Independent review of dental chews available in NZ — covering effectiveness, ingredients, and which products actually clean dogs' teeth vs marketing fluff.
Last updated
By Jess Aldridge 
Greenies Dental Chews are the standout option for most dogs in New Zealand — VOHC approved, widely available, and genuinely effective at reducing plaque. Dentastix provides good value for budget-conscious owners, while Whimzees offer a natural alternative for dogs with food sensitivities.
Important reality check: Dental chews help but don’t replace proper dental care. They’re supplements to brushing, not substitutes. For dogs who won’t tolerate tooth brushing, quality dental chews are better than nothing — but annual dental check-ups remain essential.
Sizing matters: Too small and they’re swallowed whole (no benefit). Too large and dogs can’t chew effectively. Follow weight guidelines strictly and always supervise.
The short answer: some do, most don’t.
The longer answer involves understanding how dental disease develops in dogs and what actually removes it. Plaque forms when bacteria stick to teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which causes gum inflammation (gingivitis) and eventual tooth loss.
What works:
What doesn’t work:
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) tests dental products for actual plaque reduction. Their approval means independent verification of effectiveness — not just marketing claims.
VOHC approved: ✅
Sizes: Teenie to Large (2-45kg dogs)
Price: ~$35-50/month for daily use
Available: Animates, Petstock, PetDirect, most vet clinics
Why they work: Unique texture breaks down as dogs chew, creating abrasive action against teeth. Natural ingredients include chlorophyll for breath freshening and vitamins for overall health.
Greenies formula:
The texture is key — tough enough to require extended chewing but soft enough to avoid tooth damage. Most dogs finish one Greenie in 5-10 minutes of active chewing.
Best for: Most dogs without grain sensitivities. Particularly effective for Border Collies and German Shepherds who tend to chew thoroughly rather than gulp.
Consider alternatives if: Your dog has wheat allergies or sensitive stomach issues.
VOHC approved: ✅
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
Price: ~$25-35/month for daily use
Available: Supermarkets, pet stores nationwide
Why they work: X-shaped design and abrasive texture provide mechanical cleaning. Active ingredients include sodium tripolyphosphate, which helps prevent tartar buildup.
Dentastix advantages:
Active cleaning ingredients:
Best for: Budget-conscious owners wanting proven effectiveness. Suitable for most dogs including Labradors and Golden Retrievers who benefit from daily dental maintenance.
Drawback: Contains some artificial colors and preservatives that sensitive dogs might react to.
VOHC approved: ✅ (select varieties)
Shapes: Alligator, Hedgehog, Brush, Stick
Price: ~$40-55/month for daily use
Available: Specialty pet stores, PetDirect, some Animates locations
Why they work: Natural ingredients create varied textures that clean different areas of the mouth. No artificial ingredients, colors, or preservatives.
Whimzees natural formula:
The different shapes target different cleaning areas — ridged surfaces scrape plaque, while grooves help clean between teeth.
Best for: Dogs with food sensitivities or owners preferring natural products. Particularly good for dogs with allergies who react to artificial additives.
Notable: Made from just 6 natural ingredients. More expensive but genuinely grain-free and hypoallergenic.
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent
Blue Buffalo Dental Bones
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
Antlers, bones, and hard nylon toys can crack or break teeth. If you can’t dent it with your fingernail, it’s probably too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Red flags:
Some dental chews contain questionable preservatives or artificial ingredients that sensitive dogs react poorly to:
Ingredients to question:
Too small: Swallowed whole, choking hazard, no dental benefit Too large: Dog can’t chew effectively, may cause jaw strain
Sizing guide:
Carrots — Raw carrots provide natural abrasive action and are safe for most dogs. Free, healthy, and most dogs enjoy them. Not as effective as commercial dental chews but better than nothing.
Apple slices — Remove seeds and core. The fibrous texture helps clean teeth naturally. Good for dogs who enjoy fruit.
Bully sticks — Made from dried bull pizzle. Fully digestible and provide extended chewing time. More expensive than commercial dental chews but completely natural.
Kong Classic — Stuff with paste or treats to encourage extended chewing. Rubber texture helps clean teeth during play.
Rope toys — Natural fiber ropes provide some plaque removal through the flossing action of individual strands.
Dental balls — Textured rubber balls designed specifically for dental cleaning during fetch and play.
