7 Best Dental Chews for Dogs in 2025, Recommended by Vets
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Their knowledge and practical experience
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A review of information published by the manufacturers
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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.
Our Vet Pick: Best-In-Show Dog Dental Chews
ProDen PlaqueOff is a vegan dental chew for dogs made with 100% natural ingredients, including sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, sea kelp, alfalfa, and vegan probiotics.
Carrying the VOHC seal of acceptance, its textured bone shape and ingredients like sea kelp help control tartar and plaque.
Flaxseeds provide omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which can help improve skin and coat health, support heart health, and help with brain development. These chews do not contain grain, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives.
“I like that this chew is made with natural ingredients and can be broken in half for smaller dogs,” says panelist Heather Zarrella, DVM. “I would recommend this product for a pet parent looking for natural options.”
- Carries VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Source of omega fatty acids
- Vegan, which is optimal for dogs with a sensitive stomach and/or protein allergies
Our Vet Pick: Best Dog Dental Chews for a Sensitive Stomach
For pet parents of dogs with a sensitive stomach, these Greenies natural chews are made with a good source of fiber (sweet potato), which helps aid in digestion. They are also meat-free, making this dog dental chew an ideal choice for pups with this type of food allergy.
The unique chewy texture and shape of these Greenies help fight plaque, tartar, and bad breath. This can in turn help fight gingivitis.
Veronica Higgs, DVM, appreciates that these dog dental chews carry the VOHC seal, are made with real sweet potato, and fortified with vitamins and minerals.
“Dogs love the taste, so [they’re] a good option for more picky eaters,” she says.
- Carries VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Contains sweet potato, a great source of fiber for dogs that is also easy on the stomach
- Meat-free
Our Vet Pick: Best Dog Dental Chews for Allergies
These vegetarian dog dental chews were selected by our vet panel as a top choice for dogs managing certain food allergies.
Featuring a unique Z-shape that aids in chewing action, they help reduce plaque and tartar formation, freshen breath, and help prevent dental disease.
They’re also free from any animal protein and gluten, making them ideal for dogs with food allergies (most common dog food allergens are proteins) or gluten sensitivity.
Our panelists like that these once-daily dog dental chews are VOHC accepted, are from a reputable oral-care company, and come in four sizes.
“We love these chews for our allergic dogs, so they can have a yummy, safe treat that helps prevent dental disease,” says Molly Price, DVM.
- Carries VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Plant-based, meat-free, vegetarian chew
- Unique Z-shape aids in chewing action
Our Vet Pick: Best Budget Dog Dental Chews
Formulated for tartar control, Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz are long-lasting to keep dogs happy and busy while improving their dental health.
Suitable for adult dogs of any size and breed, it makes an easy choice for most pet parents. Plus, its beef flavor is attractive to dogs.
“I like that this chew is affordable, long-lasting, and high in protein,” says Dr. Zarrella. “I would recommend this for pet parents on a budget who would like for their pet to be entertained with a chew.”
If your dog has beef allergies, you’ll want to skip this chew since its main ingredient is beefhide.
- Carries VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Long-lasting, high-protein beef rawhide chew
- Suitable for any size adult dog
- Affordable
- Not recommended for dogs with sensitivities or allergies to beef
- Not recommended for dogs who gulp their food and treats, as these rawhide chews should not be swallowed whole
Our Vet Pick: Best Dog Dental Chews for Small Dogs
Founded by veterinarians, Virbac designed these beef rawhide-based dog dental chews for small dogs under 11 pounds.
Though these dental chews do not carry the VOHC seal, their dual enzyme system and abrasive texture help control plaque and tartar. Virbac does hold VOHC acceptance for other dental chews and applies their same high-quality manufacturing to this dental chew.
Plus, they’re a hit with dogs because of their added poultry flavor.
“I like that this product encourages chewing and decreases plaque through an abrasive action,” says Dr. Zarrella. “I would recommend this chew for small-breed dogs who enjoy chewy toys and treats.”
- Dual-enzyme activation and abrasive chewing action help clean teeth
- Does not carry VOHC seal of acceptance
- Rawhide chew might not be suitable for pets with rawhide allergies or a sensitive tummy
- Size ideal for X-small breeds (larger size available for small breeds)
- Not recommended for dogs who gulp their food and treats, as these rawhide chews should not be swallowed whole
Our Vet Pick: Best Dog Dental Chews for Large Dogs
Appropriately sized for big breeds, OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews for Large & Giant Dogs are formulated with delmopinol, an agent that creates a barrier on a dog’s teeth, tongue, and gingiva (gums) to help prevent development of plaque and tartar. The natural chewing action helps remove existing plaque.
“OraVet chews have been scientifically proven to reduce tartar and are accepted by the VOHC,” says Dr. Price. “They are easy for your dog to digest and keep your dog busy and happy while helping prevent dental disease.”
As the chews contain wheat, soy, and corn, they might not be ideal for pups with those type of sensitivities or allergies.
- Carries VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Not recommended for dogs with certain allergies, as this product contains wheat, soy, and corn
- Size ideal for large breeds
Our Vet Pick: Best Dog Dental Chews for Bad Breath
This dog dental chew offers an affordable price and actively combats bad breath. Accepted by the VOHC, Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews are proven to control tartar and are designed to mimic brushing action.
Real spearmint along with a texture of ridges and nubs help freshen breath and encourage healthy gums.
Made with zero artificial flavors, the treats are fortified with calcium to support strong teeth and bones.
“I like that it comes in different sizes for small, medium, and larger dogs and freshens breath,” says Jo Cornett, DVM. “I would recommend it because it is VOHC accepted for the control of tartar.”
- Carries VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Spearmint helps eliminate odor
- Includes chicken, so not suitable for pets with allergies and sensitivities to chicken protein