can dogs eat greenies dental treats

When Can I Start Giving My Puppy Dental Treats?

There are so many firsts to celebrate with your puppy: their first vet visit, their first trip to the dog park, their first haircut. But when should a puppy get their first delicious dental treat?

Giving your young pup dental treats can be a great bonding moment for both of you. Not to mention that youll be giving your dog a head start on their dental hygiene routine. And how can you refuse that irresistibly adorable face? Youre only human, after all. Read on to learn when you can safely give your puppy dental treats and how they can benefit.

When to Give Your Puppy Dental Treats

Its important to hold off on dental treats until your puppy is around 6 months old. Why? Were glad you asked.

• Your puppy has a tender tummy: Your little one is still growing and going through changes, especially in their GI tract. Introducing new foods could lead to messes on the carpet.

• Puppy teeth are baby teeth: While theyre certainly sharp, your puppys teeth are not fully developed. Wait until their adult teeth come in and their jaw structure has had a chance to develop before giving them dental treats; otherwise they may damage their little chompers.

For these reasons, GREENIES recommends not giving puppies dental treats until theyre around 6 months old. This number will vary slightly depending on your dogs breed and weight, so asking your vet is always a wise option.

Another important thing to remember is

Puppies Need Treats Made for Puppies

You wouldnt feed a 6-year-old dog the same food as a 6-month-old puppy. Same goes for treats. Its important to give puppies treats designed especially for them, because puppies have growing mouths and need the right balance of nutrients for healthy growth and development.GREENIES Puppy 6 Months+ TEENIE Dental Treatshave a softer texture and are designed for developing mouths. Plus, they have nutrients like DHA to support brain development and calcium to support strong teeth and healthy jaws.

The Benefits of Puppy Dental Treats

Your puppy just thinks treats taste great, but they can provide some additional benefits, too:

• Training your puppy with dental treats: Treats are a great way help teach your puppy good habits and behavior. Use them to reinforce and reward positive actions. Just remember to feed one GREENIES dental treat a day. Ear scratches and praise, however, are calorie-free, so use them often during training.

• Encouraging healthy habits: When fed once a day, puppy dental treats likeGREENIES Puppy 6 Months+ TEENIE Dental Treatsgently clean teeth and gums. They also help keep puppy breath pleasant. Starting an oral care routine for your puppy when theyre young including daily toothbrushing, annual vet checkups and daily dental treats can help support healthy and happy mouths as your puppy grows.

And when the inevitable time has come when your energetic puppy is now a mature adult dog (and this depends on the breed size of your furry friend), dont forget to keep up their dental care routine with GREENIESDental Treats.

Can Dogs Eat Cat Greenies? (Solved & Explained!)

If youre a dog or cat owner or are lucky enough to own both, youve likely heard of Greenies! Greenies were developed to help prevent plaque and tartar build up when used in conjunction with a dental hygiene routine. But, as we know, dogs seem to want every treat that isnt theirs, so is it okay for dogs to eat cat greenies?

Luckily, there is no real reason your dog cant enjoy a cat Greenie every so often. However, they wont provide the same dental benefit as a dog Greenie. So, while its best to stick to treats formulated for dogs, an occasional cat Greenie wont do them any harm.

In this article we will discuss the difference between cat and dog Greenies, and the risks to consider when giving your dog any cat treats.

Note: If you click some of the links or pictures in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

What Is A Cat Greenie?

Cats arent prone to chewing on treats like dogs, so the Greenies formulated for cats are much smaller. They have a crunchy consistency similar to dry cat food. When they are used two times a day along with a dental hygiene routine and regular dental check-ups, they can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up on your cats teeth.

The ingredient that is the key to the scrubbing simulation these treats have is oat fiber. The oat fiber is a texture that can mimic the action of a scrubbing toothbrush when it is being chewed up.

