are greenies dental treats good for your dog

Greenies Dog Treats Are Actually BAD For Your Dog

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If you are a dog owner, then you are probably familiar with Greenies for dogs, the green toothbrush-shaped dental chews found in most big-box pet retailers like Petsmart and Petco.

Greenies for dogs is one of the most popular dental treat brands.

But, should they be so popular? Is their product really that great, or is it a result of clever marketing and packaging?

What if I told you giving your dog Greenies dog treats for dental care, is actually doing more harm than good?

Greenies & Dog Dental Care

The main reason why pet parents purchase Greenies dental chews is for the dental care benefits that Greenies boasts their product provides.

On their website, Greenies.com states:

Dental treats or dental chews work with mechanical action similar to how your toothbrush works, where it will scrape the surface of the tooth and help brush away plaque and tartar that can accumulate that can lead to more serious problems.

Greenies.com

This entire statement focuses on the benefits of chewing, but fails to address the most important topic What is your dog actually chewing on.

Greenies also brag about their seal of approval from The Veterinary Oral Health Council.

However, on the first page of VOHCs website, they state:

When VOHC authorizes the use of its Registered Seal, VOHC makes no certification, representation or warranty as to the safety and certifies only that, upon application for the right to use the Registered Seal, the product met VOHCs Standards for effectiveness in retarding plaque and tartar when used as directed.

VOHC Website

There is no denying that chewing or gnawing has proven to be an effective method for keeping a dogs teeth clean, gums healthy, and freshen breath.

However, it is important to understand that dogs are consuming what they are chewing on.

So yes, chewing on say, a shoe, may be beneficial for your dogs teeth and gum health, but that doesnt mean it is healthy for your dog to be consuming shoes.

Moreover, consuming some ingredients, sugars, and carbohydrates specifically, can actually promote plaque and tartar build-up.

So, in the short term, dental chews like Greenies dog treats might effectively remove plaque and tartar from your pups teeth.

But, in the long term, they are actually contributing to the overall plaque and tartar problem.

The Ingredient Label Of Greenies Dog Treats

Pea Flour

Consumers havebecome savvier and more informed about the ingredients they are giving their pets.

Many are refusing to buy products with ingredients such as meals, by-products, and cheap fillers.

To replace these lower-quality products, things like grain-free pet products have grown in popularity.

Because of this, pet product manufacturers have been looking for ways to replace those cheap fillers and grains that consumers have identified as undesirable with something more appealing.

So, what did those manufacturers do?

They took out the cheap grain fillers (previously wheat flour and wheat gluten in the original Greenies) and replaced them with pea flour and pea protein (another cheap filler).

The marketing team slapped a grain-free label on their new product and started pushing it out to retailers nationwide.

Dont believe me?

Check out this Original Greenies ingredient label (below) and compare it with the Grain-Free one (above).

Why is pea flour/pea protein bad for my dog?

It is important to understand that pea protein is avegetable protein, not an animal protein.

Because of this, pea protein is harder to digest for dogs.

Your dogs body wont be able to break down and absorb all of the protein they are consuming.

So, most of the protein they are consuming is wasted.

Pea flour isnt just a bad source of protein, it is also full of carbohydrates.

When digested, the carbohydrates found in pea flour are broken down into sugars in the mouth which fuel plaque and tartar build-up on your dogs teeth.

Pea flour is nothing more than a cheap filler disguised as a protein that actually makes your dogs dental health worse.

So, why is it found in your dogs chew?

Manufacturers add pea protein to artificiallyinflate the protein percentages in grain-free pet products.

The protein found on the label is not the actual amount of protein that your dog is able to digest and use.

The remaining undigested protein serves no purpose for your dog, no nutritional value, and will eventually leave your dogs body as waste.

You wont find pea fiber in high quality commercially available pet foods, nor will you find it in healthy recipes for homemade pet meals. Where you will find it is in very affordable, highly processed, low-quality pet food, saidDr. Karen Becker, DVM

Once again, pet product manufacturers have found a new way to trick pet parents into thinking their products are better and healthier than they actually are.

