10+ Best Dog Dental Chews for Healthy Teeth and Fresh Breath in 2025

Dog dental chews are treats designed to help clean your pet’s teeth and freshen their breath. They work by reducing plaque and tartar as your dog chews, which can improve your dog’s overall oral health. Many owners like to use dental chews as an easy addition to brushing or vet visits.

You’ll find these chews in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and ingredient lists. Some focus on natural materials or enzymes, while others just use clever textures to scrape teeth clean. The right dental chew can double as a tasty reward, making dental care feel less like a chore for both of you.

When picking the best dog dental chews, think about your dog’s size and the ingredients. The chew should fit your dog—too big or too small can cause choking or tummy troubles. Always check for safe, non-toxic ingredients that won’t upset your pup’s stomach. We spent a good chunk of time researching and testing different dental chews to find effective, safe picks for daily use.

Best Dog Dental Chews

We’ve tried and researched a bunch of dog dental chews to figure out which ones actually help keep your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresh. Here’s what stood out for reducing plaque, freshening breath, and keeping dogs interested.

Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed

These chews do a nice job keeping large dogs’ teeth cleaner and double as a tasty treat they actually look forward to.

Pros

• Unique X-shape helps clean hard-to-reach teeth
• No added sugar or fillers, which seems like a healthier choice
• Fresh flavor most dogs enjoy

Cons

• Made mainly for dogs 40 pounds and up—not for the little guys
• Some dogs will still need brushing with these
• Texture might be too tough for older dogs with sensitive teeth

The X-shaped design really gets into spots other treats miss. Our big dog seems to love the minty flavor, so giving one daily fits right into our routine and keeps everyone happy.

The chewy texture helps reduce tartar, but honestly, it’s best not to rely on these alone for dental care. Brushing is still important.

Pedigree Dentastix are practical if you want to mix dental care with a treat your dog will actually eat. We found it easy to use and noticed fresher breath after a few days.

Minties Dental Chews

Minties Dental Chews are a solid pick for clean teeth and fresher breath, with natural ingredients and a nod from vets.

Pros

• Freshens breath with natural herbs
• Vet recommended and gentle on sensitive stomachs
• Texture scrubs teeth pretty well

Cons

• Treat size might be too big for tiny dogs
• Some dogs turn up their nose at the mint flavor
• Priced a little higher than basic chews

These work well for everyday dental care. The minty smell stands out but isn’t overpowering, and it really helps with bad breath. The blend of peppermint, parsley, and fennel feels like a good, simple choice.

The rough texture works faster on plaque than softer treats. Our dogs seemed to like the flavor and stayed busy with them instead of just gulping them down. Different sizes make it easier to find a good fit for your dog.

Downside? Smaller dogs might need you to break them up, and picky eaters might need time to warm up to the mint. If you want something cheaper, these aren’t the lowest price, but the quality and ingredients make up for it.

If you want a vet-recommended, effective chew that supports dental health naturally, Minties Dental Chews are worth a shot.

Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed

A solid option for large dogs needing daily dental care with some tasty variety.

Pros

• Helps clean teeth and reduce tartar
• Three flavors keep dogs interested
• No added sugar or fillers

Cons

• Only for dogs over 40 pounds
• Not for puppies
• Some dogs might need smaller pieces

We found Dentastix easy to feed to our big dogs every day. The X-shape and chewy texture do a good job scraping away plaque. It’s a simple way to help their oral health.

The variety pack was a hit—our dogs liked switching between original, beef, and fresh flavors. They actually looked forward to their treat, which made sticking to a daily dental routine pretty easy.

Just watch out—these treats are big and really meant for dogs over 40 pounds. For smaller dogs, you’ll probably need to break them up. Still, they work well for big breeds that need a solid chew.

Minties Dog Dental Chews

Minties offers a reliable, vet-recommended chew that freshens breath and keeps tiny dogs’ teeth cleaner.

Pros

• Great breath freshening with natural ingredients
• Affordable compared to most dental chews
• Texture encourages chewing and reduces plaque

Cons

• Size best for tiny to small dogs
• Some pups don’t like the mint flavor
• A few users said chews were stale

We found Minties chews worked well for daily use with small dogs. Ours liked the minty taste, and their breath improved over time. The chewy texture helps with tartar and keeps them chewing.

No wheat, soy, or artificial additives here, which is reassuring. The price is good too, so you can keep a stash on hand without breaking the bank.

The size is just right for little breeds but probably too small for larger dogs. If you want a budget-friendly, vet-recommended chew that freshens breath and supports oral health, Minties are a solid pick.

Purina Dentalife Large Dog Chews

These chews give a thorough clean for large dogs and have a flavor that keeps them interested.

