greenies treats for dogs reviews
Kirkland, Greenies, & Dentastix Face-Off
Hey, pet parents! Ever find yourself wandering the pet aisle, baffled by the sheer variety of dental treats for your fur baby? Youre not alone. Today, were diving deep into the chewy world of Kirkland Signature Grain-Free Dental Chews, Greenies Original Dental Treats, and PEDIGREE DENTASTIX. Lets chomp down on the details and uncover which treat might just be the toothsome winner for your canine companion.
Quick Bites: Key Takeaways
- Healthiest Ingredients: Kirkland opts for grain-free goodness.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Greenies get the vets nod for oral health.
- Best for Budget: DENTASTIX offers more bang for your buck.
- Taste Test Champ: Subjective, but pooches seem pretty pleased across the board!
The Chewy Details: A Closer Look
Feature | Kirkland Dental Chews | Greenies | DENTASTIX |
---|---|---|---|
Main Ingredient | Potato Starch | Wheat Flour | Rice Flour |
Grain-Free | |||
Protein Content | 33% min | 28.0 % min | 8.0% min |
Pack Size | 72 Count | 43 Count (12 oz) | 108 Count (1.68 lb) |
Price | $41.99 | $17.98 | $16.98 |
Taste | Chicken | Original Flavor (Poultry) | Chicken |
Special Features | Grain-free, Rich in Vitamins | Cleans down to the gumline, Rich in Vitamins | Clinically proven texture |
Suitable for Sizes | Not specified | Extra Small to Large | Toy/Small Dogs |
Chewing Through the Facts
Kirkland Signature Grain-Free Dental Chews stand out for their grain-free formulation, making them a fantastic choice for dogs with grain sensitivities. They pack a high protein punch and are enriched with a variety of vitamins and minerals. The downside? Theyre on the pricier side, but for grain-free advocates, theyre worth every penny.
Greenies are the heavyweight champions in the dental chew arena, with a veterinarian endorsement thats hard to beat. Theyre crafted to clean down to the gumline, promoting healthier teeth and gums. However, for the grain-free crowd, Greenies might not make the cut due to their wheat flour base.
PEDIGREE DENTASTIX offer an unbeatable value, with the most treats per package at a price thats gentle on your wallet. Their unique X-shape design is geared towards reducing plaque and tartar buildup. However, they do contain grains and might not be the top choice for dogs with grain allergies.
The Tail Wagging Conclusion
Choosing the right dental chew for your dog boils down to understanding their health needs, taste preferences, and your budget. Whether you prioritize grain-free ingredients, veterinarian recommendations, or value for money, theres a chew out there thats bound to get your dogs tail wagging.
Remember:
- For Grain-Sensitive Pooches: Kirkland is your go-to.
- For Vet-Approved Oral Care: Lean towards Greenies.
- For Budget-Friendly Chews: DENTASTIX is your best bet.
No matter which you choose, pairing these treats with regular dental care routines can help keep your furry friends smile bright and healthy. So, go ahead, treat your pup to some chewy goodness and enjoy those cleaner, fresher doggy kisses!
Interviewer: Dr. Pawsome, thank you for joining us today. Lets start with a hot topic: grain-free dental chews. Kirklands offering has garnered attention for its grain-free formula. Whats your take on grain-free treats in relation to dental health?
Dr. Pawsome: Pleasure to be here! The grain-free debate is interesting, especially from a dental perspective. You see, while the absence of grains might be beneficial for dogs with specific allergies or sensitivities, its crucial to remember that dental health hinges on the physical action of chewing and the treats texture. Kirklands grain-free chews offer a robust alternative, providing that much-needed mechanical action against the teeth to help reduce plaque and tartar. Its less about being grain-free and more about the quality of chew and ingredients that promote oral health.
Interviewer: Moving on to Greenies, theyre recommended by veterinarians and loved by pet owners. What makes them stand out in the crowded market of dental treats?
