The pet product industry is massive, and you must sift through a ton of options when picking out the perfect dental chew for your pet. While each dental chew brand claims to be the number-one choice for pets, owners, and veterinarians, many of these products do more harm than good. To learn the ingredients that make up an ideal dental chew and the ingredients to avoid, read our Advanced Veterinary Care of Pasco team’s five tips.

#1: Determine your pet’s chewing preferences

When choosing your pet’s dental treat, take into account their chewing power and preferences. To decide which dental chew is most appropriate for your pet, consider the following factors:

  • Size and breed — Ensure the dental chew is large enough that your pet avoids choking, but small enough to fit in their mouth for easy gnawing. You’ll also want to factor in your pet’s breed, as their muzzle shape can hinder their chewing ability. For example, flat-faced (i.e., brachycephalic) breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers, need smaller sized chews because of their jaw’s limited flexibility.
  • Age — As your puppy explores the world around them, they want to chew everything. However, a young pet’s biting power is not as strong as their adult counterparts’ bite. Puppy and kitten teeth also have shorter roots than adult teeth, so their bite strength is less aggressive. Senior pets often suffer from periodontal problems and attack their chews with less zeal, so chews designed for older pets are usually made to be softer than standard adult dental chews.
  • Chewing style — Does your furry pal nibble their chews, leaving the treats unfinished to pursue other activities during a chewing session? Or, does your pet ferociously tear a chew until they have devoured the entire treat? Allow your pet’s chewing dedication to help guide you to choose a dental treat that offers durability, texture, and longevity appropriate to your pet’s chewing style. 
  • Health restrictions — Certain health conditions can restrict your pet’s dental chew selection. A pet who has chronic stomatitis, pancreatitis, or food allergies is limited in the treats they can tolerate, so consult with your Advanced Veterinary Care of Pasco veterinarian to determine which chews are best for your pet.

#2: Opt for approved dental health chews for your pet

When in doubt about how to pick the best dental chew for your pet, check out the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC’s) accepted products list. The VOHC attaches their seal of acceptance to dental-care products that are proven to slow plaque and tartar accumulation and promote oral health.

While you still have to exercise caution when giving your pet dental chews to ensure they don’t swallow a dental treat whole, these VOHC-approved treats provide the best dental-health benefits for your furry pal. 

#3: Avoid certain dental chew ingredients for your pet

While plenty of great dental chew options exist, you should avoid giving your pet treats that include certain hazardous items. When deciding on chews to give your furry pal, consider the following:

  • Digestion issues — If your pet can’t successfully break down a chew into small enough pieces to swallow, the treat can pose a serious health risk. For example, rawhides are popular chews that commonly cause obstructions. When your pet gnaws a rawhide, the treat becomes soft and slimy, but often does not tear apart easily. If your pet swallows a rawhide whole, the chew can become lodged in the roof of the mouth, the back of their throat, or anywhere within their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. You should ensure your pet’s chews are made of easily digestible ingredients that support GI health.
  • Harmful ingredients — Because all treats and chews include fat and calories, you should try to limit your pet’s intake. Many chews are loaded with high fat, sugar, and calories that make the treat more appealing to a pet, while artificial coloring draws you in. 

In addition to a dental chew’s nutritional value, you should consider the manufacturing process, which may pose a hazard to your pet. Many manufacturers process rawhide-type chews using harmful chemicals such as bleach. Many chemicals can cause your pet to become seriously ill. Opt for chews that have natural ingredients and no artificial colorings or flavorings, and are low in calories, sugar, and fat content.

  • Potential for periodontal problems — Although giving your pet the toughest chews available may seem like a money-saving tactic, doing so may actually cost you more in the long run. Chews that are extremely tough can damage your pet’s teeth and gums, so avoid products that claim to be indestructible. 

If your furry pal gnaws an inappropriate dental chew, they may damage a tooth, or develop pancreatitis or a GI obstruction. Contact our Advanced Veterinary Care of Pasco team if your pet develops an adverse health issue after chewing an inappropriate dental treat.