The ingredients in a chicken flavored cat Greenie include:

• Meat and meat meal from chicken, rice, maize gluten, wheat, chicken liver digest, natural chicken digest, lamb tallow, beef tallow, meat and meat meal,sunflower oil salt, gelling agent, vitamins, ferrous sulfate monohydrate, potassium Iodide, antioxidant natural, sodium caseinate, flavors, BHT, BHA,and Citric acid.

The ingredients in a fish flavored cat Greenie include:

• Meat and meat meal from chicken, rice, maize gluten, wheat, chicken liver digest, natural chicken digest, lamb tallow, beef tallow, meat and meat meal from fish, sunflower oil salt, gelling agent (potassium, sodium tripolyphosphate), vitamins, ferrous sulfate monohydrate, potassium Iodide, antioxidant natural, sodium caseinate, flavors, BHT, BHA, and citric acid.

What Is A Dog Greenie?

A dog greenie performs a similar function to the cat Greenie in that it is designed to be used in conjunction with a regular dental hygiene routine to help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on dogs teeth.

However, dog greenies are shaped and textured a little differently. The dog Greenies are also shaped like an actual toothbrush, and the chewy texture helps the chew wrap around the dogs teeth to scrub as they chew.

The ingredients of the original dog Greenies include:

• Wheat Flour, Glycerin, Wheat Gluten, Gelatin, Water, Powdered Cellulose, Lecithin, Minerals, Natural Poultry Flavor, Choline Chloride, Fruit Juice Color, Vitamins, Turmeric Color.

As you can see these have much less ingredients than the cat Greenies, however this doesnt mean that the cat Greenies are toxic to dogs.

What Are The Biggest Differences Between Cat and Dog Greenies?

The first difference besides the ingredients in the cat and dog Greenies would be the shape. The cat Greenies are designed to be slightly larger than a typical piece of dry cat food and crunchy. This is to suit the strength and size of the cats mouths.

The dog Greenie on the other hand comes in a larger size and is designed to be much chewier. A cat couldnt really be able to break this down, their jaw isnt strong enough.

However, a dog would be able to gobble up a cat Greenie pretty quickly if given the chance.

Is It Safe To Give My Dog A Cat Greenie?

There arent any ingredients in the cat Greenie that are toxic to dogs, so it is safe to give these to your dog. However, they wont provide your dog the same dental benefit, which defeats the purpose of these multi-functional treats.

Dog treats will often contain more calories for each treat, but dont be fooled into thinking that just because the treat is low calorie it is healthy to add to your dogs diet.

Since these treats wont really benefit your dog it doesnt make a lot of sense to give them a cat Greenie, but dont worry about any adverse health effects.

Will Cat Greenies Make My Dog Gain Weight?

Cat Greenies, just like any other treat, must be accounted for in your dogs diet. Before deciding if your dog should get to sample the cats Greenie container, take a minute to calculate what their calorie intake is already.

Veterinarians recommend that treats of any kind only make up 10% of your dogs daily calorie intake. So, you need to determine how much of their daily calorie intake is already going towards their food and daily treats/table scraps.

If they have any additional wiggle room for a few more calories, then you could consider adding in a cat Greenie every so often without any worry for weight gain.

But, just dont be fooled into thinking that the small treat wont have any effect on your dogs weight if it is given frequently without consideration to the rest of their daily intake.

Final Thoughts: Dogs Can Eat Cat Greenies, But Should They?

Cat Greenies pose no threat to your dogs health, and can theoretically be given to your pet occasionally without any adverse health effects. However, the better question to ask would be why you need to give your dog a cat Greenie?

Cat Greenies wont help your dogs dental hygiene and they would be much better off with a canine Greenie formulated for them. So, it might be best to invest in two separate treats for your companions so that each one can reap the benefits of Greenies.

But, if your dog is an insistent beggar and tries to convince you they need a cat Greenie whenever the jar comes out, dont feel bad if you give them one here and there. As long as you dont notice any digestion issues afterwards it is likely they are having no real effect on your dog.

If you have specific dietary or allergy concerns about giving your dog a cat Greenie then it is best to consult with your veterinarian.

My name is Ken and Im one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. Ive cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.

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.