Dr. Pawsome: Greenies have carved out a niche largely due to their unique texture and shape, designed to reach down to the gumline. Its this meticulous attention to the physical design that sets them apart. Theyre not just about battling plaque and tartar; theyre about promoting a comprehensive oral health regime. Their formula, enriched with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, complements the mechanical cleaning action. Plus, the fact that theyre vet-recommended speaks volumes about their efficacy and safety.
Interviewer: And what about PEDIGREE DENTASTIX? They seem to offer great value while also targeting dental care. How do they stack up against the competition?
Dr. Pawsome: DENTASTIX excel in making dental care accessible without compromising on quality. Their X-shape design isnt just for looks; its scientifically crafted to enhance the chews ability to clean teeth and freshen breath. The value proposition is indeed attractive, but its their commitment to oral health, evidenced by the clinical studies backing their product, that truly makes them a strong contender. They provide a practical solution for pet parents concerned about oral hygiene but mindful of budget constraints.
Interviewer: Theres often a discussion about the ingredients in these dental chews. How important are natural ingredients and vitamins in these products?
Dr. Pawsome: In the realm of dental chews, ingredients play a dual role. First, they need to ensure the chew is palatable and enjoyable for the dog after all, the best dental chew is the one your dog will happily eat. Second, the inclusion of vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients can have systemic benefits beyond oral health. For example, antioxidants can support immune health, and certain minerals might aid in bone strength. However, its crucial to integrate these chews into a balanced diet. Theyre a supplement to, not a substitute for, comprehensive nutrition.
Interviewer: Lastly, any advice for pet parents navigating the choices in dental treats?
Dr. Pawsome: Absolutely. Start with your dogs specific needs and preferences. Consider any dietary sensitivities or allergies, the size of your dog, and, importantly, their chewing habits. Consult with your vet, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions. And remember, dental chews are a complement to regular dental care routines, including brushing and professional cleanings. Its about creating a holistic approach to your dogs oral health.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Pawsome, for sharing your insights and helping pet parents make informed decisions about their furry friends dental health.
Dr. Pawsome: It was my pleasure! Remember, a healthy mouth is a gateway to a healthy body for our pets. Happy chewing!
HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE
We Found A Treat That Actually Made A Dent In Our Dogs' Horrible Breath
Greenies Dog Dental Treats
Why We Love Them:
They really help with our dogs bad breath! Plus, our pups love the taste and the chewy texture.
We independently pick all the products we recommend because we love them and think you will too. If you buy a product from a link on our site, we may earn a commission.
Lets face it: Your dogs breath is bad. (Its OK, most dogs breath isnt exactly delicious.)
It hits your nose every time he licks your mouth or pants in your face, but trying to get him to (willingly) let you put a toothbrush in his mouth is such a struggle.
Luckily, Greenies Dog Dental Treats are supposed to help clean your pups teeth and freshen his breath while he eats them.
So, we decided to test them out on our own Dodo dogs to see if they actually made a difference.
The verdict? Heres why they earned our Paw of Approval.
What Are Greenies Dog Dental Treats?
Greenies Dog Dental Treats may look like theyre going to be hard and crunchy (like other dental treats), but these actually have a chewy texture thats designed to fight plaque and tartar, giving your pup cleaner teeth and fresher breath.
While they shouldnt be used as a replacement for routine dental checkups or regular brushing, Greenies dental treats are another tool that can help keep your dogs dental issues under control.
According to the company, Greenies are made with highly soluble ingredients, so they should be super easy on your dogs digestive system.
They offer different treats for pups of different sizes:
The Judges
We picked four office dogs one teenie, one petite, one regular and one large to give Greenies Dog Dental Treats a shot.
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So Did They Actually Make Our Dogs Breath Fresher?
Like a lot of pups, our judges breath can stink pretty bad, which is why we were so impressed to discover that Greenies dental treats for dogs made it actually bearable.
After a week I noticed that the strong breath smell was less intense. Before, I could smell Tinas breath even if she was breathing 4 feet away from me, and now its less intense and I can only notice it when she's next to me. Andrea D.
