What are the best dental chews for dogs?

Pick one with the VOHC seal for plaque and tartar, in the size made for your dog's weight. For a 50 lb dog the cheapest is Virbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium ($1.13 a day). For a 10 lb dog it is Greenies Teenie ($0.42 a day).

What dental chews do vets recommend?

Look for the VOHC seal. VOHC's council is made up of veterinary dentists and dental scientists, and they check each maker's trial data before a product can use the seal.

Which VOHC approved chews are best for small dogs?

For dogs 5 to 15 lb, Greenies Teenie has the seal for plaque and tartar and costs $0.42 a day. OraVet Small (10 to 24 lb) has the seal for tartar only.

Greenies vs Dentastix: which is better?

Greenies, if you want the seal for plaque as well as tartar: Original Greenies are accepted for both in every size. The US Dentastix Large variety pack is accepted for tartar only and costs less per chew; the small-dog Dentastix stick isn't on the list.

How many calories are in a Greenies dental chew?

Greenies Teenie has 25 calories a chew and Greenies Large has 142.

Do dental chews help bad breath?

Many bags say so, but the VOHC seal covers plaque and tartar only. If bad breath lasts, ask your vet to check your dog's teeth and gums.

Best dental chews for dogs (VOHC accepted)

Q: Are dental chews as good as brushing?

No. VOHC calls brushing the gold standard. A chew with the seal helps between brushings.

For a 50 lb dog, Virbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium: VOHC accepted for both plaque and tartar, $1.13 a day. Small dogs: Greenies Teenie, $0.42 a day. Big dogs: Greenies Large, $1.54 a day. On a budget, Purina DentaLife Large costs $0.44 a day and has the VOHC seal for tartar.

By Winslow Pet Health editors · Published October 28, 2026 · Seals from VOHC's list, August 2026

Best for most dogs

Virbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium

VOHC: plaque and tartar¹22 to 66 lb75 calories a chew²$1.13 a day

$33.99 on Amazon

Best for small dogs

Greenies Teenie

VOHC: plaque and tartar¹5 to 15 lb25 calories a chew³$0.42 a day

$17.96 on Amazon

Best for large dogs

Greenies Large

VOHC: plaque and tartar¹50 to 100 lb142 calories a chew⁴$1.54 a day

$36.97 on Amazon

Best value

Purina DentaLife Large

VOHC: tartar only¹40 lb and up100 calories a chew⁵$0.44 a day

$7.94 on Amazon

We pick only chews on VOHC's accepted list, in the size for your dog's weight, by cost a day. Prices on Amazon, October 28, 2026.⁶

A beagle chewing a green dental chew on a white rug

Cheapest VOHC chew a day, by weight

One chew a day, in the size the label gives

Plaque and tartarAny seal

10 lb dogGreenies Teenie $0.42Greenies Teenie $0.42

25 lb dogVirbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium $1.13Purina DentaLife Small/Medium $0.31 (tartar)

50 lb dogVirbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium $1.13Purina DentaLife Large $0.44 (tartar)

75 lb dogGreenies Large $1.54Purina DentaLife Large $0.44 (tartar)

100 lb dogGreenies Large $1.54Purina DentaLife Large $0.44 (tartar)

Amazon prices read October 28, 2026. Seals from VOHC's list, updated August 2026.

What the VOHC seal means

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) gives its seal to dental products that cut plaque, tartar or both. Its council is nine veterinary dentists and dental scientists. VOHC does not test products itself: the maker sends trial results, and the council checks that they meet its rules.⁷

To pass, a chew has to leave at least 15% less plaque or tartar than in dogs that didn't get it, in each of two trials, and 20% less on average. Each trial lasts at least 28 days, and the result must be statistically real (p < 0.05).⁸

The seal says which one the chew helps with. Plaque is a clear coating on the teeth. Tartar is the dark, hard buildup plaque turns into, in a few days or less.⁹ A chew accepted for tartar only has shown it slows that hard buildup, not the clear coating. Among the chews here, OraVet, Pedigree Dentastix Large variety pack, Purina DentaLife and Yummy Combs Dental Treats are accepted for tartar only. Greenies and VeggieDent FR3SH are accepted for both.¹

VOHC's list has 36 chews for dogs. It also tells owners to feed the right size: "check the package for the right weight range for your dog."¹ That is why every number on this page is for the size made for your dog.

Plaque and tartar chews by size

The seal for both plaque and tartar covers most dogs: Greenies Teenie for 5 to 15 lb, Virbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium for 22 to 66 lb, and Greenies Large for 50 to 100 lb. For dogs 16 to 21 lb, pick OraVet Small (10 to 24 lb, tartar seal) or Purina DentaLife Small/Medium from 20 lb ($0.31 a day).

Original Greenies come in five sizes, all VOHC accepted for plaque and tartar, including Petite (15 to 25 lb) and Regular (25 to 50 lb).¹

Every dental chew we checked

Each chew in the size on the listing, with VOHC's verdict, calories and cost. Dental chews are one a day, so the cost of a chew is the cost per day. Chews with the seal for plaque and tartar come first, then tartar only, then the rest; cheapest first in each group. Only listings sold by Amazon.com or the brand.

