7 Best Dental Chews for Dogs in 2025, Recommended by Vets
Tetiana Garkusha/iStock via Getty Images
All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
Harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth can lead to serious problems, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, tartar and plaque buildup, infections, or abscesses. In addition to annual dental checkups, professional cleanings, and brushing your dog’s teeth at home, giving your dog dental chews can help support good oral health.
Dog dental chews come in a variety of textures, shapes, and flavors. To assist you in choosing the right one for your pet, our panel of veterinarians selected the best dental chews for dogs based on clinical observations, effectiveness, and other factors.
What To Consider When Choosing a Dog Dental Chew
Not just any dog dental chew will do when looking to reduce plaque and tartar. Consider the following when looking for the best dog dental chews for your pup.
-
VOHC Seal of Acceptance: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards the seal of acceptance to dog dental chews that pass strict trials in compliance with safety and regulatory issues, plus prove that they help prevent the accumulation of plaque and/or tartar (and therefore gingivitis). The VOHC seal of acceptance lets you know that your dog’s dental chew is both safe and effective.
-
Food Allergies or Sensitivities: If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, ensure the dog dental chew does not include those triggers in its ingredients. Dog dental chews come in a wide variety of flavors and ingredients, so pick the one that is easily digestible for your pet.
-
Vet Approved: Dog dental chews come in many shapes, textures, sizes, and flavors. What might be good for a puppy might not be the best choice for an adult or senior dog. Your veterinarian can help you pick the best dog dental chew for your dog’s unique dental condition.
-
Personal Preference: The best dental chews for dogs help reduce plaque and/or tartar while being something your dog will actually enjoy chewing on. You might have to experiment with different sizes, shapes, textures, and flavors to find one your dog will love to chew.
How We Selected the Best Dog Dental Chews
This list of the best dental chews for dogs was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best dog dental chew in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
-
Their knowledge and practical experience
-
A review of information published by the manufacturers
-
Attributes such as the VOHC seal of acceptance, ingredients, and effectiveness
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of vets and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decisions for their pets.
Dog Dental Chew FAQs
Q: What is the best dental chew for dogs?
A: The best dental chews for dogs have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance for safety, reduce plaque and/or tartar, don’t include trigger ingredients for any food sensitivities, are approved by the dog’s veterinarian to meet their specific dental health needs, and have the dog’s approval for texture, size, shape, and taste.
Q: Do any dog dental chews actually work?
A: Dog dental chews encourage the abrasive act of chewing, which can reduce plaque and/or tartar. Dog dental chews with the VOHC seal of acceptance have been scientifically proven to reduce tartar and plaque (and therefore gingivitis). Still, they are no replacement for professional teeth cleanings.
Q: How often should you give your dog a dental chew?
A: Most dog dental chews should be given only once a day as part of a dog’s optimal daily calorie intake. Check the instructions on the packaging and with your veterinarian for the best serving recommendation to meet your dog’s dental and caloric needs.