Nicos breath definitely seems better after he eats his treats. I think it's a temporary improvement, almost like a mint. But his breath is pretty unbearable smells like fish. And after I give him a Greenie, I feel like that fishy smell goes away. Vittoriana C.
We did notice Coopers breath became less musty after continuous use of the Greenies, especially immediately after he chewed them. Melanie D.
What Pets Loved: Theyre So Tasty That They Have To Beg For Them!
All four of our judges were so impressed with the way Greenies Dog Dental Treats taste that they couldnt stop themselves from begging.
Pretzel absolutely loves them and starts licking his lips as soon as he sees the bag. I believe he knows them by name now, as if I ask if he wants a Greenie, he is more excited than if I simply say 'treat. Rachel G.
Nico is obsessed with it. He looks forward to it every night, and even knows when it's time to get a treat. I swear he can read time. If we don't give him one by 9 p.m., he starts getting very vocal and pushing us with his paw. It's hilarious. Vittoriana C.
Tina loved this product right away. If I forget, she literally comes to me and takes me to where I keep them to ask for one. Andrea D.
With his Greenies, Cooper immediately grabbed it and began chewing it up. He finished it in record time for him! Melanie D.
What Parents Loved: They Dont Smell Awful!
The chewy texture of Greenies dental treats for dogs made it so we didnt have to worry about our pups hurting their teeth when they bit down.
The treats are about the size of my thumb and they feel like they will be easy for my dog to chew, which is a great concern for me since he lost his chewing molars. Vittoriana C.
I like them for Pretzel because he's cracked a tooth in the past and can no longer have the really hard bones he likes, so they are something chewy that he can't wolf down in one bite. Rachel G.
The chewiness also helped keep our dogs busy.
I actually thought they were going to be smaller, but it actually was better for Tina since she got entertained for a bit longer chewing the treat. Andrea D.
And they were easy on our pups systems, too.
Tina also didn't have any issues digesting them. Andrea D.
Our pet parents were also super thankful that Greenies dental treats for dogs dont completely stink, unlike a lot of dog treats on the market.
Comparing it to other dog treats, it's definitely a more pleasant smell than most. Vittoriana C.
It's good that they don't leave their smell on my hand like other treats do when I give them to her. Andrea D.
I like that they don't leave any strange smell behind on fingers or surfaces. Rachel G.
They smelled pretty good, too, but I did not personally try them, haha. Melanie D.
And staining wasnt an issue, either.
They didn't stain my carpets or their dog beds, an issue we've always had with chews. Melanie D.
We also love it when we dont have to worry about treats going stale, so the packaging was a hit as well.
The packaging has a seal on it, so it keeps the treats fresh so that they don't go stale. Vittoriana C.
The packaging is sturdy and resealable, which is always good. Rachel G.
While one of our pet parents thought the Greenies Dog Dental Treats were a tiny bit expensive, all of our pet parents said theyd buy them again.
Any Downsides?
While they worked wonders for almost all of our judges breath, one pet parent felt the Greenies didnt do much for plaque and tartar buildup.
It didn't exactly clean Tinas teeth, but it sure improved her breath as it promised. Andrea D.
Still, all four of our human testers plan to continue using Greenies dental treats for dogs, and said theyd recommend them to other pet parents.
Our Takeaway: A Tasty Treat Thats Also Really Useful!
When dog breath is bad, its really bad. Thats why its such a relief that Greenies Dog Dental Treats actually fix that problem.
Not to mention, our dogs are completely obsessed which is much more than we can say about their toothbrushes so its never a fight to get our pups to eat them.
Theyre also nice and chewy, so we dont have to worry about Greenies being too tough on their teeth. (Plus, all that chewing keeps our dogs entertained.)
Bringing your pup in for regular dental cleanings is still super important, but these are a huge help for that nasty breath between visits.
The Dodo may receive complimentary samples to test in our Paw of Approval program, but all our opinions are 100 percent our own. We only publish endorsements of products we (and our dogs and cats) absolutely love! You can find out more about our testing process here.
If you have a product you love that you want to share with other pet parents, send a tip to [email protected].