Dental chews are an integral part of your dog’s health regimen. On top of annual dental check-ups, cleanings and regular tooth brushing, treating your pup to vet-approved dental chews can significantly reduce her risk of developing periodontal disease (and bad breath, of course). Unfortunately, one of the most common issues vets see is poor dental health. Gum disease, plaque and tartar in dogs can lead to things like kidney failure, heart disease and chronic pain. Um, no thank you! The thing is, any old chew won’t do. We talked to experts to vet (get it?) the best products for your dog.
But first, what makes a good dog dental chew?
According to veterinary professionals at Banfield Pet Hospital, it’s important to give your dog dental chews that feature abrasive surfaces and/or enzymes. An abrasive surface is most critical because that’s what will scrape plaque off the sides and curves of canine teeth. The surface of any good dog dental chew should effectively help mimic a brushing session. Enzymes are important because they break down tartar and bacteria naturally. Finally, dental chews worth buying will be long-lasting. Since vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth for 30 seconds on each side, treats that take a while to chew and eat are doing a lot more work than those your dog scarfs down in less than a minute.
Below are three dog dental chews recommended by veterinarians for maintaining a healthy canine mouth and preventing periodontal disease. Each comes in a variety of sizes, so be sure to choose the one best suited for your pup. Um, yes please!