do greenies dog treats work

Do Greenies Really Work?

Greenies says they are the number one dog treat recommended by veterinarians. They feature a unique design that they claim helps clean your dogs teeth and gums while they eat them, but also tastes great. Since you really cant get your pets honest opinion other than watching how fast they eat it, and if they do so with gusto, its hard to tell if they are really working. So we checked out what real owners are saying about how their pets like them, and how clean their mouths were afterwards.

OverviewIts a lot of fun to give your dog a treat, especially for good behavior, or just because. Watching them enjoying the treat you give them can be a pleasurable moment for you, as they get lost in the sensation of having something different from their normal food and water. When a treat serves the double purpose of cleaning their teeth and gums, it seems to be a win-win situation for everyone. But some owners wonder if treats like these can serve as a substitute for dental cleanings at the vets office.

The ClaimThe makers of Greenies claim that they have designed the shape of their treats for a specific purpose: cleaning your pets mouth. For dogs, on one end of the treat is what appears to be a brush. On the other end, it looks like a bone. They say that these are designed this way so there are special breakpoints so your dog doesnt end up eating the whole tree at once, presenting a choking hazard. The cat treats are smaller in size, basically almost bite-size, but are supposed to have the same teeth cleaning properties.

The HypePet owners will do anything for their pets so that they can have a better existence, and a better time here on earth. This means that any product that has the dual benefit of tasting good for the pet, and keeping the teeth clean so that the owner doesnt have to break out that specially designated toothbrush and go to town on those teeth, is going to get a lot of attention. Also, anytime something states that it is recommended by veterinarians, you have to take a step back and see if thats actually the case or not.

The CostOne of the great thing about Greenies is they dont cost a fortune. You can get a pack of 94 dog treats for $20. This is nice because you dont have to sit there and weigh the pros and cons of giving your pet a treat wondering whether or not you can justify the expense. At roughly 20 cents per treat, any time your dog does something that is treat worthy you should give them one without flinching at how much its costing you.

The CommitmentA lot of owners are going to view this as a way to prolong a trip to the veterinarian for a dental cleaning for their pet. It can be hard to take your pet in to have their teeth cleaned because you know it is not a very pleasant experience for them, but is something that is necessary. It can also be hard for you too, because it is not exactly the cheapest procedure they offer at the pet clinic. However, these are still a great way to help keep their teeth clean between visits, and should lessen the amount of times you need to brush their teeth for them.

EvaluationYou just cant argue with the sort of positive reviews that Greenies get from satisfied owners. The important thing to remember here is that pet owners are notorious for being harsh critics. Not only do they have to like the product, but their pet has to like it as well. With so many different dog and cat breeds, and so many different personalities, there is a big chance that a pet product will get mixed reviews at best. When you see something like this that has almost unanimous approval, you know youre on to something good.

At this price point, its something that you can buy with confidence knowing your pet is at least going to like them. And if they end up loving them you can buy them again.

Final Greenies Review

Were giving Greenies our Thumbs Up review, and highly recommend them for your pet. This is a company that recognized the need to reward your dog or cat with a treat, and also keep their mouth and teeth cleaned. Its funny to think that a lot of research and development went into pet treats like these, but when you stop and think about it, and inspect the treat yourself, you can see that it isnt just a bunch of hot air. The grooves and the design that are in the dog treats really do appear as if they help scrape the plaque and clean the gum line.

Our RecommendationDefinitely grab these for your pet. Often as owners we are tempted to give our pets people food as a way to reward them for good behavior, or just because were tired of seeing them beg for the food that we are eating. This makes a great substitute for when your pet starts to beg. You can swap out what you are eating with one of these treats and they are none the wiser, unless you have a rather smart animal on your hands, or are really bad at making the swap.

What do you think? Does Greenies work or not?

Greenies for Cats: Do They Really Live Up to the Hype?

Welcome to the ultimate guide where we dive deep into the world of Greenies for cats! Youve seen them on shelves, maybe even pondered whether theyre the secret potion for your cats dental woes. But lets cut through the fluff (and fur) and get down to the nitty-gritty. Are Greenies the feline dental miracle youve been searching for?

