who makes greenies dog treats

About GREENIES Dog Dental Treats & Our Online Shop

The GREENIES Online Shop is here to make shopping for your dogs favorite treat, easy! Made by pet parents, for pet parents, we understand that every pet has their own unique needs. The GREENIES Online Shop is eager to help build a proactive wellness routine for your pet so they can live their best lives. With easy product recommendations, and reoccurring orders, shop.greenies.com is designed to be customer for your pet, with ease of the ulti-mutt pet parents.

The Greenies brand all began with one adorable pup, and some really stinky breath. Ivan, our Greenies mascot and pup that inspired it all, was a very good boy withnot so great teeth. Covered with plaque and tartar, Ivans teeth resulted in poor gum health and breath his owners couldnt stand. His owners worked with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and other experts to develop the first toothbrush-shaped Greenies Canine Dental Chews. Ivans owners loved his new fresh breath so much, they told their friends, who told their friends, who told their friends, andhere we are today. A little bad breath, a whole lot of love, and two pet parents eager to help keep their dog healthy is how Greenies started. Today, Greenies is still on a mission to clean every mouth with tail-wagging flavor.

As loving pet owners ourselves, the health and well-being of our pets is always our top priority. Thats why we make all Greenies Dental Treats with delicious, healthy ingredients that are easy to digest and help promote overall pet health. As the popularity of natural pet food continues to grow, more and more pet food manufacturers are putting the term natural on their product labels. We understand that there is often confusion about what the term actually means for pet food products like Greenies Dental Treats.

Greenies Dental Treats adheres to the guidelines set forth by Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO guidelines are the leading standards in the pet food industry for product claims.

AAFCO defines natural as ingredients derived from plant, animal or mined, unprocessed or subject to physical, heat, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not subjected to chemically synthetic process.

Just like any food, it is important that your pets food, including treats, is balanced to meet his or her nutritional needs. Thats why Greenies Dental Treats are made with natural ingredients plus added supplements such as vitamins, minerals and nutrients which may not be found naturally, but are safe and necessary for your pets growth and overall health.

The Great Greenies Debate: Unwrapping the Controversy

Welcome, fellow pet enthusiasts and curious minds! Today, were diving deep into the world of pet dental care, specifically focusing on one of the most debated products in the pet industry: Greenies. Youve probably heard of themthose green, toothbrush-shaped treats dogs and cats go wild for. But behind the enthusiastic crunching, theres a whirlwind of controversy were here to unpack.

Charting the Controversy

Dental Delight vs. Danger

Popularity Trends vs. Reported Incidents

The Meat of the Matter: Navigating the Debate

The Chewy Truth

Greenies are designed to combat plaque and tartar, promoting dental health. Many pet owners report significant improvements in their pets breath and dental hygiene. However, the size and chewing habits of your furry friend play a pivotal role in the effectiveness and safety of these treats.

A Bite-Sized Warning

Not all tails wag the same way, and similarly, not all pets can handle Greenies alike. Cases of gastrointestinal blockages have been reported, predominantly when pets have swallowed large pieces without proper chewing. This raises questions about suitability for all dog and cat breeds, sizes, and ages.

Ingredient Inspection

Made with natural ingredients and boasting a nutritious profile, Greenies seem like the perfect treat. Yet, for pets with specific allergies, they might be less of a treat and more of a threat. Its crucial to scrutinize the ingredient list for potential allergens to your pet.

The Enlightened Path: Tips for Pet Owners

Know Your Pet: Understand your pets chewing behavior and select the size and type of Greenie accordingly.

Supervision is Key: Always monitor your pet when theyre enjoying their treat to avoid any choking hazards.

Allergies Alert: Check the ingredients for anything your pet might be allergic to.

Balance is Best: Treats should not make up more than 10% of your pets daily calorie intake. Greenies are no exception.

Consult the Vet: When in doubt, your vet knows best. A quick consultation can save you a lot of worries.

Conclusion: To Chew or Not to Chew

In the great debate over Greenies, theres no one-size-fits-all answer. They can be both a boon and a bane, depending on individual circumstances. Armed with the right information and a keen eye on your pets reaction, you can make an informed decision. Remember, the ultimate goal is your pets health and happiness. So, chew over the information, consult your vet, and keep those tails wagging safely and healthily!

