Dog dental work is expensive, so it’s best to stay on top of your dog’s oral hygiene from the get-go to save yourself costly vet bills later. Along with regular brushing, the best dog dental chews are a great way to help keep your pup’s teeth healthy.
Dog dental chews are not a one-to-one replacement for dog toothbrushes, dog toothpastes, or other dog teeth cleaning products, but should instead be thought of as a complement to your pup’s dental routine.
Traits We Want in the Best Dog Dental Chews
VOHC-recommended: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a governing body that tests and certifies the effectiveness of dog dental products. Though not all products on this list are VOHC-recommended, this is a good place to start with your research for the best dog dental chews. VOHC dog dental chews have been tested and approved for use in reducing plaque and/or tartar in dogs.
Size options: The best dog dental chew for your dog will also depend on their size. Dental chews should be appropriate for your dog’s size so as not to become a choking hazard. Look for options that are the right size for your dog. Remember, even if you choose a dental chew appropriate for your dog’s size, always monitor them while they’re chewing.
Palatability: A dental chew can’t help clean your dog’s teeth if they don’t chew on it, so palatability is of the utmost importance. We tested each of the dental chews on this list with a variety of dogs (including picky ones) to see which ones will be the most well-received by your canine pals.
Top Dog Dental Chews
| Product | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WHIMZEES by Wellness Brushzees Dental Chews | $0.25–$2.56 per chew | Whimzees Brushzees feature natural ingredients, are VOHC-approved for both tartar and plaque, and took the longest for our super chewer tester dog to eat. |
| Greenies | $0.29–$1.10 per chew | Available at most pet and grocery stores, Greenies are well-loved by most dogs and come in a wide variety of flavors and sizes. They’re also VOHC-approved for both plaque and tartar, though our tester dogs ate them significantly faster than the Whimzees of similar size. |
| OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews | $1.03–$1.93 per chew | OraVet chews are fantastic for bad breath, as they contain a compound called Delmopinol HCl, which is commonly used to treat plaque and gingivitis in humans, and helps prevent plaque from sticking to your dog’s teeth long term and turning into tartar. |
| Purina Pro Plan Ora Chews | $1.14–$1.67 per chew | This vet-backed dental chew is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or for pups who are watching their weight. They’re low fat and low calorie, so they’re unlikely to upset your pup’s tummy. However, they only come in one size. |
No single dental chew works perfectly for every dog, so consider your pup’s size, chewing style, and any dietary sensitivities when making your choice. Used consistently alongside regular brushing, a good dental chew can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s long-term oral health.
