Best Dental Chews and Toys for Dogs and Cats: A Guide to Safer, Healthier Smiles

Maintaining your pet’s dental health is just as important as keeping up with their vaccinations and nutrition. Dental chews and toys can be a great way to help control plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and keep your pet’s teeth strong. However, not all chews and toys are safe—some can cause tooth fractures or digestive issues.

At Northwood Veterinary Hospital in Northwood, NH, we help pet owners choose the best dental care products for their furry family members. Here’s what you need to know about the safest and most effective options for your pet’s oral health.

Why Dental Health Matters for Pets

  • By age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease.
  • Left untreated, dental disease can lead to pain, infections, and even organ damage affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
  •  While daily brushing is the gold standard, dental chews and toys help reduce plaque buildup and encourage good chewing habits.

Explore VOHC-Approved Products: Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)

The VOHC has the best list for products that have been proven to be dental-safe and effective at removing plaque. There are many products on the shelves calling themself a dental chew- but that doesn’t mean they are actually safe for your pet’s teeth! Check the list before you buy.

When it comes to a dental treat or chew, just remember- they have to chew for it to be effective! If your pet can inhale a dental chew in just a couple of bites, it’s probably not providing any benefit.

How to Evaluate the Safety of Dental Chews & Toys

1. Hardness Matters

A chew that is too hard can fracture a tooth.

  • A simple test: If you can’t indent the chew with your fingernail, it might be too hard for your pet.

2. Abrasiveness

  • Some materials, like fuzzy felt exterior of a tennis ball, are abrasive and wear down enamel when pets have excessive contact. Sandy tennis balls are even worse!

3. Your Pet’s Chewing Style

  • Aggressive chewers need tougher but safe chews (no real bones or hooves). Hard rubber is often the best choice for dental-safe toys.
  • Gentle chewers do well with softer options like dental treats, and may lose interest in harder options.

4. Your Pet’s Dental Health

  • If your pet already has weakened teeth, gum disease, or missing teeth, certain chews could cause further damage.
  • Ask your vet for recommendations based on your pet’s individual dental health.

Best Vet-Recommended Dental Chews for Dogs

What to Look For:

  • VOHC-approved products designed to reduce plaque and tartar.
  • Highly digestible chews that don’t pose a choking hazard.
  • Size-appropriate options based on your dog’s breed and chewing strength.

Top VOHC-Approved Dental Chews for Dogs

VOHC-Approved Dental Chews for Cats

Combining Dental Chews & Toys with Professional Care

Why Chews & Toys Alone Aren’t Enough

Dental chews and toys can play an important role in maintaining your pet’s oral health, but they are not a substitute for brushing or professional dental cleanings. While they help reduce plaque and tartar buildup by providing mechanical abrasion, they cannot reach below the gumline, where bacteria thrive and periodontal disease begins.

Even VOHC-approved (Veterinary Oral Health Council) dental chews can only do so much—brushing remains the gold standard for preventing gum disease, and routine veterinary cleanings are essential for removing stubborn tartar, detecting hidden dental issues, and preventing long-term oral health complications.

How Dental Chews & Toys Help

  • Encourage chewing action, which helps reduce plaque and tartar.
  • Stimulate the gums, improving circulation and promoting gum health.
  • Provide mental stimulation, which can reduce destructive chewing behavior.

Limitations of Dental Chews & Toys

  • Cannot remove tartar below the gumline, where infections begin.
  • May not be effective for all pets, especially those with misaligned teeth.
  • Some chews can be too hard, leading to tooth fractures (e.g., bones, antlers, hooves).

Read More on Dangerous Chews

When to Schedule a Professional Dental Cleaning

Even with diligent at-home care, most pets need professional cleanings every 6–12 months to prevent painful dental disease, infections, and tooth loss. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Bad breath – A strong, foul odor is often the first sign of dental disease.
  • Red/swollen gums – Inflammation (gingivitis) is an early stage of periodontal disease.
  • Tartar buildup – Yellow or brown deposits indicate hardened plaque, which requires professional removal.
  • Difficulty eating or chewing – Pets with oral pain may drop food, chew on one side, or avoid hard kibble altogether.
  • Drooling or pawing at the mouth – Could indicate a painful tooth infection or abscess.

Ignoring these signs can lead to tooth loss, jaw infections, and even systemic disease affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Dental disease is painful—but entirely preventable with routine professional care.

Keeping Your Pet’s Smile Healthy

Best approach: A combination of dental chews, toys, brushing, and professional cleanings. Always choose VOHC-approved products for effectiveness and safety.

  • Need guidance on dental care? Northwood Veterinary Hospital is here to help!

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