Do Dental Chews Work for Dogs? Find Out Now
Do Dental Chews Really Work? The Science Behind Canine Oral Health
When it comes to our canine companions, oral health is as vital as it is for humans. Poor dental hygiene in dogs can lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss, and even systemic illnesses such as heart or kidney disease if bacteria enter the bloodstream. A staggering 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by age three, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) (thesprucepets.com). Dental chews are frequently recommended by veterinarians—but how effective are they, and should they replace brushing?
Why Your Dog’s Dental Health Matters
Dental disease isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can cause real pain and significantly impact your dog’s overall health. When plaque hardens into tartar, it leads to inflammation and infection. This can damage teeth, cause bad breath, and even allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. The AVMA emphasizes that dental conditions can escalate to serious organ problems if not addressed (thesprucepets.com). Recognizing symptoms early—bad breath, red gums, loose teeth—is key to preventing long-term damage.
How Dental Chews Help
Mechanical action: Chewing abrasive textures scrapes plaque from teeth surfaces.
Chemical action: Some chews contain enzymes or antimicrobial ingredients that reduce bacterial buildup.
VOHC approval: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seals products that meet specific efficacy standards—meaning they demonstrably reduce plaque or tartar (journals.sagepub.com).
Clinical studies back up these benefits. For example, University trials using honeycomb-shaped daily chews showed a 26.6% reduction in calculus, 14.2% less plaque, and nearly 47% less bad breath over 60 days (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Another trial with Ark Naturals chews found a dramatic 78% reduction in tartar and 15% less plaque, as well as a healthier oral microbiome (petfoodprocessing.net).
Are Dental Chews as Effective as Brushing?
No—but they complement brushing well. Daily brushing is still considered the gold standard by the AVMA and the AAHA, reducing disease risk more effectively than chews alone (washingtonpost.com). However, studies confirm that brushing weekly combined with daily chews still improves oral health more than no care at all.
Recommendations on Frequency
Most vets and pet-health sites recommend one dental chew per day, depending on your dog’s size, health, and the specific chew (houndsy.com). Heavy chewers or sensitive stomachs may need adjusted routines. Houndsy suggests some dogs may be fine with chews a few times weekly, while others benefit from daily use.
Choosing the Right Chews
Look for these qualities:
VOHC Seal – Confirms proven plaque/tartar reduction (rover.com)
Appropriate texture and size – Matches your dog’s chewing strength; avoid choking hazards
Natural ingredients – Try single-ingredient or limited-ingredient options to prevent GI upset
Long-lasting chewing – The Spruce Pets suggests 5–10 minutes of chewing time maximizes effectiveness (thesprucepets.com)
Common VOHC-approved brands include Greenies, Virbac CET VeggieDent, and Purina DentaLife.
Safety Considerations
Overuse can lead to digestive upset or weight gain if chews are high in calories. To prevent allergies or toxins, avoid chews with artificial additives or highly processed ingredients. Always supervise your dog while chewing, and choose sizes large enough to prevent choking.
Vet Checkups & Brushing: Essential Practices
Annual dental exams are crucial—some breeds need more frequent checkups (morganpetclinic.com). Brushing your dog’s teeth daily remains the most effective way to prevent periodontal disease (washingtonpost.com). Even brushing weekly, when combined with chews, reduces dental issues compared to no care.
Recommended Product: Absolute Bites Single-Ingredient Dog Chew
For a safe, natural option that supports oral health (and satisfies chewing instincts), try our Absolute Bites Single Ingredient Natural Dog Chew. Made from 100% natural meat, free from additives and preservatives, these chews help scrape teeth clean while being gentle and healthy for your dog.
Summary: Dental Chews Are a Valuable Tool
Dental chews offer proven benefits in reducing plaque and tartar, improving breath, and complementing brushing. Yet they aren't substitutes for brushing or regular vet cleanings. The ideal routine includes:
Daily brushing or weekly brushing plus daily dental chew
Annual (or more frequent) vet dental checks
Selecting VOHC-approved, appropriately sized, natural chews
Monitoring for digestive or weight issues
