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True Chews Dog Treats Review 2024: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ
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True Chews Dog Treats Review 2024: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ
Written by: Misty LayneReview Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give True Chews dog treats a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.
True Chews dog treats are part of the Blue Buffalo line (though they werent always) and can be located in most pet stores and online, so you may be familiar with them. The brand offers a fairly good selection of dog treats that feature different kinds of meats as the first ingredient, different textures, and a grain-free option, making them a good choice for most pups. And according to reviews, these treats are definitely dog-approved!
However, there are some downsides to these treatsmostly ingredient relatedthat might make them unsuitable for your pup. Below, youll find all the relevant info you need to make a decision about whether to feed these to your pet or not, including reviews of the best treat recipes, an overview of the good (and less good) ingredients, and more!
At a Glance: The Best True Chews Treats Recipes:
True Chews Dog Treats Reviewed
Though True Chews has been around since 2010, they only became a part of the Blue Buffalo label in 2021. So if you used to give your dog these treats but havent in a while, you might find some things have changed. Two excellent things about these treats are the main ingredients and the fact that ingredients are very limited, which makes them suitable for dogs with allergies.
However, there are also a few ingredients that can be found in certain treats that might have health implications for your pet. Heres what you need to know.
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Who Makes True Chews Dog Treats, and Where Is It Produced?
The True Chews dog treat brand was introduced in 2010 by Tyson Foods but was purchased by General Mills in 2021 (though at the time of purchase, Tyson Foods said it would continue supplying meat for the products). Now True Chews dog treats are packaged under the Blue Buffalo label, which was acquired by General Mills in 2018. Theres little to be found as to where these dog treats are made, but at the time of purchase General Mills also obtained a manufacturing plant in Iowa, so theres a good chance that there is at least one location where True Chews are made.
Which Type of Dog Is True Chews Dog Treats Best Suited For?
Because True Chews dog treats all feature protein from real meat and come in various flavors and styles (chewy, jerky, etc.), they should be suitable for most dogs. The brand even has grain-free treats if your dog requires a grain-free diet, plus they offer alternative protein sources such as duck if your dog is allergic to common proteins found in dog treats. There are also a couple of recipes that contain peas, though, which have been tentatively linked to heart problems in dogs, so you may want to watch for that. But other than the peas, it seems that the only reason it might not be suitable for your pup is if they dont like the taste.
Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?
If youre worried about the effect of peas on the health of your dogs heart, wed suggest going with a dog treat that doesnt contain them, such as Pup-Peroni Original Beef Flavor Dog Treats. If your pup just doesnt like how any of the True Chews dog treats taste, we recommend going with a such as Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
Knowing what goes into your pets food and treats is essential since you want them to remain as healthy as possible. So, heres a closer look at the main ingredients of True Chews dog treatsthe good and the bad.
Real Meat as the Main Ingredient
The best thing about True Chews dog treats is that they use real meat as the first ingredient (and occasionally as the first two ingredients), so these treats are not only high in protein, but the protein comes from a quality source. Protein sources include chicken, beef, steak, duck, pork, and turkey.
Limited Ingredients
The next best thing about these dog treats is that they are incredibly limited in the number of ingredients they contain. Most seem to include eight or fewer ingredients, making them a potentially better option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. That also means they contain no artificial fillers or preservatives.
Potatoes
Heres where the ingredients begin to get a bit questionable. Dogs can eat potatoes, so long as the potatoes are cooked (never feed raw potatoes to your dog!), but its not necessarily healthy. While potatoes do contain vitamins and nutrients a dog needs, they are also a carb-heavy food, which isnt great for dogs with diabetes or those watching their weight. Theres also a chance potatoes fall into the same category as peas when it comes to your dogs heart health (though that link is more tentative than the pea link). So, potatoes arent totally bad for your pup, but they also arent a great regular addition to a dogs diet.
