The Best Dental Chews for Dogs and Cats: Our Top Picks

Oral health maintenance in a pet is certainly not a beauty issue; it is absolutely crucial to one’s overall pet health. Such dental diseases might lead to diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys if not treated within time. 

The easiest route to combat these ailments is to use dental chews for your pet. Dental chews can help minimize plaque and tartar accumulation, freshen breath, and even provide some mental stimulation for your pet. 

We recommend below, in this guide, our top picks for the best dental chews to use on dogs and cats and explore benefits and why they are worth considering. 

Why Dental Chews Are Important for Pets?

Oral health often takes a back seat in pet care, but it is crucial in ensuring your furry friend stays healthy. 

As per the American Veterinary Medical Association, by age three, periodontal disease is one of the most common health conditions in dogs and cats. Daily brushing is ideal but not always feasible for every pet parent. That’s where dental chews come in. 

They have been designed specifically to remove plaque and tartar as your pet chews. This closely emulates the action of gnawing on bones or other items, which, in nature, would clean away the plaque.

Many also contain ingredients that will help keep fresh breath and fight bacteria, making them a convenient alternative or supplement to brushing. Are you looking for a Brewerton Vet Clinic that will give you the best quality for your pet? We are here to help! 

What to Look for in a Good Dental Chew?

The final thing to keep in mind before jumping into our best bets is to know what works and what is safe. Key things to keep in mind:  

• Size and Texture: Choose a chew the right size for your pet breed and chewing tendencies. A too-small chew might be a potential choking hazard; a too-hard one could crack the teeth. 
• Ingredients: Natural, digestible ingredients. No artificial additives, sugars, or fillers. 
• VOHC Seal of Approval: Products that are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) will have met a certain standard of plaque and tartar reduction. 
• Other Benefits: Some chews include vitamins, minerals, or enzymes to further boost oral health. 
• Palatability: A dental chew will only be effective if your pet eats it, so getting one they enjoy is the battle. 
• Cleaning Power: And just as every product is a little different, so is real effective cleaning power found in a dental chew. Products that carry the VOHC seal may be very different about effectiveness in your pet, and it’s very common for owners to ask in their veterinarians what chews they notice that really have effectively cleaning power. 
• Flavor: Like the other forms of snacks, dental chews are available in varieties of flavors; hence, pick the flavor your dog would love. 
• Durable: If you select a non-edible dental chew, then it should be as hard as rock so that your pet’s gnawing does not easily break it. 

Top Dog Dental Chews

1. Greenies Dental Chews

Greenies is one of the popular household brands. VOHC-approved chews decrease plaque and tartar, available in all different sizes to accommodate different breeds. Their unique texture makes sure they get into all the hard-to-reach areas; they give a complete clean. 

• Pros: Highly digestible, tastes great, and enriched with vitamins and minerals 
• Cons: Pricier compared to other options. 

2. Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews

Oravet dental chews take this a step ahead because they not only clean but also leave behind a protective layer on your dog’s teeth and hence the bacteria and plaque won’t stick. 

These are a great chews for dogs that are known to cause bad breath 

• Pros: The protection as well as two-sided cleaning action, VOHC accepted 
• Cons: The strange taste might not make it appealing for all dogs. 

3. Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Chews

Purina’s DentaLife chews are very affordable, yet they are still producing great results. The porous texture of the chews cleans hard-to-reach teeth and is safe to use daily.

• Pros: Affordable, easy to find, and effective. 
• Cons: Some dogs may chew through them quickly. 

4. Whimzees Natural Dental Chews

Whimzees are prepared using all-natural ingredients. For this reason, they make them perfect for healthy-conscious pet owners. They offer a different form and texture which can prompt extended chewing times thus, resulting in efficient cleaning. 

• Pros: Grain-free, vegetarian, and fun shapes. 
• Cons: Not suitable for aggressive chewers. 

Best Dental Chews for Cats

1. Greenies Feline Dental Treats

Like their dog counterpart, Greenies for cats is a brand that specializes in oral health maintenance. These bite-sized treats are effective and irresistible to most cats. 

• Pros: VOHC-approved, variety of flavors, and easy to feed. 
• Cons: Only comes in treat-sized portions, so they won’t last long. 

2. Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews for Cats

Virbac’s chews are unique because they are rawhide-based, offering kitties a mouthwatering chew. They also have included enzymes for more effective oral hygiene. 

• Pros: Enzyme enhanced for better cleaning, great for cats that love to chew. 
• Cons: Pets do not like the feel. 

3. Tartar Shield Cat Treats

These soft chews have been impregnated with a special ingredient that aids in reducing plaque and tartar formation. These are very well-suited for older cats or cats that suffer from dental sensitivity. 

• Pros: Soft on the teeth, effective, and palatable 
• Cons: The softness might not appeal to all cats. 

4. Feline Greenies SmartBites

These chews act as a multi-purpose solution as they clean your cat’s teeth while working on digestive health. They can be best for cats that require some TLC.

• Pros: Benefits oral and digestive health at the same time, VOHC accepted.
• Cons: The smaller sizes may not allow for an extended chewing time. 

Tips to Add Dental Chews to Your Pet’s Diet 

It is straightforward to include dental chews in a pet’s diet, but here are some tips on how to do that to your advantage: 

• Gradual Introduction: Let the digestive system of your pet get accustomed to new chews. 
• Monitor Chewing: Always supervise your pet while they chew to avoid choking or over-consumption. 
• Combine with Brushing: Dental chews are very effective but should be used in conjunction with regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings. 
• Check expiration date: Ensure that the chews are fresh and not expired to serve effectively.

Are Dental Chews Good for Dogs?

Yes, a vet-approved best dental chew for dogs and cats is a great treat for your pet’s oral health. However, these dental treats are not alternatives to proper tooth bruising and cleaning, which is something to be done regularly. 

These are recommended to keep your dog or cat’s dental health in good shape.

• Toothbrushing at least 3 times a week or daily. 
• Yearly dog and cat teeth cleaning. 
• Check with your vet for professional recommendations for dental chews and dental treats for your pets. 
• Ask your vet for an expert opinion on dental water additives for dogs and cats. 
• Dental diet for dogs – A vet prescription is required.

Can I Give My Dog Dental Chews Every Day?

Dental treats or edible dental chews for dogs are not vet-prescribed dental diets. Dental diets are a kind of dog food; therefore, these provide daily nutrition while helping reduce plaque and/or tartar. 

This one is administered in smaller amounts than the former two. Just like any other treat, dental treats should not constitute more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90 percent from the AAFCO-approved pet food that your vet prescribed.

How Frequently to Clean Dog’s Teeth?

It is important to keep an eye on your dog’s oral health. Regular cleaning is advised to maintain preventative care. 

Many vets recommend that dogs be cleaned daily for their teeth. Remember that if you are using edible dental sticks for dogs, then they should be factored into your pup’s daily calorie considerations. 

The Bottom Line

Dental chews are a fantastic addition to your pet’s oral care routine. They offer convenience, effectiveness, and enjoyment, making them a win-win for pets and owners. Whether you’re shopping for a curious cat or an enthusiastic dog, a dental chew is perfect for your furry friend. Investing in your pet’s dental health today is paving the way for a happier, healthier tomorrow.

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