What dog chews do vets recommend

Vet-Recommended Dog Chews

It seems like almost every single pet product these days is vet-recommended. How can all pet products be recommended by vets? Which products truly are veterinarian recommended? Dr. Jess compiled her own list of vet-recommended dog chews below:

This post may contain affiliate links. To view our affiliate disclosure.

Not all dog chews are made the same.

The treats Doc Jess has listed here, not only are affordable, easily obtainable, but also have properties that can help with dental plaque buildup on your pups teeth!

If you have a product in mind that would be a great fit for this list, send a mention Dr. Jess way.

She may just add it to this list!

And always remember, monitor and closely watch your dog whenever feeding them treats.

How to Pick Safe, Edible Dog Chews

If youve ever lost a shoe to your dogs teeth, you know how much dogs love to chew. It relieves the pain of puppy teething, exercises jaw muscles, andcleans your dogs teeth. Chewing is also great forbeating doggy boredomand can help your dogrelieve anxietyor frustration by giving them something enjoyable to focus on. Thankfully, there are all kinds ofchew toys on the market. Your dog may also love edible dog chews.

How do you know which dog chews are safe? This guide to choosing the perfect edible chew will help you sort through the options.

Know Your Dogs Style of Chewing

Every dog has their own chewing style. For example, aBoxeris more likely to be an aggressive chewer than aShih Tzu. And every dog has their own chewing preferences. Some dogs like a harder chew and others prefer softer chews. Plus, as your dog ages, their preferences can change. The tough chews your dog enjoys as an adolescent will probably be too hard when they become a senior dogwith dental issues.

Pick chews that suit your dogs personality, age, and chewing style. What is safe for one dog might not be a good choice for another. A dog treat may be edible, but that doesnt necessarily mean its safe. For example, if your dog breaks off large chunks and swallows them whole, that could lead to serious complications like choking or an obstructed bowel. Whenever you give your dog a new type of chew, always keep an eye on them to be sure its a safe choice.

What to Look for in an Edible Dog Chew

The following list will help you choose an appropriate chew:

• Hardness: Chews that are too hard can crack your dogs teeth or cut their gums.
• Durability: The chew should be strong enough to withstand vigorous chewing. If its too soft, your dog can break off chunks and swallow them whole, which is a health hazard.
• Long-lasting: Look for edible dog chews that will last. These options will keep your dog occupied for longer and provide more value.
• Size: Chews that are too small for your dog present a choking risk. Pick edible dog chews that are large enough so your dog cant get the entire thing in their mouth at once.
• Ingredients: Look for limited, natural ingredients. Avoid any flavorings or coatings that could upset your dogs stomach.

If you have any concerns about your choice of edible dog chews, consult your veterinarian.

Types of Edible Dog Chews

Here are some of the more common chews.

Rawhide

Rawhide, which is made from the inner layer of horse or cowhide, is a popular chew, but rawhide safety depends on the dog. Power chewers can break off large pieces. If your dog swallows these chunks, they can choke, or a piece can become lodged in their intestines.

Rawhide is also difficult to digest. Pieces will pass through the digestive system whole, which is why they pose an obstruction risk. If you choose to provide rawhide, prevent your dog from eating large pieces by removing any chunks as soon as your dog breaks them off. Once your dog has chewed the rawhide so that its small enough to swallow in one piece, take it away from your dog.

Bully Sticks

Unlike rawhide,bully sticks, sometimes known as pizzle sticks, are easily digestible. Single-ingredient chews made from beef muscle, bully sticks range in thicknesses and lengths. They also come braided and shaped for an extra-long chew. They do not splinter. Instead, the end of the stick becomes soft and acts like a toothbrush as your dog chews.

Most dogs simply gnaw the end of the stick. However, power chewers might bite straight through, producing large pieces that pose a choking risk, or swallow the entire stick whole. In that case, you can try placing the treat in a bully stick holder, which helps prevent your dog from breaking off too much at once. When your dog has chewed the stick down to a nub, take it away before they can swallow whats left.

Antlers

Antlers are all-natural chews that can come from a variety of animals, including deer or elk. Antlers for dogs come in a range of sizes and shapes and are incredibly long-lasting because they are so hard. However, their hardness can also make them a risky choice. Dogs can break their teeth on antlers, which is not only painful but expensive to treat. The hard surface can also cut your dogs gums.