Colored with Paprika
The majority, if not all of True Chews dog treats, appear to be colored with paprika, and, while not toxic to your pet, paprika isnt really dog-friendly. Admittedly, treats being colored with paprika should mean there isnt much there. But if your pup is extremely sensitive to spice, paprika may cause stomach upset.
Contains Peas
As previously stated, a few of the True Chews dog treats (but not all!) contain peas, an ingredient that has been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in canines. If thats a concern for you, you should check the ingredients to ensure youre getting a treat that does not contain peas.
A Quick Look at True Chews Dog Treats
Pros
- Real meat as the first (and sometimes second) ingredient
- High-protein
- Plenty of options to choose from
Cons
- Some treats contain peas
- Contains potatoes, which are iffy
- Colored with paprika, which may upset the stomach of sensitive dogs
Recall History
True Chews dog treats do not seem to have had any recalls in their history.
Reviews of the 3 Best True Chew Dog Treats
Ready to take a closer look at the three best True Chew dog treats to find out more?
1. True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts with Real Chicken Dog Treats
With 25% crude protein and only 58 calories per piece, these treats offer your dog a high-protein snack. And with real chicken raised with no hormones or antibiotics as the first ingredient, that protein comes from a high-quality source. Plus, these treats are soft and chewy, making them an excellent choice for older dogs who have difficulty chewing hard treats and food.
Though the ingredients in these treats are limited, potatoes are the second one listed, and this is a not particularly healthy ingredient to have. These jerky cuts are also colored with paprika, which may upset the stomachs of dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Pros
- High-protein
- Quality protein source
- Soft pieces, so dogs have an easier time eating
Cons
- Contains potatoes, which arent the healthiest
- Paprika may cause upset stomach
2. True Chews Premium Grillers with Real Steak Grain-Free Dog Treats
The True Chews Premium Grillers have just a touch less protein than the treats above, but that protein still comes from an excellent source in the form of 100% beef and sirloin steak sourced in the U.S. They are also chewy, like the jerky cuts, making them easier for dogs to chew. And the package these treats come in is resealable to keep things as fresh as possible. Several pet owners commented that their picky eaters loved these grillers!
Like most True Chews, these dog treats contain potatoes and are colored with paprika, so be aware of the potential health concerns that come with those ingredients. There were also several reports from 2021 that these dog treats were moldy upon arrival; hopefully, that issue has been cleared up by now.
Pros
- High-protein
- Real beef and steak
- Picky eaters seemed to enjoy
Cons
- Has potatoes and paprika, which arent the healthiest
- Some complaints of product being moldy
3. True Chews Premium Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Dog Treats
These chicken pot pie dog treats will definitely offer your pup a unique taste, and with real chicken as the first ingredient, plenty of protein to boot. The chicken pot pie morsels are chewy and soft enough for any dog to chow down on and are only 40 calories per piece, so theyre reasonably low-calorie. Plus, these treats include carrots, which are beneficial for eye health!
On the downside, these treats contain peas and potatoes, both of which have potential links to adverse effects on the health of a dogs heart. They are also colored with paprika, which could cause upset stomachs in dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Pros
- Quality protein source
- Carrots for eye health
- Fairly low-calorie
Cons
- Has peas
- Contains potatoes and paprika
What Other Users Are Saying
Theres really no better way to determine whether a dog treat might be suitable for your pet than by finding out what other dog owners have to say about the product. Here are just a handful of things people have to say about True Chews.
- Chewy: He loves the True Chews. Every one that I have given him he cries for it. I dont get that with other treats I have given him. Yes, he knows the difference. All top quality pieces.
- Petco: Love these treats; my dogs have bad allergies and these treats did not cause any allergic reaction to my Frenchie.
- Amazon: Amazon is a fabulous place to read reviews from others about products youre considering purchasing. You can check out a few about True Chews here.
Conclusion
Overall, we give True Chews dog treats 4 out of 5 stars. While the addition of real meat as the first ingredient and the other ingredients being very limited is a plus, a few ingredients might not be that wonderful for your dog on a regular basis. Both peas and potatoes may be linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in canines, while paprika can cause upset stomachs in dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
If neither of those is of concern, though, you may find these treats to be a hit with your pup (especially if you have a pet with allergies or food sensitivities), as most dogs seem to be big fans!
