Does your dog’s breath sometimes make you do a double-take? You are not alone! Many dog owners worry about their furry friend’s dental health. Bad breath often signals plaque buildup, which can lead to serious gum problems down the road. Keeping those pearly whites clean feels like a constant battle, right?
Choosing the best natural dental chew adds another layer of confusion. The shelves are packed with products claiming amazing results, but how do you know which ones truly work and are safe for your pup? You want something effective, made with wholesome ingredients, and something your dog actually enjoys crunching.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down what makes a natural dental chew great. You will learn to spot the best ingredients and avoid the fillers. By the end, you will feel confident picking the perfect chew to keep your dog’s smile bright and their breath fresh.
Top Natural Dog Dental Chews Recommendations
- Every Brushy Stick dental bar is made with limited and simple ingredients like: nutty coconut and crisp mint to support your doggy’s overall dental health and extra fresh breath. (Don’t worry - no artificial ‘flavorings’ or fillers here.) Oh, and bristle-shaped for extra cleaning, too!
- Available in 3 sizes - for the safest treat time, it is important to choose the right size dental bar based your dog's weight: Small (5 - 25lbs), Medium (25 - 50 lbs), Large (50+ lbs)
- Proudly Baked in the USA: We start each recipe with the highest quality (tastiest!) ingredients, sourced in the USA local to our bakeries.
- Our Promise: Wheat, corn, and soy-free recipes - and never, ever any artificial ingredients or preservatives. We keep our ingredient lists short, our batches small, and our ovens toasty.
- Our Story: Bocce’s was started in a tiny NYC kitchen with a mixer, an oven and a scruffy mutt named Bocce, with the belief that our furry friends (pups and kitty cats, too!) deserve better. Better food with fresher, simpler, all-natural ingredients.
- Doggy Dental Sticks: Help keep your pup’s pearly whites clean and their breath fresh with these Shameless Pets The Tooth Berry Dental Sticks. We made our dental treats with ridges in order to deep clean teeth, and we’ve added key upcycled ingredients to support your pup’s total health. Includes one bag of 32 sticks, so you have enough to keep those pearly whites clean all month long.
- Whole Ingredients: These yummy treats are made with real blueberry and mint. Free from grain, corn, and soy while still loaded with wholesome ingredients. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds can enjoy!
- Immune Support: Each Shameless Pets treat is crafted with a specific health benefit in mind, so your pets can get the nutrition they need, even from treat time. These dental sticks are packed with antioxidants to support your pup’s immune system.
- Upcycled With Care: We work with farmers to rescue their imperfect fruits and vegetables that have all the same healthy nutrients. This means every bag of our treats decreases food waste while saving valuable resources.
- Proudly Made in the USA: All of our creative, delicious pet treats are made here in the USA by nutritionists using the finest ingredients and sustainable practices, such as wind and solar powered manufacturing and bags with 25% PCR material. Plus, there’s a health benefit for every flavor – because after all, a healthy pet is a happy pet!
- Doggy Dental Sticks: Help keep your pup’s pearly whites clean and their breath fresh with these Shameless Pets The Tooth Berry Dental Sticks. We made our dental treats with ridges in order to deep clean teeth, and we’ve add key upcycled ingredients to support your pup’s total health. Includes one bag of 8 sticks.
- Whole Ingredients: These yummy treats are made with real blueberry and mint. Free from grain, corn, and soy while still loaded with wholesome, locally-sourced ingredients. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds can enjoy!
- Immune Support: Each Shameless Pets treat is crafted with a specific health benefit in mind, so your pets can get the nutrition they need, even from treat time. These dental sticks are packed with antioxidants to support your pup’s immune system.
- Upcycled With Care: We work with farmers to rescue their imperfect fruits and vegetables that have all the same healthy nutrients. This means every bag of our treats decreases food waste while saving valuable resources.
- Proudly Made in the USA: All of our creative, delicious pet treats are made here in the USA by nutritionists using the finest, locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Plus, there’s a health benefit for every flavor – because after all, a healthy pet is a happy pet!
- 4-in-1 DENTAL DOG CHEW: Contains (1) 12 oz bag of Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste for Small Breed dogs. Designed to help fight plaque and tartar with a unique texture and ridges to clean along the gumline. Chewing level is medium to hard.