Pros

• Proven to reduce tartar
• Eight ridges and chewy texture reach deep teeth
• Made in USA, no artificial flavors or colors

Cons

• Strong chewers might finish these quickly
• Only for dogs over 40 pounds
• Not for puppies under one year

Our large dogs really liked these chicken-flavored treats. The texture is firm but not rock-hard, so it cleans well without being too much work. Their breath seemed fresher, too.

The ridges and air pockets get into tricky spots, which is a nice bonus. The resealable pouch keeps them fresh—a small thing, but handy.

If your dog’s a power chewer, these might not last long. And they’re just not made for smaller pups. Still, for big dogs, these fit easily into a daily oral care routine.

OraVet Dental Chews

We like OraVet Dental Chews for their unique ingredient that helps protect your dog’s teeth and keeps breath fresher.

Pros

• Reduces plaque and tartar
• Contains delmopinol, which forms a protective barrier
• Individually wrapped for easy daily use

Cons

• Some dogs chew only partway, missing front teeth
• Price is higher than most dental chews
• Might cause slightly green stool for some dogs

These chews do a solid job loosening plaque. Our dogs enjoyed the mild poultry taste, and the vanilla scent was a nice touch—not overwhelming. The daily routine is easy since each chew is wrapped and fresh.

Delmopinol is what makes these stand out. It’s used in human dental care and acts like a shield on teeth, blocking bacteria that cause bad breath and tartar. Over time, we saw real improvement in our dogs’ breath and cleaner-looking teeth.

Some dogs don’t chew these evenly, so the front teeth might not get as clean. The price is a little steep, but if you want something that really works, it’s worth considering.

Minties Dental Chews

Minties Dental Chews offer an affordable way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and freshen breath with natural ingredients.

Pros

• No wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors
• Reduces plaque and tartar
• Fresh minty taste most dogs enjoy

Cons

• Size might be too big for small dogs
• Some dogs find the texture hard to chew
• Not the cheapest option out there

We found Minties to be a good daily chew that our dogs generally liked. The mint flavor really helps with bad breath, which is a big plus. No common allergens like wheat or corn, so we feel better about giving them regularly.

The firm texture encourages thorough chewing, scraping off plaque, though it might be a bit much for tiny or older dogs. The size fits medium dogs well, and breaking them in half works for smaller pups.

This product strikes a nice balance between quality and price. It’s not the cheapest, but the natural ingredients and noticeable breath improvement make it a good pick for anyone wanting to avoid harsh additives.

Virbac Veggiedent FR3SH Chews

These chews make it easier to keep your dog’s teeth cleaner and breath fresher using a natural, plant-based recipe.

Pros

• Helps reduce tartar and plaque with daily use
• Freshens breath quickly and supports digestion
• Made from natural ingredients, gluten-free, and VOHC approved

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to other dental chews
• Some dogs may take time to get used to the size and shape
• Not ideal for very small dogs due to chew size

We tried these with our medium-sized dogs and the unique Z shape actually reached those tricky spots in their mouths, scraping off tartar pretty well. Our pups liked the taste, and we noticed their breath improved after just a few days.

On top of cleaning teeth, these chews include prebiotics for digestion—kind of a nice bonus if you care about gut health as much as dental.

They’re not the cheapest, but the quality feels worth it. We appreciate that they skip artificial stuff and meat, so they’re a safer everyday treat. Just keep an eye on your dog while they chew to avoid any gulping.

Blue Buffalo Medium Dental Chews

These chews help keep our dogs’ teeth cleaner and their breath fresher, thanks to natural ingredients.

Pros

• Tastes that dogs enjoy thanks to real chicken and spearmint
• Textured shape helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up
• Made in the USA without artificial preservatives or fillers

Cons

• Can be too hard for some dogs to chew comfortably
• Some dogs may not like the minty smell
• Only designed for dogs between 20 and 50 pounds

The ridges and grooves on these caught our attention. Our medium-sized dogs seemed to really like the texture and flavor. The chicken and spearmint combo gave their breath a fresh scent, which is always a win.

We noticed our dogs spent some time chewing, which seems important for dental health. One of our pups found them a bit too firm, so if your dog has sensitive teeth or gums, maybe start slow. They’re not soft, but they hold up during a good chew session.

If you want a dental chew that balances taste and oral care, these are a solid pick for dogs within the suggested weight range—especially if your dog enjoys a minty treat.

Greenies Original Dental Treats

Greenies are a go-to for daily dental chews, keeping our dogs’ teeth cleaner and making treat time something they look forward to.

