Companion Animal Dental Chews Science

The evidence base for dental chews and treats in companion animal oral health — what works and what does not.

Key Facts

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards its seal to products that demonstrate efficacy in reducing plaque or tartar
VOHC-approved products must meet specific efficacy thresholds in controlled trials before receiving the seal
Not all dental chews and treats are created equal — marketing claims do not necessarily reflect clinical efficacy
Dental chews work primarily through mechanical abrasion — the act of chewing removes plaque from tooth surfaces
Rawhide chews have evidence of dental benefit but also carry choking and contamination risks
Water additives with VOHC approval show modest benefit when used consistently as adjuncts to other dental care
No chew or treat replaces professional dental cleaning — they are adjuncts to, not replacements for, comprehensive dental care

Welfare Considerations

Dental chew welfare science matters because owner choices in this category directly affect the quality of dental preventive care their animals receive. Products with marketing claims but no clinical evidence provide the illusion of dental care without the substance, leading owners to believe they are adequately managing dental health when periodontal disease is silently progressing. The VOHC seal provides an evidence-based distinction that owners can use to choose products whose efficacy is documented rather than merely claimed. Combining VOHC-approved chews with daily brushing and regular professional dental cleanings represents the evidence-based maximum for preventive dental welfare in companion animals.

What You Can Do

Look for the VOHC seal when choosing dental chews and treats — it identifies products with demonstrated efficacy
Use dental chews as supplements to daily tooth brushing and professional cleaning, not as replacements
Ask your veterinarian for specific product recommendations based on their clinical experience
Be skeptical of dental product marketing claims that lack VOHC or equivalent third-party clinical endorsement
Prioritize daily tooth brushing as the single highest-value dental welfare intervention for companion animals