6 Best Dental Chews for Dogs: Keeping Your Pups Teeth Healthy!
Doggie dental care is one of those things that most owners know is important. But unfortunately, even the most dedicated and well-meaning owners often neglect their dogs dental care needs.
This is unfortunate, as oral hygiene is a critical aspect of dog care.
Our four-footed best friends can and do suffer from many of the same ailments humans fall victim to, including plaque buildup, gum disease and perhaps most obviously, given their predilection for licking their owners faces halitosis, or bad breath.
But there is something that can help: doggie dental chews.
Well share some of the best dog dental chews to make things easier. That way, you can stop having to read ingredient lists and comparing similar products, and get back to important things (like giving your dog good scritches).
- #1 Greenies [Best Overall Dog Dental Chews]: Likely the most popular choice among owners, Greenies are generally beloved by dogs, and they feature a unique bristle section that helps scrape plaque and tartar from all those hard-to-reach areas.
- #2 Bark Bright [Most Convenient Dog Dental Health Solution]: The easiest possible way to keep your dogs teeth in great shape between brushings, Bark Bright is a monthly subscription service that sends a months worth of dental chews and toothpaste right to your door! K9 of Mine Readers can get a free extra dental kit discount just click that link!
- #3 Pedigree Dentastix [Most Affordable Dog Dental Chews]: Designed to reduce tartar and plaque buildup without breaking the bank, these tasty chews are available in several different flavors, so youre sure to find one your doggo loves!
How to Choose Dental Chews for Your Pup
Like most other dog-related products, the relative quality of dental chews varies widely from one product to the next. Accordingly, it is important for owners to carefully consider the various options on the market and make an informed decision.
Fortunately, theres a pretty easy way to separate the very best ones from the rest: Look for dental chews bearing the VOHC Seal of Acceptance.
This is simply a distinction that indicates the chews have been submitted to the Veterinary Oral Hygiene Council (VOHC) for review and testing and subsequently awarded the seal.
The seal does not necessarily indicate that a given chew will be the best one for your specific dog, but it does mean that the product is likely to provide effective reduction of plaque and tartar.
Of course, there are a few other things to keep in mind when picking dental chews for your dog, including:
- Size: You have to pick dental chews that are the right size for your pupper. Fortunately, most good doggie dental chew manufacturers print the recommended size range right on the packaging.
- Ingredients: The vast majority of dog dental chews made by reputable manufacturers only contain ingredients that are generally considered safe. However, some dogs have food allergies or intolerances, so youll want to give the ingredient list a quick skim to make sure the chews dont contain anything thatll cause your pup problems.
- Flavor: Flavor isnt always a big concern some dogs will eat anything that smells vaguely like food. But other pooches are picky, which can leave you with a bag full of dental chews he wont eat. So, always try to pick a flavor that your dog tends to like.
While many different dental chews are available over-the-counter, some are only available from your veterinarian.
While these vet-supplied chews may not be better than those youd buy at the supermarket, your vet is likely to be very familiar with prescription-caliber products, thereby allowing him or her to provide important insight.
6 Best Dog Dental Chews for Maintaining Your Canines Chompers
Now that you understand the importance of dog dental health and know a few of the things to look for, we can move on to our recommendations! No matter what your dog needs in a dental chew, you should be able to find a great option below.
1. Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats
Best Overall Dog Dental Chews
Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats
Incredibly popular among dog owners, these dental treats have earned a VOHC Seal of Acceptance and feature unique bristles.
About: By most measures, GreeniesOriginal Dental Dog Treats stand head-and-shoulders above the dog dental chew crowd. Theyre not only one of the most popular and highly rated dental treats among owners, but they are popular with vets too, as theyve earned the VOHC Seal of Acceptance.