Gelatin

Gelatin isnt a horrible ingredient for your dog to consume. Actually, it can be quite beneficial (assuming its sourced safely and naturally).

Gelatin comes from collagen which is rich in animal protein and amino acids.

Greenies manufacturers add it as a gelling agent which causes their product to be gummy and chewy.

You can provide your dog with a natural source of gelatin by feeding bone broth (which you can make at home).

Glycerin

If your dog has ever had an upset stomach after consuming Greenies, then glycerin is likely to blame.

Glycerin is a form ofsugar alcoholthat dogs (and humans) cannot fully absorb. It offers the same nutritional benefits as sugar, with even more calories.

Glycerin attracts water like a sponge. When consumed, glycerins moisture-attracting properties pull water from the body into the colon, acting as a laxative and stimulating bowel movements (i.e. gas and diarrhea).

If diarrhea wasnt bad enough, the sugar in glycerin is also very bad for your dogs dental health. The high carbohydrate content directly fuels plaque and tartar build-up, further worsening the overall health of your dogs teeth and gums.

So, why is it found in your dogs chew?

Because glycerin has that moisture-attracting property we talked about earlier, adding glycerin to foods helps them stay moist.

Generally speaking, glycerin is widely used in food manufacturing as a preservative.

Although glycerin helps the manufacturer control the moisture content in their product, it offers no nutritional benefit to your pet.

It is just a moisture-absorbing sugar.

Dried Potato

Dried potato is another starchy filler that is very similar to pea flour. It offers little nutritional benefit for your dog.

Just like glycerin and pea flour, the carbohydrates found in potatoes also break down into sugars that fuel plaque and tartar build-up.

This actually works AGAINST your dogs teeth and gum health.

Alternatives To Greenies Dog Treats

Unfortunately, Greenies success is likely the result of well-designed packaging and clever marketing. Not because their product is of high quality.

Now, just because Greenies for dogs are off the list, that doesnt mean you are out of options.

There are lots of other safe and healthy for you to give your dog.

Here are 5 ways you can control, reduce, or eliminate plaque and tartar in your dogs mouth:

1.Healthy Diet

The foundation of a healthy mouth starts with a healthy diet.

It is important to avoid foods with highly processed ingredients such as corn and potatoes.

Bacteria are known to thrive on carbohydrates (namely sugar and starches).

So, when your dogs food gets stuck in their teeth, it provides a place for plaque to feast and tartar to develop.

By feeding your dog a balanced, high-quality diet, you can drastically reduce the risk of canine periodontitis developing.

2.Chewing

When you are looking for products to give your dog to promote dental care, I recommend looking for single ingredient products.

I typically recommend products like bully sticks or beef tendon.

These products offer the same benefit as mechanical chewing: clean teeth freshen breathe, and healthy gums.

Without contibuting to the problem with filler ingredients which feeds dental disease.

Along with providing single-ingredient chews, It is important that you continue to regularly brush your dogs teeth to prevent canine periodontitis.

Avoid These Chews

• Greenies Dog Treats
• Flavored Dental Chews (Like Dentastix)
• Antlers, Horns, Hooves
• Himalayan Yak Chew
• Nylabone/Benebone
• Rawhides

Give These Chews Instead

• Beef Pizzle (Bullysticks)
• Pig. Lamb, or Cow ears
• Duck or Chicken Feet
• Beef Tendon
• Beef Trachea
• Turkey Necks

Always supervise your dog when they are chewing. All chews are choking hazards.

These alternative chews can typically be found at your local ethnic food store or butcher shop.

The key to success is to find a single-ingredient chew that is not heavily processed and has little to no carbohydrates or sugars.

There are also companies like Farm Hounds that deliver natural single-ingredient dog treats and chews straight to your door.

You can make individual purchases, or they offer a convenient monthly subscription box service.

