Maintaining our pet’s dental health is a crucial part of their overall well-being. But with so many products on the market, it can be tough to know which ones truly work. Choosing the right oral health treats pets can use is more than just a matter of finding something your furry friend will chew; it’s about selecting a product that provides a real, measurable benefit.
This guide will help you navigate the world of dog dental chews and cat dental snacks. We’ll reveal what makes a dental treat effective, explain the importance of a vet approved dental chews, and help you make a smart choice to support your pet’s journey to a healthier, happier mouth.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian for any questions you may have regarding your pet’s dental health.
The Truth About Oral Health Treats Pets Can Use
Before we dive into product specifics, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Dental treats and chews are a supplement to a good oral hygiene routine—they are not a replacement for regular teeth brushing or professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian. Think of them as a tool to help control plaque and tartar in between cleanings, not a cure-all.
What Makes the Best Dental Treats Pets Can Have Actually Work?
When you’re standing in the pet store aisle, here’s what to look for to ensure you’re choosing an effective product.
1. Look for the VOHC Seal:
This is the single most important factor. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a board of veterinary dental experts who review products based on scientific studies submitted by manufacturers. A product with the VOHC seal has been proven to help reduce the accumulation of plaque and/or tartar. This seal is the closest thing to a truly vet approved dental chews.
2. The Right Texture and Hardness:
An effective dental treat works by a mechanical scraping action against the tooth surface. It must be chewy enough that your pet can’t simply gulp it down, but not so hard that it risks breaking or cracking their teeth. A good test is to try to indent the treat with your fingernail—if you can’t, it may be too hard.
3. Active Ingredients:
Some treats contain specific ingredients to help with oral health treats pets can use. These may include:
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP): A common ingredient that helps prevent plaque from mineralizing into tartar.
- Chlorophyll or Parsley: Often used for fresh breath dog treats and tartar control cat snacks, these can help combat bad breath.
Dog Dental Chews vs. Cat Dental Snacks: What to Look For
While the principles are the same, the products are designed differently to suit each animal’s needs.
- Dog Dental Chews: These come in a variety of shapes—bristles, ridges, and twists—designed to get into the hard-to-reach areas of a dog’s mouth. Look for a chew that is appropriately sized for your dog’s weight. A small chew for a large dog is a choking hazard, and a large chew for a small dog is difficult to manage.
- Cat Dental Snacks: Because cats often crunch their treats once or twice before swallowing them, effective cat dental treats are usually small with a porous or abrasive texture that provides a gentle scouring action on the tooth surface.
A Note on Natural Dental Chews Pets Can Use
Many owners are drawn to “natural” options like bully sticks, cow hooves, or dried sweet potatoes. While some may provide a chewing outlet, they rarely have the VOHC seal. Some of these products can be too hard and risk breaking a pet’s teeth, or they can splinter and become a choking hazard. For the sake of your pet’s healthy teeth pets can have, it’s best to stick with products that have been scientifically proven and meet safety standards.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dental treats pets can use is a small but impactful way to contribute to their overall health. Remember, the goal is to supplement a solid routine of brushing and professional vet cleanings. When in doubt, look for the VOHC seal, choose a product with an appropriate texture, and consult your veterinarian for the best advice on your pet’s oral health treats pets can use.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian for any questions you may have regarding your pet’s dental health.