These treats also feature a unique bristle section, which helps them to scrape away plaque and tartar buildup for total tooth protection. Theyre also designed to be easily-digestible, so theyll help promote dental hygiene without upsetting your puppers tummy.
Features:
- Recommended by vets and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
- Manufactured in the United States
- Theyre low in fat, which is important for overweight pups
- They contain added vitamins and minerals for greater nutritional value
- Several sizes are available to suit dogs of different sizes
Ingredients List
Wheat flour, glycerin, wheat gluten, gelatin, water...,
powdered cellulose, lecithin, minerals (dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, selenium, potassium iodide), natural poultry flavor, choline chloride, fruit juice color, vitamins ( dl-alpha tocopherol acetate [source of vitamin E], vitamin B12 supplement, d-calcium pantothenate [vitamin B5], niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement [vitamin B2], vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], folic acid), turmeric color.
Pros
- Per the manufacturer, Greeniesare clinically proven to provide a total oral health solution when offered daily
- Most dogs appear to love the taste and texture of Greenies
- Theyve earned the VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Theyre available in several sizes and package counts
Cons
- Some owners dont like treats containing wheat products
- Theyre relatively pricey
2. Bark Bright Dental Duo
Most Convenient Dog Dental Health Solution
Bark Bright Dental Duo
A two-part kit thats shipped to your home on a monthly basis, these dental chews and toothpaste make dog dental care a breeze.
About: Bark Bright is a dental-care subscription program thatll help you keep your dogs teeth super clean in super convenient fashion. Simply sign up for the program, share a bit of info about your pupper, and wait for the packages to start arriving! No more forgetting to order dental chews all the time!
Each month, youll get a package of dental chews along with a triple-enzymatic dog-safe toothpaste. This double-headed dental-care combo is specifically designed to help reduce plaque and tartar, thereby keeping your canines chompers looking their best.
Best of all, a Bark Bright subscription is pretty affordable it only costs about one dollar a day!
Get Your Discount!!!Dont forget: K9 of Mine readers can get a free extra dental kit discount! Just click on any of the Bark Bright links in this article and follow the instructions!
Features:
- Shipped directly to your front door on a monthly basis
- Comes with dental chews and an easy-to-use dog-friendly toothpaste
- Backed by Bark Brights 30-day, money-back guarantee
- Add some toothpaste to the groove on the dental chew and offer to your pup
Dental chew ingredients:
Ingredients List
Potato Starch, Vegetable Glycerin, Gelatin, Pea Protein, Chicken...,
Water, Potato Flour, Chicken Fat, Cultured Skim Milk, Sunflower Lecithin, Citric Acid (Preservative), Powdered Cellulose, Natural Smoke Flavor, Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Toothpaste ingredients:
Ingredients List
Water, Lactose-Free Skim Milk Powder, Glycerol, Sorbitol, Chicken Powder...,
Microcrystalline Cellulose, Alginate, Citric Acid, Enzymes, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Pros
- The automatic monthly shipments provide unbeatable convenience
- Most dogs go ga-ga over the taste of these chews
- Owners report visible improvements in tooth health over time
Cons
- Unfortunately, these dont bear the VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Chicken may be a problem for dogs with allergies
K9 of Mine contributor Kelsey Leicht had the chance to try out Bark Bright. Check out her thoughts and experiences!
With four dogs at home, I was excited to try these chews with my crew for two weeks since I do a lot of toothbrushing. My pack includes a 13-year-old Chihuahua, a 6-year-old Staffy/pit mix, a 4-year-old Staffy/pit mix, and a 12-week-old Labrador, so I had a mix of chewing styles and needs for testing these kits out.
I received kits containing the large chews, but I broke them in half for testing with two dogs due to their size.
All chews arrived intact, which is impressive since similar products always seem to break in transit.
BARKs top-notch packaging deserves credit here.
Everything was clean, organized, and well-insulated.
Filling the chews with toothpaste is easy and surprisingly mess-free, especially once the toothpaste is refrigerated.