3.Meal Additives

A great way to combat plaque is to stop it at the source by using a meal additive such asPlaqueoff(or kelp/seaweed).

Plaqueoff is made from 100% natural seaweed which has been shown to significantly reduce plaque and tartar build-up in dogs.

It inhibits the plaque from sticking to surfaces in the mouth as well as softens the already existing tartar.

Solutions like additives dont work overnight but improvements should be seen anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks.

4.Brushing

We all know that the best way to clean teeth is to brush them. After all, isnt that how we clean our own teeth? Ideally, a dogs teeth should be brushed twice a day.

Homemade Doggy Toothpaste

Baking Soda (2 tbsp)

Coconut Oil (2 tbsp)

Peppermint Oil (1 drop)*optional

5.Dental Cleanings

For many dogs, periodontal disease has already set in under the gum line and no amount of brushing, chewing, or meal additives will help.

At this point, it is best to take your dog in for an oral exam, x-rays, and cleaning with a licensed veterinarian.

There are always risks associated with anesthesia, but the risks of canine periodontitis far overshadow the risks involved with anesthesia.

If a vet recommends a dental cleaning for your pet, it is always in their best interest to get one done.

Final Thoughts

There is no room for excuses!

It is time to throw that box of Greenies away and make the switch to single-ingredient chews that are actually going to improve your dogs dental health long term.

Many pet product manufacturers have caught on to the fact that their consumers are becoming more educated and aware of the products they are buying.

In turn, manufacturers have learned how to present their products as seemingly healthy by using terms like, high-protein, grain-free, and all-natural.

For things like dental chews, you should always strive to stay away from products that have sugars and carbohydrates and instead look for single-ingredient chews that are not processed or bleached.

In the end, chewing and gnawing are only part of the dental health solution.

11 Alternatives to Greenies: All the Best Dental Treats

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Now, dont get me wrong, Greenies are fantastic dental treats for our furry friends, but sometimes we need a little variety to keep our pups excited.

As a devoted dog parent myself, Ive embarked on a mission to discover the best alternatives to Greenies out there.

In this post, I will show you a bunch of the best options in the market as well as give you some tips on choosing and using dental chews for dogs.

So, if youre ready to spice up your pups treat game and keep those pearly whites shining, stick around because were about to explore some tail-wagging alternatives that will leave your dog begging for more!

Medical Questions? Talk to a Veterinarian 24/7.Connect one-on-one with a licensed vet who will answer your questions in minutes.

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*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.

What Are Dental Treats and Chews for Dogs?

Dental treats and chews are awesome snacks for your dog that make their teeth super healthy!

They clean your dogs teeth, make their breath smell great, and stop plaque and tartar from building up.

When dogs munch on these treats, the texture and shape work like magic to brush away the nasty stuff from their teeth.

Some treats have bumpy parts or cool designs that reach all the nooks and crannies in your dogs mouth, making their teeth super-duper clean!

And not just that, but they also contain safe ingredients that dogs can eat and digest easily.

Some treats even have amazing stuff that makes your dogs breath smell extra nice, so their kisses are super sweet!

These treats work great with regular teeth brushing and visits to the doggy dentist.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Are bamboo chews safe for dogs?

What are Greenies Dental Treats?

Greenies are a popular brand of dental treats for dogs that are specifically designed to promote oral health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, freshening breath, and providing a tasty treat all in one.

These treats are typically shaped like a bone or stick, with a textured surface that performs a scrubbing task for your dog, taking away debris.

You can find them in various sizes to accommodate different dog breeds and are widely recognized for their role in supporting canine dental hygiene.

Doggy says, consider reading this too: Dog whimpering after dental cleaning

How do Greenies dental treats work?

Greenies control plaque and tartar buildup through something known as mechanical abrasion.

When your dog chews on these treats, their chewy texture allows for optimal tooth contact, resulting in a thorough scraping and scrubbing of the tooth surface.

Unlike other products, Greenies do not rely on chemicals to reduce plaque and tartar.

