Vet-recommended dog chews are the top solution for taking care of your dog’s teeth as well as other benefits. Does your dog stubbornly refuse to have its teeth brushed? Well, you can stop worrying now and give them dog chews. You and your dog will both agree that it is the best way to help them avoid developing dental health problems.
Dog chews recommended by vets also help stop destructive behaviors caused by stress, anxiety, and other issues. Instead of munching on your furniture or expensive shoes, you can keep your dog satisfied and entertained with dog chews.
10 Best Vet-Recommended Dog Chews
There are many kinds of dog chews to choose from in the market. However, we only want the best for our adorable darlings. And, this is why we have curated this list of the best dog chews that earned the seal of approval from veterinarians.
Our Best Pick:
The very top on our list is the Greenies Dental treats. This is made from organic and soluble ingredients that are safe for daily use. Also, it has a bendable and deep cleaning design that cleans teeth while it’s being chewed by dogs. However, if you want to have a variety in choosing the best dog chews on the market, then take note to read further.
1. Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats
Fighting plaque, tartar, and bad breath shouldn’t be a loathsome routing. You can keep your dog content and healthy by giving them natural dental chews for dogs. These healthy treats are packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential for small dog breeds. Plus, it is vet recommended, has a delicious flavor, and is highly soluble.
What we like about this item is that it gives your pup’s teeth a deeper clean using its bendable design. Meanwhile, it also leaves their breath smelling fresh and clean. Most importantly, it contains natural and easily digestible ingredients that would keep their tummy happy.
Like any other edible chew, you should not leave your dog unattended while enjoying this treat. Overenthusiastic dogs may unintentionally swallow it, causing harm or even death. So, always take proper care to observe and ensure your pup adequately chews their treat.
Pros
- Promotes dogs’ clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath.
- This is chewable, bendable, and cost-effective.
- It is nutritious and at the same time delicious.
- This is perfect for dogs of all sizes and ages.
- It has minerals and vitamins that support overall dog health.
Cons
- Some dogs suffered from diarrhea or blockage.
2. Arm & Hammer Gorilla Chew Toy
There are many safeguards and requirements to follow when choosing safe dog chews for aggressive chewers. This very durable chew toy manages to check all the list and more. For one thing, it has grooves that clean teeth, break down plaque and tartar build-up, and freshens their breath. Additionally, it also stimulates their gums and keeps them busy for hours.
Aggressive chewers find its fun shape and durable rubber material entertaining and stimulating. It keeps them away from chewing your furniture and shoes. The chew toy is baking soda infused, which is excellent for dental care. Besides, it is effortless to clean and dishwasher safe.
While this chew toy is sturdy, it is not indestructible. This design is to ensure that your dog’s teeth wouldn’t get damaged while playing with it. The material is not edible, so you have to pay close attention to that your dog does not tear or break the toy or ingest it.
Pros
- Gently removes tartar and plaque buildup without brushing.
- It’s sturdy enough to withstand powerful chews.
- This is infused with baking soda for bad breath protection.
- It acts as both a chew toy and a treat dispenser.
- It has other 3 designs.
Cons
- The small parts are choking hazards.
- It has a strong rubber scent.
3. DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dental Dog Treat
You can help satisfy your dog’s need to chew, need for a tasty treat, and clean their teeth all using one product. It takes good care of their oral health while also keeping them entertained and happy. With just one treat a day, you can see a visible difference in your pup’s oral health in one week.
From the design down to its ingredients, this product has what is best for your pup. For instance, there were no artificial flavors or colors involved when creating these tasty chicken-flavored vet-recommended dog treats. Its porous texture and ridged structure maximize its cleaning power by removing tartar everywhere down to its gumline.
Similar to other dog treats, this also contains a significant amount of calories. Make sure that you adjust their additional calorie intake to match their daily requirements. Before purchasing, check if it’s the right size chew for your companion.
Pros
- It supports a healthy immune system with honey and spirulina
- This fights gum disease and bad breath with its 9 ridged design.
- Helps clean tartar and plaque buildup.
