Maintaining your dog’s oral health is just as important as regular walks and nutritious meals. Poor dental hygiene in dogs can lead to bad breath, tartar buildup, gum disease, and even more serious health issues affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to support your dog’s dental health is through dental chews.
Dental chews are specially designed treats that help clean teeth, reduce plaque and tartar, and promote healthy gums, all while giving your dog a tasty reward. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right dental chew can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 best dog dental chews that are effective, safe, and loved by dogs of all breeds.
Top 10 Best Dog Dental Chews for Oral Health in 2026
1. Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats
Greenies Originals are widely considered one of the best all‑around dental chews for dogs of various sizes due to their toothbrush‑like texture that mechanically scrapes away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. They have a flexible but firm consistency that’s easy for most dogs to bite into yet effective at reaching down to the gum line.
Available in multiple sizes from Teenie to Large, they’re suitable for small to big breeds and help keep breath fresh between brushings. Because they’re also easily digestible, many pet owners find them a great daily addition to their dog’s oral care routine.
2. Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Dental Chews
Virbac’s VeggieDent chews stand out thanks to their unique Z‑shape and plant‑based formula, which encourages deeper chewing and helps reach hard‑to‑clean teeth surfaces. These chews are VOHC‑approved and designed to not only reduce plaque and tartar but also freshen breath and support healthy digestion thanks to prebiotic content.
Their gluten‑free, meat‑free composition makes them a wonderful option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Plus, they come in several sizes, making them ideal for everything from small pups to larger breeds.
3. Purina DentaLife Dental Chews
Purina’s DentaLife chews are beloved by many pet parents for their porous, chewy texture that effectively scrubs tooth surfaces as your dog gnaws. The unique design increases the chewing surface area so even the back teeth get attention, which can help reduce plaque buildup over time.
These chews are also scientifically shown to help clean dog teeth easily by reduce tartar accumulation and freshen breath, making them a solid daily option. With multiple sizes available, DentaLife can be tailored to suit small, medium, and large dogs alik.
4. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews
OraVet chews go beyond mechanical cleaning, they contain a special ingredient called delmopinol, which forms a protective barrier on teeth to help prevent bacteria from sticking and causing plaque. This unique combination of chemical and physical action makes them ideal for dogs prone to bad breath or existing tartar issues.
Because of their long‑lasting nature, many owners use these chews a few times a week as part of a broader dental care plan. They’re also VOHC‑accepted and frequently recommended by veterinarians for strong oral health support.
5. Whimzees Natural Dental Chews
Whimzees chews are a fantastic choice for pet owners seeking a natural, limited‑ingredient option that still delivers strong dental benefits. These vegetarian treats are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and their fun shapes (like toothbrushes and animals) promote longer chewing sessions. The texture helps combat plaque and tartar while being gentle on digestion, which is great for pups with sensitive stomachs. Whimzees are especially well‑liked by owners who prefer a plant‑based, cleaner ingredient profile.
Also Read: German Shepherd Teeth Problems: Common Issues Every Owner Should Know
6. Pedigree Dentastix Dental Treats
Pedigree Dentastix are an affordable and widely available dental chew featuring an X‑shaped design that gets between teeth and down to the gum line to help reduce plaque and tartar. They also include basic nutrients like folic acid and B vitamins, which support overall wellness in addition to oral care.
While they may not carry the VOHC seal like some other options, many owners appreciate the breath‑freshening benefits and variety of flavors such as chicken or bacon. Their accessibility and multi‑size options make them popular for everyday use.
7. Blue Buffalo Dental Bones
Blue Buffalo Dental Bones combine a texturized surface with wholesome ingredients such as potatoes and pea protein to help scrape away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. These chews avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making them a cleaner ingredient choice for health‑conscious dog owners.
Though they may not be VOHC‑certified, many dog parents still find them effective for regular dental maintenance, especially for dogs that enjoy a bone‑shaped treat. Their varied size range ensures almost all breeds can benefit.
8. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dental Chew
Nylabone Oral Care chews are excellent for aggressive chewers who need a robust treat that lasts longer and helps scrape plaque. Made from durable materials that resist quick breakage, these chews are ideal for heavier jaws that destroy softer treats too fast.
