The Best Kinds of Chews for Dogs

Just as human beings brush their teeth to remove plaque and tartar, maintain gum health, prevent cavities and cure bad breath, dogs need a way to rub their teeth clean too. The best dog chews can eliminate 70 percent of plaque. Providing your dog with a chew toy, whether it's rawhide or rubber, gives your pet an enjoyable toy and something that benefits its health.

  1. Polyphosphate-Coated Chews

    • Seek chew toys that are coated in polyphosphate, which resembles a rigid, chalky plastic. Web MD reports a veterinary study that observed that chews coated in this material reduced tartar by at least 55 percent. Polyphosphate functions by targeting calcium on the teeth and rubbing it away as the dog chews. The chemical agent helps to weaken and dissolve the calcium, preventing plaque from turning into tartar.

    VOHC Seal of Approval

    • When purchasing a chew toy, look for the VOHC Seal of Approval on the package. Awarded by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, this seal guarantees that chews that rely on physical removal of build-up by incorporating a textured, bumpy surface will reduce tartar or plaque by at least 10 percent. It also guarantees that chew toys using a chemical coating eliminate build-up by at least 20 percent.

    Common Chews

    • Three common types of dog chews include rawhide, dental bones and dental biscuits. Rawhide chews are made from the tanned skins of cows or horses. Their rough surfaces and durable composition allow them to clean teeth as dogs chew. Dental bones and biscuits are edible products that the dog consumes. Administer these dental tools in place of your regular treats. VOHC-approved brands of dental treats include Bright Bites, Del Monte Tartar Check, Greenies and Vetradent.

    Benefits

    • If you notice that your dog has lost its appetite or is acting listless, dental problems may be to blame. Rotten teeth in dogs can break or fall out, making it difficult for the dog to eat. A bacterial infection in the mouth can spread to the bloodstream and be transferred to other organs, potentially resulting in serious health problems for your pet. Providing your dog with a high quality chew toy will prevent most common dental problems.