{"id":14493,"date":"2024-08-21T09:49:17","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T16:49:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=14493"},"modified":"2026-10-30T12:54:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T19:54:23","slug":"do-dog-dental-chews-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/do-dog-dental-chews-work","title":{"rendered":"Do Dog Dental Chews Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dental disease is as big a problem for pets as it is for their loving pet owners. While most dog owners do understand that it\u2019s important to maintain their pet\u2019s oral hygiene, many don\u2019t know exactly how to do that. Or they assume a dental chew will take care of it. But do dog dental chews work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean teeth are vital for oral hygiene and your dog\u2019s overall health, but some pet parents have difficulty with consistent tooth brushing. Still, if you want to prevent plaque buildup and inflamed gums, which can lead to gum disease and periodontal disease, you have to find a way to maintain your dog\u2019s dental hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no wonder many pet parents turn to dog dental chews to try to keep their dog\u2019s teeth clean. Let\u2019s take a closer look to see if they are effective oral healthcare products or if dog owners should try something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Dog Dental Chews Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An important part of your dog\u2019s dental health involves cutting down on plaque and tartar buildup and promoting healthy gums. Dental chews have ridges or lumps that may help prevent tartar buildup as your dog chews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, many dental chews also contain additives, such as enzymes, that can help to breakdown harmful bacteria in the mouth that promote dental disease. Doing so also has the added benefits of helping to prevent bad breath and providing mental stimulation for your dog as the chews satisfy their natural urges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, even the ones that work the best are not meant to replace regular dental exams, professional dental cleanings, or other parts of your dog\u2019s regular oral care routine. Even if you regularly give your dog dental chews, dental issues can still arise if you don\u2019t get him regular checkups<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does the Research Say About Dental Chew Effectiveness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Research has shown<\/a> that dog dental chews may be effective in slowing the progression and\/or development of periodontal disease in dogs. That same study also demonstrated that the dental chews helped control bad breath, also known as halitosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another study showed<\/a> that even just adding one dental chew a day to your dog\u2019s routine may significantly reduce plaque and calculus (tartar) accumulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these studies do show that dental chews can be effective, they also emphasize the importance of regular dental hygiene care to ensure your pet\u2019s wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are There Dog Breeds that Have More Dental Issues than Others?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Some dog breeds do have more problems than others. Small dogs<\/a> tend to have more dental problems, particularly if they have stacked or crowded teeth. In that case, it\u2019s easier for plaque and tartar to form in hidden areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it\u2019s recommended that pet parents use a toothbrush with regular bristles to get under the gum line in order to scrape or brush bacteria away that can otherwise result in periodontal disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, your dog\u2019s immune system and health history can influence his dental health. This is another reason that routine checkups are important to understand if your furry friend develops certain problems. Age is another consideration for dental health and whether a dog should be given dental chews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, older dogs are more likely to have dental problems. They may also have health conditions that make it more dangerous for them to undergo anesthesia. For them, dental chews may be a good option. On the other end of the age spectrum, dogs younger than 3 months should not have dental chews since they can be a choking hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considerations for Which Dog Dental Chews to Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While some dental chews are shown<\/a> to reduce plaque, calculus, and volatile sulfur compounds by a significant amount, the kibble you feed your pooch may also a small difference. One study showed<\/a> that by increasing the kibble size by 50%, there was a reduction in tartar by over 40%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That same study demonstrated you could coat the dog food with a substance called polyphosphate and get a 55% reduction in tartar. So what you feed can be as important as giving your best friend dental chews in helping to maintain his oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When choosing products to give your pooch, make sure they have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval<\/a>. This organization evaluates products to ensure they meet the standards for reducing plaque or tartar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For approval, the product must reduce plaque or tartar by at least 10%. If the product uses a chemical anti-plaque agent, it must reduce plaque or tartar by at least 20% to get the VOHC seal of approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing to consider when choosing a dental chew is that it shouldn\u2019t be too hard. Certain products, like antlers, bones, and hooves, can fracture teeth because they are so hard. Instead, look for long-lasting chew products that are hard but not so rigid that they can cause fractures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples of dental chews for your dog:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n