An Expert Dives Deep into the Greenies Dialogue

Interviewer: Welcome! Today, were peeling back the layers of the Greenies controversy. Weve got an expert with us whos ready to sink their teeth into the matter. Lets dive right in. First off, can you share your initial thoughts on Greenies?

Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Greenies sit at this fascinating intersection of innovative pet care and consumer caution. Initially designed as a dental health solution, theyve become a household name. However, like any product that gains rapid popularity, theyre scrutinized, and rightfully so. The first thing I think of is the balance they try to strike between being a treat and a health product.

Interviewer: Speaking of scrutiny, there have been reports of health incidents. How do you weigh the benefits against the potential risks?

Expert: Its a complex equation. On one side, we have numerous testimonials praising Greenies for transforming pets dental health, with visibly cleaner teeth and fresher breath. These are non-trivial benefits, given the commonality of dental issues in pets. However, the risk factor, primarily the potential for gastrointestinal blockages, cant be ignored. It emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownershipknowing your pets chewing habits, supervising treat time, and choosing the right size of Greenie. The product isnt inherently risky; its the context of use that dictates safety.

Interviewer: Thats an insightful perspective. How significant is the role of ingredients in this debate?

Expert: Its pivotal. The ingredient list of Greenies is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it boasts natural ingredients, which is a big plus for pet owners seeking wholesome options. Yet, the inclusivity stops there. Pets with specific dietary restrictions or allergies could have adverse reactions. This isnt unique to Greenies but is a broader industry issuecreating a product that caters to every pets needs is challenging. Transparency and education around ingredients become crucial here.

Interviewer: With those points in mind, how should pet owners approach Greenies for their pets?

Expert: Thoughtfully and selectively. The key is not to get swayed by marketing or hearsay but to understand your pets health, dietary needs, and behaviors. No two pets are the same; whats a miracle treat for one might be less suitable for another. Always introduce any new treat, including Greenies, gradually, and observe your pets reaction. And, as always, keep your vet in the loop. They can provide tailored advice that neither the internet nor the back of a treat package can offer.

Interviewer: To wrap up, what future do you see for products like Greenies in the pet care market?

Expert: The trajectory for Greenies and similar products is promising but calls for innovation and adaptability. As we become more aware of our pets health needs and as our pets continue to be integral family members, the demand for high-quality, safe, and effective pet products will only grow. The future lies in research, refinement, and perhaps a move towards more personalized pet care solutions. Products like Greenies have opened doors and started conversations; its now about how we evolve those discussions into actions that prioritize pet health and safety above all.

Interviewer: Thank you for such a deep dive into the world of Greenies. Your insights certainly give our readers a lot to chew on.

Expert: It was my pleasure. Heres to making informed choices for the health and happiness of our furry friends!

HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE

Greenies Dog Treats Review 2024: Pros & Cons

Our Final Verdict

We give Greenies Dog Treats a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Greenies are some of the most popular dog treats available. Every time I go searching for a new treat for my Poodles, theyre either stacked on the shelves or the first brand to be recommended in a browser sidebar. The name is a dog owners household word for three good reasons: One, their treats are proven to fight tartar buildup, used to help get pesky pills down the throats of pups, and, possibly most importantly, theyre one of the treats that can help make puppy breath a little more bearable.

I knew that Greenies offers treats for dogs of every size, but what Im excited to learn is that their formulas are fantastic for many dog diet plans: Grain-free, weight management, and age-care? Count me in! And an even bigger bonus, they make sure to cater to the taste buds of all pups. You can give Fido his favorite chicken and Missy pumpkin spice.

Overall, these treats appear to be a great go-to when toothbrushing or medicine day is a struggle, but lets take a deeper look into how my two pups, Zeta and Blanche took to them.

At a Glance: The Best Greenies Dog Treats

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		Greenies Fresh Dental Dog Treat	Natural ingredients Noticeably freshens breath Vet recommended	Check Price
	Greenies Anytime Bites Original Flavor	Natural ingredients Designed to prevent tatar build up Flexible treats that are easy to break down	Check Price
	Greenies Pill Pockets Peanut Butter Flavor	Natural ingredients 11 different flavor options Fool-proof medication delivery	Check Price

Greenies Dog Treats Reviewed

My Poodles are always up for a new treat, and they sniffed out these from the moment the box landed on our doorstep. So, of course, opening the package, they were ready to dig in, and I was ready to give them a taste. These are treats I wouldnt mind giving Blanche daily for both health reasons and rewards for positive behavior. That being said, there are a few minor drawbacks that would prevent me from giving it to my other dog, Zeta.

