Caring for your dog's teeth begins with regular inspections and consulting your veterinarian. Chews can be a supplement, but they do not replace a check-up, and they do not work the same for every dog. Studies have shown that certain chews reduce plaque and tartar, but those studies are small, short, and partially funded by manufacturers. What is and isn't known about this determines how much you can expect from a chew.
How common are dental problems in dogs?
According to owners themselves, dental problems are common.
In a Swedish survey of 59,978 owners (Enlund et al., 2020), 47.7% reported that their dog had bad breath to some degree, and 37.3% observed tartar. 13.1% of the dogs had undergone dental cleaning under anesthesia. Owners of smaller and older dogs, as well as specific breeds, rated their dog's dental health more poorly.
This is based on what owners reported themselves. No teeth were examined, and the assessments were not validated. The study was funded by two Swedish foundations, the Greater Stockholm Veterinary Hospital Foundation and the Swedish Association for the Protection of Animals, and the authors report no conflict of interest.
Why is your dog's dental health so difficult to check?
Many owners find it difficult to look into their dog's mouth.
In the same Swedish survey, 24.5% had trouble inspecting their dog's teeth. Nearly 80% of them cited the dog's lack of cooperation as the reason. Of the owners who cleaned their dog's teeth, 34.7% occasionally saw blood in the mouth.
A calm routine helps. Get your dog used to being touched around the mouth, in small steps and with a treat as a reward. If you see blood, detect a strong odor, or notice your dog no longer wants to chew, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
What does research show about chews and dental health?
In studies involving certain chews, plaque and tartar decreased, but the studies have limitations.
In two randomized trials (Gawor et al., 2021), 45 small and 60 larger dogs were given either a plant-based chew or another type of chew, while a control group received nothing. All tested chews reduced plaque and tartar compared to the control group. The study was funded by the company Virbac, and one of the authors is an employee of that company. While that does not necessarily make the results unreliable, it should be taken into account when evaluating them.
In another study (Crowder et al., 2025), dogs of various breeds, ages, and weights were given a honeycomb-shaped chew every day for 60 days. Afterward, tartar decreased by 26.6%, plaque by 14.2%, and bad breath by 46.7%, while the gum score did not clearly change. There was no control group, and funding information was not included in the parts we could read.
Is dental health related to general health?
In one survey, researchers observed a correlation, but that says nothing about cause and effect.
In the Swedish survey (Enlund et al., 2020), owners of dogs with heart, liver, or kidney disease rated their dog's dental health more poorly. This is based on owner reports, without examination of the dogs. Therefore, you cannot infer from this that the teeth cause these conditions or that a condition affects the teeth.
What you can take away from this is that dental health is about more than just fresh breath. Discuss your dog's dental health at every vet visit, especially as your dog gets older.
How do you make dental care a fixed routine?
A regular moment during the week makes it easier to maintain dental care.
Link it to something you already do, such as brushing after a walk. Take a quick look in the mouth, give a chew, and reward your dog for their cooperation. Some owners use a lick mat as a distraction during care. You can find our lick mat in the Toys & Accessories collection.
Keep it short and fun. A dog that associates care with something pleasant is often more cooperative. You will also notice more quickly if something is out of the ordinary.
What does that mean for chews?
A chew can be a supplement, but it is not a substitute for dental check-ups or treatment.
The results apply to the tested chews. This does not mean that every chew has the same effect. Furthermore, both studies only measure over a short period, and one study lacks a comparison with a control group. We therefore see chews as a fun treat that keeps your dog occupied and works, at most, as a supportive measure.
This aligns with how our (dental) snacks are intended. They are complementary feed and not a replacement for a meal.
What should you look out for when giving chews?
Supervise your dog while they chew, and follow the maximum indicated on the packaging.
For our (dental) snacks, the maximum is one piece per day, under supervision and with fresh water within reach. I give Sep a chew daily, but always at a time when I can keep an occasional eye on him while he chews.
Choose a size that suits your dog, and take the snack away if large chunks break off. If you have doubts about your dog's dental health, your veterinarian is the best person to consult.
Chews in your Kwispel Subscription
In the (Dental) snacks collection, you will find our chews in various shapes and sizes. All kibble and snacks can be included in your Kwispel Subscription, so you don't have to think about reordering. Do you have questions? Check the Frequently asked questions page or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my dog used to a dental check?
Start by touching the lips and then letting your dog take a treat. Only then gently lift a lip, first for a few seconds and then for slightly longer each time. Never force your dog. If they are not cooperating, try again another day or ask your vet for tips. A calm moment after a walk often works best.
Is smelly breath normal in dogs?
A slight odor is normal, but a strong or persistent smell is a reason to consult your vet. In the Swedish survey, nearly half of the owners (47.7%) reported bad breath to some degree (Enlund et al., 2020). That doesn't explain the cause. Only a vet can look into the mouth and explain what is going on.
Can chews replace dental treatment?
No, a chew does not replace a check-up or treatment by a veterinarian. In the Swedish survey, 13.1% of the dogs had undergone dental cleaning under anesthesia. Moreover, in the studies on chews, the teeth were assessed under anesthesia, which owners cannot do at home. Therefore, see a chew as a supplement.
Which chew size fits my dog?
Choose a size that matches your dog's size so they can chew on it calmly. Every product in our (Dental) snacks collection indicates which dog size it is intended for. Not sure? Please contact us or ask your vet.
David is the founder of VerdaDog. He grew up with a dog that struggled with allergies, which made him think about how he could prevent that with his own dog. He has been eating a plant-based diet himself for over ten years, and that interest in nutrition, for both himself and his dog, forms the basis of VerdaDog. This article is written based on peer-reviewed research. David makes no claims of veterinary or scientific expertise and always refers to a veterinarian for medical advice.
Sources
Crowder, S. E., Berg, M., Bellows, J., Artzer, M., MacGee, S., & Schultz, L. (2025). Effectiveness of a daily honeycomb-shaped dental chew in reducing calculus, plaque, gingivitis and malodor in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 42(2), 104–113. https://doi.org/10.1177/08987564241255043
Enlund, K. B., Brunius, C., Hanson, J., Hagman, R., Höglund, O. V., Gustås, P., & Pettersson, A. (2020). Dog owners' perspectives on canine dental health: A questionnaire study in Sweden. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 298. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00298
Gawor, J., Jodkowska, K., Klim, E., Jank, M., & Nicolas, C. S. (2021). Comparison of a vegetable-based dental chew to 2 other chews for oral health prevention. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 38(3), 131–138. https://doi.org/10.1177/08987564211054225