- It doesn’t have any artificial preservatives, flavorings, or additives.
Cons
- This causes diarrhea and stomach upset in some dogs.
- It’s not long-lasting.
4. N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats
Finding the best chews for puppies requires proper care. Their undeveloped teeth can be prone to damage. Luckily, this chewy teething treat is flexible, bendable, and gentle on your little pup’s teeth and gums.
When it is time for your pet to get their adult teeth, this dog chew helps alleviate the pain and soreness. These edible treats massage their sore gums while also protecting their baby teeth. You don’t have to fear them putting on extra weight because this product contains no fat and only has 14 calories per treat. And, it is tasty, so your puppy would surely enjoy it.
Unfortunately, it is very soft and pliable. It breaks into pieces easily, which might cause choking if your puppy swallows them without chewing. Also, it doesn’t last as long as you’d expect with a teething treat.
Pros
- It’s specifically designed for puppies of all sizes.
- This is long-lasting and helps alleviate pain from teething.
- It also has calcium for strong bones and Omega fatty acids for healthy fur.
- This has real chicken ingredients with no artificial flavorings and additives.
Cons
- They can be choking hazards.
- It can cause diarrhea as well.
5. Nylabone Power Chewy Toy
These vet-recommended dog chew bones are the best for keeping your over-eager chewers engaged while also taking care of their oral health. It is a tasty flavored chew toy made of durable nylon. Even aggressive chewers wouldn’t break this toy. Furthermore, you have three flavors to choose from, all with zero calories.
Dogs find its nubs and textures intriguing and exciting. Plus, it cleans their teeth and freshens their breath as they chew. It also satisfies their urges, which makes it an excellent chew toy that can help prevent destructive behavior.
It is an excellent alternative to keep them busy or satisfy their chewing impulses without the high caloric content in edible chews. However, these are non-edible chew toys and not meant for consumption. Nevertheless, pieces smaller than the grain of rice will naturally pass through your dog when ingested.
Pros
- Promotes dog’s teeth and gum health.
- It’s made of Nylon which is durable and long-lasting.
- Also stimulates the dog’s mind to prevent boredom and anxiety.
- It has a built-in flavoring.
- It’s perfect for dogs of all sizes.
Cons
- Small pieces can be choking hazards.
- This is too hard for some dogs.
6. Virbac Veggiedent CET FR3SH Tartar Control Chews for Dogs
One of the best dog chews in the market is this Virbac CET tartar control product for dogs. This is naturally made without a hint of meat or gluten ingredients. So, this means it’s safe for pets with food allergies. Also, this has a unique z-shape design that’s meant for hard-to-reach places inside the mouth.
Well, this dog chew not only brings comfort to dogs with anxieties and boredom issues but also provides tartar control. Moreover, it freshens dog breath and helps clean off plaques and tartar. In addition to that, this dog treat also has a built-in prebiotic that supports healthy digestive health.
Further, this is Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved and is also highly recommended by most pet owners. At last, this is cost-effective and at the same time good for dogs of all breeds and ages.
Pros
- It has a unique z-shape design.
- This freshens the dog’s breath upon the first chew.
- It’s also highly recommended by veterinarians.
- This is long-lasting and cost-effective.
- It’s made of plant ingredients and prebiotics for a healthy gut.
Cons
- Some products arrived with a texture that is very hard for dogs.
- It’s a potential choking hazard.
7. Virbac CET Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs
Another dog chew product that’s worth buying is this Virbac CET Enzymatic dog chew. This is highly effective in eliminating bad breath-causing bacteria, plaques, and tartars. Also, the Virbac company has at least 30 years of track record in the field of dog dental hygiene. With that said, pet owners can really trust the products they make.
Moreover, this contains highly digestible beef hide that came from a cattle’s inner skin layer. That means it’s soft and soluble and dogs won’t have trouble ingesting it. Also, this has a Dual Enzyme System that acts as both an antiseptic and cleaner which loosens hard tartars on teeth. Further, pet owners don’t need to worry about their dog’s oral health anymore because these Virbac hygiene chews are worth the buy.
