Maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene is crucial for their overall health and well-being. While regular brushing is essential, dental chews can play a significant role in reducing plaque and tartar buildup. This guide, curated by a panel of experienced veterinarians, highlights the top dental chews for dogs, focusing on scientifically proven effectiveness and safety. We aim to provide pet parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions for their furry companions’ dental health.
How the Best Dog Dental Chews Were Selected
Our selection process involved a panel of veterinarians employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. These experts evaluated various dental chews based on their extensive knowledge, practical experience, and a thorough review of manufacturer information. Key attributes considered included the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, ingredient quality, and proven effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar. This ensures that our recommendations are not influenced by manufacturers and are solely based on expert opinion and scientific evidence, providing you with the most reliable information.
Understanding Dog Dental Chews
What Constitutes the Best Dental Chew for Dogs?
The ideal dental chew for dogs should possess several key features. Firstly, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance is a strong indicator of safety and efficacy, signifying that the product has been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar. Additionally, the chew should be free from ingredients that might trigger food sensitivities in your dog. It’s vital that the chew is approved by your dog’s veterinarian, considering their specific dental health needs. Finally, and perhaps most importantly to your canine companion, the chew should be appealing in terms of texture, size, shape, and taste.
Do Dog Dental Chews Actually Work?
Yes, dog dental chews can be effective in promoting oral hygiene. The very act of chewing provides an abrasive action that helps to physically reduce plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. Dental chews that have earned the VOHC seal of acceptance have undergone rigorous scientific testing and have demonstrated a measurable reduction in tartar and plaque. This, in turn, can help prevent gingivitis and other diş eti diseases. However, it’s crucial to remember that dental chews are a supplementary tool and should not replace professional dental cleanings performed by a veterinarian.
Recommended Frequency for Dental Chews
When incorporating dental chews into your dog’s routine, moderation is key. Most dog dental chews are recommended for use only once a day. They should be considered as part of your dog’s optimal daily calorie intake, ensuring that the added calories do not contribute to weight gain. Always refer to the specific instructions on the product packaging and consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate serving recommendation that aligns with your dog’s individual dental and caloric needs.
Honorable Mentions
While not making our top list, the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz deserve special recognition. Our veterinary panel highly recommends them due to their VOHC approval and scientific proof of reducing tartar and plaque. These chews are also praised for being long-lasting, high in protein, and easily digestible, making them a great option for many dogs.
Dog Dental Chew FAQs
Q: What is the best dental chew for dogs?
A: The best dental chews for dogs have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance for safety, reduce plaque and/or tartar, don’t include trigger ingredients for any food sensitivities, are approved by the dog’s veterinarian to meet their specific dental health needs, and have the dog’s approval for texture, size, shape, and taste.
Q: Do any dog dental chews actually work?
A: Dog dental chews encourage the abrasive act of chewing, which can reduce plaque and/or tartar. Dog dental chews with the VOHC seal of acceptance have been scientifically proven to reduce tartar and plaque (and therefore gingivitis). Still, they are no replacement for professional teeth cleanings.
Q: How often should you give your dog a dental chew?
A: Most dog dental chews should be given only once a day as part of a dog’s optimal daily calorie intake. Check the instructions on the packaging and with your veterinarian for the best serving recommendation to meet your dog’s dental and caloric needs.
