Ingredients : Pork Protein, Wheat, and Soy. *Each chew contains 0.7% (wt/wt) Delmopinal HCI delivered in a proprietary chewable formulation. OraVet dental chews are great tasting and not only clean teeth, they create a barrier against plaque, calculus and bad breath.

"They work by scraping the teeth as the dog chews on them,” explains Dr. Gary Richter. As with any other product out there, it depends on what you buy. Dental treats and chews can and often will help keep plaque away and cut back on tartar buildup.

OraVet® reduces plaque and tartar formation by preventing bacteria from attaching to your pet's teeth. It is a sealant barrier applied once a week beginning two weeks after your pet's dental cleaning.

OraVet gets the edge here for both plaque and tartar removal as well as the bacteria prevention from the delmopinol. That's a lot of peace of mind from just one treat per day. Again, that's not to say the Greenies chew isn't bad. By most accounts, it's an excellent, vet-recommended option, too.

Some long-lasting dog chews contain starches or grains like sweet potatoes, rice, or corn. These ingredients add variety to your dog's chewing options.

Most rawhide dog chews are mainly sourced from beef cattle hide, however you can also find chews made from pork hide and buffalo hide. Rawhide can be less expensive and longer lasting than other chews, and its delicious flavor has been a favorite among dogs of all breeds for generations.

The best overall dog chew is Virbac C.E.T VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews. The plant-based treats come in four sizes and are easy to digest. Another great option are Greenies, which come in original, as well as special formulas for puppies, adults, and overweight pets.

How long should my dog spend chewing? Give your dog about 30 minutes to get his chew on every day, to give them the maximum benefit out of their dental chews.

The plaque-fighting compound delmopinol coats the teeth and creates a protective barrier to help prevent bacterial attachment.

Best overall toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs

• Virbac C.E.T. Dual Ended Toothbrush.
• Virbac C.E.T. Plaque Tartar-Control Enzymatic Dog and Cat Toothpaste.
• Pet Republique Dog Toothbrush Pack of 6.
• Jasper 360º Dog Toothbrush.
• Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs.

endorphins The act of chewing causes a dog's pituitary gland to release endorphins into the brain. Endorphins are hormones the body produces that create a sense of calm and happiness. They have been called the “body's natural painkillers” because of their ability to relieve pain and induce a natural “high.”

Chewing has important benefits for your dog - from promoting overall well-being and dental health to mental stimulation and supporting your dog's natural instincts. A long-term chew is something that should both taste great and hold your dog's attention for more than 10 minutes.

If you're going to chew gum, make sure it's gum that is sugar-free. Choose a gum containing xylitol, as it reduces the bacteria that cause cavities and plaque. Brands that are the best are Pür, XyloBurst, Xylitol, Peppersmith, Glee Gum, and Orbit.

The incisors are used for biting and cutting food, the canines are used for tearing and grasping food, the premolars are used for crushing and grinding food, and the molars are used for chewing and grinding food. Together, these teeth work to chew and break down food for digestion.

Remove plaque and tartar: Dogs who chew actively, encounter less build-up of plaque and tartar in their mouth. Some dog dental treats help reduce plaque by 70%.

Fortunately, dental chews are specially designed to help remove plaque and tartar from teeth, and they also help to massage the gums and reduce inflammation. As a result, regular use of dental chews can help to keep your dog's teeth healthy and prevent serious health issues down the road.