The Dental stick deception
Are Dental Sticks Actually Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth?
Can a dental stick really replace good ol’ brushing? They’re heavily advertised, vets push them like doggy crack, and they have prime real estate on supermarket shelves. So they must work, right? Well, here’s what I think.
Why Is Dog Dental Health So Important?
It’s a sad but true fact that over 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease. That’s a lot of bad breath, sore gums and potentially infections!
But it’s not just about bad breath. Poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health issues beyond just a few yellow teeth. When plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, it can cause painful gum infections, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. But it doesn’t stop there, dental disease has been linked to heart, kidney and liver problems in dogs. Yup, those little bacteria in the mouth don’t just stay put they can travel through the bloodstream and wreak havoc on your pup’s organs.
So while it might seem like an inconvenience to keep up with your dog’s dental care, it’s actually a crucial part of their overall health and well-being. And no, relying on a quick dental chew isn’t going to cut it.
The Dental Stick Deception
Enter dental sticks, the supposed miracle chew. Give your dog one a day, and poof, tartar gone, plaque obliterated, fresh breath unlocked. Sounds magical, right? But in reality there are only two real ways to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, brushing or scraping. That’s it. No magic sticks, no secret ingredients.
Brushing is great if your dog is chill enough to let you stick a toothbrush in their mouth. But for those of us with less cooperative fur babies, that leaves scraping.
And how do we scrape? Tough chews.
Raw Bones
When a dog chews on a raw bone, their teeth rub against the hard surface, which helps scrape off plaque and tartar naturally. This mechanical action works similarly to how humans use a toothbrush, except your dog is doing all the work (and loving it). Chewing also stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth and naturally wash away bacteria. A well-hydrated mouth is less prone to plaque build up and bad breath.
Are Raw Bones Safe For Dogs?
While raw bones are fantastic for dental health, there are some important safety tips to follow:
Size Matters – Always choose appropriately sized bones. A bone too small could be a choking hazard, while a bone too big might be too tough for your dog to handle.
Avoid Cooked Bones – Cooked bones can splinter easily, leading to serious injuries like choking, intestinal blockages, or internal punctures. Stick to raw, meaty bones.
Supervise Chewing – Even with raw bones, always monitor your dog while they chew to prevent accidents.
Know Your Dog's Chewing Style – Some aggressive chewers might try to break bones into large chunks, which can be dangerous. For these dogs, dehydrated alternatives like bully sticks or tough tendons might be a better option.
Best Raw Bones for Dental Health
Beef Knuckle Bones – Great for large dogs, provides excellent scraping action.
Lamb Necks – Meaty and chewy, perfect for small to medium-sized dogs.
Turkey Necks – A softer alternative that still offers great dental benefits.
Chicken Frames – Good for smaller dogs or those new to raw bones.
Tough Dehydrated Chews
Raw bones are a classic choice, but let’s be honest, not everyone feeds a raw diet or has access to raw bones. And that’s where tough dehydrated chews come into play. Just the right amount of oomph to scrape off plaque and tartar while keeping pups blissfully occupied. These chews work because they require actual effort, your dog has to grind, gnaw and work through them, which naturally scrapes away build-up over time.
So, before you grab another bag of those glorified flour sticks, ask yourself two things:
Is it tough enough to actually scrape off tartar and plaque?
What’s it made of? (If the first few ingredients include grains and fillers, put it back on the shelf.)
So What’s the Best Option?
If you’re looking for something that actually helps keep your dog’s teeth clean, opt for tough, long-lasting chews like:
Bully Sticks – A fan favourite for good reason. Tough enough to scrape teeth but digestible and safe for most dogs.
Beef Tendons – Not as long-lasting as bully sticks, but still a solid choice for gentle scraping action.
Goat Horns – A natural and durable option, but be warned: they can cause some funky breath.
Kangaroo Tendons – Great for smaller dogs or lighter chewers, with a nice balance of toughness and flavour.
Dehydrated Fish Skins – A unique option that provides dental benefits and a nice dose of Omega-3s.
Moral of the story? If it’s not tough and it’s packed with fillers, it’s just a snack, not a dental solution.