Offering one of the best dental chews for dogs can be a tasty way to keep your pup’s teeth in tip-top shape. Not only can they be a delicious treat but are also good for cleaning your dog’s teeth and freshening their breath. While they should not replace regular teeth brushing, they can work alongside your regular dental cleaning routine.
Of course, you can still serve up the best dog treats but why not also offer something that can aid in good dental hygiene? A dental chew can also be used to help ward off anxiety and support natural chewing behaviors. Vet, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan says, “They encourage a dog's natural chewing behavior which can help relieve boredom and anxiety… Dental chews are best used alongside teeth brushing to keep your pet’s mouth as healthy as possible.”
When choosing the best dental chews, you are met with some of the factors as if you were picking one of the best dog toys. Things like the size and age of your dog, and the hardness of the chew are all important when it comes to picking the right chew for your pup.
But never fear, we’ve done the groundwork for you and have rounded up the nine of the best dental chews. Let’s see which chews came out on top.
Best dental chews for dogs 2024
Best overall dental chew for dogs
Our top pick if you’re looking for the best overall dog chew. Widely recommended by vets due to their accreditation, giving your dog two Dental Chewz per day is proven to significantly reduce and break down tartar, freshening breath and helping to keep the gums healthy.
Suitable for dog breeds of all sizes, these chews are made from natural beef hide and each package contains chews of a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Purina’s chews aren’t specially ridged or shaped to reach between the teeth. However, as the beef hide softens, it gently clings to the contours of the teeth, providing a thorough, deep clean.
The more malleable texture also keeps dogs chewing for longer than others which are more easily snapped and crunched, prolonging the cleaning process. While rawhide can get stuck in the digestive tract and should be removed from use once thoroughly chewed, beef hide is digestible, so your dog can safely chomp on, and swallow, Dental Chewz without any digestive issues.
Reasons to buy: Suitable for dog breeds of all sizes. Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council and recommended by vets.
Reasons to avoid: Packages are sold by weight, so the number of treats can vary.
Best budget dental chew for dogs
A familiar and trusted brand for many dog owners, these chews are a popular go-to, not least for their budget-friendly price. Known for their distinctive X shape, Dentastix is designed to get between your dog’s teeth into those hard-to-read areas.
Thanks to their special structure and abrasive surface, these chews are scientifically proven to reduce tartar build-up by up to 80%. Pedigree’s popular chews have no artificial colors or flavors, are low in fat and include no added sugar. However, they are cereal-based, which makes them unsuitable for some dogs with allergies and intolerances.
Another string to the Dentastix bow is the huge variety on offer. Your dog has a choice of traditional meaty flavors or green tea and eucalyptus oil-infused chews for fresher breath. There are also options for small, medium and large dogs, all at a similarly competitive price. This is the obvious choice for a tasty, effective dental chew at a great price.
Reasons to buy: The affordable price is definitely a win and this product is available at most stores.
Reasons to avoid: The ingredients lack clarity, listing “derivatives of vegetable origin” and “meat and animal derivatives,” which some owners who are particularly ingredient-conscious may find off-putting.
Best dental chews for large dogs
With the same high quality that you've come to expect from Blue Buffalo, these dental chews are the ideal shape and texture for optimal oral health. Helping to clean teeth and maintain healthy gums, these chews also contain parsley to freshen the breath.
Full of wholesome ingredients, including blueberries and peas to aid in digestion, these tasty treats are free from chicken by-products, wheat, corn, and soy as well as artificial colors and preservatives, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Available in a range of sizes, the large size is ideal for dogs over 50 lbs and will give them something to really sink their teeth into. Each chew contains 7.5% protein and 12% fiber, making them a great filling snack.
Reasons to buy: Free from any preservatives and artificial colors. Available in a variety of sizes to suit any dog breed.
Reasons to avoid: Contains wheat and corn which may not be suitable for dogs with allergies.
Best dental chews for tartar control
They may not be the cheapest dental chews on the market but these sticks from Virbac are by far one of the most effective and they come backed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for extra peace of mind.
Designed to freshen the breath over both the short and long term, these plant-based chews effectively reduce plaque and tartar with their unique Z shape that allows them to reach front to back and everywhere in between.
The chews come packed full of a prebiotic known to promote a balanced and healthy gut flora and are gluten-free and easy to digest. They contain no artificial ingredients or chemicals and are moderate in calories.
Reasons to buy: Uniquely shaped and contains a prebiotic for extra health benefits.
Reasons to avoid: Can be pricier than other dental chew options.
Best dental chew for older dogs
Made from botanical ingredients including algae, fennel, coconut oil, green tea extract, and parsley, it’s designed as a healthy option for a thorough clean and breath freshening. The “chewy bubbly texture” of the Woofbrush makes it much easier to chew than its crunchy counterparts, ideal for senior dogs who may have more sensitive teeth.
The natural, grain-free ingredients are also designed to be easily digestible, and the Woofbrush is part of the product range recommended for senior dogs of 8 years and older.
Feeding trials and reviews show that the unique mix of ingredients is popular with dog. Lily’s Kitchen does provide free samples for those who are unsure if it’s right for their pet.