But the greatest risk is from a shard of antler that splinters off. These shards can puncture or get stuck in your dogs mouth, throat, or intestines, leading to emergency surgery. Many veterinarians recommend avoiding antlers, but if you do provide them, always supervise your dog while they chew.

Yak Cheese Chews

A relatively new chew on the scene is the yak cheese chew. These hard blocks of dried cheese have just a few ingredients yaks milk (and sometimes cows milk), salt, and lime juice. The lactose content is low, so dogs generally digest them well, and they are hard enough to be long-lasting. Plus, they dont smell as bad as some other animal-based chews.

However, these edible dog chews still pose the same dangers. If your dog breaks off chunks, they can swallow the pieces and risk choking or bowel obstruction. Also, although these are cheese, they are quite hard and could lead to broken teeth. As with other chews, only give your dog a block large enough that they cant eat whole. Take away the yak chew as soon as it gets small enough to pose a hazard. Small pieces of yak cheese chews can be put into the microwave for short bursts of time until they puff and can be easily crunched up as a treat once cooled.

Tendons and Other Animal Parts

From beef trachea to pig ears, different animal parts are marketed as edible dog chews. Some are safer than others. Pig ears are often coated, which can upset your dogs stomach. Backstrap and other tendon chews are a safer choice, since theyre low in fat and high in protein and collagen.

Trachea is a softer chew that contains chondroitin and glucosamine, so it can be a good choice for a dog with joint issues. Finally, fish skin chews are shaped into bones or rolls. Although they smell fishy, they are a great source of omega three fatty acids.

Human-Made Edible Bones

There is a whole range of human-made edible bones available. Often called dental bones, these edible dog chews often help clean dog teeth. Look for a version that is highly digestible and has natural ingredients. And choose a bone size and shape appropriate for your dogs size.

Dog Dental Chews: The 5 Best Recommended by Vets

Are you struggling to find the right dog dental chews for Fido? No need to worry! We've compiled a list of five of the best vet-recommended dog dental chews!

Dog dental chews are designed to be an attractive toy and an effective product for improving dental health.

They massage a dog's gums and scrape plaque from their teeth.

Other than brushing your dog's teeth, using dental treats is one of the best ways to improve a dog's oral health.

However, not all dental chews are created equal. Some of them are safer and more effective than others.

As a veterinarian, I've tried and analyzed several products, and below I'll walk you through some of my favorite vet-recommended best dental chews for dogs.

Features of Dog Dental Chews to Consider

To be considered a premium product, a dog dental chew needs to fulfill a few desired features, which are the primary reasons for buying them.

Consider the below.

Cleaning power

Not all dental chews, including some recommended by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council), are highly effective.

Therefore, it is crucial to ask your veterinarian and check reviews and previous experiences of dog owners about each brand.

Even though dental chews keep the dog's teeth clean, they may also reduce the deposits only to a certain extent.

Still, reducing tartar and plaque by 10% to 20% can't prevent periodontal disease in all animals, especially those predisposed to this dental condition.

Edibility

Depending on your pet's preferences, edible and non-edible dental chews for dogs are available on the market.

Edible chews are primarily used to clean a dog's teeth and are a delicious treat, while non-edible chews provide teeth cleaning when the dog gnaws on them.

Flavor

Luckily, most products offer a wide variety of flavors for dogs with different tastes and picky eaters.

Choosing a palatable dog dental chew will make the product more attractive to your pet.

The pleasant taste will encourage the animal to chew the treat more and clean the teeth simultaneously.

Durability

Longevity is a crucial feature of a non-edible dental chew.

It must be strong enough to entertain the dog for a long time so that its teeth get thoroughly cleaned instead of being swallowed or forgotten about after five seconds.

Size

Since most of the products are designed in several sizes, choosing an adequate one is not too complicated, depending on your dog's size and weight.

Too big dental chews are not convenient for chewing, and if the treats are too small, they may cause choking.

What to Look for in a Dog Dental Chews

As the dog owner, you will have to research the benefits or effects of different kinds of dog dental chews. There are still things to consider when choosing the right dental chew or dental treats for your dog.

