogs love the delicious chicken flavor, made using wholesome ingredients and no artificial flavors. This encourages them to chew, which scrapes away harmful plaque buildup.
Its unique pinwheel shape helps improve their overall oral hygiene and maintain healthy gums. They’re a great option for reinforcing positive behaviors, offering as an after-dinner treat or bringing along as a feel-good snack on a long walk.
Key Features
- A unique pinwheel shape cleans teeth while dogs chew
- Has a savory chicken taste that dogs love
- Supports oral hygiene by reducing plaque and maintaining healthy gums
- Ideal for rewarding good behaviors and providing a nutritious snack
Totally Grainless Fresh Mint Dental Sticks
The Totally Grainless Fresh Mint Dental Sticks don’t contain gluten, grain, corn, wheat, or artificial colors and flavors, making them the right choice for dogs with sensitivities. Like the Chicken Dental Sticks, these have a pinwheel shape that scrubs away tartar and plaque and massages dogs’ gums.
Dogs love the mint and parsley ingredients, which keep their breath fresh and encourage them to continue chewing. This product comes in two sizes — for toy or small breeds or for medium-sized dogs over 20 pounds.
Key Features
- Pinwheel shape for dual-action cleaning and tartar and plaque removal
- Mint and parsley formula for naturally fresher breath
- Formulated without grain, gluten, wheat, corn or artificial colors for dogs with sensitivities
- Chewy texture that massages the gums with each bite
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I give my dog a dental treat?
It’s important to read the label before giving your dog a dental treat. Some products recommend offering a chewable one once daily, while others suggest giving it occasionally. Regardless of frequency, the packaging should clearly show the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that it helps prevent tartar buildup.
Are dental treats safe for all dogs?
While all dogs would likely salivate at the sight of a dental treat, not all of them can safely consume it. Some chews may be a choking hazard, cause gastrointestinal problems or result in a tooth fracture.
The VOHC ensures products meet the required safety and effectiveness standards, while owners should also consider their dog’s size to prevent blockages. Chews such as bones and antlers might be too hard for puppies and older dogs with weaker teeth. Most importantly, dogs can have dietary sensitivities and restrictions from pancreatitis or allergies, becoming irritated by certain ingredients or fat content.
What’s the difference between a dental treat and a regular dog biscuit?
Traditional dog biscuits are usually given as rewards for positive behaviors, but don’t carry any special dental benefits. Conversely, dental treats are usually texturized, enzymatic chews that improve bad breath and help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. Dogs usually need to chew these treats longer to give their teeth a good scrubbing, while biscuits are crunchy and easily break apart.
Can dental treats replace brushing completely?
Dental chews are not a replacement for tooth brushing. Dog oral health care is essential to prevent periodontal disease, just like humans.
Assistant professor of Dentistry and Oral Surgery at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Jennifer Kelley says owners should schedule an anesthetized oral exam and cleaning for their dogs to identify and address dental problems. While anesthesia may seem excessive, it actually keeps pets safe.
A Small Treat With a Big Impact
While dental chews aren’t a magic bullet, the right treat is a valuable supplement for better canine oral hygiene. It’s an act of love that contributes to their long-term health, and an affordable way to stay on top of their well-being.
Holding a PhD from Cornell University in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Will Jacks has dedicated 15 years to studying and writing about biodiversity. Before becoming a pivotal contributor to our site in 2018, he served as a consultant for wildlife documentaries, blending his academic rigor with visual storytelling. His work, aimed at demystifying the lives of creatures big and small, reflects a career spent in both academia and the field. An advocate for conservation, Will’s hobbies include photography of rare species and volunteering for animal rescue organizations. His insights bring a unique blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to our readers.