Neither the toothpaste nor chews have a strong smell, which I definitely appreciated. They had a very faint, almost sterile chicken smell.
First up: Batman the Chihuahua
Batman LOVES chews.At 13, he still has all of his teeth, and they remain in good shape.
Upon offering the chew, Batman immediately took the treat and spun around his crate with it in his mouth like a cigar.
Eventually, he settled, though he kept a suspicious eye on me as I tried to snap a photo. He ate his entire half chew in about five minutes, gnawing it between his paws without issue.
He was also a big fan of licking the toothpaste groove like a doggy ice cream cone.
Over the two weeks of use, he didnt experience any stomach upset and continued to eat the chews happily. Thats a big win since his stomach is sensitive.
Its hard to say if his breath improved, as he doesnt normally have super-smelly breath.
Next: Maya the Staffy/Pit Mix
Maya is wary of all new treats, chews, and toys and doesnt like to enjoy them in front of people, so I had to be stealthy in watching her chow down.
Initially, she wouldnt take the chew, but once I placed it in her kennel and walked away, she happily took it in her mouth and ate it like a treat versus a chew.
Compared to Batman, she finished hers in under a minute and immediately looked at me in the doorway like, Thats it?
Over the two weeks, Maya ate the chews without a problem.
Shes prone to stomach sensitivity, but there was no change in her bathroom habits, thankfully.
Out of the four dogs, I would say that I detected the biggest improvement in her breath.
Instead of the classic doggy smell, it became more neutral.
Next: Moxie the Staffy/Pit Mix
Moxie is my packs piglet and will eat anything. 
She was already drooling and ready to feast while I assembled the chews.
She DEVOURED these chews in maybe 20 to 30 seconds, tops.
It made taking a photo difficult, as she shark-chomped the chew from my hand and started chewing.
Out of the four dogs, she made the biggest mess with slobber, so if you have a drooler, definitely offer these in an easy-to-clean area.
No surprise, but Moxie ate these for two weeks without hesitation.
I didnt notice much change in her breath, but she did experience more gas than usual. Its hard to tell if the chews were to blame or her breed, as bully breeds tend to be fart fortresses.
Last: Finn the Labrador
Note: BARK states these chews should be used with your dogs adult teeth, meaning puppies and dogs older than six months should enjoy them, but I couldnt leave Finn out. I asked my vet during a routine vaccination appointment and got the green light.
I used half of a large chew, as I did with Batman.
Finn had typical puppy curiosity before chewing, but he quickly got the hang of gnawing it between his paws by watching Batman.
He enjoyed the flavor and finished each chew in around two to three minutes.
Like the other dogs, Finn continued to gnaw the chews without tummy issues or flavor fatigue.
His breath did seem to get marginally better, too.
My Personal Pros:
These chews were a big hit with my pack and had some noteworthy pluses, including:
- Taste: All four of my dogs really enjoyed these chews. Thats a feat since at least one always seems to dislike a product.
- Ease of use: I prepared and offered all four dogs these chews in less than a minute. It wouldve been even faster had I not kenneled them for chewing.
- Enrichment: I liked that my dogs got to try a fun, new chew with a unique smell and taste. They simply had a great time nomming them.
- Versatility: I rarely can use the same product on all four dogs since theyre so different in size and age, but these chews worked great. They werent too hard for the Chihuahua, yet werent too dainty for the larger dogs to enjoy.
- Lack of tummy issues: Trying new chews always comes with a risk of digestive upset. Im pleased that none of my dogs experienced any belly issues. Moxie had gas, sure, but shes a bully breed, and she may just be gassy on her own.
- Smell: These were mild in scent. They also werent minty, which is a plus because I like something my dogs will enjoy.
My Personal Cons:
I dont have a lot of negatives to say about these chews, but if I had to be picky:
- Longevity: I wish the chews lasted a bit long for my larger dogs. While they werent super fragile, they didnt last as long as some other chews. A thicker design would help here.