Who Makes Greenies Dog Treats and Where Is It Produced?

Greenies dental treats are made in Kansas City. The company was founded by devoted pet parents Joe and Judy Roetheli who wanted to make puppy breath a positive phrase in their home. So, they developed a healthier way to freshen their dogs kisses. The duo didnt stop there. The brand has since branched out into creating more health-conscious treats, making it easier to give pets medication and supplements.

In 2006, Mars Petcare acquired the Greenies brand while keeping headquarters and manufacturing in Kansas City. Each recipe is made in the USA from ingredients sourced from around the world, and even though its not clear where these ingredients are sourced, the brand says that all ingredients are quality checked, and are never paired with artificial preservatives or fillers.

Which Dog Breeds Is Greenies Dog Treats Best Suited For?

Greenies are a fantastic option for most dogs. Since they come in four different portion sizes, there isnt a breed too big or too small to handle them. Theyre soft enough for puppies as well as seniors, so youll never have to worry about damaging teeth while trying to clean them.

If your dog is like my Blanche, their breath can go downhill easily. Knowing that these treats have the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval, allows me to rest easy giving them to my pup so she doesnt smell like whatever mystery mush she picked up in the backyard.

Which Type of Dog Might Do Better With a Different Brand?

If your dog has any sensitivities to chicken like my Zeta, you might need to be careful. Most Greenies treats have some form of chicken in them, even if their flavor isnt a protein flavor. The same goes for grain and gluten as ingredients. While Greenies does offer some grain-free options, pet owners will still need to be careful as to which bag they pick up and if its right for their pups diet.

If your dog tends to inhale treats without barely getting a taste, please offer these with caution. If your pup swallows one of these treats whole, it could get stuck in their throat due to the design. Owners of fast-eating dogs might want to consider OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews. These are smaller and break down a little easier, making them less of a choking hazard.

For a final caution: If you have a dog with a preexisting dental or oral condition, please consult your vet before offering Greenies up as dental care.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

Greenies prides itself on building formulas using all-natural ingredients without fillers. Please note though that the term natural isnt exactly regulated by the FDA, so there is no true definition for what natural means in this case.

However, Greenies does not use artificial or synthetic ingredients and every formula is based on the AAFCO guidelines. This means you can be sure youre giving your pet pure ingredients with health benefits, including the prevention of tatar regrowth.

The Good:

• Oats are a healthy source of fiber and nutrients
• Lecithin is usually found in soybeans or eggs and is used to protect the delicious flavors of Greenies treats.
• Dried Apple Pomace is made up of all the unwanted pieces of apples (pulp, peels, etc) and acts as roughage to help scrape off tartar on dogs teeth.
• Choline Chloride is an important nutrient to help with brain development and liver health. However, it should not be given to dogs with liver or kidney disease.
• Fruit Juice Color to give Greenies their natural colorants.
• Turmeric is another natural colorant.
• Vitamins: Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B5, Niacin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Folic Acid.
• Minerals: Dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, selenium, potassium iodide.

The Questionable:

• Wheat Flour is a common ingredient in Greenies treats and is safe for dogs who are able to digest it.
• Wheat Gluten is used to glue together the treats, making them a perfect chewy texture
• Glycerin is a sweet sugar alcohol found in many treats and is perfectly safe for pets in moderation.
• Gelatin is an important anti-inflammatory to help with joint health and repairing cartilage
• Natural Poultry Flavor. The word Natural isnt regulated by the FDA, so its hard to say what Natural poultry flavor really is.

Design

Personally, I feel like someone in the Greenies design department deserves a pat on the back. Not only are the traditional dental treats in the shape of an adorable toothbrush, but the flexibility and grooves aid in scrubbing and dislodging tartar, right up to the gum line.

The pill pocket treats are just as convenient. Blanche is currently winding down on her dosage of medication. And while its about a 50/50 chance that she will either eat it inside a slab of lunch meat or pick it out, there was no problem giving it to her with a pill pocket. The pill slipped easily inside, and a quick pinch to close to top kept it hidden from her taste buds.

Preventative Care

Besides dental care, Greenies addresses some of the most common issues in dog health. Joint issues, immune issues, and digestive problems can sometimes be prevented with the right supplements. Now, I cant say for sure how well they might prevent such things with my one-year-old Poodles, I have confidence they will based on the ingredient list.

