Dental Toys vs. Dental Treats: Which Works Best for Dogs & Cats?

ByGavin Levenstein

Not sure if dental toys or dental treats work best for your pet? You are not alone. This friendly, evidence-led guide explains how each option works, when to use them, and how to choose confidently for your dog or cat. We have also added vet-reviewed picks, calorie guidance, and safety tips you can shop from right away.

Why pet dental health matters

Dental disease is common and uncomfortable, and it can affect whole-body health. Watch for:

  • Bad breath
  • Red or bleeding gums
  • Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty chewing
  • Loose or missing teeth

Brushing is the gold standard. When brushing is tricky, dental toys and treats help reduce plaque between vet checkups.

How dental toys work (mechanical abrasion)

Chewing creates gentle abrasion that helps remove soft plaque before it hardens into tartar.

Common types:

  • Textured rubber toys: Grooves and ridges massage gums and help wipe plaque.
  • Rope toys: The strands can act a bit like floss between teeth.
  • Nylon dental bones: Tough and long-lasting for strong chewers.

What the science says Mechanical plaque control is supported in veterinary dentistry. In a Journal of Veterinary Dentistry study, dogs given textured rubber toys showed measurable plaque reduction over 28 days versus controls.

Benefits

  • Great for pets that love to chew and need enrichment
  • No added calories
  • Can be used daily alongside brushing

Considerations and safety

  • Match hardness to your pet. If your thumbnail cannot slightly mark the surface, it may be too hard for some dogs.
  • For aggressive chewers, choose tough rubber or appropriately sized nylon; avoid frayed rope and supervise sessions.
  • Replace toys when ridges smooth out or pieces detach. Do not allow ingestion.

Cat note: Many cats prefer soft rubber, fabric chew sticks, or catnip dental toys. Always choose cat-specific sizes.

How dental treats work (enzymatic and chemical action)

Dental treats combine chewing with ingredients that help reduce plaque and slow tartar formation.

Common ingredients

  • Enzymes such as glucose oxidase or lactoperoxidase to reduce bacterial load
  • Chlorhexidine to suppress harmful oral bacteria
  • Sodium hexametaphosphate to bind minerals and limit tartar

Benefits

  • Tasty, easy, and often very effective when used as directed
  • Helpful for pets that resist brushing or toys

Considerations and safety

  • Adds calories. Choose low-calorie options if your pet is watching their weight.
  • Check for allergens and follow daily maximums on the label.
  • Introduce gradually for pets with sensitive stomachs.

Dental toys vs dental treats: quick comparison

  • Cleaning method

– Toys: Mechanical abrasion from chewing and textured surfaces – Treats: Chewing plus enzymes or actives that reduce plaque and tartar

  • Calories

– Toys: Zero – Treats: Typically 26–110 kcal per chew for dogs; 1–3 kcal per treat for cats

  • Palatability and ease

– Toys: Depends on material and shape – Treats: Usually very high

  • Effectiveness

– Toys: Good when chewing is regular and supervised – Treats: Strong

  • Safety

– Toys: Supervise; size correctly; replace when worn – Treats: Follow label; fresh water; consider allergies and calories

Best for your pet: quick decision guide

  • Aggressive chewer: Choose tough rubber or appropriate nylon sized to weight; avoid frayed rope; supervise 10–15 minutes.
  • Weight control: Use low-calorie treats (35 kcal or less per chew) or lean on toys; limit other snacks.
  • Cats: Pick cat treats or soft dental toys; avoid dog-size chews.
  • Puppies: Soft rubber teething toys; avoid hard nylon. Ask your vet before starting chews until adult teeth are fully in.
  • Seniors or pets with loose teeth: Softer toys and treats; avoid very hard chews; speak to your vet if any discomfort.
  • Brachycephalic breeds: Choose wider, easy-to-hold toys and appropriately sized treats to reduce choking risk.
  • Food allergies or sensitive stomach: Limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic dental treats; introduce slowly.

Calorie and frequency mini-guide

  • Most dog dental chews: 26–110 kcal each. Aim for 10 percent or less of daily calories from all treats.
  • Typical frequency: One dental chew per day, if the label allows.
  • Low-calorie targets: For weight loss or small breeds, aim for 35 kcal or less per chew.

Handy examples using the 10 percent treat rule

  • 5 kg dog: About 200–300 kcal/day. Treat allowance about 20–30 kcal total.
  • 20 kg dog: About 700–900 kcal/day. Treat allowance about 70–90 kcal total.
  • 35 kg dog: About 1,200–1,500 kcal/day. Treat allowance about 120–150 kcal total.
  • 4 kg indoor cat: About 180–220 kcal/day. Treat allowance about 18–22 kcal total.

