Can't Brush Your Dog's Teeth? Dental Chews Offer a Vet-Backed Shortcut

Ask most dog owners how often they brush their pet's teeth and you will probably get a sheepish laugh. Veterinarians say dogs need their teeth cleaned every day, much like people do, but a squirming, wary pup makes that routine hard to keep up.

A 2026 buyer's guide from iHeartDogs rounds up 11 dental chews that vets recommend as a practical fallback. The pitch is simple. Most dogs see these products as treats, so they chew willingly, and the chewing action helps lift plaque off the teeth along the way.

That matters because plaque that stays on the teeth can harden into tartar, and tartar is a common driver of bad breath, gum inflammation and more serious dental disease. Catching buildup early is far easier than treating it once it has taken hold.

The guide's central idea is that a chew works best as a helper, not a replacement. Owners who can brush should still do so. For everyone else, a well-chosen chew gives a daily habit that dogs actually cooperate with.

When shopping, vets generally suggest looking for products made for your dog's size and chewing style, and checking that the treat is firm enough to scrub teeth without being hard enough to risk a fracture. Calorie content is worth a glance too, since a daily chew adds up, especially for small or less active dogs. Supervise your dog while they chew, and talk to your own vet if your dog already has gum problems or missing teeth.

Note that the source is a reader-supported site that earns affiliate commissions on purchases made through its links, so treat any ranking as a starting point and confirm the choice with your veterinarian.