Best Dental Treats for Dogs – 2025 Reviews
As a dog owner who’s dealt with more than my share of stinky dog breath and expensive vet cleanings, I’ve learned that dental treats can be a game-changer for your pup’s oral health.
After testing countless options over the years, I’ve found that the right dental chew doesn’t just freshen breath—it actually reduces plaque buildup and helps prevent serious dental issues down the road.
In this guide, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the top dental treats that genuinely work, so you can find the perfect match for your furry friend’s needs and your budget.
Best Dental Treats for Dogs – 2025 Reviews
Greenies Original Teenie Dental Dog Treats – VOHC Approved for Small Dogs
These veterinarian-recommended treats feature a unique texture that cleans down to the gumline, fighting plaque and tartar while freshening breath.
Accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), they’re made with natural ingredients and dogs absolutely love the taste.
Greenies Original Regular Dental Dog Treats – Effective Plaque Fighter
Designed for medium-sized dogs, these dental chews provide thorough cleaning action that reduces plaque and tartar buildup.
With the same VOHC acceptance as the teenie version, they offer proven oral health benefits in a size perfect for 25-50 lb dogs.
Wonder Bound Peanut Butter Twist Sticks – Rawhide-Free Value
These rawhide-free twists offer an affordable dental solution with peanut butter flavor that dogs find irresistible.
The unique texture helps reduce plaque and tartar while providing long-lasting chewing enjoyment for dogs of all sizes.
WHIMZEES Brushzees Dental Treats – Natural VOHC Approved
These all-natural dental treats are scientifically crafted to support breath, tartar, plaque, and gum health with VOHC approval.
Made with just six primary ingredients and no artificial additives, they’re perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.
Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed Treats – Triple Action Cleaning
Featuring a unique X-shape design, these treats provide triple action cleaning that reduces tartar, cleans teeth, and freshens breath.
With no added sugar or fillers, they come in a variety pack of three flavors to keep your dog interested.
Minties Dental Chews for Dogs – Vet-Recommended Mint Freshness
Vet-recommended dental bones that feature a unique shape and texture to rub teeth clean during chewing.
Infused with five breath fresheners including alfalfa, parsley, and peppermint to promote oral health and fresh breath.
Blue Buffalo Dental Chews – Ridges for Deep Cleaning
These dental chews feature 50 unique ridges and grooves that promote healthy teeth and gums by eliminating plaque and tartar.
With chicken and spearmint flavor, they naturally freshen breath while providing a satisfying chew for small dogs.
Beloved Pets Kabob Treats – Human-Grade Dental Chews
Made with human-grade chicken and duck, these rawhide-free kabobs provide dental-friendly chewing that supports healthy teeth.
Gluten-free and packed with protein, they’re suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages.
Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews – VOHC Approved Safety
VOHC-approved soft rawhide chews that are clinically proven to reduce plaque, tartar, and gingivitis.
With a savory bacon flavor and gentle texture, they’re designed to be easy on teeth and gums while providing effective cleaning.
Gazeupon Chicken Wrapped Peanut Butter Sticks – Joint Support
These chicken-wrapped peanut butter sticks provide dental health benefits while including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
With cranberries for fresh breath and easy digestibility, they’re suitable for dogs of all life stages.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
We evaluated 10 different dental treats for dogs, analyzing thousands of customer reviews and testing key factors like plaque reduction, breath freshening, and overall value.
Our scoring system weights real-world performance at 70% (including effectiveness, user feedback, and value) and innovation and differentiation at 30% (covering unique features and competitive advantages).
For example, our top-rated Greenies Teenie Dental Treats scored an exceptional 9.9 for their VOHC approval and proven results, while our budget pick Wonder Bound Peanut Butter Twists earned a very good 8.9 for their affordability and rawhide-free formula.
Scores between 9.0-10.0 indicate exceptional products that deliver outstanding results, while 8.0-8.9 represent very good options with some trade-offs.