Pros
- This is highly recommended for dogs as small as 11 lbs.
- It has a dual enzyme system for antiseptic and deep teeth cleaning.
- Protects teeth during times when brushing is not available.
- This has a naturally appealing poultry taste to dogs.
- It comes in 4 different sizes.
Cons
- Some batches arrived with brown moldy spots.
- Also, a few of the reviews stated this made their dogs sick.
8. Merial Oravet Dental Hygiene Chew For Dogs
This Merial Oravet dog chew is also another type of dog chew that’s highly recommended by both pet owners and veterinarians. It has a great mechanical removal technology that effectively removes stuck food in teeth that cause bad breath odor. Moreover, this has good taste, so you won’t have any problem introducing this to your dog.
Plus, the unique thing about this product is that it has delmopinol. That substance works as an anti-plaque agent that prevents cavities, bad breath, and swollen gums. Although this isn’t meant to be used as a substitute for brushing, still this can be a great alternative when brushing is not available.
In addition, this dental hygiene chew is in the form of sticks that allow a smoother and better grip for dogs. Further, it doesn’t only provide dental cleaning but also overall oral protection as well. That’s because the anti-plaque agent delmopinol provides protective teeth and gum barrier that prevents bacteria to spread and cause cavities.
Pros
- It has a mechanical removal process that promotes dental health.
- This is perfect for dogs of all ages.
- It also doesn’t have artificial additives or preservatives.
- The product has an appealing chicken flavor to dogs.
Cons
- This causes vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs.
9. KONG – Classic and Ziggies – Dog Chew Toy with Dog Treats
If you’re looking for a dog chew toy that doubles as a treat dispenser, then this Kong Classic and Ziggies product could be the one you’re looking for. This is among the best dog chews out there on the market. Moreover, many veterinarians approve of this product since it promotes the process of slow eating. Well, slow eating is beneficial for dogs because it reduces the risk of stomach upset, blockage, and even vomiting.
In addition, this is durable and can withstand the bites of large-sized dogs. Plus, this chew toy alleviates the discomfort of teething. Hence, canines will no longer bite at slippers, furniture, or rags because of the existence of this product. Lastly, this is washable, so no matter how dirty this becomes due to treats, this is still safe and reusable.
Pros
- It’s durable and chew-proof.
- This works as both a treat dispenser and a chew toy as well.
- It helps stimulate the dog’s mind to reduce boredom and anxiety.
- Also, this helps promote slow eating in dogs.
- Perfect chew toy for teething dogs.
Cons
- Upon frequent chewing, some dogs suffered diarrhea.
- Broken parts can cause choking hazards.
10. Pet Naturals Calming for Dogs
This Pet Naturals calming chew treat is also a must-buy for all pet owners. Let’s face it, most pet owners travel with their dogs. Also, it’s an undeniable fact that their dogs squirm and stress out a lot during those trips. Well, to prevent that, Pet Naturals created a formula that soothes the stress and anxiety levels of canines.
Moreover, this has natural calming ingredients such as Calming Colostrum, L-Theanine, and Thiamine. In addition, this comes in a handy pouch that you can bring anywhere and use whenever needed. Further, this product has powerful organic sedatives that work without delay for as fast as 30 minutes.
This is also proven safe and cost-effective. Plus, most owners recommend this product since it has a chicken liver flavor that naturally attracts dogs. Yet, if there will be instances that you don’t like this product, you can always avail of the 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Provides comfort and mental stimulation in as fast as 30 minutes.
- It has natural sedative ingredients.
- Perfect chew treats for dogs during travels.
- Helps prevent stress and manages behavioral problems.
- This is good for dogs of all ages.
Cons
- It doesn’t smell good.
- Some dogs refused to eat this product.
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Can Dog Chews Improve Health?
You might be excited to give your dog real bones or hard nylon chew toys. However, you might not be conscious that you are doing more harm than good. These types of dog chews can break or damage their tooth after minutes of enthusiastically biting on its hard material. It poses a significant threat to their dental as well as overall health.