Size = the dog weight the label gives for this size. Calories = per chew. The share is of a day's calories for the smallest dog that size is for, which is the highest share (Merck formula for a neutered adult dog). Cost = Amazon price divided by the chews in the bag, read October 28, 2026.

Dental chews for dogs: VOHC seal, size, calories and cost
Product	Size	VOHC seal	Calories a chew	Cost a chew
Greenies Teenie	5 to 15 lb	Yes: plaque and tartar	25; 12% of a 5 lb dog's day	$0.42 a day
Virbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium	22 to 66 lb	Yes: plaque and tartar	75; 12% of a 22 lb dog's day	$1.13 a day
Greenies Large	50 to 100 lb	Yes: plaque and tartar	142; 12% of a 50 lb dog's day	$1.54 a day
Purina DentaLife Small/Medium	20 to 40 lb	Yes: tartar only	63; 11% of a 20 lb dog's day	$0.31 a day
Purina DentaLife Large	40 lb and up	Yes: tartar only	100; 10.2% of a 40 lb dog's day	$0.44 a day
Pedigree Dentastix Large variety pack	40 lb and up	Yes: tartar only	73 to 84; 8% of a 40 lb dog's day	$0.47 a day
Yummy Combs Dental Treats	5.5 to 12 lb	Yes: tartar only	22; 9.9% of a 5.5 lb dog's day	$0.52 a day
OraVet Extra Small	3.5 to 9 lb	Yes: tartar only	—	$1.02 a day
OraVet Small	10 to 24 lb	Yes: tartar only	47.7; 14% of a 10 lb dog's day	$1.27 a day
OraVet Medium	25 to 50 lb	Yes: tartar only	—	$1.58 a day
OraVet Large	50 lb and up	Yes: tartar only	—	$1.92 a day
Dingo Dental Sticks	any size	No	30; 9% of a 10 lb dog's day	$0.14 a day
Pedigree Dentastix Small/Toy Fresh	7 to 22 lb	No. VOHC names Dentastix Advanced, the Large variety pack and UK Dentastix, not this US small-dog stick.	21; 8% of a 7 lb dog's day	$0.18 a day
Pedigree Dentastix Small & Medium Dental Dog Treats, Original, 45 ct	22 to 40 lb	No	54; 9% of a 22 lb dog's day	$0.38 a day
Whimzees Wellness WHIMZEES Stix Natural Dental Treats, Small, 14.81 oz	15 to 25 lb	No	44; 9% of a 15 lb dog's day	$0.57 a day
Whimzees Natural Dental Dog Chew Variety Box, Small, 56 pc	15 to 26 lb	No	—	$0.62 a day
Whimzees Wellness WHIMZEES Alligator Natural Dental Treats, Small, 12.7 oz	15 to 25 lb	No	—	$0.63 a day
Whimzees Wellness WHIMZEES Puppy Natural Dental Treats, M/L, 7.9 oz	20 to 40 lb	No	—	$0.70 a day
Shameless Pets Blueberry & Mint Dental Chews	part of a stick by weight (see bag)	No	71	$0.78 a day
WHIMZEES Large value box	40 to 60 lb	Partly. The box shows the seal, but VOHC names only its Brushzees shape, not the Alligator or Stix in the box.	173; 18% of a 40 lb dog's day	$1.16 a day
Amazon Basics Green Dental Chews Large	50 to 100 lb	No	119; 10.2% of a 50 lb dog's day	$1.25 a day

Source: VOHC accepted list (August 2026); package photos and labels; Amazon prices read October 28, 2026^{1, 6, 10}

Greenies vs Dentastix

Greenies has the seal for both plaque and tartar in every size; the Dentastix you can buy here are tartar only or not on the list. VOHC accepts Original Greenies in all five sizes for plaque and tartar. For Dentastix sold in the US, it names the Large variety pack (tartar only) and Dentastix Advanced (plaque and tartar).¹

For big dogs, the Dentastix Large pack costs less ($0.47 vs $1.54 a chew) and has fewer calories (73 to 84 vs 142).^{4, 11} For small dogs, the Dentastix Small/Toy stick is cheaper, but VOHC doesn't name it. Greenies Teenie has the seal.

Greenies vs Dentastix
Product	Size	VOHC seal	Calories a chew	Cost a chew
Greenies Large	50 to 100 lb	plaque and tartar	142	$1.54 a day
Pedigree Dentastix Large variety pack	40 lb and up	tartar only	73 to 84	$0.47 a day
Greenies Teenie	5 to 15 lb	plaque and tartar	25	$0.42 a day
Pedigree Dentastix Small/Toy Fresh	7 to 22 lb	not on the list	21	$0.18 a day

Before you buy

A dental chew is a treat; keep treats under 10% of the day's calories.¹² On days you give a big chew, cut a little from meals.