- HELPS FIGHT PLAQUE AND TARTAR: Our unique textured dental chew helps reduce plaque and tartar with a chewy toothpaste center that helps polish teeth. Daily chewing and aromatic spices help freshen breath.
- BRUSH UP TO TWO TIMES A DAY: For best results, we recommend a tooth-brushing regimen of up to two Brushless Toothpaste dental chews per day. For even longer lasting effectiveness, try combining with Ark Naturals Brushless Plaque Zapper.
- DENTAL CARE FOR SMALL BREED DOGS: Your dog will think it's a treat! Our dental chew is specifically formulated for small breed dogs, 12 weeks and older, between the weight of 8-20 pounds.
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED IN THE USA: Our recipe is formulated to provide the most effective results. We never use corn, soy, wheat, or artificial ingredients.
- AMERICAN MADE: Responsibly sourced from trusted suppliers and manufactured in the USA
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: Crafted to provide essential nutrients in a vegan formulation using Chickpeas and agar
- FRESH BREATH: Contains fresh mint and apple pomace which help freshen doggy breath
- CLEAN TEETH: Fights against tartar and plaque with uniquely designed star-shaped ridges
- ECO-FRIENDLY: Produced in an SQF certified facility that is fully powered by solar and packaged in a 100% recyclable 9.70oz (20ct) bag
- Doggy Dental Treats: Help keep your pup’s pearly whites clean and their breath fresh with this Shameless Pets Dental Stick Variety Pack. We made our dental treats with ridges in order to deep clean teeth, and we’ve added key upcycled ingredients to support your pup’s total health. Includes four bags with 8 sticks each in the flavors The Tooth Berry, Carrate Chomp, A Cluck a Day, and Banana Bone-anza.
- Whole Ingredients: These yummy treats are free from grain, corn, and soy while still loaded with wholesome, locally-sourced ingredients like chicken, banana, and carrots. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds can enjoy!
- Health Benefit for Every Flavor: Each Shameless Pets treat is crafted with a specific health benefit in mind, so your pets can get the nutrition they need, even from treat time. This variety pack tackles immune system, skin & coat, digestive, and hip & joint support.
- Upcycled With Care: We work with farmers to rescue their imperfect fruits and vegetables that have all the same healthy nutrients. This means every bag of our treats decreases food waste while saving valuable resources.
- Proudly Made in the USA: All of our creative, delicious pet treats are made here in the USA by nutritionists using the finest, locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Plus, there’s a health benefit for every flavor – because after all, a healthy pet is a happy pet!
- FUNCTIONAL TREATING: 50 unique ridges and grooves promote healthy teeth and gums by eliminating plaque and tartar buildup with chewing
- FRESHENS BREATH: Spearmint flavor naturally freshens breath for a cleaner, happier mouth
- BETTER-FOR-YOU TREAT: BLUE understands the impact of canine dental health as well as the importance of natural, tasty ingredients
- FIND THE RIGHT SIZE: Available in small, medium, and large sizes to suit your dog — see weight guide to find the perfect size
- Contains One 11.3-oz bag of BLUE Dental Chews Natural Dog Treats, Chicken & Spearmint, Small
- 4-in-1 DENTAL DOG CHEW: Contains (1) 18 oz bag of Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste for Large Breed dogs. Designed to help fight plaque and tartar with a unique texture and ridges to clean along the gumline. Chewing level is medium to hard.
- HELPS FIGHT PLAQUE AND TARTAR: Our unique textured dental chew helps reduce plaque and tartar with a chewy toothpaste center that helps polish teeth. Daily chewing and aromatic spices help freshen breath.
- BRUSH UP TO TWO TIMES A DAY: For best results, we recommend a tooth-brushing regimen of up to two Brushless Toothpaste dental chews per day. For even longer lasting effectiveness, try combining with Ark Naturals Brushless Plaque Zapper.
- DENTAL CARE FOR LARGE BREED DOGS: Your dog will think it's a treat! Our dental chew is specifically formulated for large breed dogs, 12 weeks and older, between the weight of 40 - 80 pounds.
