The Best Dental Chews for Dogs (What Actually Works)

February 5, 2026

If your dog has bad breath, yellow teeth, or you’ve been told “they’ll probably need a dental clean soon”- you’re not alone.

Dental disease is one of the most common (and overlooked) health issues in dogs, especially from age 3 onwards. The good news? The right dental chew can make a real difference but not all dental chews are created equal.

This guide breaks down:

What dental chews actually do
Which types work best (and why)
What to avoid
How to choose the best dental chew for your dog

Why Dental Health Matters More Than You Think

Dental disease isn’t just about bad breath. Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to:

Gum inflammation and pain
Tooth decay and infections
Bacteria entering the bloodstream
Costly dental procedures under anaesthetic

Most dogs won’t show obvious signs until the problem is advanced, which is why daily chewing habits matter.

Do Dental Chews Really Work?

Yes they absolutely do...it just depends on the type of dental chew you use.

Dental chews work in two main ways:

Mechanical action (scraping plaque as your dog chews)
Saliva stimulation, which helps wash away bacteria

The problem? Many popular dental sticks rely almost entirely on shape and texture not ingredients that benefit your dog long-term.

The 3 Types of Dental Chews (Ranked Best → Worst)

1. Long-Lasting Natural Chews (Best Option)

These are tough, slow-chewing, animal-based chews.

Why they work:

Encourage prolonged chewing
Naturally scrape plaque and tartar
Keep dogs mentally occupied
Align with how dogs are designed to chew

Best for:

High-energy dogs
Power chewers
Dogs that hate tooth brushing
Busy pet parents

Examples include air-dried bones, tendons, and single-ingredient chews.

2. Softer Dental Chews (Moderate Support)

Eg: Bully sticks, feet and neck chews are easier to chew and better for:

Small dogs
Seniors
Dogs with sensitive teeth

They can help with freshening breath and light plaque, but don’t offer the same cleaning power as tougher chews.

3. Highly Processed Dental Sticks (Least Effective)

These are the most common and the most misleading.

Often made with:

Cereals or starches
Glycerine and binders
Artificial flavours or colours

They may freshen breath temporarily, but don’t address the root cause of dental build-up and some can even contribute to it.

What Makes a Dental Chew “Good”?

When choosing a dental chew, look for:

✔ Ingredient Simplicity

Short ingredient list
Recognisable ingredients
Minimal processing

✔ Chewing Time

The longer it takes to chew, the better the dental benefit

✔ Appropriate Size

Too small = swallowed whole
Too big = intimidating to some

✔ Digestibility

Especially important for sensitive stomachs

How Often Should Dogs Have Dental Chews?

Most experts agree:

Daily chewing is ideal
Plaque can form within 24 hours
Consistency matters more than intensity

Think of dental chews as maintenance, not a once-a-week fix.

Can Dental Chews Replace Brushing?

Not entirely but for many dogs, they’re the most realistic solution.

Let’s be honest:

Most dogs hate brushing
Most owners struggle to do it consistently

A dental chew given every second day is often the most practical way to support oral health especially when paired with regular vet checks.

What About Dogs With Allergies or Sensitivities?

If your dog has food sensitivities:

Choose single-protein chews
Avoid unnecessary fillers
Introduce new chews slowly

Many dogs with allergies do better on single-ingredient, natural chews compared to flavoured dental sticks.