Let's face it, when it comes to our dogs and managing what they can eat, sometimes there's little we can do. Especially if you're walking them, lead or not, and they manage to snag something they definitely shouldn't - be it a stale piece of bread or discarded snack, sometimes they manage to sneak it by us.
But when it comes to what we have stocked in the cupboards for them and what they eat at home, that we have full control over. It's important that we're giving them all the nutrients they need to ensure their overall health, weight, coat and teeth are in check. A great way to keep tabs on the latter is by giving them one of the best dental chews.
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Dental chews aren't just yummy treats they can enjoy from time to time, they help keep your pet's dental health in check, including reducing any unwanted bacteria they may have.
The choice of dental chews can be slightly overwhelming, so we've rounded up a guide of the best dental chews for dogs on the market right now, including chews that are easy to break off and easily digestible.
If you have any questions about what to look for in a dental chew, make sure you check out our FAQs section at the end of our guide.
The best dental chews for dogs:
Best dental chews for dogs overall
What we love about this product is that it is all-natural. Made from only six ingredients and being gluten and grain-free, this is an excellent choice. Another great perk is that they are hypoallergenic and vegetarian. Additionally, they give you the option to select whether you're purchasing this for a small, medium or large dog.
Best for easy digestion
Aside from being filled with key nutrients and vitamins, Greenies are super easy to digest, making them a popular choice amongst dog owners. They promise to clear up bad breath whilst also controlling any tartar or plaque build-up, this is helped by the toothbrush shape of the chew due to the bumps on it.
Best budget dog dental chews
We understand that not everyone has the same budget, but if you still want to give your furry friend the best possible, then consider the Hills Prescription dental chews. They help freshen up and clean your dog's breath and teeth, this is partly due to the treats' strong mint flavour and smell.
Best dental dog chews for big dogs
Another great option is the Purina Dog Treats, especially if you have a large dog. These have no artificial flavours or colours and as they're quite hefty, they last for a pretty long time, leaving your dog entertained. They promise to keep your dog's gums and teeth clean and due to their porous and chewy makeup, helps to clean even the harder to reach teeth. As these treats are quite large and best suited for big dogs with strong jaws, make sure you keep an eye on them. All foods are potential choking hazards, but especially larger items. If you're worried about this, you can also cut it into smaller chunks.
Best dental dog chews for small dogs
As these dog treats are quite thin and small, they are best for smaller breeds. They boast an anti-plaque formula, which is designed to keep your dog's gums and teeth clean and healthy, as well as being free from any artificial flavours or colours. Don't be fooled by their candy cane-type exterior, these treats are savoury and each has an outer layer of chicken meat.
FAQs:
Are dental chews safe for dogs?
Depending on the product itself, the answer is yes! It's important to keep your furry friends' gums and teeth healthy, and an easy way to do so is with a dental chew. Many have anti-plaque properties, whilst others have bumpy textures that can help remove some plaque or tartar, cleaning the teeth.
It's important to select a product that is safe for your dog, that's why we recommend WHIMZEES, as they are hypoallergenic, vegetarian, are low fat and are completely made from natural ingredients.
They also can help freshen your dog's breath and are a great way to help keep them entertained for a while as they chomp and chew away!
It is important to note that any food can be a choking hazard, especially with larger items including dental chews, so always keep an eye on your dog. Make sure to have plenty of fresh water out for your pet, too.
What should I look for in a dental chew for a dog?
Ingredients would be the main component here. Consider a dental chew with few ingredients, no artificial colours or flavours, as well as chews that are easily digestible. If you're unsure whether a particular dog dental chew is safe for your pet, make sure to consult with a vet before purchasing.
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Isabel Martins is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology.
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