Pros

• Effectively fights plaque and freshens breath
• Vet recommended and VOHC approved
• Made with digestible, natural ingredients

Cons

• Can be pricey compared to other chews
• Not suitable for very small or young dogs
• Some dogs may gulp instead of chew

With just one chew a day, we noticed a real difference in our dog’s dental health. Our dog gets excited for them, and it’s reassuring to know they help prevent dental issues. The texture feels just right—not too hard, but firm enough to clean teeth.

The flavor must be good, since our dog never hesitates. It’s also a plus that these are vet recommended, so we feel safe using them for oral health. We always watch our dog during treat time, just in case.

The price is a bit higher, but for the dental benefits and how much our dog likes them, we think it’s worth it.

Virbac C.E.T. Dental Chews

These chews help keep dogs’ teeth cleaner and breath fresher when used daily.

Pros

• Vet recommended and trusted for years
• Effective plaque and tartar removal
• Dogs enjoy the chicken flavor

Cons

• Some pieces can be hard to chew
• Risk of swallowing large chunks
• Price can be higher compared to similar chews

We like the Virbac C.E.T. chews for their enzyme system and tough texture—it really helps break down tartar while our dogs enjoy the taste. This makes it easier to take care of their teeth on days when we don’t have time to brush.

The design encourages longer chewing time, which means more cleaning. We saw fresher breath and less plaque after a while. Some chews are thicker, so smaller dogs might struggle—pick the right size and keep an eye out.

Supervise your pet during chewing, especially if they’re smaller or tend to gulp food. Larger dogs seem to manage better, but safety first. We trust these chews for regular care, just use a little caution.

Bocce’s Brushy Sticks

These chews do a solid job cleaning teeth and freshening breath—a good daily choice for lots of dogs.

Pros

• Made with simple, natural ingredients
• Has a unique bristled shape that helps scrub teeth
• Comes in three sizes to fit different dogs

Cons

• Some dogs may chew too quickly
• Not suitable for very small or very large dogs outside size range
• Treats have moisture that might soften if left out

We noticed these Brushy Sticks really helped with our dog’s breath, and the texture seemed to clean better than some other chews. The ridged shape got to places flat treats usually miss. Our dog liked the minty taste, which made treat time something to look forward to.

The ingredient list is short and easy to trust—no weird fillers or preservatives, which is reassuring. They bake the sticks in the USA, so we feel good about the quality.

Sometimes our dog tried to swallow the stick whole, so supervision is key. Picking the right size for your dog’s weight helps keep things safe. These sticks made daily dental care a bit more fun and simple.

Buying Guide

When we’re picking out the best dog dental chews, a few things matter. First, size really counts. The chew should fit your dog’s breed and chewing style so they don’t choke or swallow big pieces.

Ingredients are another big one. We go for natural stuff, no weird chemicals, and skip artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. That just feels safer for daily use.

Texture makes a difference, too. You want a chew that’s firm enough to clean teeth but not so hard it might break one. It should last long enough to do its job, but not so long your dog gets bored or frustrated.

Dental benefits are key. We look for chews that cut down on plaque and tartar. Some even help with breath or support gums.

Features to Look For

We also check if vets or dental experts approve the chew. That gives us a little more confidence in what we’re giving our dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

We try to pick dental chews that really cut down on plaque and tartar, while also matching your dog’s size and health needs. Frequency and ingredients matter—especially for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

What are the most effective dental chews for reducing plaque and tartar in dogs?

We look for chews with Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approval. Those with a firm texture and ridges usually clean teeth better.

Chews with enzymes or sodium hexametaphosphate can help fight tartar, too.

How often should I give my dog dental chews for optimum oral health?

Most dogs do well with one dental chew a day. That helps keep plaque from building up between brushings.

Always check the product instructions and adjust for your dog if needed.

Are there any dental chews suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities?

Yes, you’ll find dental chews with limited ingredients or grain-free recipes. These lower the risk of allergic reactions.

Check the label and talk to your vet if your dog has allergies.

Do dental chews for dogs vary by size and breed, and how do I choose the right one?

Definitely. Chews come in different sizes and hardness. Smaller dogs need softer, smaller chews so they don’t choke.

We pick dental chews based on your dog’s breed size and chewing habits.

What ingredients should I look for in a high-quality dog dental chew?

Go for natural ingredients like sweet potato or chicken, and extras like green tea extract or enzymes.

Skip artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives—they don’t help with dental health anyway.

Can dental chews replace regular brushing in a dog’s oral care routine?

Nope, dental chews help out, but they just can’t do it all. Brushing your dog’s teeth is still the gold standard for keeping their mouth healthy.

Chews can cut down on plaque, sure, but they just don’t reach every spot.