We love our dogs' kisses — but let's be honest, sometimes that breath could knock you over. Bad breath in dogs is incredibly common, and while the occasional fishy burp after dinner is normal, persistent stink is often a sign of dental trouble. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common health issues veterinarians see in adult dogs.
The good news? Dental chews are one of the easiest daily habits you can add to fight plaque, freshen breath, and keep those chompers healthy. Here's how to choose the right ones.
Why Dental Care Matters So Much
Plaque builds up on your dog's teeth every single day, just like on yours. If it isn't regularly removed, it hardens into tartar — which can't be brushed or chewed away and requires a professional cleaning. Over time, dental disease can cause painful gums, tooth loss, and even affect overall health, since oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream.
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard, but let's be real: many pups won't sit still for it. That's where dental chews earn their keep. The mechanical scrubbing action of chewing helps scrape away plaque before it hardens, while many chews include breath-freshening ingredients for good measure.
What Makes a Good Dental Chew?
Not all chews marketed for teeth actually do much. Look for these qualities:
- Texture that scrubs: The chew should be firm enough to provide real abrasion as your dog gnaws, with ridges, nubs, or a porous structure that works around the teeth and gumline.
- Right size for your dog: Too small and it's swallowed whole (defeating the purpose and creating a choking risk); too large and your pup can't chew it properly. Follow the weight guidelines on the package.
- Digestibility: Choose chews designed to break down safely in the digestive tract. Avoid anything that splinters into sharp pieces.
- Sensible ingredients: Look for recognizable ingredients and skip chews loaded with artificial colors, flavors, or excessive fillers. If your dog has food sensitivities, check the ingredient list carefully.
- VOHC acceptance (a bonus): Products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal have submitted evidence supporting their plaque- or tartar-control claims. It's a helpful trust signal, though plenty of good chews don't carry it.
Types of Dental Chews
Daily dental sticks and chews: The most popular category — textured, often star- or brush-shaped chews designed for one-a-day use. Convenient and widely available.
Enzymatic chews: These contain enzymes intended to help break down plaque chemically as well as mechanically. A good option for enthusiastic chewers.
Natural chews with dental benefits: Items like bully sticks, tendons, and certain raw bones provide long-lasting gnawing that naturally cleans teeth. Always supervise, choose appropriate sizes, and skip cooked bones, which can splinter.
Dental toys: Rubber chew toys with textured surfaces can supplement chews, especially for power chewers who inhale edible chews too fast.
How to Use Dental Chews Effectively
- Make it daily. Plaque accumulates every day, so a dental chew works best as a daily ritual — many owners give one after the evening meal.
- Supervise chewing. Always watch your dog with any chew, and take it away when it gets small enough to swallow.
- Count the calories. Dental chews add calories, so factor them into your dog's daily intake — especially for pups watching their weight.
- Pair with brushing when possible. Even brushing a few times a week plus daily chews beats chews alone. Start slow with a finger brush and tasty toothpaste to build the habit.
Beyond Chews: Complete Dental Care
Dental chews are a fantastic tool, but they're one piece of the puzzle. Brush when you can, offer appropriate chew toys, consider vet-recommended water additives if your pup tolerates them, and schedule regular vet checkups — your vet can spot dental issues early and recommend professional cleanings when tartar builds up beyond what home care can handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dental chews actually work?
Yes — the mechanical action of sustained chewing genuinely helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. They're most effective as part of a routine that may also include brushing and vet checkups, not as a replacement for professional care when dental disease is already present.
How often should I give my dog a dental chew?
Once daily is the standard recommendation, since plaque builds up every day. Follow the package guidelines for your dog's size.
Are dental chews safe for puppies?
Many dental chews are formulated for adult dogs, so check the label for age and weight minimums. Puppies with baby teeth have different needs — ask your vet what's appropriate during teething.
My dog swallows chews whole. What should I do?
Try a larger size or a denser chew that forces slower gnawing, and always supervise. "Gulpers" may do better with textured rubber dental toys or brushing instead of edible chews.
Fresh breath and healthy teeth start with the right chew. Shop our Food, Treats & Toppers collection for tasty picks your pup will look forward to every day.