Annual dental cleanings — Under anesthesia, veterinary dental cleanings remove tartar below the gum line that chews can’t reach.
Daily tooth brushing — Still the gold standard. Use dog-specific toothpaste (human toothpaste is toxic to dogs).
Water additives — Enzymatic solutions added to drinking water. Less effective than mechanical cleaning but better than no intervention.
Daily use: Most VOHC-approved products are designed for daily feeding as part of a complete dental care routine.
Monitor calories: Dental chews contain 50-100 calories each. Account for this in your dog’s total daily calorie intake to prevent weight gain.
Timing matters: Give dental chews after meals when dogs are less likely to gulp them down immediately.
Always supervise dental chew sessions:
Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Pugs):
Large breeds (German Shepherds, Labradors):
Small breeds (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels):
Discontinue dental chews if you notice:
Budget approach (Dentastix): $25-35/month
Premium effectiveness (Greenies): $35-50/month
Natural premium (Whimzees): $40-55/month
Professional dental cleaning: $600-1200 annually
Dental chews: $300-660 per year Professional cleaning: $600-1200 per year (plus anesthesia risks) Advanced dental disease treatment: $2000-5000+ (extractions, surgery)
The math: Regular dental chew use may extend the time between professional cleanings and reduce the risk of costly dental surgery. For most dogs, the preventive investment makes financial sense.
Bulk buying: Buy larger quantities online for better per-unit pricing Rotation: Alternate between dental chews and natural options like raw carrots Size optimization: Ensure you’re buying the right size — oversized chews are wasted money Veterinary monitoring: Regular check-ups help assess whether your dental care routine is effective
Effective canine dental care combines multiple approaches:
Diet affects dental health:
Breeds requiring extra attention:
Signs of improving oral health:
Signs that more intervention is needed:
Animates — Good selection of Greenies, Dentastix, and specialty brands. Staff can provide sizing advice.
Petstock — Carries major brands, competitive pricing on bulk purchases.
Vet clinics — Best source for prescription dental chews and professional recommendations.
Supermarkets — Limited to Dentastix and basic options, but convenient for routine purchases.
PetDirect — Widest selection, bulk buying options, subscription services available.
Pet Circle — Ships from Australia, good pricing on larger orders.
Mighty Ape — Convenient for general shopping, limited range.
Subscription services: Many online retailers offer 5-15% discounts for automatic deliveries Large quantities: Better per-unit pricing for 3-6 month supplies Multiple dog households: Bulk buying becomes more economical Storage considerations: Keep dental chews in cool, dry conditions to maintain freshness
Dental chews work, but only if you choose the right ones and use them correctly. VOHC approval is your best guide to actual effectiveness — ignore marketing claims and look for independent verification.
My recommendations:
Reality check: Even the best dental chews are supplementary care. They help maintain oral health between professional cleanings but don’t replace proper dental care. Your dog’s teeth are worth the investment in quality products and regular veterinary monitoring.
Final thought: A $40/month investment in quality dental chews often prevents $2000+ dental surgery bills later. For most New Zealand dog owners, that math makes sense — especially when you factor in your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
The key is consistency. Daily dental chews, occasional tooth brushing, and annual vet check-ups provide the foundation for lifelong oral health. Choose products that work, size them correctly, supervise their use, and enjoy fresher breath and healthier teeth for years to come.
Yes, but only certain types and textures. VOHC-approved products like Greenies, Dentastix, and some rawhide alternatives show genuine plaque reduction. Hard rubber toys and simple biscuits don't provide the same benefit.
Most veterinary dental chews are designed for daily use. Start with every second day for sensitive stomachs, especially for [dogs with digestive issues](/guides/best-dog-food-sensitive-stomach-nz/). Always supervise and provide fresh water.
Most are safe when sized correctly, but [brachycephalic breeds](/guides/best-dog-food-french-bulldogs-nz/) need extra supervision due to breathing difficulties. Very small dogs may need softer options to prevent choking hazards.
VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approval, appropriate sizing for your dog's weight, digestible ingredients, and texture that requires chewing rather than immediate swallowing. Avoid overly hard products that could break teeth.
No, they're supplementary care. Daily brushing is still the gold standard for canine dental health. Dental chews help between brushings and for dogs who won't tolerate toothbrushes.
Expect $25-45 per month for daily dental chews for an average dog. Premium veterinary brands cost more but often provide better effectiveness per dollar than supermarket alternatives.
PawPick