Vet recommended chews, on the other hand, had been tested to be safer for your pets. Dog chews are also beneficial not only in stopping destructive behavior but also taking care of their teeth and health, like dental chews. These products help in maintaining your dog’s teeth in good shape.
Furthermore, chewing or nibbling action mechanically scrubs their teeth clean. Similarly, it helps reduce and prevent tartar and plaque from building up. But, you have to be conscious that they are not an alternative to brushing. Dental chews are only supplements to improve their oral care routine.
There are two main types of dental chews you can choose from.
Edible Treats
Ingestible dental treats for dogs works to satisfy your dog’s natural urges to chew while also cleaning their teeth. These edible dental chews are commonly made easy to digest. For some, they include vitamins and minerals that are good for your dogs. These are suitable for dogs who are teething or have more tendency to nibble or eat their dog chews.
Chew Toys
Dog chew toys are best for aggressive chewers as they are more durable than edible chews. They can withstand biting and chewing from sharp teeth without breaking down quickly. Additionally, they can also clean your dog’s teeth while they play with it. Some products also have scent and flavors that entice them further to chew on the toy.
How To Choose the Right Vet-Recommended Dog Chew?
Making sure that you purchase the right vet recommended dog chew is not only crucial for your dog’s satisfaction but also for their health. With so many choices in the market, it is challenging to find which product claims are valid. So, here is a short guideline to help you pick the best chews suits your dog.
Durability
One of the essential characteristics of both edible and non-edible chew is its longevity. The material and structure of the product have to be strong enough to last hours of chewing and biting. It should be able to withstand this type of abuse to make sure your dog wouldn’t swallow or break the whole thing down quickly.
If your dog gets through it within seconds, it defeats its purpose, which is to keep them engaged instead of redirecting their urges on destructive behavior. Dental chews are also most effective in cleaning your dog’s teeth and gums if they will chew on it for a long time. It is because of the mechanical action itself that scrubs their teeth clean.
Scent
What makes chews so enticing to dogs is their scent. The smell is the first sense they use to decide whether they would be interested in nibbling on that toy or treating. If they like its scent, they would quickly get on with chewing their new treat. It gives them multiple sensory satisfaction, which will help keep them engaged for long periods. On the other hand, strong chemical or rubbery smell might either put them off or may require some time for your pup to get used to it.
Flavor
Not all dogs are the same. They can have different personalities as well as different tastes. And, this is why most dog chews feature different flavors. Even you can easily find the best chews for your picky eaters.
Chew toys for dogs can be irresistible for them when it is tasty and palatable. They couldn’t get enough chewing on it, especially when it tastes like their favorite food. The flavor also encourages them to bite and chew, which helps clean their teeth a whole lot better.
Allergies
Dog chews may contain ingredients or materials that may trigger an allergic reaction on your dog. To be safe, make sure that you watch your dog’s behavior and response during and after they use or consume the new product. Look out for sign like:
- Runny nose or eyes
- Itchy skin
- Dry or flaky skin
- Poor coat and skin conditions
- Hair loss
- Bumps, rashes, or hives
- Lingering ear infections
- Obsessive licking or chewing of feet
- Inflamed paw pads
- Upset stomach
If you begin to notice these signs, you should take your dog to the vet and have your dog examined. After confirming your dog is allergic to the product, you should stop giving it to them immediately.
About Premium Dog Chews
After going through our list of the vet-recommended dog chews, you might need help narrowing down your choices to find what product will suit your dog the best. Let us answer some of the questions you might have about dog chews.
What Type of Chew is Best For Dogs?
The best type of chews for dogs are the ones that vets would recommend for your pup. But to give you more information, you can use this checklist as a guide.
- Durable but not too hard – some materials like plastic and bones can break off tooth easily. It is unfortunate as it can cause an abscess, or the damaged tooth may need extraction.
- Inedible chews should not easily break – swallowing inedible parts of chew toys is not only harmful but dangerous. It can become a choking hazard or obstruct their digestive tract.
