Does your dog’s breath sometimes make you want to hold your nose? You are not alone! Many dog owners worry about their furry friend’s dental health. Bad breath often signals plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to serious problems down the road. It feels overwhelming when you look at the pet store shelves. So many dental chews promise sparkling teeth, but how do you know which ones actually work and are safe?
Choosing a *natural* chew adds another layer of complexity. You want effective cleaning power without harsh chemicals or questionable ingredients. This quest for the perfect, healthy dental solution can leave you frustrated and confused. But don’t worry; we have done the hard work for you!
In this guide, we will break down exactly what makes a natural dental chew great. You will learn to spot the best ingredients, understand what real cleaning action looks like, and finally choose a product you feel good about giving your best friend. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and discover the chews that keep tails wagging and smiles fresh!
Top Natural Dog Dental Chews Recommendations
No. 1
Bocce's Bakery Dailies Brushy Sticks to Support Oral Health & Fresh Breath, Wheat-Free Dental Bars for Dogs, Made with Real Ingredients, Baked in The USA, All-Natural Coconut & Mint, Medium Dogs
- Every Brushy Stick dental bar is made with limited and simple ingredients like: nutty coconut and crisp mint to support your doggy’s overall dental health and extra fresh breath. (Don’t worry - no artificial ‘flavorings’ or fillers here.) Oh, and bristle-shaped for extra cleaning, too!
- Available in 3 sizes - for the safest treat time, it is important to choose the right size dental bar based your dog's weight: Small (5 - 25lbs), Medium (25 - 50 lbs), Large (50+ lbs)
- Proudly Baked in the USA: We start each recipe with the highest quality (tastiest!) ingredients, sourced in the USA local to our bakeries.
- Our Promise: Wheat, corn, and soy-free recipes - and never, ever any artificial ingredients or preservatives. We keep our ingredient lists short, our batches small, and our ovens toasty.
- Our Story: Bocce’s was started in a tiny NYC kitchen with a mixer, an oven and a scruffy mutt named Bocce, with the belief that our furry friends (pups and kitty cats, too!) deserve better. Better food with fresher, simpler, all-natural ingredients.
No. 2
Shameless Pets Blueberry & Mint Dental Chews for Dogs, 32 Chews - Natural Dog Teeth Cleaning Treats with Fresh Breath Benefits | Grain-Free Dental Sticks for Small, Medium & Large Dogs
- Doggy Dental Sticks: Help keep your pup’s pearly whites clean and their breath fresh with these Shameless Pets The Tooth Berry Dental Sticks. We made our dental treats with ridges in order to deep clean teeth, and we’ve added key upcycled ingredients to support your pup’s total health. Includes one bag of 32 sticks, so you have enough to keep those pearly whites clean all month long.
- Whole Ingredients: These yummy treats are made with real blueberry and mint. Free from grain, corn, and soy while still loaded with wholesome ingredients. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds can enjoy!
- Immune Support: Each Shameless Pets treat is crafted with a specific health benefit in mind, so your pets can get the nutrition they need, even from treat time. These dental sticks are packed with antioxidants to support your pup’s immune system.
- Upcycled With Care: We work with farmers to rescue their imperfect fruits and vegetables that have all the same healthy nutrients. This means every bag of our treats decreases food waste while saving valuable resources.
- Proudly Made in the USA: All of our creative, delicious pet treats are made here in the USA by nutritionists using the finest ingredients and sustainable practices, such as wind and solar powered manufacturing and bags with 25% PCR material. Plus, there’s a health benefit for every flavor – because after all, a healthy pet is a happy pet!
No. 3
Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste, Dog Dental Chews for Small Breeds, Freshens Breath, Helps Reduce Plaque & Tartar, 12oz, 1 Pack
- 4-in-1 DENTAL DOG CHEW: Contains (1) 12 oz bag of Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste for Small Breed dogs. Designed to help fight plaque and tartar with a unique texture and ridges to clean along the gumline. Chewing level is medium to hard.
- HELPS FIGHT PLAQUE AND TARTAR: Our unique textured dental chew helps reduce plaque and tartar with a chewy toothpaste center that helps polish teeth. Daily chewing and aromatic spices help freshen breath.
- BRUSH UP TO TWO TIMES A DAY: For best results, we recommend a tooth-brushing regimen of up to two Brushless Toothpaste dental chews per day. For even longer lasting effectiveness, try combining with Ark Naturals Brushless Plaque Zapper.
- DENTAL CARE FOR SMALL BREED DOGS: Your dog will think it's a treat! Our dental chew is specifically formulated for small breed dogs, 12 weeks and older, between the weight of 8-20 pounds.
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED IN THE USA: Our recipe is formulated to provide the most effective results. We never use corn, soy, wheat, or artificial ingredients.