Feed the size for your dog's weight and watch your dog chew.^{1, 12} Greenies: not for dogs under 5 lb or under 6 months.⁴ OraVet: 6 months and up.¹³ WHIMZEES: 9 months and up.¹⁴ Greenies and DentaLife contain wheat; VeggieDent FR3SH is plant-based.^{4, 5, 15}

VOHC calls brushing the gold standard; a chew with the seal helps on the days you don't brush.⁷

If your dog won't chew

VOHC's list also has 26 water additives, gels, sprays, toothpastes and powders, plus toothbrushes and wipes.¹ 11 of its 15 water additives are accepted for plaque only.

Questions people ask

What are the best dental chews for dogs?: Pick one with the VOHC seal for plaque and tartar, in the size made for your dog's weight. For a 50 lb dog the cheapest is Virbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium ($1.13 a day). For a 10 lb dog it is Greenies Teenie ($0.42 a day).
What dental chews do vets recommend?: Look for the VOHC seal. VOHC's council is made up of veterinary dentists and dental scientists, and they check each maker's trial data before a product can use the seal.
Which VOHC approved chews are best for small dogs?: For dogs 5 to 15 lb, Greenies Teenie has the seal for plaque and tartar and costs $0.42 a day. OraVet Small (10 to 24 lb) has the seal for tartar only.
Greenies vs Dentastix: which is better?: Greenies, if you want the seal for plaque as well as tartar: Original Greenies are accepted for both in every size. The US Dentastix Large variety pack is accepted for tartar only and costs less per chew; the small-dog Dentastix stick isn't on the list.
How many calories are in a Greenies dental chew?: Greenies Teenie has 25 calories a chew and Greenies Large has 142.^{3, 4}
Do dental chews help bad breath?: Many bags say so, but the VOHC seal covers plaque and tartar only. If bad breath lasts, ask your vet to check your dog's teeth and gums.
Are dental chews as good as brushing?: No. VOHC calls brushing the gold standard. A chew with the seal helps between brushings.

Notes and sources

VOHC status comes from VOHC's own list, matched by product name and size. Size, calories and chews per bag come from each package, label or retailer listing. See how we do the math. Related: How much fish oil should I give my dog?, Best dog multivitamin, Best skin and coat supplement for dogs.
Only listings sold by Amazon.com or the brand.
Product photos come from Amazon.
Prices checked on Amazon October 28, 2026. Published October 28, 2026.

Sources

Veterinary Oral Health Council, "VOHC Accepted Products for Dogs" (table dated August 25, 2026; "This list was last updated August 2026"), from vohc.org/accepted-products, read October 28, 2026.
Virbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium package photo on the Amazon listing (75 kcal per chew), read October 28, 2026.
Greenies Teenie package photo on the Amazon listing (for dogs 5 to 15 lb; 25 kcal per treat; not for dogs under 5 lb or under 6 months; watch that the treat is chewed, since gulping any item can be harmful or even fatal), read October 28, 2026.
Greenies Large package photo on the Amazon listing (for dogs 50 to 100 lb; 142 kcal per treat; not for dogs under 5 lb or under 6 months; ingredients start with wheat flour and wheat gluten), read October 28, 2026.
Purina DentaLife Large package photo on the Amazon listing (name "Dentalife Daily Oral Care"; 100 kcal per piece; ingredients include wheat flour; adult dogs 15 to 40 lb: 1 piece over 2 days, 40+ lb: 1 a day; feed as a treat to your adult dog), read October 28, 2026.
Prices: Amazon product data, read October 28, 2026. Cost per serving = listing price divided by the servings in the container.
Veterinary Oral Health Council, home page (what the seal means, who reviews, "The gold standard is brushing"), read October 28, 2026.
Veterinary Oral Health Council, "Trial Protocol Requirements" (15% less plaque or tartar than control in each trial, 20% on average over two trials, p<0.05, at least 28 days), read October 28, 2026.
Boehringer Ingelheim, "Dog Plaque vs Tartar: What's the Difference" (plaque is a clear coating; tartar, or calculus, is a dark buildup; plaque becomes tartar in a few days or less), read October 28, 2026.
Merck Veterinary Manual, "Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals" (resting energy = 70 x kg to the 0.75; neutered adult dog = 1.6 x that), read October 28, 2026.
Pedigree Dentastix Large package photo on the Amazon listing (Original with Real Chicken 78, Beef 84, Fresh 73 kcal per treat), read October 28, 2026.
World Small Animal Veterinary Association, "Feeding treats to your dog," 2024 (treats under 10% of daily calories, chews included; supervise your dog with chews; pick a size and shape that lowers choking risk; avoid very hard chews; ask your vet if your dog has a medical condition), read October 28, 2026.
OraVet Small package photo on the Amazon listing ("For dogs 10-24 pounds and 6 months of age and older"), read October 28, 2026.
WHIMZEES package photo on the Amazon listing (size chart; "adult dental treats are suitable for dogs 9+ months old"), read October 28, 2026.
Virbac VeggieDent FR3SH Medium package photo on the Amazon listing (VOHC seal for tartar and plaque; "plant-based, without animal-derived ingredients"), read October 28, 2026.