Dental Chews For Dogs
Are Dental Chews Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth and Gut Unhealthy?
You want the best for your dog—good nutrition, a healthy body, and of course, clean teeth. That’s why so many pet parents turn to dental chews, believing they help remove plaque and freshen breath. But what if those dental chews are actually harming your dog’s teeth and gut health instead of improving it?
The truth is, many popular dental chews contain starches, sugars, synthetic chemicals, and preservatives that fuel the very problems they claim to prevent. They don’t just affect oral health—they also disrupt digestion, contribute to gut imbalance, and may even lead to chronic inflammation.
Let’s take a deep dive into how dental chews could be making your dog’s health worse, not better—and what you should be doing instead.
What’s Really in Your Dog’s Dental Chew?
Most dental chews are ultra-processed, carbohydrate-heavy treats that do little to actually clean teeth. Instead, they act more like a snack—one that feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth and gut.
Common Ingredients in Dental Chews and Their Impact on Health
Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, and Cellulose Powder
These cheap fillers break down into sugar, which fuels plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth.
In the gut, these starches contribute to inflammation, yeast overgrowth, and digestive issues.
Sugar and Glycerin
Many dental chews contain added sugar or high-glycemic glycerin.
Sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for plaque and tartar.
It also alters gut flora, promoting the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast.
Propylene Glycol
A synthetic ingredient used to keep chews moist.
It’s a derivative of antifreeze (though labeled "pet-safe"), but can still disrupt gut health and digestion.
Sodium Caseinate (Casein)
A milk-derived protein that many dogs struggle to digest.
It contains casomorphins, which may contribute to gut permeability and inflammation.
Excess Salt
Added to enhance flavor, but too much can dehydrate your dog and strain the kidneys.
Salt-heavy treats can also alter gut bacteria, increasing the risk of imbalance.
BHA and BHT
These synthetic preservatives have been linked to cancer and liver toxicity in animal studies.
Anything that negatively affects liver function directly impacts gut health, as the liver plays a critical role in digestion.
Artificial Colors and Flavors
Chemicals like Red 40 and Yellow 5 have been linked to hyperactivity, allergies, and digestive distress in some dogs.
Unnecessary additives like artificial flavors disrupt natural gut balance and contribute to inflammation.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)
Found in detergents and cleaning agents, this chemical is added to some dental chews to "reduce tartar."
It can cause digestive irritation and has no nutritional value.
Would you brush your teeth with sugar, preservatives, and industrial chemicals? If not, why give them to your dog?
The Link Between Oral Health and Gut Health
Your dog’s mouth is the first step in digestion, and what happens in the mouth affects the gut. When harmful bacteria thrive in the mouth, they are swallowed and introduced into the digestive system, impacting the microbiome.
How Poor Oral Health Leads to Gut Issues
Bacteria from plaque and tartar enter the digestive tract, leading to chronic inflammation.
High-carbohydrate, processed chews feed yeast and harmful gut bacteria, throwing off the delicate balance in the microbiome.
Artificial preservatives and chemicals irritate the gut lining, potentially leading to leaky gut syndrome—a condition where toxins and bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing widespread inflammation.
A weakened gut leads to poor nutrient absorption, affecting your dog’s skin, coat, energy levels, and immune system.
If your dog has chronic bad breath, digestive upset, or frequent ear infections, it may be a sign that their oral health and gut health are both compromised—and those daily dental chews could be a contributing factor.
Do Dental Chews Actually Work?
Pet food companies market dental chews as an easy solution for plaque and tartar, but in reality, most of these products do not effectively clean teeth. Instead, they:
Break apart too easily – They do not provide the natural scraping action needed to remove plaque.
Contain sugars and starches – Feeding oral bacteria rather than eliminating them.
Mask bad breath – Many contain artificial flavors instead of addressing the root cause of odor.
Fail to prevent real dental disease – Dogs that rely on dental chews still develop plaque, tartar, and gum disease—leading to expensive vet cleanings.
What Actually Works for Healthy Teeth?
Instead of relying on processed dental chews, focus on solutions that align with your dog’s natural biology.
Better Chewing Options for Dental
Raw Meaty Bones
Nature’s toothbrush. Chewing on raw, appropriately sized bones naturally scrapes away plaque while providing gut-friendly nutrients.
Beef Tendons, Trachea, and Natural Chews
These mimic how wild canines maintain oral health, promoting saliva production and strengthening jaw muscles.
Collagen Sticks and Bully Sticks
High in digestible protein and collagen, which supports gut lining health while keeping teeth clean.
Dried Fish Skins
Rich in omega-3s and naturally fibrous, helping reduce plaque and supporting gut-friendly fatty acid balance.
Brushing and Additional Care
Brushing with a Dog-Safe Toothpaste
The best way to prevent plaque buildup.
Dental Sprays with Natural Ingredients
Look for sprays with aloe, coconut oil, or essential oils like clove and myrrh for their natural antibacterial properties.
Fresh, Moisture-Rich Diets
Dry kibble contributes to plaque and gut imbalance. A fresh, whole-food diet naturally supports both. It is a myth that kibble keeps teeth clean.
Read More about Natural Dental Care
The Bottom Line: Rethink Dental Chews
Dental chews are not a solution for oral health—and they may be harming your dog’s gut in the process.
Instead of relying on processed treats that contain starches, sugars, and questionable additives, focus on natural chewing, proper nutrition, and regular brushing to maintain both dental and gut health.
Also see why you should avoid Milk Bones
What You Can Do Today:
Read ingredient labels. If it contains starches, sugars, preservatives, or artificial additives, reconsider feeding it.
Switch to natural chewing options that actually clean teeth and support digestion.
Incorporate a fresh, whole-food diet to improve both oral and gut health.
Establish a regular brushing routine—this is the most effective way to prevent dental disease.
Want to Learn More About Holistic Canine Health?
Join my private client forum, where we discuss nutrition, natural wellness, and how to keep your dog thriving. If you’re ready to ditch ineffective products and focus on real solutions, let’s talk about how to support your dog’s health—inside and out.
Your dog deserves better than processed, sugar-laden "dental chews." Make the switch to real oral and gut health solutions today.
February is Dog Dental Health Month