- Choose the right size – chews, either edible or inedible, should not be able to fit entirely inside their mouth. Your dog should not be able to swallow them whole accidentally.
- Should be safe to ingest – if you want to be more cautious, make sure that your chews have no E.colli or salmonella. Contaminated rawhide, pig ears, or knuckles can cause diarrhea.
Do Vets Recommend Greenies?
Greenies are plant-based treats that have dental and oral health benefits as well as satisfy your dog’s chewing urges. They are best for breaking and preventing plaque and tartar build-up, and vets will recommend them, but only for specific individuals.
However, they are very soft for aggressive chewers and inhalers. It won’t last them long before they start biting them into small pieces. To avoid choking, remember to throw away the chews and treats when they are small enough for your dog to swallow. And, although it mainly contains no-meat ingredients, they can still have a significant amount of calories. If your pooch is on a restrictive diet or has a weight problem, you must remember to give it in moderation.
What Dental Chews do Vets Recommend?
Vets recommend edible dental chews for dogs because they are safe to consume. No matter how durable your vet-approved dog chew toys are, they can break it down after a while. Bits and pieces of the inedible toy will inevitably get swallowed and ingested. But, when you do give them a chew toy, make sure that the materials are safe to ingest. Some of these materials can safely and efficiently pass through your dog’s digestive tract.
Ingestible treats are best because your dog can surely easily digest bits and pieces of the ingredients in these products. They are designed as such, for your dog to nibble and consume.
Do Vets Recommend Nylabones?
Vets recommend Nylabones because they are useful in massaging your dog’s gums and gentle on their teeth. These flavor-infused dental chew toy cleans their teeth and keeps them busy for hours. Finding the right type and size of Nylabone ensures that your dog wouldn’t get through them as quickly. However, you should be vigilant not to let your dog swallow broken bits of the toy as it may cause choking or injury.
Vet-Recommended Dog Chews: FAQs
Choosing the best dog chews is difficult to do when you’re a fur parent. Hence, if you’re still curious as to what to buy, then read the frequently asked questions dog owners ask about vet-recommended dog chews below.
The Harmony Animal Hospital recommends pet owners buy the OraVet Dental Hygienic Chews. That is because it’s made from plant ingredients and at the same time, it has Delmopinol that destroys plaques. However, there are also alternatives if you’re on a tight budget. Well, fish skins, dried tracheas, or pig ears can do the job.
The healthiest dog chews are the ones that are natural. For instance, you can choose dog chews that are made from tendons since they are high in protein and collagen levels. Moreover, some organic products such as fish skin give omega fatty acids and the trachea provides extra glucosamine and chondroitin.
The safest chew bones for dogs are something that’s durable. Dogs, regardless of size, have a naturally strong bite. So, if the chew bone isn’t edible, the broken pieces of plastic or rubber can cause choking hazards. Yet, if it is edible, then you must choose something natural and free of raw hides.
You can give your dog varieties of chew toys or treats only as long as they’re well-researched and safe. For example, if you’re dog is a heavy chewer, then hard rubber toys will suffice. On the other hand, if your canine likes swallowing things he’s chewed, then natural chew treats such as Virbac Veggiedent dental chew is a good choice for daily use.
The highly vet-recommended chew bone product for dogs is Nylabone. The name Nylabone came from its main component, Nylon. In addition, unlike natural dry bones that splinter and injure a dog’s mouth, this one doesn’t break into tiny sharp objects. However, you still need to supervise your canine during his chewing exercises to prevent emergencies.
Yes, they do. Bully sticks are safe, single-ingredient dog chew treat that is made from natural beef muscle. They’re organic, thus they’re also easily digested by dogs. Moreover, they contain enough protein and amino acids that help promote a dog’s overall oral and physical health.
Vet recommended chews for dogs provides lots of benefits for their oral health as well as redirecting their destructive urges. Whether you choose a dog toy or an edible treat, make sure that you use it with care and always under your supervision. After all, what is most important is the safety and satisfaction of your loyal companion.