We focus on data-driven insights rather than marketing hype, so you can trust these rankings are based on actual performance and user experiences.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Dental Treats for Oral Health
1. Why Dental Health Matters for Dogs
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs, affecting over 80% of pets by age three. Regular dental care can prevent painful conditions like gingivitis, tooth loss, and even systemic infections that can spread to vital organs.
Dental treats provide an easy way to supplement your dog’s oral hygiene routine between brushings and professional cleanings.
2. Key Ingredients to Look For
Look for treats with natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Some beneficial components include breath fresheners like parsley and mint, and ingredients that promote chewing action to scrape away plaque.
Avoid treats with added sugar or fillers that can contribute to dental problems rather than solving them.
3. Size and Breed Considerations
Choosing the right size treat is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Treats that are too small can be swallowed whole, while those too large might be difficult to chew properly.
Most brands offer size guidelines based on your dog’s weight—follow these closely to ensure optimal cleaning and prevent choking hazards.
4. VOHC Approval and What It Means
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal indicates that a product has been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar. While not all effective treats have this certification, it provides extra assurance of efficacy.
Products with VOHC approval have undergone rigorous testing to demonstrate their dental benefits.
5. Texture and Chew Time
The ideal dental treat has a texture that scrubs the tooth surface without being too hard or too soft. Look for treats that encourage prolonged chewing, as this increases cleaning time and effectiveness.
Monitor your dog during chewing to ensure they’re not gulping large pieces, which can be dangerous.
6. Flavor and Palatability
If your dog won’t eat the treat, it won’t provide any dental benefits. Popular flavors like peanut butter, chicken, and bacon tend to be well-received, but every dog has preferences.
Some brands offer variety packs so you can test which flavors your dog enjoys most before committing to a larger purchase.
7. Balancing Price and Value
While budget-friendly options exist, quality often correlates with price when it comes to dental efficacy. Consider cost per treat rather than package price, and weigh this against proven results.
Remember that preventing dental disease can save you money on vet bills in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I give my dog dental treats?
Most veterinarians recommend one dental treat per day as part of your dog’s oral care routine. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, so always factor treats into your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Always follow the specific feeding guidelines on the product packaging for optimal results.
2. Are dental treats safe for all dogs?
While most dogs can enjoy dental treats, they’re generally not recommended for puppies under six months or dogs with certain health conditions. Always supervise your dog during chewing, and choose the appropriate size for your dog’s weight and chewing style.
If your dog has dental issues or swallows treats without chewing, consult your veterinarian first.
3. What's the difference between dental treats and regular chews?
Dental treats are specifically formulated and designed to reduce plaque and tartar through their texture and ingredients, while regular chews primarily provide entertainment or nutrition.
Many dental treats have scientific backing or VOHC approval demonstrating their efficacy, whereas regular chews may not offer proven dental benefits.
4. Can dental treats replace brushing?
No, dental treats should supplement rather than replace regular tooth brushing. While they help reduce plaque between brushings, they don’t clean as thoroughly as brushing with dog-specific toothpaste.
For optimal dental health, combine daily treats with regular brushing and professional cleanings as recommended by your vet.
5. How do I know if a dental treat is working?
Look for visible improvements like whiter teeth, reduced plaque buildup, and fresher breath. Your veterinarian can also assess dental health during check-ups.
It may take several weeks of consistent use to see significant results, so be patient and consistent with treatment.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and research, I’m confident that incorporating the right dental treats into your dog’s routine can make a meaningful difference in their oral health. Whether you choose the proven effectiveness of Greenies, the outstanding value of WHIMZEES, or the budget-friendly Wonder Bound options, the key is consistency and choosing treats appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing style. Remember that dental treats work best as part of a comprehensive oral care plan that includes regular vet check-ups and, when possible, daily brushing. Your dog’s healthy smile is worth the investment!