Reasons to buy: The softer texture is great for older dogs. All-natural ingredients ensure a quality chew for your dog.
Reasons to avoid: This is a more expensive dog chew, and the unusual flavors can be unfamiliar to your dog who is used to more meaty flavors.
Best dental chew for smaller dogs
If a dental chew is too big, a small dog could struggle to get purchase on it, meaning it doesn’t reach the right places and doesn’t give that thorough clean you want. Greenies Original Petite Dog Treats are specially formulated for dogs between 15 and 25 lbs.
At 55 calories per treat, they are a balanced mix of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and one per day is enough to keep your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresh.
Shaped like a toothbrush, the bumps and ridges, along with the slightly chewy texture, work to scrub away plaque and tartar, getting down into the gumline for a deep clean that doesn’t damage the enamel.
Reasons to buy: Already the right size for smaller dogs, which means pet owners don't need to cut the chews down.
Reasons to avoid: The toothbrush texture may be a bit too hard for senior dogs.
Best dental chew for sensitive stomachs
If your dog has allergies, intolerances, or digestive sensitivities, the right dental chew can be hard to find, but Whimzees come to the rescue with their natural dental dog chews.
Covering all bases, their chews are vegetarian, grain-free, gluten-free, GMO-free and have no artificial colors or flavors. They’re also made from just a small handful of clearly labelled ingredients, so you know exactly what your dog is getting, ideal when there are specific dietary requirements to work around.
Grain-free chews can help to ease digestive issues and skin complaints, and a gluten-free option can help with gluten-related allergies.
Reasons to buy: A small, clean ingredient list puts your mind at ease knowing these will be gentle on your pup's stomach.
Reasons to avoid: A slightly harder chew than others, they’re long-lasting but may not be suitable for older dogs with more sensitive teeth
Best reusable dental chew
Whether your dog is on a diet and you need to cut down on treats, or you’re looking to save on the regular cost of edible dental chews, a reusable option is a great alternative.
They come in four sizes, from XS to L, so you can choose the correct chew to suit your dog’s weight and breed. Do take care to pick the correct size as a strong chewer can cause damage to a smaller product, meaning it won’t have the same, long-lasting effect. However, if you choose the right size, the strong nylon material can stand up to some tough chomping for weeks on end.
If you need something long-lasting that will withstand even the most enthusiastic of chewers, the Benebone chew is the ideal choice.
Reasons to buy: A range of size options mean you are sure to find a suitable match for your dog.
Reasons to avoid: Be aware, a previous version with larger holes became stuck over the jaw in a small number of instances, so it’s important to ensure you buy the new, safely updated design.
Best calming dental chew
Dogs suffering from stress and anxiety seems to be an increasingly prevalent occurrence. This can manifest itself in a number of different behaviors, such as acting nervously around humans they're unfamiliar with.
YuCalm from Lintbells aims to help alleviate this anxiety, providing a one-a-day chew that has calming effects. Contained within the chews are protein hydrolysates which produce serotonin (also known as the 'happy hormone') and in turn produce a sense of calm.
Lemon balm gives them a bit of flavor, with Natural GABA, L-Arginine and L- Tryptophan also adding to the taste.
Reasons to buy: Can be used alongside other methods for relieving stress in dogs.
Reasons to avoid: Is not a guaranteed cure to alleviating stress.
How to choose the best dental chews
Dental chews are as individual as your dog, so while it may be tempting to grab the first item on the shelf, it’s important to take the time to choose the right one that suits your best friend’s needs.
Consider your dog’s dietary requirements and ensure the ingredients, nutrients, flavors and even calorie count will work within their current routine. Size is another important factor, too big and your dog will struggle to get a grip; too small and it will not be effective in providing that thorough clean you’re looking for.
Sensitive stomachs should always come into the equation, and, in particular, look out for grain-free options and natural, highly soluble ingredients that are easily digested. Equally, consider your dog’s current dental health before thinking about how to improve it.
If they have sore gums or weakened teeth, opt for a softer chew, but if they’re a heavy chewer, try something tougher that will last longer and really reach between the teeth and down to the gums. By considering these details, you can be sure that the dental chew you buy will do everything you need it to while keeping your dog’s oral health in tip top shape.
Dr. MacMillan adds, "You should also check the texture of your chosen dental chew; smaller breeds may require something softer than a larger breed of dog can cope with.
Regardless of how big your dog is though, never give them something too hard. Your product should have some give, and you should be able to dent it with a fingernail. Antlers and bones are not appropriate as these can cause painful tooth fractures in any breed of dog."
Can dental chews replace teeth brushing?
While dental chews are a great tool for cleaning teeth and gums, you should still practice regular tooth brushing to ensure your dog's teeth stay healthy and clean. You can check out our vet's guide on how to brush a dog's teeth for everything you need to know.
"Dental chews are best used alongside teeth brushing to keep your pet’s mouth as healthy as possible. You can use them regularly, but just ensure that you account for the extra calories that they add to your pet’s diet," says Dr. MacMillan.
Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Alexis has worked with publications such as Daily Mail, World of Cruising and Father's Quarterly. Originally from the United States, she started her career as an editorial intern at Ohio Magazine and has been in love with writing ever since.