- Lack of flavor options: While my pups love chicken, other dogs cant tolerate it or dislike it. A peanut butter, beef, or bacon option would be great.
Would I Recommend Them or Not?
After my experience, I recommend them if youre looking for a quick touch up when you cant brush your pups teeth. These are simple, fuss-free, and reasonably priced. They did as promised and didnt cause any digestive upset. These wouldve been an enormous help when my Peke was still around, as he REFUSED to let me brush his teeth entirely.
Try Bark Bright for yourself (and earn a free extra dental kit discount)!
3. Pedigree Dentastix Large Dog Treats
Most Affordable Dog Dental Chews
Pedigree Dentastix Dog Dental Treats
Super affordable dental treats that are also a bit chewier than other options and shaped like an X to make them easy to grip.
About: Dental chews can certainly be a bit pricey, but if you need a budget-friendly way to protect your puppers teeth, Pedigree Dentastix may be just what you need.
Designed to reduce plaque and tartar build up while keeping your dogs breath smelling good, these dental chews are shaped like an X to make them easy for your doggo to grip.
Unlike most other dental treats, Pedigree Dentastix Chews are not especially hard they have a somewhat chewy texture. This may make them especially well-suited for dogs who already have dental issues, as well as those who just prefer softer treats.
Features:
- Constructed in a patented X shape to allow your pup to get the best possible grip
- Made with a chicken flavor and meaty smell dogs love
- Wheat- and rice-based recipe, with no soy
- Available in several flavors, including Original, Bacon, Beef, and Fresh
Ingredients List
Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Glycerin, Gelatin, Gum Arabic...,
Calcium Carbonate, Natural Poultry Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Iodized Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate [Source of Vitamin C], d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Folic Acid, Alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source of Vitamin E]), Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative), Smoke Flavor, Zinc Sulfate, Green Tea Extract, Turmeric, Iron Oxide Color, Copper Sulfate.
Pros
- Per the manufacturer, these are clinically proven to reduce tarter and plaque buildup
- Pretty affordable
- We love the variety of flavors these come in
Cons
- These treats do not have the VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Not all dogs will appreciate the chewy texture
4. Blue Buffalo Dental Chews for Dogs
Best Dog Dental Chews for Sensitive Pups
Blue Buffalo Dental Chews for Dogs
Made without wheat, soy, corn, or poultry by-products, these dental chews will protect your pets teeth without triggering allergies.
About: Got a sensitive pooch at home? Do you find yourself scanning the ingredient lists of treats, food, and chews to ensure they wont upset your pups stomach or leave him itchy? Well, you may want to try Blue Buffalo Dental Chews.
Made without many of the ingredients that give dogs problems, these dental chews will help ensure your dogs teeth stay clean (and breath fresh) without making him miserable. Theyre also made in the USA and feature carrots, blueberries, and parsley for antioxidant awesomeness.
Features:
- Made without corn, wheat, soybeans, or poultry by-product meal
- Theyre made in the USA
- They come in sizes for large adult dogs, small adult dogs, and puppies
- Made without artificial colors or flavors
Ingredients List
Potatoes, Powdered Cellulose, Vegetable Glycerin, Water, Gelatin...,
Pea Protein, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Oat Hulls, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed, Carrot, Calcium Carbonate, Dehydrated Beets (Added For Color), Zinc Propionate, Blueberries, Parsley, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Preserved With Citric Acid and Mixed Tocopherols, Oil of Rosemary.
Pros
- Most dogs appear to really love the taste of these chews including dogs whore typically picky
- The lack of common allergens is huge for dogs with sensitivities
- These are pretty affordable dental chews
Cons
- We wish they came in multiple flavors
- Unfortunately, these dont bear the VOHC Seal of Acceptance
5. Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Dental Chews
Best Plant-Based Dog Dental Chews
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Dental Chews
Plant-based dental chews that are great for keeping your dogs teeth clean, even if hes allergic to common animal proteins.
