Dental Chews for Dogs: Expert Tips on Choosing the Right Treats

Just like us, dogs need regular oral hygiene to keep their teeth and gums healthy and their breath fresh. However, as many dog owners know, getting your dog to cooperate with tooth brushing can be quite the challenge! Here, we explain how dental chews for dogs can support their oral health, and how to choose the best dental chews for your dog.

How dog chews can help with dog dental care

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common dental conditions in humans, but did you know it can also affect your dog? In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says that by the time a dog is three years old, they will very likely have early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums and bad breath. If gum disease progresses, dogs may suffer from sore gums and loose teeth, making it difficult for them to eat. In the worst cases, dogs can even lose their teeth. And it doesn’t stop at the mouth; gum disease is associated with serious health problems like infection and heart disease, too.

You can help protect your dog’s teeth and gums in the same way you protect your own— by removing plaque with daily toothbrushing and regular dental cleanings. But what if you can’t brush their teeth? Not all dogs are on board with toothbrushing, but no dog can resist a tasty treat! That’s where dental chews for dogs can be very helpful.

Doggy dental chews are designed to support your dog’s dental care. As your dog happily gnaws away at their dental chews, the abrasive material cleans plaque and tartar from their teeth, massages the gums, and stimulates saliva flow. Saliva is a natural protector against plaque and disease, neutralizing the mouth and washing away harmful bacteria associated with plaque. And as a bonus, some chews can also freshen your dog’s breath.

Best dental chews for dogs

When choosing the best dental chew for your dog, here are some of the main things to consider.

Acceptability. Choosing a dental chew that your dog will love is crucial for making sure they take the chew every day, as recommended.

Ingredients. Look for a chew that includes high-quality ingredients from natural origin, such as Veggiedent FR3SH Chews for Dogs.

Size. Dental chews for dogs come in various sizes, so be sure to choose a dog chew designed for your dog’s body weight. A chew that is too big for your dog might strain their jaw, cause them to overeat, or upset their stomach. On the other hand, chews that are too small won’t last long enough to effectively clean your dog’s teeth, and they also present a choking risk.

Texture. The best dental chews for dogs are tough but still chewy, with an abrasive texture that sloughs away plaque and tartar as they chew. However, dogs with tooth or gum problems might need a dog chew with a slightly softer or smoother texture to avoid irritation or damage; ask your vet for a recommendation.

Hardness. Steer clear of dog dental chews made from very hard materials like hooves, antlers or bone (synthetic or natural). These can chip or break your dog’s teeth, and they can also splinter and cause serious injuries to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.

Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance. Finally, look for a dog dental chew that’s approved by the VOHC. Their Seal of Acceptance confirms that a dental chew for dogs meets very high standards of effectiveness in controlling plaque and tartar.

Incorporating dental chews into dog dental care

The gold standard for dog dental care is to brush every day, using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed especially for dogs. Adding dog dental chews is a great idea if you can’t get your dog to cooperate with brushing, you struggle to fit brushing into your daily routine, or you simply want to make sure the treats you give your dog will also benefit their health.

Your dog can enjoy dog teeth cleaning treats every day, but be mindful that even healthy treats are still treats! To avoid unintended weight gain, chews should be counted towards your dog’s daily calorie intake.

If your dog suffers from allergies or sensitivities, check the ingredients list of their dog dental chew carefully. If you don’t recognize an ingredient, check with the manufacturer or your vet to make sure the chew is safe for your dog.

Whether you choose toothbrushing, dental chews, water additives or a combination of products, always take your dog to the vet for their annual dog dental cleaning. Not only will this help to prevent gum disease, it will allow your vet to spot any dental problems early on, when they’re easier to treat. If your dog has any of the following signs of dental disease, see your vet sooner:

• Bad breath
• Red, sore, or bleeding gums
• Loose, broken, or chipped teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Visible plaque or tartar build-up
• Pain or difficulty eating
• Swelling around the mouth

Dental chews as part of a holistic dog dental care routine

We know how important daily toothbrushing is, both for us and our dogs. However, as part of a holistic oral hygiene routine, the right dog dental chews can play a valuable role in keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Now that you know what to look for, you can choose the best dog dental chew for your canine friend!