Here are different factors that you should look for in a dental chew:

1. Check the brand Look for well-known brands with great reputations or positive reviews online.
2. Quality over Quantity We all want what's the best quality for our dogs. But if you're short in budget, plenty of quality low-priced dog chews are still out there.
3. Versatility Some dental products offer small and big dogs dental treats. So if you own multiple dogs, this is a great option for you.
4. Health Benefits Most importantly, look out for the health benefits of the products because that's why you're here in the first place.

What is Dog Dental Chews?

Dog Dental Chews are treated for brushing sessions for your pup.

These chews work by removing the bacteria and foods stuck on your dog's teeth.

Furthermore, the best dental chews for dogs reduce the amount of plaque in their mouth to help lessen new tartar buildup.

These chews are a great way to maintain oral health.

Moreover, dogs love to chew, so keeping them healthy is now easier.

Chewing for them is an instinct.

They chew when they're bored to have fun, and even to lessen stress or anxiety in certain situations.

Furthermore, dog dental chews are different from dental treats for dogs.

Dental chews last longer than dental treats.

Dog dental chews are made for rubbing the dog's teeth and gums to help reduce plaque and tartar.

Meanwhile, Dog dental treats it's designed to be eaten quickly.

Benefits of Dog Dental Chews

The purpose of dog dental chews is to provide oral benefits for your pet, but using them needs to come with precautions, primarily when used by puppies and senior dogs.

Some of the primary benefits of these vet-recommended dog dental chews are below.

Prevents dental disease

Unfortunately, over 80% of dogs over three years old suffer from active dental disease.

Some have an issue with periodontal disease graded on a scale from 1 to 4.

Graduation depends on the severity of the condition.

Giving your dog a dental chew daily will increase salivation, decreasing the number of bacteria in the dog's mouth.

That may prevent oral diseases and reduce problems with tartar and plaque forming.

Cleans teeth and gums

This type of product is primarily designed to help the dog keep teeth clean and gums healthy (on top of daily brushing).

The shape of some top-rated dental dog chews provides in-depth and detailed cleaning as your pet gnaws on them, which is why many veterinarians recommend them over regular treats.

Freshens breath

Quality dental hygiene will prevent bad breath in dogs.

If your dog chews a dental treat containing mint, spearmint, or parsley, it will get both tartar-free teeth and fresh breath.

Nutritional benefits

Some edible chews may contain nutritious and beneficial ingredients, improving the dog's digestive health and cleaning their teeth.

Moreover, some products include essential vitamins and nutrients that will enhance the animal's immune system.

Daily reward

Finally, edible dental chews for dogs are both useful products and delicious treats for the dog.

Besides cleaning teeth, they can be used as a reward during dog training, or anywhere else you normally use regular treats.

How Often Should I Give My Dog Dental Chews?

Dog dental chews should be taken 2-3 times a week but can also be done once a day. With this being said, monitoring your dog's dental health is the most important.

Moreover, researching Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved dog chews is a great tip for choosing the best dental chews.

If you're unconvinced, a call with your vet is still the best option. Always keep in mind that every dog is not the same. Some can be allergic to certain types of dog chews.

5 Best Dental Chews for Dogs: Vet Recommended

1 Greenies Dental Dog Chews and Treatsby Greenies

Thanks to their unique texture, these popular dog dental chews made with natural ingredients will clean your dog's teeth down to the gumline.

The vets recommend them since they clean tartar and plaque, provide fresh breath, and add vitamins and minerals to your dog's daily diet.

PROS

• The VOHC approves the product
• It is available in four sizes and a few flavors for most dog breeds.
• These natural dental sticks are easy to digest, reduce gum disease, and improve the dog's health.
• Made in the USA

CONS

• The product is not recommended for dogs under 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
• It is not gluten-free, which is crucial for dogs sensitive to this ingredient
• It is quite expensive

2Merial Oravet Dental Hygiene Chew For Dogsby Oravet

Not only are the OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews vet-recommended, but they also have a taste your pup will love. This dental chew can be used daily and is designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup to maintain your dog's mouth health.

When your dog's teeth sink into the chewy texture, the chew will do its work as it scrubs away plaque down to the gum line.