Simple calculator

  • Treat calories per day ˜ 10 percent of your pet’s daily calories. Choose a chew or split smaller treats to stay within that number.

How to stack methods for the best results

  • Brush 3–7 times per week with pet toothpaste.
  • Add one dental chew per day if the label allows.
  • Use a textured rubber dental toy for 10–15 minutes of supervised chewing on non-chew days, or after dinner.
  • Consider water additives or dental gels/wipes if brushing is difficult.
  • Book regular dental checks with your vet.

Vet-reviewed top picks 2025 (shop the recommendations)

Availability may vary. Use size and calorie guidance below and shop within our curated categories.

1) VOHC-accepted low-calorie dental treat for small dogs

  • Best for: Small breeds and weight control
  • Typical kcal per chew: 26–35
  • Size guide: Toy to small dogs under 10 kg
  • Pros: VOHC accepted; easy daily routine; gentle on small jaws
  • Consider: Check for poultry or grain if your dog has allergies

2) Extra-durable textured rubber dental toy for aggressive chewers

  • Best for: Medium to large dogs that destroy softer toys
  • Pros: Tough, grooved texture for mechanical cleaning; enriches and relieves boredom
  • Safety: Choose the largest size your dog can comfortably carry; supervise

3) Hypoallergenic or sensitive-stomach dental treats

  • Best for: Dogs with food allergies or tummy sensitivity
  • Typical kcal per chew: 30–50
  • Pros: Limited ingredients; some are grain-free
  • Consider: Introduce slowly and monitor stool quality

4) VOHC-accepted dental treat for large breed dogs

  • Best for: Dogs over 23 kg needing longer chewing time
  • Typical kcal per chew: 70–110
  • Pros: Larger size improves contact time; VOHC accepted
  • Consider: Budget extra calories elsewhere in the diet

5) Cat dental essentials

  • Best for: Cats that resist brushing
  • Typical kcal: 1–3 kcal per treat
  • Pros: Cat-specific sizes and textures; some toys are soft and infused for engagement
  • Consider: Avoid dog products for cats

6) Puppy teething dental toy (soft rubber)

  • Best for: Teething relief and early dental habits
  • Pros: Gentle on developing teeth; can be chilled to soothe gums
  • Consider: Avoid hard nylon until adult teeth have erupted

Sizing and safety checklist

  • Pick the right size: When in doubt, size up so the chew or toy cannot be swallowed whole.
  • Supervise: Especially for aggressive chewers and rope toys. Sessions of 10–15 minutes are ideal.
  • Check wear: Replace toys when ridges smooth out or small bits start to shed.
  • Water and labels: Offer fresh water and follow daily treat maximums.
  • Special cases: Puppies, seniors, brachycephalic breeds, and pets with dental disease need softer options and closer supervision. Speak to your vet if uncertain.

Rope toys: dental benefits and risks

  • Benefits: Light inter-tooth cleaning from fibres when used gently.
  • Risks: Fraying and string ingestion; not recommended for aggressive chewers.
  • Tip: Retire rope toys at the first signs of fray.

Cats: what actually works

  • Use VOHC-accepted cat treats and cat-sized toys with soft textures.
  • Brief play sessions with a soft chew stick or fabric toy can help.
  • Avoid dog chews for cats.
  • Explore: /cat-dental-care/

FAQs

Q: Do dental treats replace brushing? A: No. Brushing is still the most effective at-home method. Dental treats and toys are excellent helpers and can meaningfully reduce plaque when used daily.

Q: How many dental treats per day? A: Most labels recommend one per day. Keep total treats at or under 10 percent of daily calories and provide fresh water.

Q: Are dental chews safe for puppies and seniors? A: Yes, with the right product. Choose soft rubber toys for puppies and softer chews for seniors. Avoid very hard nylon for both groups.

Q: Do rope toys really clean teeth? A: A little, for gentle chewers. They do not replace brushing. Because fraying strands can be swallowed, supervise and retire when worn.

Q: Are nylon dental bones safe? A: They can be, if sized correctly and not rock-hard. If your thumbnail cannot mark the surface, it may be too hard for some dogs and could risk tooth fractures.

Q: Can cats use dog dental products? A: No. Always choose cat-specific treats and toys.

Q: Water additives vs dental chews: which is better? A: They work differently and can be combined. Additives help reduce bacteria; chews add mechanical action. Using both plus brushing is ideal.

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