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A good dental chew can help reduce plaque or tartar, but it is not a substitute for brushing or veterinary dental care. The most useful starting point is the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance: it indicates that a specific product has demonstrated the plaque or tartar claim listed for it.
These eight chews are VOHC-listed options. Choose the exact product and size shown on the package, supervise your dog while chewing, and count the calories as part of the daily diet.
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The 8 best dental chews for dogs
| Dental chew | VOHC claim | Best for | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREENIES Original Dental Treats | Plaque and tartar | Best overall | Four weight-specific sizes and a one-per-day feeding direction |
| OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews | Tartar | Breath-conscious owners | Check the current package for the correct weight range |
| Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care | Tartar | A size-specific choice | 25 to 100 calories per chew, depending on size; see Purina’s current package directions |
| WHIMZEES BRUSHZEES | Plaque and tartar | A plant-based-style alternative | The VOHC listing applies specifically to BRUSHZEES |
| C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT FR3SH | Plaque and tartar | Meat-free chewing | Plant-based and free of animal-derived ingredients, but contains grain proteins |
| Milk-Bone Brushing Chews | Tartar | A widely available budget option | Look for the exact VOHC-listed Brushing Chews product |
| PEDIGREE Dentastix Advanced | Plaque and tartar | Dogs that prefer stick-shaped treats | Do not assume every Dentastix variety has the same acceptance |
| Blue Buffalo Dental Chews | Tartar | A newer VOHC-listed option | VOHC lists a 2025 seal award; package details vary by product |
1. GREENIES Original Dental Treats — best overall
GREENIES Original Dental Treats are a practical all-rounder because the product is VOHC-listed for both plaque and tartar and comes in several dog-size ranges. The VOHC listing and Greenies’ product directions give these sizes: Teenie for 5–15 lb, Petite for 15–25 lb, Regular for 25–50 lb, and Large for 50–100 lb.
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Greenies recommends one treat daily, fresh water, and supervision during chewing. The manufacturer lists 86 calories for a Regular chew; the calorie count changes with size, so include it in your dog’s daily allowance. Do not give adult GREENIES treats to puppies under 6 months or dogs weighing less than 5 lb.
#1 Best Overall
- Greenies Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental dog chews that clean teeth and freshen dog breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies regular size dogs teeth cleaning treats into your daily dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: These Greenies dental treats for dogs offer clinically proven dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend's oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for dogs (25 - 50 lbs.), Greenies dental treat for dogs have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
2. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews — best for breath control
OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews are VOHC-listed for tartar control and are a sensible option when breath is a major concern. The chew is designed to combine the physical action of chewing with ingredients intended to help reduce odor.
Size names, weight ranges, and package formats can differ by market. Use the current package directions rather than relying on a size recommendation found in an older review or online listing. The VOHC seal supports the listed tartar claim; it does not mean the chew treats gum infection or disease below the gumline.
3. Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care — best size-specific option
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care is VOHC-listed for tartar and offers differentiated size options. Purina’s current U.S. range includes Mini for dogs under 30 lb, Small/Medium for 30–75 lb, and Large for dogs 40 lb and over. Because those ranges overlap, follow the package directions for your dog’s exact weight.
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4. WHIMZEES BRUSHZEES — best plant-based-style alternative
WHIMZEES BRUSHZEES are listed by VOHC for both plaque and tartar. Their textured, ridged design gives dogs a surface to work against as they chew, making them appealing to owners looking for a non-meat-style dental treat.
Do not extend the VOHC claim to every product in the WHIMZEES range. The accepted product is specifically BRUSHZEES. Select the size by your dog’s weight and check the current packaging for calories and feeding instructions, since these details vary by size.
Rank #2
- Greenies Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental dog chews that clean teeth and freshen dog breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies regular size dogs teeth cleaning treats into your daily dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: These Greenies dental treats for dogs offer clinically proven dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend's oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for dogs (25 - 50 lbs.), Greenies dental treat for dogs have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
5. C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT FR3SH — best meat-free option
C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT FR3SH Chews are plant-based, free of animal-derived ingredients, and VOHC-listed for plaque and tartar. Virbac’s current U.S. size ranges are Extra Small for dogs under 11 lb, Small for 11–22 lb, Medium for 22–66 lb, and Large for dogs over 66 lb.
Virbac generally recommends one chew daily. Its listed approximate calorie counts are 24 for Extra Small, 48 for Small, 75 for Medium, and 105 for Large. “Meat-free” does not mean grain-free: the chews contain grain proteins, so check the ingredient list if your dog has a diagnosed dietary allergy.
6. Milk-Bone Brushing Chews — best budget-oriented choice
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews are a familiar, commonly available option and are listed by VOHC for tartar control. They may suit owners who want a dental treat that is easy to find in ordinary pet stores and supermarkets.
Check the label carefully. The VOHC listing applies to Milk-Bone Brushing Chews for Dogs, Daily Dental Treat; it does not automatically cover every Milk-Bone dental product, flavor, or format. Use the current package for the correct size, daily amount, and calorie information.
7. PEDIGREE Dentastix Advanced — best stick-shaped chew
PEDIGREE Dentastix Advanced is VOHC-listed for both plaque and tartar. Its familiar stick shape can be a good fit for dogs that prefer flexible, elongated treats rather than brush-shaped or tablet-like chews.
