What Are the Best Dental Chews for Puppies?

Best Seller
PetLab Co. Dental Sticks
9/10Our Score
  • Helps target build-up via the sticks' abrasive and mechanical action, and keeps their breath fresh
  • Supports your dog's oral hygiene and promotes healthy digestion 
  • A tasty and effective dental treat

Are Dental Chews OK for Puppies?

Yes, dental chews for puppies are okay.

Dental chews are a great way to help your puppy maintain good oral health. They help with plaque and tartar buildup, which is a common problem in puppies.

Dog teeth tartar can cause health issues such as tooth loss and dog grinding teeth. In more severe cases, it can even result in potentially life-threatening heart disease and kidney failure.

Can Puppies Choke on Dental Chews?

Yes, dental chews for puppies can be a choking hazard.

However, this is uncommon, and the same risk is linked with any dental treats and dog chew toys.

Dental chews for puppies are designed to be chewed and broken down into smaller pieces in the dog’s mouth. Therefore, choking on dental puppy chews is very rare.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Chews?

Dental chews for puppies promote overall oral health – from fresh breath to clean teeth. Here is a close look at the benefits of dental puppy chews.

  • Clean Teeth. The main benefit of dental chews is that they keep your dog’s teeth clean by cleaning them as they chew on the treat. Chewing also helps to reduce tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth.
  • No Bad Breath. Chewing on dental chews manages the dog’s breath and keeps it fresh and pleasant. Bad breath can be a nuisance for pet parents.
  • Plaque and Tartar Removal. Dental chews are designed to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. These treats are packed with minerals and vitamins that help fight bacteria and inflammation, which leads to healthier teeth and gums.
  • Gum Relief. Dental chews provide relief to sore gums. This is particularly beneficial during the puppy teething phase.

The Best Dental Chews for Puppies Reviewed

Purina DentaLife and Pedigree Dentastix are some of the many dental chews for puppies. Almost all dog treat brands offer dental chew lines. To help you find the right product, we have reviewed the best dental chews for puppies.

Petlab Co. Prebiotics Dental Sticks for Dogs

Summary: PetLab Co. Prebiotic Dental Sticks have a powerful cleansing action that efficiently fights tartar and plaque build-up, and helps dogs maintain cleaner teeth and fresher breath. These tasty sticks are a great combination of nutritional ingredients that support your pet’s digestion and absorption, thus promoting overall good health.

Pros
  • Helps maintain optimum tooth & gum health
  • Aids in solving lousy breath in dogs
  • Contains Inulin for digestive support
  • Different pack sizes available to suit your pup’s needs
Cons
  • Its smell doesn’t sit well with some dogs

Ingredient Analysis: These dental sticks contain whole-dried potato flour, vegetable glycerin, oat flour, calcium carbonate, sodium tripolyphosphate, ground flax seeds, organic coconut oil, potassium chloride, chicory root (inulin powder), peppermint oil. 

Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon, pet parents delight with these dental chews from PetLaBb Co. since they are found to be effective in addressing both gum and digestive issues in dogs.

Get Naked Grain-Free Health Dental Chew Sticks for Puppies

Summary: Treat your puppy to a tasty, healthy, nutritious snack with Get Naked Grain-Free Health Dental Chew Sticks for Puppies. The chews are made with a blend of vegetables, chicken, and dried potatoes.

The sticks also contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, that supports brain function, and eye health. These chews are designed to help keep your puppy’s teeth clean and healthy. They are free from artificial colors and flavors that can harm your pet.

Pros
  • Delicious and with quality ingredients
  • Contains DHA for brain and eye development
  • Smaller size suitable for small dogs and puppies
  • No grain, no wheat, and gluten-free
  • Free from antibiotics, hormones, and added chemicals
Cons
  • Intended only for dogs less than six months old

Ingredient Analysis: The chews contain dried potatoes, vegetable glycerin, gelatin, water, chicken, chia seeds, agar-agar, peppermint, calcium carbonate, cinnamon, parsley, organic flaxseed, alfalfa, cranberries, carrots, and natural chicken flavor.