While their hard texture focuses more on reducing tartar through extended chewing rather than enzymatic action, they provide great mechanical cleaning and keep powerful chewers engaged. Just always ensure supervision since very hard chews can be tough on some dog’s teeth.
9. Milk‑Bone Brushing Chews
Milk‑Bone Brushing Chews feature a special twist shape with ridges and nubs designed to mimic brushing action as your dog chews, helping to reduce buildup and freshen breath with every bite. They’re enriched with vitamins and minerals, giving your dog a tasty treat that also supports their overall health.
he texture not only helps dental care but also encourages longer chewing sessions, which increases the cleaning effect. They’re a convenient everyday dental treat for owners focused on routine oral hygiene.
10. Merrick Fresh Kisses Dental Treats
Merrick Fresh Kisses chews are crafted with natural ingredients and flavored to encourage longer chewing sessions, which helps mechanically remove plaque and tartar. These treats are grain‑free and free of artificial additives, making them a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or owners who prefer holistic‑oriented dental care products.
Alongside dental benefits, they help freshen breath and provide a satisfying texture your dog is likely to enjoy. Their overall balanced appeal makes them a strong, everyday dental chew.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
What is an alternative to dental chews?
1. Tooth Brushing
Brushing your dog’s teeth with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste is the most effective way to remove plaque and tartar. Daily brushing is ideal, but even a few times a week helps keep teeth and gums healthy.
2. Dental Water Additives
These are liquids added to your dog’s water that help reduce bacteria, plaque, and bad breath. They work continuously as your dog drinks and are perfect for dogs that don’t like brushing.
3. Dental Sprays or Rinses
Sprays or rinses are applied directly in your dog’s mouth to fight bacteria and freshen breath. They are a quick and easy solution for maintaining oral health, especially for older dogs or those with strong breath.
4. Dental Toys
Rubber, nylon, or rope toys with textured surfaces help mechanically clean teeth while your dog chews and plays. They are great for puppies or active chewers.
5. Professional Dental Cleaning
A veterinarian can clean your dog’s teeth under anesthesia, removing tartar below the gum line. This is the most thorough method and is recommended for dogs with advanced dental issues.
6. Dental Diets
Some dog foods are specially designed with larger, crunchier kibble to reduce plaque as your dog chews. Look for VOHC (Veterinary oral Health Council) approved formulas for best results.
Different Types of Dental Chew for Dog
There are several different categories of dental chews, each working in a unique way to keep your dog’s mouth clean. Understanding these types will help you match the right chew to your dog’s specific health needs and chewing habits.
1. Mechanical/Textured Chews
These are the most common dental treats. They use physical friction to scrape away plaque and food particles as your dog bites down.
- How they work: Features like ridges, grooves, and nubs mimic the action of a toothbrush.
2. Enzymatic Chews
These chews go beyond simple scrubbing by using active enzymes to chemically break down the “biofilm” that allows plaque to stick to teeth.
- How they work: Enzymes like glucose oxidase produce small amounts of natural agents that kill bacteria and break down sticky plaque.
3. Barrier-Forming Chews
A more advanced category, these chews leave behind a protective coating on the teeth even after the chew is finished.
- How they work: Ingredients like Delmopinol form a barrier that makes it harder for new bacteria to attach to the tooth surface.
4. Natural & Long-Lasting Chews
These are single-ingredient or minimally processed items that clean teeth through extended gnawing sessions.
- How they work: The sheer density and hardness of the material provide maximum abrasion.
5. Edible Rawhide Alternatives
While traditional rawhide can be hard to digest, modern alternatives are made from pressed collagen or vegetable starches.
- How they work: They are designed to be highly digestible while maintaining a “leathery” texture that lasts longer than a biscuit.
Conclusion
Maintaining your dog’s oral health is essential for their overall well-being. Dental chews provide an easy and enjoyable way to reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath while keeping your dog engaged and happy. With a variety of options available, from mechanical chews and enzymatic treats to long-lasting and natural alternatives, you can find the perfect match for your dog’s size, age, and chewing habits.
For dogs that are less tolerant of chews, alternatives like brushing, dental sprays, water additives, dental toys, and professional cleanings can also help maintain a healthy mouth. By combining these methods and choosing quality dental chews, you can ensure your dog enjoys strong teeth, healthy gums, and fresher breath, supporting their overall health for years to come.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
