We know dental chews do more than just keep your pup busy. These functional snacks help support fresher breath, healthier gums, and even fewer vet visits. But if you’ve ever flipped over the pack and thought, “what are dog dental chews made of?”, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at what’s really inside those daily dental sticks and how to choose ones that work.
What Goes Into Dog Dental Sticks?
Most dog dental sticks are made with a base of vegetable starches, gentle abrasives, and natural flavouring. That firm-but-chewy texture helps scrub away plaque while giving your dog something tasty to look forward to. Here's what you’ll typically find in the dental stick ingredients list:
- Protein, Ideally your chew has this healthy ingredient in as their first inclusion.
- Vegetable starches - The chewable base that gives dental sticks their structure
- Glycerin - Adds moisture and makes the texture more flexible
- Natural flavours - Like chicken or peanut butter (yum)
- Minerals like zinc sulphate or calcium carbonate - Help polish teeth and support strong enamel
- Breath-fresheners - Parsley, green tea, or alfalfa to combat bad smells
- Tartar-control agents - Ingredients like sodium tripolyphosphate or hexametaphosphate help prevent buildup
You’ll also find extras in some chews, like turmeric, probiotics, or flaxseed, for an extra health boost. These can support everything from digestion to coat health. Want to know what’s behind that smelly pup breath? Learn more about bad dog breath and how to treat it effectively.
What to Watch Out For
Not all dental chews are created equal. Some include unnecessary fillers or harsh ingredients that don’t do your dog any favours. Here’s what we avoid:
- Artificial colours and preservatives
- Excess salt or sugar
- Rawhide (it’s tough to digest and can be a choking risk)
- Overly hard textures (especially for puppies or small breeds)
If your dog’s on a sensitive diet or has allergies, always read the label. Better yet, choose chews made with real ingredients you can trust, and always pair them with healthy dog food that supports whole-body wellness.
Why Dental Stick Ingredients Matter
Every ingredient in a dog dental stick serves a purpose. The texture supports gentle abrasion (great for daily plaque control), breath-freshening herbs make cuddles more pleasant, and minerals support stronger teeth and healthier gums.
Dental chews can also help with early signs of dental issues. But if your dog is already showing signs like red gums, drooling, or strong odour, they might need more than a chew. Learn more about how to spot dental disease symptoms in dogs.
How Often Should You Give Them?
If you’re wondering how often to give a dog dental chews, once a day is the sweet spot for most pups. It keeps the habit going and helps prevent the kind of buildup that leads to expensive dental work. Not sure what that costs? We’ve broken down the dog dental cleaning cost so you know what to expect.
Treat Their Teeth Right with Healthy Pet Co
Choosing the right dental chew starts with understanding what’s inside. At Healthy Pet Co., we’ve done the hard work for you, stocking only safe, effective, and tasty dental sticks made with ingredients that support real results.
Shop our dental care range today and give your dog a reason to smile.