About: Most dog owners are keen to provide their pet with as much animal protein as is humanly possible, but some dogs have so many allergic triggers that it is just easier to go with plant-based products (at least as far as treats and dental chews are concerned not your dogs primary food).
If your dog is in that camp, you may want to check out Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Dental Chews. Based on a corn-, rice- and soy-based recipe, these chews are designed to keep your dogs teeth clean (and breath fresh) through their natural chewing behaviors.
Features:
- Designed to reduce plaque, freshen breath and help remove tartar from the teeth
- Made in the shape of a Z for easy handling
- No animal protein or wheat gluten for dogs with sensitive systems
- Contains no artificial colors or flavors
- Available in 4 versions for dogs of different sizes
Ingredients List
Corn Starch, Glycerin, Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Brewers Dried Yeast,...,
Sorbitol, Ground Corn Cob, Erythritol, Potassium Sorbate, Water, Inulin, Pomegranate.
Pros
- Owners loved the value they provide many found half a chew was sufficient
- Dogs appear to love the taste of these
- Plant-based recipe may be helpful for dogs with allergies to common proteins
Cons
- These are made in Vietnam, which gives some owners pause
- The prices of these chews fluctuates pretty significantly
6. Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
Best-Tasting Dog Dental Chews
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
Super tasty, US-made, vitamin-packed dental chews that have earned the coveted VOHC Seal of Acceptance.
About: Milk-Bone Brushing Chews are chicken-flavored oral health treats designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, as well as freshen your dogs breath. Made with rice instead of soy and fortified with vitamins and minerals, these are great for supporting your dogs overall health.
But the big appeal of these dental treats is their taste. Simply put, doggos usually love them, which makes them an especially awesome choice for those with picky pooches.
Features:
- Theyve earned the Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
- The recipe contains 16 essential vitamins and minerals
- Made in the USA
- Tooth-cleaning nubs included to help scrape plaque and tartar away
Ingredients List
Brewers Rice, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken By-product Meal, Propylene Glycol, Dried Skim Milk...,
Modified Food Starch, Dextrin, Water, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Bone Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Gelatin, Animal Digest, Potassium Sorbate (Used As A Preservative), Phosphoric Acid, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate,
Pros
- Owners rave about how much their dogs love the taste of these dental chews
- Theyve been awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- The little nubs are great for cleaning plaque and tartar
Cons
- Chicken by-product meal is included something some pet parents like to avoid
- Theyre a bit pricey
The Importance of Dental Hygiene for Dogs
Unfortunately, not all dog owners take care of their canines chompers.
Some are simply unaware that dogs require oral hygiene care to protect their teeth and remain healthy, but others deliberately abstain from the practice, often citing the absence of tooth-brushing behaviors among wild animals, including wolves, coyotes, and other canines.
If wolves and other wildanimals dont have to brush their teeth, the thinking goes, why should your dog?
After all, your dog isnt hunting elk and stripping the flesh from carcasses with his teeth he probably eats kibble or a wet food.
It is true that wild dogs and the wolf-ancestors of our modern, domestic pets do not employ oral hygiene measures in the wild; but it is also true that many of these canines lose or break their teeth because they do not brush their chompers.
This can lead to pain, inappetence and, potentially, starvation.
Additionally, it is important to realize that our domestic pets live much longer lives than their wild-roaming counterparts do.
Whereas the average wolf only lives for 4 or 5 years, dogs often live for a decade or more. This elongated lifespan means that your dogs teeth may need to last 2xor 3xas long as those of wild canids.
Accordingly, your dogs teeth demand proper care and attention.
Oral Health Basics: Brush Those Teeth!
Dental chews are a great component of your dogs dental-care routine, but theyre just that a component. Youll still need to brush your dogs teeth regularly and have your vet perform regular cleanings.
Brushing your dogs teeth is pretty simple once you get the hang of it and get into a regular groove. But while some dogs seem to enjoy it (most dog toothpastes are flavored with chicken or other dog-tastic ingredients), others absolutely hate having their teeth brushed.