Review: Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, pet parents are happy with these grain-free dental chews for puppies by Get Naked. The company’s motto is “All Natural, All Good,” and that’s exactly what you get with these dog treats.

Greenies Original Teenie Size Natural Dog Dental Care Chews

Summary: Greenies Original Teenie Size Natural Dog Dental Care Chews are the best-selling vet-recommended treat for cleaning teeth and freshening breath. These delicious, original chew treats help promote oral hygiene in dogs of all ages.

The unique texture and shape fight tartar buildup, freshen breath, and promote oral health. They are made with natural, easily digestible ingredients to help maintain a healthy digestive system and general wellness. You can feed them as a treat or combine them with your dog’s regular meal.

Pros
  • Vet recommended brand
  • Specially formulated to freshen breath and clean teeth
  • This mouth freshener is made with natural ingredients
  • 100% digestible and easy-to-chew shape
  • No artificial flavors or colors
Cons
  • Not for medium dogs and large dogs

Ingredient Analysis: The treats contain wheat flour, glycerin, gelatin, water, powdered cellulose, lecithin, vitamins, and minerals.

Review: With over 50,000 positive reviews and a global rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, dog parents love these Greenies Dog Dental Treats. They are made from natural ingredients and can be given to dogs daily to help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews

Summary: Whimzees Puppy Daily Dental Dog Treats are made with a tasty, natural chicken flavor that puppies love. They’re also great for dogs with sensitive tummies and those who need to watch their weight. These dental dog treats are made from a modified food starch base, so they’re high in fiber, low in fat, and contain no artificial flavors or colors.

Perfect for training and rewarding your puppy, these treats have been designed to help keep his teeth and gums clean, which will help prevent dental problems later in life.

Pros
  • Can be used as training treats
  • Great for your dog’s dental health
  • Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients
  • Certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
  • Come in a resealable bag for storage
Cons
  • Contain chicken by-product meal

Ingredient Analysis: These dental chews have brewers rice, powdered cellulose, chicken by-product meal, propylene glycol, dried skim milk, modified food starch, dextrin, water, bone phosphate, calcium sulfate, gelatin, sodium tripolyphosphate, and vitamins.

Review: With a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, dog parents say that Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews are a great way to keep their pup’s teeth clean and healthy. The treats are designed to help reduce plaque, tartar buildup, and bad breath while being shaped like fun, chewy bones.

Whimzees Puppy Daily Dental Dog Treats

Summary: The Whimzees Puppy Daily Dental Dog Treats are a great way to give your dog fresh breath. The chews have been specially formulated with a powerful combination of active ingredients that are proven to fight plaque and tartar.

These chews are recommended by veterinarians, so you can be sure they will help keep your dog’s teeth healthy and clean. They also contain calcium to help promote strong dental bones.

Pros
  • Made with natural ingredients only
  • Helps reduce tartar buildup
  • Easier to use than a toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Help clean teeth and maintain fresh breath
  • Soft textured and flavorful
Cons
  • Not designed for large breeds

Ingredient Analysis: The ingredient list features potato starch, glycerin, powdered cellulose, lecithin, dried yeast, sweet lupin meal, calcium carbonate, and malt extract.

Review: Dog parents love Whimzees Dental Treats and give them 4.5 out of 5 stars. They say their dogs love them too. They work by scraping away tartar and plaque between your dog’s teeth while they chew to promote healthier gums and fresher breath.

N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats

Summary: These Teething Treats are a great way to keep your puppy occupied, happy, and healthy. They can be used for other purposes, including teething and boredom. The treats are made with real meat and vegetable proteins that are sure to please your dog’s taste buds.

