Good dental health starts with daily habits — brushing, chewing, and selecting the right treats. Many owners know dental chews can help with plaque, but not all treats are equally safe or effective. Some are too hard, some don’t actually clean teeth, and others can upset the stomach. This guide helps you understand what makes a treat good for dental health and how to choose the right option for your dog.
What Dog Treats Are Good for Teeth?
Treats that support dental health should do three things:
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Encourage chewing (to naturally scrape plaque)
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Have the right texture — firm but not rock-hard
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Be fully digestible
Natural chews such as Bully Sticks, Cow Ears, Beef Collagen Sticks, and Beef Gullet are excellent because they help remove buildup while staying gentle on the stomach.
For smaller dogs or sensitive chewers, lighter options like Cow Ear Slivers or Sweet Potato Sticks offer gentle abrasion without stressing their teeth.
Do Dental Treats Actually Clean Teeth?
Yes — some dental treats help reduce plaque and tartar.
But only treats with the right texture and chewing duration make a real difference.
Dogs need chewing time, not quick “crunch and swallow” treats. Long-lasting chews such as:
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Bully sticks
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Beef collagen
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Cow ears
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Gullet sticks
…provide enough scraping action to be beneficial.
Soft biscuits labeled as “dental treats” often don’t do much unless they’re VOHC-approved (Veterinary Oral Health Council), meaning they’ve passed independent testing.
What Is the Best Product for Dental Care for Dogs?
Vets consistently recommend combining:
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Daily brushing
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Long-lasting natural chews
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VOHC-approved dental products
Chewing alone isn’t enough, but it plays a huge role in reducing plaque between brushings. Natural chews like Beef Collagen Sticks and Bully Sticks pair well with brushing because they promote gum stimulation and saliva flow.
What Are the Safest Dental Chews for Dogs?
The safest chews are:
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Fully digestible
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Firm but not bone-hard
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Free from rawhide or chemical treatments
Great options include:
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Bully sticks (durable and digestible)
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Beef cheek rolls (long-lasting and softer than bone)
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Collagen sticks (support gums and joints)
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Cow ears (light, low-fat daily chew)
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Sweet potato chews for sensitive dogs
These offer scraping benefits while avoiding tooth fractures — a major concern with very hard chews like antlers and weight-bearing bones.
What Are the Worst Dental Chews for Dogs?
Avoid chews that are:
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Rock-hard (antlers, hooves, bones — risk of tooth fractures)
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Indigestible (rawhide rolls and knots)
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Coated in sugary flavorings
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Highly processed into hard “biscuit” shapes
Many vet dental articles emphasize the “knuckle test”:
If you can’t make a dent in the chew with your fingernail, it’s too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Best Natural Dental Chews for Dogs
If your dog benefits most from natural, single-ingredient options, consider:
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Bully Sticks — great for moderate to aggressive chewers
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Beef Collagen Sticks — long-lasting and tooth-safe
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Cow Ears — ideal for daily chewing
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Beef Gullet Strips — good mix of flavor and dental benefit
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Sweet Potato Slices — gentle abrasive texture for sensitive stomachs
These provide both chewing satisfaction and natural plaque reduction.
Best Dental Chews for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog gets diarrhea easily or reacts to rich treats, choose single-ingredient, low-fat options:
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Sweet Potato Slices
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Cow Ear Slivers
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Lamb Lung (great for training while supporting oral health indirectly)
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Light chewing options like Cow Ears
Avoid very fatty chews like pig ears or processed sticks.
Best Dental Chews for Small Dogs
Small dogs need chews that match their bite strength:
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Cow Ear Slivers
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Small Bully Sticks
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Sweet Potato Sticks
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Gullet Strips
These keep teeth clean without overwhelming their jaws.
Best Dental Chews for Large Dogs
Large dogs benefit from firmer, more substantial chews:
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12" Bully Sticks
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Beef Collagen Sticks
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Beef Cheek Rolls
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Cow Ears as a lighter daily option
These provide the abrasion needed to reduce plaque on large molars.
Final Thoughts
The best dental treats are the ones that are safe, digestible, and encourage consistent chewing. Natural chews like Bully Sticks, Beef Collagen Sticks, Cow Ears, Beef Gullet, and Sweet Potato Chews offer real dental benefits without unnecessary additives.
Pairing these treats with basic brushing and regular vet cleanings gives your dog the best chance at a healthy, clean mouth for life.