No. 4
Shameless Pets Blueberry & Mint Dental Chews for Dogs, 8 Chews - Natural Dog Teeth Cleaning Treats with Fresh Breath Benefits | Grain-Free Dental Sticks for Small, Medium & Large Dogs
- Doggy Dental Sticks: Help keep your pup’s pearly whites clean and their breath fresh with these Shameless Pets The Tooth Berry Dental Sticks. We made our dental treats with ridges in order to deep clean teeth, and we’ve add key upcycled ingredients to support your pup’s total health. Includes one bag of 8 sticks.
- Whole Ingredients: These yummy treats are made with real blueberry and mint. Free from grain, corn, and soy while still loaded with wholesome, locally-sourced ingredients. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds can enjoy!
- Immune Support: Each Shameless Pets treat is crafted with a specific health benefit in mind, so your pets can get the nutrition they need, even from treat time. These dental sticks are packed with antioxidants to support your pup’s immune system.
- Upcycled With Care: We work with farmers to rescue their imperfect fruits and vegetables that have all the same healthy nutrients. This means every bag of our treats decreases food waste while saving valuable resources.
- Proudly Made in the USA: All of our creative, delicious pet treats are made here in the USA by nutritionists using the finest, locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Plus, there’s a health benefit for every flavor – because after all, a healthy pet is a happy pet!
No. 5
Dog Treat Naturals Dental Chew Sticks | Helps Clean Teeth and Easy to Digest Dog Treats | Dog Breath Freshener | Made with Chickpea & Mint| Made in USA (20 Sticks)
- AMERICAN MADE: Responsibly sourced from trusted suppliers and manufactured in the USA
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: Crafted to provide essential nutrients in a vegan formulation using Chickpeas and agar
- FRESH BREATH: Contains fresh mint and apple pomace which help freshen doggy breath
- CLEAN TEETH: Fights against tartar and plaque with uniquely designed star-shaped ridges
- ECO-FRIENDLY: Produced in an SQF certified facility that is fully powered by solar and packaged in a 100% recyclable 9.70oz (20ct) bag
No. 6
ARK NATURALS Brushless Toothpaste, Dog Dental Chews for Large Breeds, Freshens Breath, Helps Reduce Plaque & Tartar, 18oz, 1 Pack
- 4-in-1 DENTAL DOG CHEW: Contains (1) 18 oz bag of Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste for Large Breed dogs. Designed to help fight plaque and tartar with a unique texture and ridges to clean along the gumline. Chewing level is medium to hard.
- HELPS FIGHT PLAQUE AND TARTAR: Our unique textured dental chew helps reduce plaque and tartar with a chewy toothpaste center that helps polish teeth. Daily chewing and aromatic spices help freshen breath.
- BRUSH UP TO TWO TIMES A DAY: For best results, we recommend a tooth-brushing regimen of up to two Brushless Toothpaste dental chews per day. For even longer lasting effectiveness, try combining with Ark Naturals Brushless Plaque Zapper.
- DENTAL CARE FOR LARGE BREED DOGS: Your dog will think it's a treat! Our dental chew is specifically formulated for large breed dogs, 12 weeks and older, between the weight of 40 - 80 pounds.
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED IN THE USA: Our recipe is formulated to provide the most effective results. We never use corn, soy, wheat, or artificial ingredients.
No. 7
Shameless Pets Dental Chews for Dogs, Variety (4-Pack) - Natural Dog Teeth Cleaning Treats with Fresh Breath Benefits | Grain-Free Dental Sticks for Small, Medium & Large Dogs
- Doggy Dental Treats: Help keep your pup’s pearly whites clean and their breath fresh with this Shameless Pets Dental Stick Variety Pack. We made our dental treats with ridges in order to deep clean teeth, and we’ve added key upcycled ingredients to support your pup’s total health. Includes four bags with 8 sticks each in the flavors The Tooth Berry, Carrate Chomp, A Cluck a Day, and Banana Bone-anza.
- Whole Ingredients: These yummy treats are free from grain, corn, and soy while still loaded with wholesome, locally-sourced ingredients like chicken, banana, and carrots. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds can enjoy!
- Health Benefit for Every Flavor: Each Shameless Pets treat is crafted with a specific health benefit in mind, so your pets can get the nutrition they need, even from treat time. This variety pack tackles immune system, skin & coat, digestive, and hip & joint support.
- Upcycled With Care: We work with farmers to rescue their imperfect fruits and vegetables that have all the same healthy nutrients. This means every bag of our treats decreases food waste while saving valuable resources.
- Proudly Made in the USA: All of our creative, delicious pet treats are made here in the USA by nutritionists using the finest, locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Plus, there’s a health benefit for every flavor – because after all, a healthy pet is a happy pet!
