Who doesn’t enjoy giving their furry friend a treat? Dental treats for dogs are a fantastic way to maintain their oral health while giving them a tasty reward.
How Do Dental Treats Help Dogs?
Dental treats serve a dual purpose: they provide a fun snack and they contribute to positive oral health. Here are some of the ways that dental treats help dogs:
- Reduce Tartar and Plaque: The texture of many dental treats is designed to scrub the teeth as pets chew, helping to remove built-up plaque and tartar.
- Freshen Breath: Some treats have ingredients like chlorophyll or parsley that can reduce bad breath.
- Promote Jaw Exercise: Chewing on these treats keeps your pet’s jaw muscles strong and engaged.
- Healthy Ingredients: They often contain added nutrients to boost oral and overall health.
A note on the hardness of dental treats. Chew objects such as bones, bully sticks, antlers, and nyla bones often break teeth, necessitating endodontic or extraction therapy. Please avoid hard objects to minimize any tooth trauma.
Safe Dental Treats for Dogs
Dental treats are not a replacement for brushing or vet visits, but they can be a tasty addition to your pet’s dental care routine. Here are some dental treats for dogs to consider:
- Greenies Regular Chewy Dental Dog Treats: These treats are vet-recommended and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). They help fight plaque and tartar while freshening breath.
- Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews: These plant-based chews have a unique Z-shape for better grip and cleaning. They’re VOHC-approved and easy to digest. Dr. Guillory considers these the best dental treats for dogs.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones: Grain-free dental chews designed for medium-sized dogs. They help reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
- Purina DentaLife Chews: Known for their ability to freshen breath and maintain healthy teeth.
- Pedigree Dentastix: A budget-friendly option that effectively reduces plaque and tartar.
Safe and Effective Dog Dental Care in Bozeman
When choosing dental treats, consider your dog’s size, age, and any dietary restrictions. As with most treats, dental treats can add extra calories to an existing diet. Although dental treats can be effective in removing plaque from the cheek teeth, daily tooth brushing is considered the gold standard in oral home care.
Regular brushing and professional dental checkups are also essential for optimal oral health. If existing tartar (calculus) is present, then a professional cleaning, which is referred to as a COHAT, is recommended. A COHAT stands for Comprehensive Oral Assessment and Treatment. It involves a detailed oral evaluation under anesthesia, full mouth dental imaging, charting, and thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces.
Dogs have 42 teeth, and routine care is important to keep their chompers healthy. If you have any concerns regarding your dog’s oral health, call us at Montana Pet Dentistry and Oral Surgery, and we can schedule a consultation appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (05/08/2025) Photo by James Lacy on Unsplash