This makes them perfect as training treats or rewards when you want to encourage good behavior. The chews come in a resealable bag that keeps them fresh and long-lasting until you’re ready to give them to your pet.

Pros
  • Chew size is perfect for puppies
  • All natural, grain-free treats
  • Contain real chicken
  • It helps reduce plaque & tartar buildup
  • Helps relieve pain from teething
Cons
  • Only available in one flavor

Ingredient Analysis: The chews contain rice flour, vegetable glycerin, water, natural chicken flavor, oat fiber, chicken, fish oil, brewers dried yeast, and citric acid.

Review: With over 18,000 positive reviews and a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, dog owners are raving about these dental sticks. The chews help puppies through their teething phase while providing nutrients needed for strong and healthy growth.

Arm & Hammer For Nubbies Dental Treats

Summary: This is a great way to reward your dog for good behavior and encourage healthy teeth and gums. The treats contain baking soda’s power, which helps remove tartar buildup, freshen breath and promote dental health. These tasty treats are formulated with chlorophyll that freshens breath. They also contain calcium and zinc sulfate, which promote strong teeth and bones.

The unique shape of the nubs acts like a toothbrush for your pet, scrubbing away plaque and tartar before it has a chance to build up.

Pros
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • With baking soda for tartar control
  • Feature essential oil for soothing gums
  • Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
  • These treats help reduce bad breath
Cons
  • More hard-textured than similar products

Ingredient Analysis: These dental chews for puppies feature tapioca starch, glycerin, modified starch, dehydrated chicken, glutinous rice flour, vegetable oil, sodium propionate, dehydrated alfalfa meal, sodium bicarbonate, dried brewers yeast, and vitamins.

Review: This product has received an overwhelmingly positive response from consumers. With over 8,000 reviews and a 4.5 out of 5 stars Amazon rating, it’s clear that pet owners like them. In fact, they say these are one of the best dog dental chews for puppies.

What Should I Look for in Dental Chews for Puppies

When shopping for dental chews for puppies, consider the following features:

  • High-Quality Ingredients. Always read the ingredient list of the chews you are purchasing. A high-quality product will contain natural ingredients & supplements that promote overall oral health. Avoid chews with fillers, allergens, and artificial additives.
  • Treat Size. Consider the size of the treat; if your doggie is small, it may have trouble chewing on large treats. If you choose big treats, they could cause choking or get stuck in its throat.
  • Flavors. Dental dog chews come in different flavors. It is important to choose treats featuring your puppy’s favorite taste. That way, you can be sure the chews will be used.
  • VOHC Approval. Some dental dog chews feature the VOHC approval seal, meaning they are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. This is a huge bonus – if the dental chews for puppies are VOHC approved, you can rest assured they are safe and effective.
  • Price. Finally, you should consider the price of the product. Most dental chews should be used on a daily basis. Therefore, it is practical to find an option that fits your budget.

When Should Puppies Start Eating Dental Chews?

Puppies can start eating dental hygiene chews at around six months old.

However, the exact age at which dental chews for puppies can be used depends on the breed and size. If you are not sure whether your puppy can eat dental chews, consult with your vet.

This is an important time for their teeth, as they are still developing and growing. Dental care is just as important for puppies as it is for adult dogs.

What Dental Chews Are Safe for Puppies?

They contain all the nutrients necessary for young growing mouths with less risk of decay than adult formulas or those made for older dogs with existing dental issues.

These grain-free sticks are bone-shaped and come in several flavors. They feature chicken as the main ingredient and other natural ingredients like calcium and vitamins. The treats are good for cleaning tartar off your dog’s teeth and freshening its breath.

How Often Do Puppies Need Dental Chews?

The answer depends on the puppy’s age, breed, and whether or not it is fed dry or wet dog food.

The frequency of offering dental chews for puppies also depends on the chew itself. Some chews are made for everyday use, while others are used less frequently. Always read the instructions on the package to determine the correct usage.