Companion Animals

Companion Animal Dental Chews and Oral Health

Dental chews and toys can meaningfully reduce plaque and tartar in companion animals when used consistently alongside regular veterinary dental care.

Key Facts

VOHC-approved dental chews reduce plaque by approximately 20-30% compared to no intervention
Daily dental chew use reduces calculus buildup more effectively than weekly use
Not all dental chews are equal — only products with the VOHC seal have demonstrated efficacy
Dental chews cannot replace professional dental cleaning under anesthesia for established disease

Welfare Considerations

Dental chews represent an accessible welfare intervention for companion animal oral health that most owners can implement without additional veterinary visits. Used consistently from puppyhood or kittenhood alongside tooth brushing, they significantly slow dental disease progression. The key limitation is that they address plaque and tartar prevention rather than treating established disease.

What You Can Do

Choose dental chews carrying the VOHC seal of acceptance for your dog or cat
Use dental chews daily rather than occasionally for meaningful plaque reduction benefit
Combine dental chews with tooth brushing for the most effective oral health routine
Continue scheduling annual veterinary dental examinations even with excellent home care
Advocate for dental chew and oral health product labeling standards that prevent misleading claims