Oats are a great source of fiber. Gelatin holds anti-inflammatory properties, helping with joint pain. And the roughage and dried apple pomace both help with gut issues and to scrape teeth clean.

Holistic Treat

Obviously, these are treats. Theyre not supposed to be used as a nutrition staple for your dog. But when comparing the ingredients to other dog treats, I have to say, these are a fantastic, healthier option. I feel confident giving my pups the natural ingredients, knowing that Im rewarding them with something that is going to improve their quality of life.

What I Wish Greenies Would Include

Since I have one dog who can safely eat almost anything under the sun, and one dog who is sensitive to proteins, I wish Greenies included some limited protein formulas in their treats. I know Zeta would scarf them down pretty happily if I allowed her.

A Quick Look at Greenies Dog Treats

• All natural formula
• Designed to easily aid dogs health
• Added vitamins and nutrients

• Contains wheat products
• No limited protein options
• Can get stuck in your dogs throat

Recall History

There was a recall in 2006 for Greenies not being easily digestible. Since then, Greenies has changed their formula to be more protein based, making it easier for dogs to digest.

Greenies Dog Treats Reviews

Greenies makes several different formulas in their different treat varieties. Take a look at three of my personal favorites below:

1. Greenies Fresh Dental Dog Treat

As far as dental treats go, these are probably my dogs favorite. They do a great job at keeping her teeth clean, she snacks them down happily, and the fresh mint scent keeps her breath odor free.

This reasonably priced treat is something Im glad to have on hand to keep her oral health in check.

• Natural ingredients
• Vet Recommended
• Noticeably freshens breath

• Mint is strong (may be a turn-off for some dogs)
• More for freshening breath than for cleaning teeth

2. Greenies Anytime Bites (Original Flavor)

These are a great treat to keep around for consistently removing plaque from your dogs teeth. Ive noticed, even after a few treats, less tartar on my pups pearly whites.

• Natural ingredients
• Flexible treats that are easy to break down
• Designed to prevent tatar build up

• Only come in small size
• Can get caught in dogs throats

3. Greenies Pill Pockets (Peanut Butter Flavor)

This is the canine equivalent to a spoonful of sugarminus the sugar! Pill pockets are the perfect treat for fooling your dog into taking the bitter medication they can easily sniff out of meat, cheese, bread, or any other food you can try to hide it in.

• 11 different flavor options
• Fool-proof medication delivery
• Natural ingredients

• Not meant for everyday treats
• Lacks the nutrition of other Greenies treats

Our Experience With Greenies Dog Treats

The Greenies shipment arrived at my doorstep and my dogs knew it was for them. Their noses twitched and their eyes begged for me to open it. The moment I did, they both dropped into an automatic sit position.

While I couldnt give Zeta any to eat, the smell alone got her to listen to simple commands. (Yes, I treated her with Zeta-safe treats.) This became the perfect opportunity to show Blanche, who is a little more nervous at the sound of new packaging, that these treats are worth listening to every command.

We started with the pill pockets, which were the most pungent of the three. Likely, that also meant the most exciting. Blanche took her medicine like a pro. She didnt even bat an eye at me putting the pill inside. Next, we moved on to the anytime bites. She was a little reluctant to try this at first, but a single taste and she came around. Note: after a few days of these, I have noticed a difference on her teeth. The few that are normally a little discolored have almost cleared up completely.

Lastly, I offered up the fresh dental treats. These freshened up her breath immediately, and even though theyre on the larger side of treats, it didnt stop her from coming back and begging for more.

Note that none of these irritated her stomach. She hasnt had any problems digesting them or keeping them down. They do, however, leave a slight green tint on her white fur. And now that she knows these exist in our treat bin, shes asking to grab just one more taste.

All in all, these are Zeta-wanted, and Blanche-approved.

Conclusion

Greenies may have started with a simple idea: making dental hygiene for your dogs, easy. But they have grown to include a variety of products to make holistic canine care simple. With natural ingredients and an eye for nutrition, its no wonder Greenies have become a staple in many pet homes. Theyre attractive to dogs, have their health in mind, and make caring for pups a little easier.

The only concerns Id warn about are to watch the ingredients if your dog has any allergies, and be cautious if youve got a speed eater on your hands. But other than that, were giving them four and a half paws up in our household.

So, if you have pups like my Poodles who are happiest with an extra snack and could use some breath freshener once in a while, Greenies are a great option to add to your treat arsenal.

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