Best Dental Chews for Dogs in 2026
Dental disease affects 80%+ of dogs by age 3, and dental chews are one of the most practical preventive tools. The best dental chews carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, indicating they’ve been independently tested to reduce plaque and/or tartar by at least 10% in controlled studies. Here are the top picks for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Original Dental Treats | $28–$38/36 ct | 4.9/5 | Best VOHC-accepted dental chew |
| Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Chews | $30–$40/30 ct | 4.7/5 | Best vet-dispensed dental chew |
| Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care | $15–$22/40 ct | 4.7/5 | Best affordable daily dental chew |
| OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews | $25–$35/14 ct | 4.7/5 | Best plaque-barrier dental chew |
| Whimzees All-Natural Dental Chews | $20–$30/14 ct | 4.6/5 | Best natural dental chew |
Detailed Reviews
1. [Greenies Original Dental Treats](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=greenies+original)
Price: $28–$38/36 ct
Rating: 4.9/5
Best For: Best VOHC-accepted dental chew
Pros: VOHC-accepted, reduces plaque and tartar, highly palatable, multiple sizes, highly digestible
Cons: Soft texture consumed quickly by some dogs
[Check Price](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=greenies+original){rel=”nofollow sponsored”}
2. [Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Chews](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=virbac+cet+veggiedent)
Price: $30–$40/30 ct
Rating: 4.7/5
Best For: Best vet-dispensed dental chew
Pros: VOHC-accepted, sold at vet clinics, no animal protein (allergy-friendly), effective plaque reduction
Cons: Lower palatability than Greenies for some dogs
[Check Price](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=virbac+cet+veggiedent){rel=”nofollow sponsored”}
3. [Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=purina+dentalife)
Price: $15–$22/40 ct
Rating: 4.7/5
Best For: Best affordable daily dental chew
Pros: Porous texture cleans teeth mechanically, affordable daily use, chicken flavored
Cons: Not VOHC-accepted (but effective for daily maintenance)
[Check Price](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=purina+dentalife){rel=”nofollow sponsored”}
4. [OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=oravet+dental)
Price: $25–$35/14 ct
Rating: 4.7/5
Best For: Best plaque-barrier dental chew
Pros: VOHC-accepted, delmopinol creates bacterial film barrier, highly effective
Cons: Higher cost per chew
[Check Price](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=oravet+dental){rel=”nofollow sponsored”}
5. [Whimzees All-Natural Dental Chews](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=whimzees+dental)
Price: $20–$30/14 ct
Rating: 4.6/5
Best For: Best natural dental chew
Pros: Vegetable-based, no artificial preservatives, unique textured shapes for cleaning
Cons: Some dogs don’t find vegetable-based chews as palatable
[Check Price](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=whimzees+dental){rel=”nofollow sponsored”}
Dental Chew Effectiveness Guide
VOHC Seal Matters: Only choose dental chews bearing the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of acceptance if dental efficacy is your goal. This seal means the product has been tested in controlled studies and shown to reduce plaque and/or tartar by minimum 10%.
How to Use: Give one dental chew daily, ideally when the dog hasn’t eaten for 2+ hours. Supervision recommended for aggressive chewers.
Dental Chews Don’t Replace Brushing: Even VOHC-accepted dental chews provide less plaque control than daily tooth brushing. The gold standard is brushing + dental chews.
Size Matching: Always give the correct size for your dog’s weight. Too small creates choking risk; too large is less effective. All major dental chew brands offer multiple size designations.
Caloric Consideration: Dental chews contain calories (Greenies: ~65–130 depending on size). Include these in your dog’s daily caloric allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do dental chews actually work?
A: VOHC-accepted dental chews (Greenies, OraVet, C.E.T. VeggieDent) have been clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar. They work best as part of a comprehensive dental care routine including brushing.
Q: What is the VOHC seal?
A: The Veterinary Oral Health Council awards their seal to products independently tested and proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar by at least 10% in controlled trials. It’s the most reliable indicator of dental efficacy for pet products.
Q: How often should I give dental chews?
A: Daily use is recommended for best results. Most VOHC-accepted chews are designed for daily use and are safe when given as directed.
Q: Are dental chews safe for dogs with food allergies?
A: Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent and Whimzees are vegetable-based without common animal protein allergens. For dogs with severe food allergies, confirm all ingredients with your vet before introducing any new chew.
*Affiliate Disclosure: GetPetPros.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs. When you click links on this site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.*