Confirm that the package says Dentastix Advanced and matches the market in which the VOHC listing applies. The acceptance should not automatically be applied to every Dentastix variety: the VOHC database lists different Dentastix products separately, including products sold in other markets.
Rank #3
- Greenies Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental dog chews that clean teeth and freshen dog breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies petite size dogs teeth cleaning treats into your daily dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: These Greenies dental treats for dogs offer clinically proven dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend's oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for small breed dogs (15-25 lbs.), Greenies dental treat for dogs have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
8. Blue Buffalo Dental Chews — best newer VOHC-listed option
Blue Buffalo Dental Chews are listed by VOHC for tartar control, with a seal award date of 2025. That makes them a newer option for owners who want to try a product with a current, specific VOHC listing.
The VOHC entry does not supply complete size, calorie, or feeding information. Take those details from the current Blue Buffalo package or product label rather than borrowing them from another Blue Buffalo treat. As with the other choices, the seal supports the listed tartar claim—not a promise to prevent or cure periodontal disease.
How dental chews work
Most dental chews work mainly through mechanical abrasion. As the dog bites and moves the chew around, some surfaces rub against the teeth and may remove part of the plaque accumulating there. Some products also use ingredients intended to support tartar or breath claims.
Chewing does not clean every tooth surface equally. It is especially unlikely to address disease hidden below the gumline. AAHA identifies daily toothbrushing as the most effective at-home method for reducing plaque, while a VOHC-accepted chew is best viewed as an adjunct or a practical partial alternative for dogs that will not tolerate brushing.
How to choose the right dental chew
- Start with the exact VOHC listing. Brand recognition is not enough. A seal may apply to one product line or formulation and not to every dental treat made by that company.
- Match the weight range. Choose by your dog’s current body weight, not breed, age alone, or how powerful the dog’s jaw appears.
- Compare calories. A daily chew can add 25, 63, 86, 100, or more calories depending on the product and size. The manufacturers’ directions say to count treats in the daily allowance; treats generally should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
- Consider chewing style. A dog that gulps treats needs closer supervision and may not be a good candidate for a particular chew. Replace a product if your dog starts breaking it into large chunks.
- Check ingredients and restrictions. A meat-free chew may still contain grains, and some products are intended only for adult dogs or specific weight ranges.
Dental chew safety
Supervise every chew session. A swallowed large piece can cause choking or an intestinal obstruction. Store the chews securely, since a dog that gets into an entire bag can consume an unsafe quantity. The FDA advises keeping pet treats stored securely; stop using a product and contact your veterinarian if your dog becomes ill after eating it.
Avoid extremely hard objects such as antlers, rocks, animal bones, and hard synthetic bones. “Harder” does not mean more effective: objects that do not bend or break easily can fracture teeth, as AAHA’s dental care guidance warns.
Rank #4
- Greenies Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental dog chews that clean teeth and freshen dog breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies teenie size dogs teeth cleaning treats into your daily dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: These Greenies dental treats for dogs offer clinically proven dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend's oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for small breed dogs (5-15 lbs.), Greenies dental treat for dogs have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
Ask your veterinarian before offering dental chews to a dog with broken teeth, severe periodontal disease, oral pain, swallowing trouble, or a history of intestinal obstruction. Red or bleeding gums, facial swelling, excessive drooling, dropping food, difficulty eating, and pronounced bad breath warrant an examination rather than a harder chew.
When a chew is not enough
Dental chews cannot remove established calculus below the gumline. A veterinary dental procedure may involve anesthesia, a complete oral examination, probing, scaling, polishing, dental radiographs, and extractions where necessary. Anesthesia-free cleaning cannot provide the same examination or treatment below the gumline, according to AAHA.
Also, fresher breath is not proof of healthy teeth. Odor may improve temporarily while infection or periodontal disease remains hidden. Never use human toothpaste or dental products for a dog; some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, as the FDA explains.
FAQ
Do dental chews replace brushing a dog’s teeth?
No. Daily brushing is the most effective at-home way to reduce plaque, according to AAHA. A VOHC-accepted chew can provide partial plaque or tartar control, especially for a dog that will not tolerate brushing, but it does not clean every surface or replace veterinary dental care.
What does the VOHC Seal of Acceptance mean?
It means the specific product has demonstrated the plaque, tartar, or both claims shown in the VOHC listing. It does not mean the chew treats established periodontal disease, cleans below the gumline, or prevents every dental problem.
Are hard bones or antlers good dental chews?
No. Very hard items such as antlers, rocks, animal bones, and hard synthetic bones can fracture teeth, according to AAHA. Choose a product made for your dog’s weight, supervise chewing, and replace it if your dog begins swallowing large pieces.
How often should a dog get a dental chew?
Follow the current product label. Many of the options listed here are designed for one chew daily, but size, age, calories, and product directions differ. Include the chew in the daily calorie allowance and keep treats generally within 10% of total daily calories, as product manufacturers advise.
The Bottom Line
The strongest starting point is a dental chew with a current VOHC listing that matches your dog’s weight. GREENIES, WHIMZEES BRUSHZEES, C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT FR3SH, and PEDIGREE Dentastix Advanced carry listed claims for both plaque and tartar; the other selections are listed for tartar. Whichever you choose, supervise chewing, account for calories, and continue brushing and veterinary dental examinations.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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