Explained
Dog Chews, Explained
After reading, you'll understand the main types of dog chew, what the VOHC seal means, and which chews to avoid.
In this guide
Almost every dog chew promises cleaner teeth and hours of fun. Very few dental claims are independently reviewed, and some popular chews have real safety concerns. The difference between a good chew and a risky one often comes down to hardness and what it is made of. A few facts make the choice easier.
The 30-second version
- The VOHC seal marks tested dental claims, so look for it on dental treats.
- Bone treats are a known risk, with FDA reports of illness and death.
- Softer is safer for teeth, since very hard chews can be tough on them.
- Size matters, because a chew should be too big to swallow whole.
- Chews have calories, so they belong in the daily food budget.
The products this guide is about
Our verdict on each, with the full reasoning on the companion review.
- Buy GREENIES Original Dental Treats A daily dental chew with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal for plaque and tartar.
- Buy Best Bully Sticks 6-Inch Thick Bully Stick A single-ingredient beef chew that lasts longer than standard bully sticks.
- It depends Himalayan Pet Supply Himalayan Dog Chew Original Yak Cheese A very hard, long-lasting cheese chew made from yak and cow milk.
- Skip Redbarn Filled Bone An oven-roasted beef femur bone with filling, the kind of bone treat the FDA has warned about.
What actually matters
- Dental claims - Most chews claim to clean teeth. The VOHC seal shows which claims have been reviewed.
- Hardness - Very hard chews can be tough on teeth. Chews that soften are gentler.
- Size - Match the chew to your dog's weight. Too small can be swallowed.
- Ingredients - Single-ingredient chews are simple. Formulated treats list more ingredients.
- End pieces - The last bit of a long chew is a choking risk. Remove it.
- Calories - Chews add up. Adjust meals to keep weight steady.
- Bones - The FDA warns against bones and processed bone treats.
The specs, in plain English
Green flags vs red flags
Green flags
- A VOHC seal on dental claims
- Clear sizing by weight
- Feeding guidance and calorie information
- Chews that soften as dogs work them
- Supervision advice on the label
Red flags
- Roasted, smoked or filled bones
- Dental claims with no seal
- Chews too small for your dog
- No feeding guidance
- Very hard chews for aggressive chewers
Who's who: the brands
- GREENIES - Dental treat brand whose original treats carry the VOHC seal for plaque and tartar.
- Best Bully Sticks - Sells bully sticks and other single-ingredient animal chews.
- Himalayan Pet Supply - Known for the original Himalayan Dog Chew made from yak and cow milk.
- Redbarn - Makes bully sticks, filled bones and other animal chews.
How to read a listing without getting fooled
Start with what the chew is made of and how hard it is. Look for a VOHC seal if the package makes dental claims, and check the size guidance against your dog's weight. Read the feeding directions for how often to give it and whether to reduce meals. Be wary of anything that is a real bone, however it is flavored or filled.
How much should you spend?
Bully sticks and bone treats are budget per piece. Dental treats and hard cheese chews sit in the mid-range. A slightly higher price for a chew with a tested dental claim or a safer design is money well spent compared with a vet visit.
Questions, answered
Can puppies have dental chews?
Many dental treats have a minimum age. GREENIES, for example, say their adult treats are not for dogs under 6 months. Look for puppy-specific products and follow the label.
Do dental chews replace brushing?
No. Chews with a VOHC seal help, but brushing remains the most effective home care. Regular veterinary dental checks matter too.
Are rawhide chews safe?
Rawhide can be swallowed in large pieces that cause blockages. Many owners prefer chews that soften and break down more easily. Supervise any chew.
What should I do if my dog swallows a large piece?
Watch for vomiting, straining, lethargy or loss of appetite. Call your veterinarian promptly if you notice any of these. Blockages can be serious.
Or jump to the head-to-head: GREENIES Original Dental Treats vs Best Bully Sticks 6-Inch Thick Bully Stick.