No. 8
Blue Buffalo Dental Chews Small Natural Dog Treats, Chicken & Spearmint 11.3-oz Bag (28 Count)
- FUNCTIONAL TREATING: 50 unique ridges and grooves promote healthy teeth and gums by eliminating plaque and tartar buildup with chewing
- FRESHENS BREATH: Spearmint flavor naturally freshens breath for a cleaner, happier mouth
- BETTER-FOR-YOU TREAT: BLUE understands the impact of canine dental health as well as the importance of natural, tasty ingredients
- FIND THE RIGHT SIZE: Available in small, medium, and large sizes to suit your dog — see weight guide to find the perfect size
- Contains One 11.3-oz bag of BLUE Dental Chews Natural Dog Treats, Chicken & Spearmint, Small
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Natural Dog Dental Chews
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is super important for their overall health. Dental chews are a fun and easy way to help fight plaque and bad breath. But with so many options, how do you pick the best natural one? This guide helps you choose wisely.
Key Features to Look For
Good dental chews do more than just taste great. Look for these important features:
- VOHC Seal: This stands for the Veterinary Oral Health Council. If a product has this seal, it means science backs up its claims to reduce plaque or tartar. This is a big sign of quality.
- Effective Shape and Texture: The chew needs a shape that helps scrape teeth as your dog chews. It should be firm enough to last a bit, but soft enough not to hurt their gums.
- Appropriate Size: Always match the chew size to your dog’s weight and breed. A chew too small might be swallowed too fast. A chew too large might frustrate a small dog.
Important Materials in Natural Chews
Natural chews use ingredients you can understand. Avoid harsh chemicals and artificial stuff.
- Natural Abrasives: Ingredients like kelp, parsley, or certain fibers help physically scrub the teeth.
- Digestible Bases: Look for bases like sweet potato, brown rice flour, or natural starches that break down easily in your dog’s stomach.
- No Artificial Additives: Steer clear of artificial colors (like Red 40), artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT). Natural preservatives, like Vitamin E, are better choices.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What goes into the chew directly affects how well it works and how healthy it is.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- High Protein Content: Quality protein sources often make the chew more appealing and digestible.
- Added Probiotics or Enzymes: Some advanced chews include good bacteria or enzymes that help balance the mouth’s environment.
- Limited Ingredient Lists: Fewer ingredients often mean a lower chance of causing allergies or stomach upset.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Excessive Fillers: Too much corn or soy might not offer dental benefits and can sometimes cause issues for sensitive dogs.
- Very Hard Texture: If a chew is rock-hard, it can actually crack or break your dog’s teeth. This is very dangerous.
- High Sugar Content: Even natural sugars can contribute to dental problems if the chew is overly sweet.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the chew matters just as much as what it is made of.
When to Give Dental Chews:
- Daily Routine: Most vets recommend a dental chew once a day to keep plaque from building up. Consistency is key.
- After Meals: Giving a chew after your dog eats can help scrub away food debris before it hardens into tartar.
- As a Training Reward: You can use a dental chew as a healthy, long-lasting reward instead of a regular biscuit.
A good user experience means your dog actually enjoys eating it! If your dog turns their nose up at the chew, it won’t help their teeth at all. Check reviews to see if dogs find the flavor appealing.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Dog Dental Chews
Q: How often should I give my dog a dental chew?
A: Most manufacturers suggest giving one chew daily for the best results in fighting plaque buildup.
Q: Are “natural” chews always better than regular ones?
A: Natural chews usually skip artificial colors and preservatives, which many owners prefer for their dog’s long-term health.
Q: Can dental chews replace brushing my dog’s teeth?
A: No. Chews help, but they cannot clean every surface. Brushing is still the best way to remove plaque fully.
Q: My dog swallows the chew in 30 seconds. Is this safe?
A: If your dog eats chews too quickly, you need a tougher, larger chew designed for power chewers. Choking is a risk if they swallow large pieces whole.
Q: What does the VOHC seal actually mean?
A: The VOHC seal means independent testing proved the chew effectively controls plaque or tartar when used as directed.
Q: What should I do if my dog gets an upset stomach from a new chew?
A: Stop giving the chew immediately. Try a brand with fewer ingredients or one specifically made for sensitive stomachs.
Q: Are vegetarian dental chews just as effective as meat-based ones?
A: Yes, effectiveness comes from the physical scrubbing action and active ingredients, not just the protein source.
Q: Do these chews contain rawhide?
A: Good natural dental chews do not contain rawhide. They use digestible, plant-based, or grain-based materials instead.
Q: Should I choose a chew based on my dog’s age?
A: Absolutely. Puppies need much softer chews that support developing teeth. Senior dogs need very soft chews so they do not damage weak teeth.
Q: How long should a good dental chew last?
A: For maximum dental benefit, the chew should take your dog at least five to ten minutes to consume completely.