When it comes to cleaning your dog’s teeth, they may love it or hate it. Some dogs sit nice and still and enjoy having their teeth brushed. Others try to run and hide from it or move around too much to get an effective brushing. For some dogs brushing alone may not be enough to stop plaque build up. Dog teeth cleaning bones and chews can supplement and/or enhance plaque removal from your dog’s teeth.
This post will look at what dog teeth cleaning bones and chews are, how they can benefit your dog, and what to look for when choosing the best kind for your dog.
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Related: Best Dog Dental Spray For Cleaner Teeth, Best Dental Water Additive For Your Pup, Best Dog Toothbrush For A Clean Mouth, Enzymatic Toothpaste For Dogs
What Are Dog Teeth Cleaning Bones And Chews?
Dog teeth cleaning bones and chews are treats you can give to your dog to help clean their teeth and help fight the development of plaque on their teeth without brushing.
How Do Dog Teeth Cleaning Bones And Chews Work?
Teeth cleaning bones and chews work by rubbing up against your dog’s teeth as they chew the treat. Most will have ridges or nubs that stick out, increasing the amount of the treat that comes in contact with your dog’s teeth and gums.
This, along with the simple act of chewing, helps to clean teeth and decrease the amount of plaque and tartar that form on your dog’s teeth.
Who Are Teeth Cleaning Bones And Chews Good For?
All dogs can benefit from having a teeth cleaning treat. They are especially good for:
- Dogs that have anxiety about getting their teeth brushed.
- Pups that are unable to sit still when you are brushing their teeth.
- Those who brushing alone is not enough to help keep the formation of plaque and tartar at bay.
Are Dental Chews For Dogs Better Than Brushing?
Dental chews are a great supplement to teeth brushing, but should not be a substitute for brushing, if possible.
Teeth cleaning bones and chews do a decent job of helping to prevent plaque build up, but physically scrubbing your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush using an enzymatic toothpaste that helps to dissolve plaque and minimize buildup does a better job of cleaning your dog’s teeth and it also helps to freshen their breath as well.
How Often Should Dogs Have Dental Chews?
It is safe to give your dog one dental bone or chew each day. These chews can be high in calories, so you’ll want to limit the amount your dog is eating.
If your dog consumes too many, this may also lead to stomach troubles.
What Should I Avoid With Dog Dental Chews?
If you decide dental bones or chews are good for your dog, avoid those that are too hard for your dog to chew. There should be a slight give to them and some may even bend or break apart.
Be careful not to select bones that could splinter, as this could harm your dog if it is swallowed.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Dental Bone Or Chew?
When looking to get a dental bone or chew, some things to look for include:
Flavor
Choose a flavor your dog will find enticing. Some have mint or cinnamon flavors that your dog may not like.
Brushing Surfaces
Chews should have ridges or nubs that will rub against your dog’s teeth as they chew on it to clean their teeth.
Ingredients
If your dog has any allergies or sensitivities, look for chews with limited ingredients and free of your dog’s allergen.
Firmness
As mentioned above, look for treats that have some give to it. If it is too hard, it may damage your dog’s teeth instead of helping them. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, dental bones that are a little harder than chews may be more beneficial because it may take them more time to chew it. We have given our dog soft dental chews, and she finishes them in less than a minute, defeating the purpose of them.
Best Dog Teeth Cleaning Bones And Chews
Here are 7 teeth cleaning bones and chews that can help to decrease plaque buildup. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Zesty Paws Dental Bones
These teeth cleaning bones are ridged and contain ingredients to help give immune and digestive support.
- Available in various sizes.
- Helps maintain healthy gums.
- Controls plaque and tartar.
- Freshens breath.
- Cinnamon flavor.
- Ridged texture.
- Includes EPIcore pets, DHA, EPA, and inulin to give digestive and immune support.
- Contains calcium.
- Has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for hip, joint, skin and coat health.
- NASC approved .
- Made in the USA.
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
These chews contain added vitamins and minerals and is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
- Available in different varieties.
- Has nubs and ridges that act as toothbrush bristles.
- Contains vitamins and minerals.
- No artificial flavors.
- Freshens breath.
- Decreases tartar build up.
- Maintains healthy gums.
- VOHC approved.
- Made in the USA.
Greenies Dental Treats For Dogs
These teeth cleaning chews promotes fresh breath and is also approved by the VOHC.
- Includes vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
- Texture cleans down to the gumline.
- Fights plaque and tartar.
- VOHC approved.
- Promotes fresh breath.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Merrick Fresh Kisses
These chews have a double brush design for an increased surface area to clean your dog’s teeth.
- Available in different varieties.
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath.
- Grain free.
- Potato free.
- Double brush design.
- Made in the USA.
Nylabone Nutri Dent Treats
These teeth cleaning treats have nubs all around it to clean teeth and has limited ingredients.
- Limited ingredients.
- Cleans teeth.
- Freshens breath.
- Reduces plaque and tartar.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Has a 360 degree design to clean teeth.
- Made in the USA.
Jinx Dental Treats
These treats have limited ingredients and are wheat free.
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath.
- Has deep grooves to clean teeth.
- Limited ingredients.
- Wheat free.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Blue Buffalo Dental Bones
These teeth cleaning dental bones are wheat, corn, and soy free.
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath.
- Wheat free.
- Maintains healthy gums.
- No chicken/poultry by-products.
- Corn and soy free.
- Artificial flavor and preservative free.
- Contains added vitamins and minerals.
- Made in the USA.
Dog teeth cleaning dental bones and chews can help to clean your dog’s teeth and minimize plaque, especially when combined with brushing your dog’s teeth. They are also helpful to use when your are unable to brush your dog’s teeth.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.