According to their website, they are backed by evidence for their breath-freshening properties and ability to promote healthier gums.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Gaviscon for dogs

When Should You Use Dental Chews for Dogs?

When it comes to dental chews, timing is everything.

Wait until your puppy reaches 6 months, and then you can introduce the chewy goodness.

You see, puppies teeth are delicate and they need time to develop before being strong enough to chew on dental treats.

Giving them too soon can hurt their gums or even damage their teeth.

Fun Fact: Did you know that your doggies lose their baby teeth just like you lose them? Its true!

Around 12 weeks old, those baby teeth start to fall out, making way for something new.

And guess what?

By the time your doggie is around 6 months old, all the new, strong, and permanent teeth will come in, and the baby teeth will be long gone.

So it is necessary to wait until your doggie is about 6 months old before you start giving them dental chews.

This way, the permanent teeth can grow properly to handle chewing on crunchy goodness!

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How We Picked These Alternatives to Greenies

Caring for your dogs teeth is super important for keeping them clean and breathing fresh.

If you want something other than Greenies, you need to find the right chew that your dog will love.

The following shows you how we picked the perfect alternatives:

Choices galore

There are so many options when it comes to dental chews and treats where you can choose from different sizes, shapes, and flavors.

Something that stands out for me is the ability to pick between hard and soft chews as it affects how long it takes to eat.

Wallet-friendly

Dental chews and treats dont have to be expensive and you can totally find some that are affordable and still good for your dogs teeth.

This way, you can save some money while taking care of your fur friend.

Watch the ingredients

If you want to avoid certain ingredients, like wheat or corn, dont worry, there are alternatives out there that fit your preferences.

Look for natural ingredients to avoid chemicals and fake preservatives, and I personally avoid chews that are made of rawhide.

There are many reports of it being bad for dogs, so I would definitely stay out of this way.

Choose the right size

Every dog is different, and their jaws come in different sizes too so you gotta make sure to pick dental chews just right for your dogs size.

You dont wanna end up with issues such as indigestion or worse, a choking hazard!

Yummy flavors

Dogs have their own unique taste preferences and some dental chews have flavors that your dog might find extra tasty.

If your dog is picky, look for different flavors or natural ingredient options.

Different textures

Dental chews come in all sorts of textures and for sure, your dog might like some textures more than others.

If your dog doesnt like soft treats, try finding something crunchy instead.

Avoid allergies

If your dog has allergies, you need to be extra careful about the ingredients in the dental chews you choose.

Stay away from ingredients that might trigger allergies, like dairy or wheat.

Availability

Some dental chews are easier to find, depending on where you live.

There will be brands that are available in most pet stores, while others are available online.

11 Best Alternatives to Greenies for Dogs

If Greenies arent the right fit for your dog, there are lots of incredible options out there.

Choose the one that suits your pup and keep their dental health in check.

Here are some fantastic choices:

1. Whimzees Dental Dog Treats Variety Pack

These dog dental treats clean teeth, freshen breath, and reduce tartar and plaque for dogs weighing 5-15 lbs.

Plus, these treats last 3 times longer than other brands, giving you and your dog more cleaning time with each treat. Isnt that amazing?

Make sure to feed your dog one WHIMZEES dental chew every day as its the most effective and fun way to keep their teeth clean.

And the best part?

These treats do not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, gluten, or meat. Perfect for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.

2. Blue Buffalo Grain-Free Dog Dental Chews

These dental chews clean your dogs teeth and freshen their breath. Say goodbye to stinky dog breath!

The wholesome ingredients in these chews include tapioca starch, dried whey, and vegetables. They do not contain any chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.

These dental chews are for dogs weighing 25-50 lbs. Just the right size for your doggie friend!

And guess what? These treats are grain-free, so they dont have any of the glutens that some pet parents choose to avoid.

One bag of BLUE Wilderness Wild Bones Grain Free Dental Chews contains 10 ounces of medium-sized treats.

Thats plenty to keep your dog happy and their teeth clean!

3. Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Dog Dental Chews

When your doggie chews on these treats, theyre not only enjoying the taste but also working to keep their teeth clean.

Its like having a toothbrush that tastes yummy!

Give them at least once daily, and youll see a difference in their teeth.

These chews help reduce plaque, like sticky dirt on teeth, and fight against tartar.

The unique Z shape of these chews makes them easy to hold.

They also reach all the nooks and crannies in your dogs mouth, thoroughly cleaning the interior.

4. Oxyfresh Additive

Rather than being a chew treat, Oxyfresh is actually a water-soluble additive that helps clean up your dogs mouth.

Their unique dental products freshen your pups breath, help prevent gum disease, and keep their teeth clean.

The cool thing is that you no longer need to struggle with toothpaste and toothbrushes anymore.

With Oxyfresh, you just need to add a capful of their dental care liquid to your pets water bowl daily. Its simple!

The water additive is odorless and tasteless, so your paw friend wont even know its there.

5. Minties Dog Dental Treats

Fresh breath is essential for your paw friend, and Minties dental treats are available to help.

These treats contain no wheat, corn, or soy but include five breath fresheners like alfalfa, parsley, fennel, dill, and peppermint.

Vets recommend it because they provide daily dental care that dogs love as they will enjoy the tasty chew while taking care of their teeth.

Minties have a unique shape and texture that help clean teeth as your dog chews which allows it to reach different parts of the mouth effectively.

6. Pedigree Dentastix

Imagine a treat that works like a toothbrush for your dog! Thats Dentastix!

These particular sticks have a shape that helps clean your dogs teeth well. They are like superheroes fighting plaque and tartar to keep your furs mouth healthy.

Dentastix is for big dogs weighing over 30 pounds. Give your dog one Dentastix treat daily, and youll see how it helps their teeth stay strong and their breath fresh.

These treats come in different flavors: original with real chicken, fresh mint, and beef. Your dog will love them all!

A yummy snack while taking care of their teeth.

7. Milk-Bone Original Brushing Chews

Think of your dog brushing their teeth! With Milk-Bone Original Brushing Chews, its almost like that.

These treats have special bumps and ridges that clean your dogs teeth in those tricky spots.

When your dog chews on these tasty treats, they remove plaque and tartar. A mini toothbrushing session for them.

These chews also have calcium, which is great for your dogs teeth and bones.

I should also mention that they have a special seal from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, a significant trust symbol.

8. ORAVET Hygiene Dental Chews

If you have a small dog, OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews are just for them. These chews are like superheroes for your dogs teeth.

The unique formula in these chews helps fight against plaque and tartar, which are like troublemakers in your dogs mouth. They freshen your dogs breath, making it smell nice and clean.

Consider giving your little pup a treat that tastes good and helps keep their teeth healthy. Im sure your furry friend will love every bite!

OraVet chews have pork protein, wheat, and soy. Keep it simple and focus on good ingredients.

To use these chews, give your pet one chew every day. Its an easy way to keep their teeth cleaner and their breath fresher.

OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews are for six months pups or older. Its never too early to care for your dogs dental health.

9. Purina DentaLife Chews

Purina DentaLife Chews is like a cute toothbrush.

These chews contain rice, wheat flour, and chicken by-products. Theyre chewy and have a texture that helps clean hard-to-reach teeth.

As your dog chews on these treats, the ridges and porous texture work like magic. They clean all the spots, even the ones that are hard to get to.

These chews have proven to reduce tartar buildup by 57%. A superhero fighting against bad breath!

Purina DentaLife Chews are ideal for adult dogs weighing 20-40 pounds. Theyre just the right size for your furry friend.

You can trust these chews because theyre accepted by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council), meaning vets approve their dental benefits.

So give your dog at least one chew daily, and watch their teeth stay strong and clean.

10. Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dog Dental Chews

Prepare for a robust dental chew that will leave your puppys teeth sparkling!

Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dog Dental Chews is a 4-in-1 natural chew for your dogs oral health.

With its mighty design, these chews are like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and breath freshener all in one! The outer ridges work like a brush, tirelessly scrubbing away plaque and tartar buildup.

They even help reduce stains and give those pearly whites a dazzling polish. Its center is with natural ingredients like alfalfa, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove, ready to battle the embarrassing breath-causing bacteria.

Give your pup two of these incredible chews every day for optimal results. A tooth-brushing regimen that will make your dogs dentist proud!

Combine these chews with Ark Naturals Brushless Plaque-Zapper for even greater dental power.

Your trusted vets recommended these dental chews for small-breed dogs weighing 8-20 pounds. They know whats best for your little heros teeth!

Rest assured. They crafted these chews with care right here in the USA. They use the finest natural ingredients. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Also free from corn, soy, and wheat.

So, gear up your pup with Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dog Dental Chews, and let them conquer dental woes with every bite.

11. Zesty Paws Dental Bones

These bad boys are not your average dental chews; theyre like a gourmet feast for your pups mouth.

Imagine this: your furry friend sinks their teeth into one of these delicious dental bones, and suddenly their taste buds go wild with excitement.

Thats how my dogs react when I give them this.

I like that these bones are carefully crafted with premium ingredients, and have a nice cinnamon flavor, which works together to freshen breath and help maintain healthy gums.

Plus, theyre free from artificial flavors and colors, so you can feel good about treating your pup.

But wait, theres more!

Zesty Paws Dental Bones also feature a unique textured surface that helps scrub away plaque and tartar buildup, giving your dog a thorough teeth-cleaning experience.

12. Spot Bambones Dental Chew Toys

Spot Bambones is an innovative solution for pet parents looking for eco-friendly dental chews.

Crafted from sustainable bamboo fiber, these chews are not only tough and durable, making them ideal for aggressive chewers, but they also offer an environmentally-conscious alternative to traditional chews.

Their unique design ensures easy gripping, allowing dogs to chew comfortably.

Infused with a delectable beef (or chicken) flavor, Spot Bambones promises hours of satisfying chew time while promoting dental health.

A top pick for those seeking both sustainability and quality in pet products.

Read our full Spot Bambones review.

Best Monthly Dental Kit: Bark Bright

Introducing the power of a shining smile with Bark Bright, the ultimate monthly dental kit that will transform your dogs dental health.

With its mouthwatering real chicken flavor, Bark Bright will make your adult paws dental routine a delightful experience.

Inside this kit are 3 active enzymes, dynamic ingredients that work like defenders, fighting plaque, and tartar to keep your dogs teeth clean and fresh.

Theyre so amazing that even Time Magazine recognized them as one of the Best Inventions 2019.

But thats not all! It is proudly made in the USA, using top-quality ingredients from the USA and Finland. You can trust that your dogs teeth are getting the best care.

And heres an awesome fact: these dental sticks are grain, corn, and soy-free to avoid fur allergies.

Why is Dental Hygiene Important for Dogs?

Taking care of your dogs teeth isnt just for their smile. More importantly, its for their health, happiness, and a wonderful life altogether.

Here are some strong reasons why it matters:

• Healthy teeth and gums: Healthy teeth and gums make your dog feel good. It stops problems like bad teeth, gum sickness, and painful infections.
• Fresh breath: Picture hugging your dog, and their breath smells bad. Gross! Taking care of their teeth helps make their breath fresh, so hugging is much nicer for both of you.
• Overall well-being: Dental issues can affect your dogs whole body. If germs from their mouth get into their blood, it can cause health issues.
• Longer life: When your paws teeth are in good shape, theyre more likely to live a long and healthy life. Stopping dental problems means avoiding future complications.

How Often Do I Have to Give My Dog Dental Chews?

Make it a habit to give your dog dental chews once a day. Its like a daily task to keep their teeth in good shape.

But heres the thing: the frequency depends on oral health, chewing habits, and the type of dental chew youre buying.

