The dental health of your four-legged fur ball isn’t just to keep their teeth nice and clean. It can also affect their general health as well.
So, to avoid potential health issues like jaw fractures, heart or kidney disease, and even diabetes, you must make your dog’s oral hygiene a top priority.
One way I found to be effective is giving my pooch dental treats like Greenies. Yet, some dog owners are wary of the brand, questioning if Greenies really does work and whether it’s safe for dogs.
So, for my peace of mind and many other pet parents out there, I decided to gather as much information as I could find on Greenies. In this post, I’ll talk about its pros and cons, and whether they’re safe for your dog.
Let’s jump in.
Greenies Dog Dental Treats: A Brief History
The Greenies brand is owned by Nutro, which is a subsidiary of Mars Inc. and was founded in 1996 by pet parents Joe and Judy Roetheli. Since then, the Roethelis have made it their mission to create safe, dog-friendly dental treats.
Each Greenies product is made according to the standards set by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). As a result, you may have noticed that all Greenies packages have the VOHC Seal of Acceptance stamped on them.
How Do Greenies Dental Treats Work?
Greenies treats are made up of a unique consistency that helps remove plaque and food residue from the surface of your dog’s teeth.
Their shape is also designed to help scrub their teeth clean all the way to the gum line. This helps eliminate bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque and tartar buildup. In fact, according to one independent clinical trial, Greenies treats were able to reduce tartar in dogs by nearly 60%.
Another aspect of these dental treats is that they help reduce bad breath. This is something I can attest to first-hand with my dog, Duke. After only taking Greenies for a couple of days, his breath stopped smelling like fish and started to improve. On some days, I can even smell a tiny whiff of mint.
Regardless of all these upsides, you should never think of dental treats, Greenies included, as a replacement for regular dental care for your pooch. So, make sure you regularly brush their teeth and take them to the vet for their routine dental cleanups.
What Ingredients Are In Greenies?
These dental treats are formulated from a blend of ingredients that work to not only promote oral hygiene in canines but also keep their breath clean and fresh. They’re available in various flavors, so the specific list of ingredients may differ from one product to the next.
Also, the general ingredients found in every flavor and variation include the following:
- What flour
- Wheat gluten
- Glycerin
- Gelatin
- Water
- Lecithin
- Natural poultry flavor
- Minerals
- Choline chloride
- Vitamins
- Turmeric color
- Blueberry powder
- Copper sulfate
- Sodium copper chlorophyllin
- Parsley
- Fennel extract
How Often Should I Give My Dog Greenies?
Vets usually recommend offering Greenies to your adult dog once a day. For puppies and smaller breeds, it’s better to give them half of these dental treats per day.
The best time would be either before or after meals to avoid digestive problems.
When you give your dog a Greenie treat, make sure they take it in small bites. You can either break it up or have them bite into it to reduce the risk of a digestive blockage or a choking hazard.
As with any type of new treat or food, talk with your vet. They’ll be able to help you determine the suitable amount for your dog according to their age, breed, and body sensitivity.
Which Greenies Are Better for My Dog?
Greenies dental treats are available in different packages depending on the size of your dog. This is to ensure that puppies six months and older, as well as small dog breeds that weigh no less than five pounds don’t choke on any large-sized pieces.
Also, having different packages provides older and larger-sized dogs with the essential nutrients they need to maintain their weight and health.
Here’s a breakdown of the four types of Greenies available on the market:
- Teenie: ideal for dogs that weigh 5–15 pounds
- Petite: ideal for dogs that weigh 15–25 pounds
- Regular: ideal for dogs that weigh 25–50 pounds
- Large: ideal for dogs that weigh between 50 and 100 pounds
Greenies Pros and Cons
Many dog owners choose to use Greenies to clean their dogs’ teeth, freshen their breath, and promote healthy gums and strong, clean teeth. They help prevent cavities and dental disease. Plus, they’re also considered a good source of biotin, minerals, and vitamins.
Yet, there are a few drawbacks to consider before giving your dog a Greenies dental treat. So, I managed to round up some of the more recognized pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
Pros
- Available in a wide selection of flavors, package sizes, and variations
- Made with natural, easy-to-digest ingredients
- A good source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and fatty acids
- Can be used on a daily basis
- Their unique texture features grooves and bristles that work as a toothbrush to scrub away plaque and break apart loose tartar
- Designed to look like a toothbrush to get to all those hard-to-reach spots where food may be hiding between packed canine teeth
- Accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
Cons
- Not as budget-friendly as other dog teeth-cleaning products
- Some formulas use added color
- Some dog owners reported adverse reactions to Greenies like diarrhea or vomiting, which could be caused by an allergic response or due to the dog’s individual health
What You Should Know About Your Dog’s Dental Care
As I mentioned earlier, your dog’s oral hygiene is linked to their general well-being. So, it’s important that you put a lot of thought and effort into regularly brushing their teeth.
Otherwise, your dog may develop bacteria and plaque in their mouth, which can lead to dog teeth tartar as quickly as a couple of days. In turn, this can cause a slew of health problems, starting with inflamed gums and periodontal infections to heart disease and fractured jaws.
Yet, many dog owners aren’t keen on the idea of brushing their dog’s teeth every night, and neither are their furry friends. So, as a sort of compromise, owners prefer relying on dental treats to scrub away at the bits of food stuck between their teeth.
Unfortunately, not all dogs will benefit from these treats. One example is dogs that have a crowded or stacked bite, or smaller breeds. These are more likely to have hiding spots where food pieces can hide and get stuck. This makes it much harder for dental treats to reach these stubborn areas, which increases their risk of developing plaque, tartar, and infections.
Also, some breeds are more susceptible to dental decay and gum disease than others. So, dental treats on their own may not be enough to maintain their oral health. You may have to combine them with other forms of dental care such as:
- Brush your dog’s teeth with canine toothpaste 2–3 days a week or every day if possible
- Add a dental water additive to your dog’s water bowl daily
- Mix in a dental powder to every meal
- Take your dog for a yearly dental cleaning
- Ask your vet to prescribe dental food formulated to clean the surface of their teeth and lower the risk of dental disease
To Sum Up
Greenies can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet as a way to boost their oral health. It can also help you steer clear of various dental problems, such as bad breath and plaque buildup that can end up causing a long list of health issues you’d rather avoid.
At the same time, you have to keep in mind that Greenies aren’t a substitute for good old-fashioned brushing. Your dog needs to have their teeth brushed several times a week, if not daily.
Talk with your vet about the appropriate amount for your pet. Then, make sure to combine these dental treats with a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
