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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
While daily brushing is the gold standard for keeping your dog’s teeth clean, it’s okay if you need a little help. Dental chews for dogs can’t do the work of a toothbrush and toothpaste, but they can be a useful addition to your pup’s oral hygiene routine.
The best dental chews for dogs work to remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of your dog’s teeth before it hardens into tartar or calculus. The caveat is that your dog has to actually put some work into chewing them. Dental chews are rarely super long-lasting. But they’re a functional alternative to regular dog treats, and many contain ingredients to freshen breath, remove plaque buildup, and otherwise support your dog’s dental health.
Here we explore the wide range of dental chews on the market for dogs and identify the best options in key categories.
Best Traditional: Greenies Original Regular Dog Dental Chews
Easily one of the most popular dog dental chews on the market, Greenies are well-known for their classic green color and bendy toothbrush shape. Greenies have a chewy texture that helps gently remove plaque as your dog gnaws away. They come in an array of sizes for dogs of all breeds and multiple flavors.
It doesn’t hurt that Greenies also meet the minimum nutrient requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for adult dogs. You’ll want to factor the calorie content into your dog’s daily intake, but you don’t have to worry about these chews taking away from an otherwise balanced diet.
Key Nutrients:
- 91 kcal/piece
- Protein: 35.3%
- Fat: 6.5%
- Carbohydrate: 51.2%
- Crude Fiber: 7%
Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Glycerin, Wheat Gluten, Gelatin, Water, Powdered Cellulose, Lecithin, Minerals (Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium, Potassium Iodide), Natural Poultry Flavor, Choline Chloride, Fruit Juice Color, Vitamins ( Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source Of Vitamin E], Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate [Vitamin B5], Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Folic Acid), Turmeric Color.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoLong-Lasting: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz
Dogs who make quick work of a product like Greenies may find these Dental Chewz from Purina Pro Plan a little more challenging. Made from flat strips of beef hide, your dog will really have to work at these dental chews. On top of the dental benefits, they’ll get some extra protein in their diet as well.
By requiring your dog to chew for an extended period of time, these rawhide strips help remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of their teeth. This helps control tartar buildup over time, a benefit that’s been confirmed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Key Nutrients:
- 42 kcal/piece
- Protein: 85.4%
- Fat: 0.6%
- Carbohydrate: 12.8%
- Crude Fiber: 1.2%
Ingredients: Beefhide, Maltodextrins, Animal Digest, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative), Xanthan Gum, Yellow 5, Added Color.
Shop on Chewy Shop on AmazonBest for Tartar Buildup: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dental Chews
Specifically designed to target tartar, these dental chews are similar to the previous pick. They’re made from wide strips of beef hide and infused with an enticing poultry flavor. They have a similar leathery texture, but the difference is they contain natural enzymes.
Combined with abrasive chewing action, these enzymes work to loosen stubborn tartar and calculus. The natural antiseptic activity may also help freshen your pup’s breath. These chews are VOHC-accepted and clinically proven to control plaque.
Key Nutrients:
- 54 kcal/piece
- Protein: 91.5%
- Fat: 1.2%
- Carbohydrate: 3%
- Crude Fiber: 4.3%
Ingredients: Beef Rawhide, Dextrose, Poultry Digest, Maltodextrins, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Potassium Sorbate, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Solubles, Primary Dried Yeast, Dried Whey Protein Concentrate.
Shop on Chewy Shop on AmazonBest Honeycomb: Yummy Combs Flossing Dog Treats (Verified Review)
Some dogs simply don’t find traditional dental chews or rawhide appealing. For pups who crave something a little different, these honeycomb-style dental chews might be an appropriate pick. They’re VOHC-accepted to reduce tartar buildup and may freshen your dog’s breath as well.
Made with a flavorful blend of chicken meal and gelatin, Yummy Combs dental chews contain over 50% protein measured on a dry-matter basis. The chicken flavor keeps your dog satisfied and, as they chew, their teeth sink into the honeycomb-like cells. This creates a floss-like action that gently scrubs plaque and bacteria off the teeth.