To get it right, follow the instructions or talk to your vet as theyll guide you on the best schedule for your furry friend.

Some chews are for daily use, while others are more like special treats for once in a while.

Fun Fact: In 1860, James Spratt did something incredible. He invented the first dog treat, a biscuit-like delicacy made from a magical blend of meat, vegetables, and grains. Now, dogs everywhere wagged their tails when they tasted this delightful snack!

How to Choose Dental Chews for Your Pup

Every pup is special, so finding the perfect dental chew may take some time.

Remember these three things when choosing a chew:

Size

Pick a dental chew that fits your pup just right.

Too big or too small can present problems, so be sure to look for chews made for your pups size or weight.

Consistency

The way the chew feels matters too. Some dogs like it soft, while others prefer it harder.

Think about how your pup chews. Soft chews suit sensitive teeth, and harder chews can clean better.

Find what works for your puppys teeth.

Calories

Dental chews are yummy, but watch out for calories.

You want to keep your pup healthy and not give them too many treats.

Choose chews with the right portion size and consider their overall diet.

Are Dental Chews Worth It?

Absolutely, dental chews are worth it for your dogs oral health.

Heres why:

• Clean teeth: It prevents dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
• Fresh breath: Chews with breath-freshening ingredients can make your dogs breath smell better.
• Fun: Dental chews provide your dog with mental stimulation and entertainment, keeping them occupied and satisfied.
• Easy: A simple way to promote their oral hygiene.
• Supplement to brushing: While dental chews cant replace regular tooth brushing, they complement your dogs oral care routine.
• Preventive measure: Using dental chews regularly is a proactive approach to preventing dental issues, saving you from costly vet treatments.

Risks of Using Dog Dental Chews

Dental chews for dogs can be great, but you need to know about the risks too.

Heres why:

• Choking hazard: Some chews can be too small and risky if swallowed whole. Pick the right size and watch your dog closely while chewing.
• Digestive issues: Certain dogs might have tummy issues with chews, especially if they have sensitive bellies or dont like the ingredients. Check how your dog feels and stop if there are problems.
• Tooth fractures: Hard chews can hurt teeth. Find chews that match your dogs teeth strength.
• Allergic reactions: Some dogs are sensitive to certain chew ingredients. Watch for itching, swelling, or upset tummy, and stop if needed.
• Overconsumption: Chews are treats, not meals! Eating too many treats can make your dog gain weight. Follow serving guidelines and think about calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I give my dog a dental chew instead of brushing their teeth?

No substitute for the real thing. Dental chews are like helpers for your dogs teeth but they cant replace brushing. You still need to brush them regularly and visit the dentist. Chews can be an extra tool but not a substitute.

Are dental sticks or Greenies better?

The choice between dental sticks and Greenies depends on your dogs preferences and needs. Dental sticks offer a textured surface for chewing, while Greenies provide a unique blend of ingredients. I recommend that you consult your vet for personalized advice and choose based on what works best for your furry friends oral health.

Do vets recommend Greenies?

Yes, many veterinarians do recommend Greenies as a dental treat for dogs. Greenies have been formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, promote fresh breath, and support overall dental health.

Do Greenies actually clean teeth?

Yes, Greenies are designed to help clean teeth. They have a unique texture and shape that aids in reducing plaque and tartar buildup as dogs chew on them. The chewing action helps to mechanically scrape away debris and promotes healthier teeth and gums. However, be sure to use it as part of a dental routine, and not exclusively.

In Conclusion: Alternatives to Greenies

As you can see, when it comes to exploring Greenies substitutes, there are a fair amount of options.

Whats most important though is that we can keep our furry friends teeth and gums in top shape.

So lets embrace the quest for fresh breath, healthy smiles, and happy wagging tails!

Consider checking out these posts too:

Youve made it to the end, but I hope its not the end of our journey. We want to hear your voice! Share your thoughts, problems, suggestions, or anything related to your dog in the comments section. And dont forget to join our newsletter today too.