6 of the Best Dog Dental Chews & Puppy Treats

These dental chews and treats are recommended by HealthySmiles Vet Technician experts. These can be given to dogs between dental cleanings to help maintain the results.

Let’s start by saying that dental chews and treats don’t replace annual dental cleanings. However, dental chews will satisfy any dog that craves something to chew on and we have recommendations that are safe. These dental chews and treats should always be supervised and you should watch for any large pieces that could possibly break off and become a choking hazard.

The products we include in the below list all have a variety of benefits and may even reduce the tartar on your dog’s teeth.

Always look for chews and treats that have natural ingredients. You can also use dental chews when brushing becomes a more challenging task!

Here are six dental treats & chews we recommend for your dogs. We’ve tried each of these brands with our dogs who vary in age.

1. Virbac CET Dental Chews

Virbac is a brand veterinarians have been recommending for years. Many times you’ll find that your vet will send you home with sample CET chews for your dogs after a dental cleaning.

Why we like it:

• Highly palatable poultry-flavored chews are made using select beef hide.
• Combines natural antiseptic activity with abrasive action to loosen tartar and provide clinically proven plaque control.

2. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews

It’s important with these chews that you choose the appropriate size chew rather than break these into two pieces. The manufacturer recommends one chew per dog per day.

Why we like it:

• These chews are known to be easily digested.
• This is the only dental chew for dogs to use delmopinol, which forms a barrier that blocks bacteria and the formation of plaque and calculus.

3. Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dental Dog Chews

These come in small, medium and large sizes. Make sure to buy the right size for your pup. The outside ridges help remove plaque and tartar and the center is filled with a toothpaste formula that kills bacteria, fights tartar and plaque.

Why we like it:

• The soft toothpaste center is made from natural ingredients like alfalfa, cinnamon, vanilla and clove to fight bacteria that causes bad breath.
• Your dog can have up to two chews per day.

4. Whimzees Variety Pack Dental Dog

The variety pack comes in three different sizes. These chews are easily digested and they’re gluten-free. They’re made with natural ingredients that have vitamins and have antioxidants. These chews are also vegetarian making them a healthy option for dogs.

Why we like it:

• They’re designed in a knobby shape to ensure proper blood flow through the gums and prevent bad breath and tartar buildup.
• The chews are hollow allowing the teeth to easily grip and chew, with grooves that get in between the smaller spaces.

5. Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Chews

The treats are made in a chicken flavor so they won’t hesitate to chew on this treat. They’ve been scientifically tested to remove tartar buildup.

Why we like it:

• One of the main benefits is the porous treat texture as it scrubs teeth clean and is also chewy enough to keep dogs engaged.
• These are fairly low in calories.

6. GREENIES Senior Aging Care Natural Dental Dog Treats

Years ago the brand came out with a new formula for their treats that is easier for dogs to digest. This product is known to be softer for aging dogs.

Why we like it:

• This chew is accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council and we stand behind that seal of approval.
• The treat is made with New Zealand green mussels and chicken cartilage which provide natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin.

It’s important that these chews and treats are given in moderation. Start with one to make sure your dog can easily digest the brand you choose. Always supervise your dog when they’re enjoying their dental chews too!

Any dental chew or treat works best when it’s in conjunction with proper at-home dental cleanings. Learn more here about how to brush your dog’s teeth with this step-by-step GIF guide.