The Best Dental Chews and Treats for Pets: What Do Dentists Recommend?

Hi fellow pet parents! 🐾

Let’s talk about something that gets our furry friends’ tails wagging—treats. But we’re not talking just any treats. We’re diving into the world of dental chews and treats—the ones that taste good and fight plaque. Yes, it’s possible. Yes, they exist. And yes, your dog or cat is going to love them (even if they act like you’re betraying them every time you brush their teeth).

So grab your fluffball, a squeaky toy, and let’s chew on this topic together (pun totally intended).

🦷 Why Dental Chews Matter (a Lot More Than You Think)

If you’ve ever gotten a whiff of your dog’s “kiss” and recoiled like you just opened Tupperware from 2004, you’re not alone. Bad breath is more than just gross—it can be a sign of plaque, tartar, and gum disease. In fact, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age 3. Yikes!

That’s where dental chews and treats come in. They help scrub those teeth clean(ish), freshen breath, and keep your pet’s mouth healthier between vet visits. But not all chews are created equal.

✅ What Do Pet Dentists Actually Recommend?

Let’s cut through the fluff (pun again, sorry not sorry) and talk about what vets and veterinary dentists look for:

• VOHC Seal of Approval: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) puts its stamp on products that actually reduce plaque and tartar. Look for their seal on the packaging.
• Proper Texture: Too hard? You could chip a tooth. Too soft? Doesn’t clean anything. Look for chews that are firm but bendy, not bone-hard.
• Size Matters: Make sure the treat is the right size for your pet—something they chew, not just gulp.
• Low in Calories, High in Fun: Dental treats shouldn’t be a diet buster. Watch those calories!

🐶 Best Dental Chews for Dogs

1. Greenies Dental Chews
These guys are the MVP of the dental world. VOHC-approved, easy to digest, and shaped like a toothbrush. Plus, dogs go absolutely bonkers for them. Available in all sizes—from teacup terrors to gentle giants.

2. Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh
They’re plant-based, great for breath, and actually work on plaque. Bonus: They’re gentle on sensitive stomachs.

3. Whimzees Dental Treats
Shaped like alligators and toothbrushes—fun and functional! They’re grain-free and VOHC-approved. Just don’t expect your dog to save the alligator for later. Chomp!

4. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews
They contain delmopinol, which sounds like a Marvel villain but actually fights bacteria like a champ. Good for tartar and bad breath.

😺 Best Dental Treats for Cats

Cats can be… picky. Like, Oscar-worthy picky. But some treats pass the sniff (and sass) test.

1. Greenies Feline Dental Treats
Crunchy, tasty, and cat-approved. These treats come in fun flavors like catnip and tuna, and they help reduce tartar.

2. Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats
VOHC-approved, light and airy, and designed for your cat’s little carnivore chompers.

3. Virbac C.E.T. Intellident Cat Bites
A newer contender on the market but gaining fans fast—especially among cats with attitude (so… all of them?).

🚫 What to Avoid

Not everything that calls itself “dental” is dentist-approved. Steer clear of:

• Rawhide: Can be hard to digest and a choking hazard.
• Cooked bones: These can splinter and cause serious injury.
• Overly hard chews: Like antlers or hooves—if you can’t dent it with your fingernail, it could break a tooth!

🪥 Bonus Tip: Treats ≠ Toothbrush

As magical as these chews are, they don’t replace regular brushing and vet cleanings. Aim to brush your pet’s teeth daily, and schedule dental checkups at least once a year. (Yes, they’ll forgive you… eventually.)

🐾 Final Bark (and Meow)

Dental chews are a tasty way to keep your pet’s mouth healthier and their breath kissable. Just make sure you’re picking products that are safe, effective, and actually vet-recommended.

Your dog might think you’re giving them candy. Your cat might think you’re being slightly less annoying than usual. Either way, their teeth will thank you.

Now go forth and treat responsibly!