PROS

• It has Delmonipol, which is a plaque-fighting compound that protects and prevents bacteria from latching to the teeth.
• Dental chews for dogs six months of age or older
• Help protect against harmful bacteria

CONS

• Some owners have complained that the product negatively affected their dogs with asensitive gastrointestinal system

3 Whimzees Dental Chews for Dogsby Whimzees

Chewing these pleasantly-tasted dog dental chews helps prevent tartar and plaque build-up and bad breath in dogs.

The product, made of six ingredients, is an excellent option for dogs between 40 and 60 pounds (18 27 kg). PROS

• These vegetable-based dental chews are natural and healthy
• Sticks are entirely gluten-free and don't contain artificial flavors and colors
• It is a GMO-free product

CONS

• They may cause gastric and digestion problems
• Seniors may have difficulties chewing these hard sticks

4Virbac CET Veggiedent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chewsby Virbac

The Virbac CET Veggiedent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews act as a 3-way performance dental care as it cleanse bacteria or other causes of bad breath, freshens their breath every chew, and helps balance proper digestion.

PROS

• Plant-based, no-meat ingredients
• Gluten-free
• Easily digestible
• Contains a prebiotic that helps with digestion

CONS

• They may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs with a sensitive stomach

5 Pedigree Dentastix Dental Treats for Dogsby Pedigree

The patented X-shaped sticks will prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque on the dog's teeth down to the gum line.

These dog dental treats are available in various flavors, including bacon, chicken, or beef. They are an ideal option for most dogs, especially larger breeds.

PROS

• These chews are available in two sizes and multiple flavors
• It improves the freshens of the dog's breath
• It is an affordable product made in the USA

CONS

• The product doesn't have the approval of VOHC
• It is not suitable for dogs under 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
• Sticks are not gluten-free

Are Greenies safe for dogs?

Yes, Greenies are safe and accepted by Veterinary Oral Health Council.

However, there are still precautions when using these dental treats.

For instance, puppies aged six months below are not recommended to take greenies. Puppies under six months still have their baby teeth which will not be good for them.

Moreover, Greenies will benefit greatly from dogs above six months under your supervision.

These treats are easy to digest and can be helpful for their brain development.

However, greenies are not convenient for every dog.

Other dogs might be allergic to wheat or grain, which is one of the main ingredients in these treats.

Can dental chews replace brushing?

The quick answer is no. Dental chews are supplements, but they can never replace tooth brushing.

There's no actual substitute for brushing.

Brushing is very helpful for decreasing tartars. Proper tooth brushing is still the best standard for cleaning at home.

Dental chews are effective in reducing oral bacteria.

Moreover, dental chews are not for every dog. There are some risks when taking these treats without supervision.

There are possibilities that your dog gets an upset stomach or even allergies from the treat's ingredients.

Alternatives for Dog Toothbrushing

We all want what's best for our dogs, and some pups don't have the best time when toothbrushing.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to clean your dog's teeth without using a toothbrush.

But always remember that brushing is still the golden standard for cleaning.

Here are some examples of alternatives for dog toothbrushing:

• Dental Spray
• Dog Dental Wipes
• Dog Chews
• Coconut oil
• Bully Stick Snacks
• Raw Bones
• Dental Treats
• Dental Toys

Vet-Recommended Dog Dental Chews: Summary

For keeping your dog's teeth healthy, on top of daily brushing, it is necessary to pick out the best dental chews for dogs. It is critical to limit edible or too-hard treats and be careful with compressed ones.

The best choice is flexible dog dental chews that won't break off into sharp pieces and endanger the dog after swallowing them. The above five vet-recommended dog dental chews have been some of my favorites over the years.

Moreover, dog dental chews don't just help maintain your dog's oral health. These chews can also help with bad breath, broken or extra teeth, unusual chewing or drooling, and other tartar-covered teeth.

Some dogs don't really have the best time when toothbrushing. That's why dog dental chews help struggling owners sustain their oral health.

Most importantly, as the owners, we are responsible for checking in and monitoring our dog's health. Remember that not all dogs are suitable for dog dental chews or dental treats for dogs.

It is still recommended to consult with your vet about your uncertainties about your dog's health.

READ NEXT:7 Foods and Chews for Dogs Dental Health (Backed by Science)

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