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED IN THE USA: Our recipe is formulated to provide the most effective results. We never use corn, soy, wheat, or artificial ingredients.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Natural Dog Dental Chews
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is super important for their overall health. Dental chews are a great way to help fight bad breath and plaque buildup. But with so many options, how do you choose the best natural dental chew for your furry friend? This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for chews that offer real benefits. A good dental chew does more than just taste good.
- Plaque Removal Shape: The best chews have grooves, ridges, or a unique shape. These shapes help scrub the tooth surface as your dog chews.
- Digestibility: The chew should break down easily in your dog’s stomach. Hard, non-digestible chews can cause choking or tummy trouble.
- Fresh Breath Ingredients: Look for natural breath fresheners like parsley or mint added to the formula.
- Veterinarian Approval: Many vets recommend chews that meet specific standards for effectiveness.
Important Materials in Natural Chews
The ingredients list tells the whole story. “Natural” means avoiding artificial junk.
Good Ingredients to See:
- Natural Fibers: Ingredients like alfalfa, sweet potato, or rice flour provide the necessary texture for scrubbing action.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Ingredients like peas or chickpeas offer good structure without heavy animal fats.
- Beneficial Additives: Look for things like coconut oil (for skin and coat health) or probiotics (for gut health) included alongside the cleaning agents.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all natural chews are created equal. Some features boost the quality, while others signal lower quality.
Quality Boosters:
- VOHC Seal: If a chew has the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, it means scientific studies prove it reduces plaque or tartar. This is the gold standard.
- Limited, Recognizable Ingredients: Fewer ingredients, especially those you can pronounce, usually mean a purer product.
- Slow-Drying Process: Chews made with slower, lower-heat processes often maintain more of their natural nutrients.
Quality Reducers:
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: If the chew is bright green or unnaturally colored, it is not truly natural.
- High Levels of Fillers: Too much corn or soy can reduce the cleaning power and may not be ideal for all dogs.
- Extreme Hardness: If the chew is rock-hard, it might damage your dog’s gums or break their teeth. Always choose a texture that yields slightly under pressure.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the chew affects its value. Think about your dog’s chewing style and your schedule.
When to Use Dental Chews:
- Daily Routine: Many owners give one chew daily, usually after the last meal, to freshen breath overnight.
- As a Reward: Use the chew as a healthy, long-lasting reward instead of a high-calorie treat.
- Post-Meal Habit: Chewing right after eating helps remove food particles before they harden into plaque.
For dogs that destroy treats quickly, look for chews labeled as “long-lasting.” For picky eaters, choose chews with strong, appealing natural flavors like peanut butter or chicken meal.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Dog Dental Chews
Q: How often should I give my dog a dental chew?
A: Most manufacturers recommend giving one chew per day for the best results in plaque control.
Q: Are natural chews as effective as brushing?
A: No. Brushing is always the best way to clean teeth. Dental chews help significantly, but they are a supplement to brushing, not a replacement.
Q: What does VOHC approval actually mean?
A: VOHC approval means the product successfully passed clinical trials showing it reduces plaque or tartar in dogs.
Q: Can small dogs use the same chews as large dogs?
A: No. Always choose the size appropriate for your dog’s weight. A chew that is too big is a choking hazard; one too small will be swallowed too fast to clean effectively.
Q: What should I do if my dog refuses to eat the chew?
A: Try offering it at a different time of day, or check if the flavor is appealing. Some dogs prefer softer textures.
Q: Are grain-free dental chews always better?
A: Grain-free is necessary only if your dog has a known grain allergy. For most dogs, quality whole grains are fine, but look for limited ingredients regardless of grain content.
Q: How long should the chew last?
A: A good dental chew should take at least five to ten minutes for an average chewer to consume. If it’s gone in seconds, it won’t clean well.
Q: Do these chews have rawhide?
A: High-quality natural chews usually avoid rawhide. Check the ingredient list carefully if you want to avoid it completely.
Q: Can puppies use dental chews?
A: Puppies should wait until they are fully transitioned to solid food, usually around six months old. Check with your vet first, as very young puppies need softer textures.
Q: What if my dog gets an upset stomach after a chew?
A: Stop giving the chew immediately. Your dog might be sensitive to a specific ingredient, like a certain fiber or protein source.