Some normally placid pups may even nip at their owners hands during the procedure! So, be sure to start brushing your dogs teeth early in life so hell get used to the practice and start to take it in stride.
Potential Risks of Dog Dental Chews
While dental chews are commonly used by pet parents, some owners and veterinarians question their safety.
While many dogs consume dental chews without suffering any ill effects, some dogs have suffered health problems associated with the use of teeth-cleaning treats. In a handful of cases, these results have proven fatal.
But dont worry: These types of cases are almost always linked to a few key issues. To help avoid them, heed the advice below:
Look For US-Made Treats to Avoid Potentially Dangerous Ingredients
Some of the health problems associated with dental chews are similar to those that occasionally occur with other pet foods and treats: They may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. This occurred on a frighteningly large scale in 2007, when more than 300 dogs and cats died from eating tainted food.
Similar, if less widespread, reports have emerged, which blame ingredients in various dental chews for causing illness or death. However, the cause of many such problems has yet to be determined, and it is not yet clear that tainted dental chews are to blame.
Regardless of whether these fears are well-founded or not, it makes sense to limit these types of risks. One way that dog owners can do so is by purchasing products made exclusively in North America, where quality-control and oversight are stricter than in some Asian markets.
Still, even many US-made products source ingredients from Asia, so keep a keen eye on brand labeling and do your research to find products that use ingredients exclusively from North America.
Monitor Your Mutt and Select the Right Size Chew to Avoid Choking and Obstructions
The other potential source of harm occasionally associated with dental chews (and other edible treats) relates to choking, intestinal obstructions, and the associated trauma.
Sometimes this occurs when dogs swallow an excessively large piece, but it also occurs when they simply consume a significant quantity of a dental chew.
In either case, the swallowed portion may fail to breakdown quickly. This can block the contents of your dogs digestive tract from progressing as they should, which can lead to a host of serious health problems.
Intestinal blockages represent a medical emergency, and it is imperative to bring your dog to the veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately if you suspect a blockage.
To help avoid intestinal obstructions, select the proper size chew for your pooch and try to ensure your dog chews the treat thoroughly.
This is not always easy with dogs that gulp their food down you may have to offer such dogs the treats after breaking them into small pieces. Alternatively, it may be better to hold the chew in your hand and let your dog nibble at the other end.
It is also wise to select a dental chew comprised of easily digested ingredients, such as rice. Such items are less likely to bind up in your pups intestines and are easier on your dogs stomach.
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Dog Dental Chew FAQs
What dog dental chew cleans best?
Any doggie dental chew with appropriate ingredients that are made in the USA should do a great job at keeping your dogs breath fresh. To find a dental chew that also cleans your dogs teeth, look for chews with ridges, bumps, and grooves that will help scrape plaque away from your dogs teeth.
How often can I give my dog a dental chew?
Each manufacturer will provide directions for how often you can give a dog a dental chew. On average, you can usually safely give your dog one dental chew each day. More than one a day may upset your dogs stomach.
Can I give my dog a dental chew instead of brushing their teeth?
No, you should still brush your dogs teeth, regardless of whether or not you feed them dental chews. Dental chews can help keep your dogs breath fresh and can help keep teeth cleaner between brushings, but regular teeth brushing is still essential for good canine oral health!
Dental chews wont completely eliminate the need to brush your dogs teeth or have your veterinarian perform regular cleanings.
But giving your dog dental chews on a regular basis will help keep your dogs teeth cleaner, gums healthier, and breath fresher. Itll also help prevent serious problems from developing over time.
As you can see, most of the leading dental chews for dogs have been well-received by both dogs and their owners, and it is difficult to recognize any particular product as superior to the others. Each possesses its own set of strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to consider your pets preferences and unique needs before making your selection.
Wed love to hear your experiences both good and bad with various dental chews. Have you encountered a winner we missed, or have you experienced problems with any of the ones we mentioned? Let us know on in the comment section below!