What are Greenies, Anyway?

Greenies are a popular brand of dental treats and chews designed to keep your cats teeth clean and their gums healthy. They claim to reduce tartar build-up, freshen breath, and offer a tasty treat your cat wont turn their nose up at. But lets see how they actually measure up, shall we?

The Great Greenie Deep-Dive: Do They Work?

Breaking Down the Myths: Fact vs. Feline Fiction

Myth: Greenies replace regular dental care.

Fact: While they can reduce the risk of dental problems, nothing replaces good ol brushing and regular vet check-ups.

Myth: All cats benefit from Greenies.

Fact: Most do, but cats with specific dietary restrictions or health issues should steer clear without vet advice.

The Purrrspective: Real Cat Tales

We interviewed a panel of feline experts (aka our own cats) and compiled their firsthand reviews on Greenies. The consensus? A resounding two paws up for taste, but a gentle reminder that every cat is an individual. While Mr. Whiskers may purr in approval, Fluffy might turn her nose up at the very same treat.

Expert Tips for Introducing Greenies to Your Cats Diet

Start Small: Cats can be finicky. Introduce Greenies slowly into their diet.

Monitor: Keep an eye on your cats reaction and health.

Consult Your Vet: Always check with your vet before introducing any new treat or food, especially if your cat has health issues.

Wrapping It Up with a Bow (Or a Paw)

So, do Greenies really work? The evidence points to yes, with a few caveats. Theyre a tool in your arsenal for maintaining your cats dental health, not a magic bullet. Like any treat, they should be used in moderation and as part of a comprehensive dental care routine.

Remember, the key to a happy, healthy feline is a blend of love, care, and the occasional Greenie (vet-approved, of course). Now go forth, armed with knowledge, and may your cats breath be ever fresh, and their purrs ever loud.

Dr. Feline Whiskerworth: Unraveling the Mysteries of Greenies for Cats

In our quest to get to the bottom of the Greenies phenomenon, we sat down (virtually, of course) with the renowned Dr. Feline Whiskerworth, a veterinary dentist whos been in the game longer than cat videos have been viral. Dr. Whiskerworth, with her decades of experience and a knack for breaking down complex ideas into bite-sized, easily digestible morsels, shared some invaluable insights that might just change how you view your cats dental health.

Us: Dr. Whiskerworth, theres a lot of buzz around Greenies for cats. Can you share your professional take on their effectiveness?

Dr. Whiskerworth: Absolutely, and its a pleasure to be here shedding light on this topic. Greenies are engineered with a dual-purpose in mind: to entertain the palate of our feline friends and to combat the build-up of tartar and plaque. What sets them apart is their unique texture, designed to encourage chewing that mirrors the natural abrasive action of eating prey in the wild. This action helps to gently scrape away the dental debris that can lead to more sinister issues down the line.

Us: What should cat owners be aware of regarding the ingredients in Greenies?

Dr. Whiskerworth: Great question! The foundation of Greenies lies in their formulation. They are imbued with a mix of high-quality proteins, fibers, and specific minerals that contribute not only to the mechanical cleaning action but also promote a balanced oral microbiome. However, owners should be vigilant. Though rare, sensitivities to certain ingredients can manifest, making it imperative to monitor your cats reaction closely during the initial introductions.

Us: How do Greenies fit into the broader spectrum of feline dental care?

Dr. Whiskerworth: Think of them as one piece of the puzzle. Theyre an effective supplementary measure but should not detract from the cornerstone practices of feline dental hygiene: regular brushing and professional dental check-ups. Its akin to us chewing gum designed for dental healthits beneficial, but it doesnt replace brushing or visits to the dentist.

Us: Any advice for cat parents considering Greenies for their pets?

Dr. Whiskerworth: My advice is threefold. Firstly, consult with your vet, as they can offer personalized guidance based on your cats health history. Secondly, observe. Each cat has its own unique preferences and dietary needs. Lastly, moderation is key. Treats should never constitute more than 10% of your cats daily caloric intake. This balance ensures they reap the benefits without risking their nutritional equilibrium.

HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE

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.