Most dogs and cats have some dental disease by middle age, and dental chews promise to help. Some do. The way to tell which ones is the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, and it's easy to check before you buy.
Do dental chews work?
The ones with the VOHC seal do, when given daily. The VOHC says regular use of products with its seal "will reduce the severity of periodontal disease in pets." Chews without the seal may help too, but the company hasn't shown it with trial results that vets have reviewed.
Chews don't replace brushing. The VOHC calls brushing "the gold standard," and many middle-aged and older pets still need professional cleanings under anesthesia.
What the VOHC seal means
- Who runs it: a council of veterinary dentists and dental scientists.
- How a product earns it: the company runs trials using VOHC protocols and submits the results. The VOHC doesn't test products itself. It reviews the data.
- Plaque vs tartar: plaque is the soft film that forms on teeth daily. Tartar (calculus) is plaque that's hardened and needs a vet to remove. A product can be accepted for one or both. Plaque control is the bigger win, since stopping plaque prevents tartar.
Look for the seal on the package, or check the VOHC accepted products list, which says exactly what each product is accepted for.
Dog dental chews we grade
| Product | VOHC seal | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Pedigree Dentastix Large Variety Pack | Tartar | A (92) |
| Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Small & Medium Original | Tartar | A (90) |
| Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Large | Tartar | A (86) |
| Greenies Original Regular Dental Treats | Plaque and tartar | A (85) |
| Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Dental Chews, Medium | Plaque and tartar | B (79) |
| OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews, Medium | Tartar | C (70) |
| Whimzees Brushzees Dental Chews, Medium | Plaque and tartar | C (70) |
| Blue Buffalo Chicken & Spearmint Dental Chews, Medium | Tartar | C (66) |
Cat dental treats we grade
| Product | VOHC seal | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Greenies Feline Adult Dental Treats, Oven Roasted Chicken | Tartar | A (91) |
| Purina DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats | Tartar | B (83) |
| Minties Salmon Flavored Cat Dental Treats | No seal | C (74) |
| Ark Naturals Kiss Me-Ow Cleaning Chicken Dental Chews | No seal | C (69) |
| Whimzees Natural Chicken & Salmon Dental Cat Treats | No seal | C (68) |
| Tartar Shield Wholesome Bites Chicken Cat Dental Treats | No seal | D (61) |
| Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats with Chicken | No seal | D (59) |
| Virbac C.E.T. IntelliDent Cat Bites | No seal | F (46) |
Products with the seal earn up to 10 of their 40 safety points from it. See the full dog dental chew and cat dental treat rankings.
Using dental chews safely
- Match the size to your pet's weight. The VOHC recommends it, and too small a chew can be swallowed whole.
- Supervise. The VOHC advises giving chews only when you can watch your pet chew.
- Count the calories. Dental chews can carry a lot of calories, so check the calorie statement on the pack and count it in your pet's treat allowance. Our dog food calculator helps you subtract treats from meals.
- Give it daily. The trials behind the seal use daily feeding.
Questions
Do dental chews actually work?
Chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal have trial results showing they reduce plaque, tartar or both when given daily. They help, but brushing is still the most effective home care.
Which dental chews are VOHC approved?
Among the products we grade: Pedigree Dentastix Large Variety Pack, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Small & Medium Original, Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Large, Greenies Original Regular Dental Treats, Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Dental Chews, Medium, OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews, Medium, Whimzees Brushzees Dental Chews, Medium, Blue Buffalo Chicken & Spearmint Dental Chews, Medium, Greenies Feline Adult Dental Treats, Oven Roasted Chicken, Purina DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats. Check the VOHC accepted products list for the full, current list.
Are Greenies VOHC approved?
Yes. Greenies Original dental treats for dogs are VOHC-accepted for plaque and tartar, and Greenies Feline dental treats for tartar.
How often should I give my dog a dental chew?
Once a day. The trials behind the VOHC seal use daily feeding.
Not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own pet's diet and health.