Dentastix makers at Pedigree state ingredients are “included for a specific purpose and provide a benefit to the dog”(13). However, there are contradictory studies that show Iron Oxide has no nutritional benefit in a dog's digestive system (12).
Some dog dental chews (such as PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX® DAILY and DENTASTIX® FRESH) are designed to be given to your pooch daily, while others (like DENTASTIX® ADVANCED) can be given on a twice weekly basis for a deeper, more effective tooth clean. They don't just taste good, they do good!
Overall, it depends. Dental sticks are a great alternative to trying to brush your pups teeth regularly! However, some come with their downsides, unnatural or unclear ingredients which may be fattening for your pup.
Our Winner: Greenies
They also have special formulas for puppies, seniors, and weight management. While both are effective at cleaning your dog's teeth, the wide range of Greenies formulations, flavor, and sizes gives it an edge over the Pedigree Dentastix.
Here are the key features and benefits of Pedigree Dentastix Small: Triple Action Formula: Dentastix Small has a scientifically proven triple action formula that helps reduce tartar build-up by up to 80%, cleans hard-to-reach teeth, and supports gum health.
When it comes to the question of whether dental sticks can work, though, the answer is a clear 'yes,' but with an important caveat: Dental sticks can really help, but quality is everything.
Pedigree Dentastix
These dental sticks from Pedigree can reduce tartar buildup, clean teeth and freshen breath through regular daily or weekly use — the stick has a patented X-shape that forms ridges to help clean teeth down to the gumline and scrape away plaque, Pedigree says.
No. It doesn't clean well enough to substitute for brushing. What happens if I don't brush my dog's teeth daily or for a long time?
Yes. Like many other fruits and vegetables, dogs get health benefits from carrots. In fact, every part of this vegetable, from the carrot itself to the leafy green tops, is safe for dogs to eat. They're a good, natural treat, and most dogs seem to like the flavor, too.
Best oral-care food additive for dogs
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder is VOHC-accepted and recommended by Brister as a means to improve your dog's dental health in conjunction with brushing. It's formulated from a type of kelp that can dissolve existing tartar and help prevent new plaque formations.
Avoid hard bones and pigs' ears.
If your dog has diseased teeth, they are likely to break them on hard chews, hard plastic bones, sterilized beef bones, or cow hooves.
#3 Fish Fingers by JR Pet Products
Due to their texture, which could aid with dislodging tartar build up, these fish finger treats from JR Pet Products are also fab for aiding dental hygiene. Perfect for dogs who need a low-fat option, they are grain free and gluten free, made from 100% whitefish jerky skins.
"If used sparingly as a treat, pig ears are not bad, but they're not 'healthy' either," Sanders tells Daily Paws. Sanders says pig ears are safe for most medium- and large-sized dogs when given as an occasional treat once or twice a month. "Pig ears are best when given sparingly as a special treat," she says.
If for example you feed raw and your dog gets a dentastix once in a blue moon, the risk can be quite low. It is the consistent feeding (as Pedigree suggests, one a day!) that will cause the most issues. Among others you could be looking at increased risk of skin irritation, eye and respiratory issues, and even cancer.
Just like us, dogs need daily dental care for a healthy mouth. One stick a day helps mop away bacteria before plaque can become tartar. Plus, a daily routine is a great way to bond with your dog. It's best to give dental sticks after a meal - we recommend after breakfast.
So, how many Dentastix can a dog have? Dogs can eat 1 appropriately sized Dentastix per day, in addition to their daily meals. However, puppies under the age of 4 months, or 2 kg in weight (4.4 lbs) should not be given these treats. It is important that fresh clean drinking water is always available.
Don't worry—cheese is not toxic and is completely fine for most pups. However, some dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning their body does not react well to dairy products. But even if your dog isn't lactose intolerant, it's still a good idea to keep their cheese consumption to a minimum.
Broccoli is safe for dogs to eat frozen, raw or cooked, plus it's packed full of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli should be treated as an occasional snack and the florets, in particular, should only be eaten in small amounts.
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.
Dentastix dental treats for dogs are low in fat, with no added sugar and free from artificial colours and flavours; a healthy dog treat with benefits.
Do Dentastix clean your dog's teeth? Despite the confusion when it comes to the Dentastix recipe, they are used around the world to keep dogs' teeth clean and healthy. According to their advertisements, they are even recommended by vets.
For dogs, Lee recommends brushing in a downward direction (and for cats, a horizontal motion is preferred). Ideally, you'll brush their teeth every day.
Feed Small Dogs (5-10kg/ 11-22lbs) 1 treat per day. Not suitable for dogs under 5kg/11lbs or puppies under 4 months. Fresh drinking water should always be available.
One of the most effective ways to remove tartar from your dog's teeth is brushing their teeth daily with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
Milk bones are not unhealthy for dogs, however, like all treats, it's suggested to give them in moderation. A lot of veterinarians stay stocked up on milk bones - and lots of dog-friendly shops offer them to their furry customers, too! That being said, they aren't the healthiest for dogs either.