Key Nutrients:
- 49 kcal/piece
- Protein: 50.6%
- Fat: 9.2%
- Carbohydrate: 34.4%
- Crude Fiber: 5.8%
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Gelatin, Spray-Dried Chicken, Dried Honey, Powdered Cellulose, Maltodextrins, Glycerin, Natural Liver Flavor, Salmon Oil, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Attapulgite Clay, Lecithin, Natural Smoke Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Monoglycerides Of Edible Fatty Acids, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Stearate, Turmeric, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid And Biotin) Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate And Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide) Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Yucca Schidigera Extract.
Shop on Chewy Shop on AmazonSoft and Gentle: Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews (Verified Review)
Recommended by the VOHC to help control tartar, these soft rawhide chews are a safer chew for gentle chewers or senior pups with aging teeth. Made primarily from American beef hide, they’re packed with protein and have a natural bacon-like flavor. It’s the addition of sodium tripolyphosphate that helps prevent tartar formation and combats bad breath.
Pet parents report that these rawhide chews are softer and easier for dogs to digest than bully sticks. While not an ideal choice for heavy chewers, they could be a good choice for dogs with dental pain or missing teeth.
Key Nutrients:
- 78 kcal/piece
- Protein: 73.2%
- Fat: 4.9%
- Carbohydrate: 4.8%
- Crude Fiber: 17.1%
Ingredients: American Beef Hide, Natural Bacon Flavor, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, and Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride.
Shop on Chewy Shop on AmazonFreshens Breath: Purina DentaLife ActivFresh Dental Chews
If stinky breath is your primary concern, these ActivFresh dental chews from DentaLife by Purina might be just what you need. The porous texture helps scrape odor-causing bacteria from the surface of your dog’s teeth as they chew, giving the blend of active ingredients—honey and spirulina—time to work.
These dental sticks are triangular in shape with raised ridges along each side. The points get into the hard-to-reach areas in the back of your dog’s mouth, while the ridges give them something to grip while they chew.
Key Nutrients:
- 49 kcal/piece
- Protein: 6.4%
- Fat: 2.9%
- Carbohydrate: 88.9%
- Crude Fiber: 1.8%
Active Ingredients (32g per chew): Proprietary Blend (Honey and Spirulina)
Inactive Ingredients: Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Calcium Stearate, Chicken By-Product Meal, Citric Acid (A Natural Preservative), Gelatin, Glycerin, Malted Barley Flour, Mixed-Tocopherols (A Natural Preservative), Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Flavors, Phosphoric Acid, Rice, Salt, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Caseinate, Soy Lecithin, Sugar, Vinegar, Water, Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Wheat Starch.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoBest for Small Dogs: Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh Dental Chews for Dogs
While many dental chews come in multiple sizes, few are specifically designed for smaller mouths. Veggiedent dental chews from Virbac feature a unique Z-shape so dogs of any size can get a firm grip while they chew. They come in four sizes, including X-Small for dogs under 11 pounds.
Like other Virbac dental chews, these are VOHC-accepted for tartar control and they may also help freshen your pup’s breath. Plus, the plant-based formula makes them an easily digestible choice for dogs sensitive to animal proteins.
Key Nutrients:
- 23 kcal/piece
- Protein: 20%
- Fat: 0.5%
- Carbohydrate: 77.1%
- Crude Fiber: 2.4%
Ingredients: Corn Starch, Glycerin, Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Brewers Dried Yeast, Sorbitol, Ground Corn Cob, Erythritol, Potassium Sorbate, Water, Inulin, Pomegranate.
Shop on Chewy Shop on AmazonBest for Large Dogs: Whimzees Dental Dog Treats
The bigger the dog, the bigger the teeth. Though there’s an exception to every rule, large dogs often make quick work of traditional chews. Whimzees dental chews are designed for dogs of all breeds and sizes, but they’re tough enough to withstand some heavy chewing.
