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Hi, I’m Dr. Anderson, and I’m currently at a pet store searching for the ideal dental treat for my dog, Jenna, in honor of Dental Health Month. I’m hoping this also helps you choose a safe and effective option for your own dog.
When selecting a dental treat, it’s important to pick something that lasts a while and encourages extended chewing. While some options may seem appealing, they’re not always safe. For example, items like antlers are extremely hard—I can’t even make a dent in them with my fingernail. Anything harder than your dog’s teeth has the potential to cause fractures.
I’m also not a fan of pig ears. They’re quite tough, and again, I can’t press into them with my fingernail. In many cases, dogs end up softening the entire ear and swallowing it whole, leading to a costly foreign body surgery.
Cooked bones are another option I strongly avoid. I’ve treated many dogs with broken teeth caused by chewing on bones. They can also splinter into sharp pieces, which may injure the mouth or get stuck in the digestive tract. For these reasons, it’s best to steer clear of them.
Instead, I recommend safer alternatives like Whimzees. I like these because I can easily make a small indentation with my fingernail, which indicates they’re not too hard and are less likely to damage teeth.
Greenies are another great option. They’re soft enough for safe chewing and are less likely to cause fractures. One of the biggest advantages is that they carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal. This means they’ve been tested and approved for both safety and effectiveness in supporting dental health.
Whenever you’re choosing a dental treat, look for the VOHC seal—it’s usually printed on the front or back of the packaging.
I also trust Purina products. Their rawhide alternatives designed for dental care are a good option, along with their chew sticks. You can even press through the packaging to feel that they’re soft enough to make an indentation.
Milk-Bone also offers dental treats called brushing chews. These are similarly soft and are VOHC-approved, making them a safe choice for supporting your dog’s oral health.
For Jenna, I picked up a bag of Greenies dental treats and a box of her favorite Purina Dental Chews, both of which are VOHC-accepted. We also carry these at our clinic, so feel free to grab some during your next visit.
And of course, Jenna absolutely loves them.