Along with traditional dental sticks, Whimzees chews come in fun shapes, including toothbrush-like Brushzees and the multi-textured Alligator. Made with an assortment of plant-based ingredients, Whimzees turn gummy instead of breaking into pieces. This prolongs the chewing period to maximize the dental benefits.
Key Nutrients:
- 173 kcal/piece
- Protein: 1.1%
- Fat: 2.3%
- Carbohydrate: 80.7%
- Crude Fiber: 15.9%
Ingredients: Potato Starch, Glycerin, Powdered Cellulose, Lecithin, Dried Yeast, Malt Extract, Sweet Lupin Meal, Alfalfa Extract, Calcium Carbonate, Paprika Extract.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoBest for Puppies: DentaLife Chicken Flavored Puppy Teething Dental Chews
It’s never too early to establish a strong oral health routine with your dog. As a complement to daily brushing, these dental chews for puppies may help control tartar buildup by gently scraping plaque and bacteria off your puppy’s teeth as they chew. The rawhide-free formula encourages your puppy’s natural chewing instincts without damaging their growing teeth and sensitive gums.
Formulated specifically for puppies, these DentaLife chews have an enticing chicken flavor. They’re also enriched with calcium, DHA, and EPA—nutrients essential for healthy bone, tooth, and brain development in puppies.
Key Nutrients:
- 27 kcal/piece
- Protein: 7.1%
- Fat: 1.2%
- Carbohydrate: 88.1%
- Crude Fiber: 3.6%
Ingredients: Rice, Glycerin, Tricalcium Phosphate, Chicken By-Product Meal, Fish Oil, Citric Acid, Vinegar, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavor.
Shop on Chewy Shop on AmazonRawhide Alternative: The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews Hearty Wolffish Skins
Rawhide poses a risk to certain dogs, especially heavy chewers who break it apart and swallow the pieces. Dehydrated fish skins offer a healthy and natural alternative. They offer a similar chewy texture but they’re easily digestible.
Ocean Chews from The Honest Kitchen are made from wild-caught, sustainably sourced dehydrated wolffish skins. They’re packed with protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Though not VOHC-accepted, these chews may be a good low-carb option for pet parents looking to supplement their dog’s oral health routine.
Key Nutrients:
- 37 kcal/piece
- Protein: 93%
- Fat: 4.7%
- Carbohydrate: 1.1%
- Crude Fiber: 1.2%
Ingredients: Dehydrated Wolffish Skins.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoBest Dental Treat: Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Mini Dental Dog Treats
Dental chews aren’t the only way to complement your dog’s daily brushing routine. If your dog isn’t much of a chewer, dental treats may be a good alternative. These crunchy treats from Ark Naturals deliver mild tooth-scrubbing action with a chewy toothpaste center.
Described as brushless toothpaste, these treats are designed to help clean the teeth and freshen breath without requiring extended chew time. They’re made for small dogs and do come in larger dental sticks, but dogs of any size can enjoy them as low-calorie dental treats.
Key Nutrients:
- 7 kcal/piece
- Protein: 6.3%
- Fat: 6.3%
- Carbohydrate: 84.9%
- Crude Fiber: 2.5%
Ingredients: Rice Flour, Honey, Water (For Processing), Glycerin, Canola Oil, Gelatin, Dried Cultured Whey, Citric Acid (Natural Preservative), Sodium Bicarbonate, Lecithin, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Flax Oil (Preserved With Natural Vitamin E), Cinnamon, Natural Flavor, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Clove, Alfalfa, Vanilla, Glucose Oxidase, Sodium Pyrophosphate.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoHow We Chose
We selected the products featured here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts.
We selected dog dental chews made with plaque-fighting and breath-freshening ingredients, prioritizing products with shapes and textures designed to maximize chew time. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.