Dog Dental Sticks: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Feb 28, 2025

Keeping your dog’s teeth in tip-top shape isn’t just about dodging bad breath—though no one enjoys a whiff of doggy morning breath. Poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health issues, from painful infections to heart disease. That’s why many pet parents turn to dental sticks as a convenient way to keep their pup’s teeth clean. But do they actually work? And are all dental sticks created equal? Spoiler alert: definitely not.

In this guide, we’ll sink our teeth into the good, bad, and downright ugly sides of dog dental sticks, help you choose the best ones, and bust some common myths along the way.

Why Dental Health Matters for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from plaque build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay if their teeth aren’t properly cared for. And once dental disease takes hold, it’s not just their teeth at risk—bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause problems for the heart, liver, and kidneys.

According to veterinary studies, over 80% of dogs over the age of three have some degree of dental disease. That’s a pretty alarming statistic when you consider that, unlike us, dogs don’t brush twice a day or pop in for a routine dental check-up every six months.

Daily brushing is the gold standard for doggy dental care, but let’s be honest— only 1% of us are achieving that, and for some pooches it's a pretty mean feat. That’s where dental sticks come in. They’re marketed as an easy, tasty way to help reduce plaque and freshen breath. But do they actually work?

Do Dog Dental Sticks Actually Work?

The short answer? Some do, some don’t.

A good dental stick works in two ways:

Mechanical action: The chewing motion (mechanical abrasion) helps scrape away plaque and tartar, much like a toothbrush. A well-designed stick will have a firm but not rock-hard texture, so your dog can give it a proper crunch or chew.
Active ingredients: Certain ingredients, like sodium hexametaphosphate, seaweed extracts, or probiotics, can actively reduce plaque build-up and freshen breath.

However, not all dental sticks are up to the task. Some are little more than high-calorie, flavoured chews that don’t actually clean teeth at all. Others contain too much starch, which can actually fuel plaque rather than fight it. The key is choosing wisely—more on that later.

The Good: Benefits of Dental Sticks for Dogs

When you pick a well-formulated dental stick, there are some real benefits:

They help reduce plaque and tartar. The right texture and ingredients mean they actually clean as your dog chews.
They freshen breath. Some contain natural breath-freshening ingredients like parsley or seaweed.
They’re easier than brushing. While brushing is best, dental sticks are a great alternative for dogs that just won’t tolerate a toothbrush.
They satisfy the chewing instinct. Dogs love to chew, and a good dental stick provides an enriching and beneficial way to do it.
They can support gut health. Some dental sticks now include prebiotics or probiotics to support digestion alongside oral health.

The Bad: What to Watch Out For

Not all dental sticks deserve a gold star. Some come with hidden downsides, and others can be downright dangerous. Here’s what to be wary of:

High calories. Some are packed with calories, making them more of a treat than a health product. If your dog is prone to weight gain, you’ll want to check the label. Don't forget, treats shouldn't make up more than 10% of their daily calories.
Artificial additives. Artificial colours, preservatives, and flavourings don’t belong in a dog’s diet and can wreak havoc on their gut health.
Too soft or too hard. If a stick is too soft, it won’t clean properly; if it’s too hard, it could crack a tooth. One of our favourite vets, Michael Lazarus, once gave us a great rule to live by: if you can't make a dent in it with your finger nail or easily break it, it's too hard!
Misleading marketing. Just because something says “dental” on the packet doesn’t mean it actually works. Some dental treats contain no active dental ingredients so are no more than a general treat at best, and sugary biscuit at worst.

Even worse, some popular alternative dental treats can actually pose serious risks to your pup’s health:

Rawhide bones – These can be swallowed in large chunks, leading to digestive blockages, plus they’re high in fat.
Pig’s ears – Also high in fat, they can increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Hard bones, antlers, hooves, and nylon chews – These might seem natural, but they’re so tough that they can crack or fracture teeth.

Cooked bones – These can splinter and crack, causing painful injuries if swallowed.

Steering clear of these can help prevent unnecessary vet visits and keep your pup’s teeth safe.

How to Choose the Best Dog Dental Sticks

When choosing a dental stick, look for the right firmness—too soft, and it won’t clean effectively; too hard, and it could damage teeth. Crunchy treats are generally better than chewy ones as they promote more abrasive action. Prioritise all-natural ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives. Most importantly, check for an active dental ingredient like seaweed extracts, coconut oil, or sodium hexametaphosphate to help reduce plaque beyond just chewing. Finally, ensure it’s low in calories and sugar-free to prevent weight gain and long-term dental issues.

For an external rating, All About Dog Food provides an independent assessment of many popular dental treats. Here are some of the most popular options and they're rating:

Scrumbles Gnashers. Rating: 70%
Pooch & Mutt Superfood Dental Sticks: 60%
Whimzees Dental Chew Toothbrush. Rating: 50%
Dentalife Daily Oral Care. Rating: 20%

Ratings as of 28/02/2024, subject to change.

Meet Scrumbles Gnashers Dental Bones

As one of the top-rated dental treats according to All About Dog Food, Scrumbles Gnashers Dog Dental Sticks make a pawfect addition to your dog's daily dental routine. With a rating of 4.9/5 on TrustPilot they're one of our most popular products, and a firm favourite of thousands of dogs across the UK.

Here's why we think you'll both love them:

Active ingredient clinically proven to reduce plaque by up to 80%
Parsley, Mint & Coconut Oil to naturally freshen breath and have mild antibacterial benefits.
Baked to a crunch for mechanical abrasion, and easy to break apart for smaller doggos
Slippery Elm, a natural prebiotic, to support digestion, immune function, and pretty poops.
Naturally plant-powered making it a lower calorie treat for maintaining a healthy body weight
Never added sugar, salt, artificial additives or preservatives

Myth Busting: Dry Food Does Not Clean Teeth

One of the biggest myths in pet care is that kibble cleans teeth. The reality? It doesn’t.

While some dry foods claim to offer a dental benefit, most lack the necessary texture to scrape away plaque as they're too small. So unless they also contain or are coated in a specific active dental ingredient, kibble alone won't cut it.

Final Thoughts

Dental sticks can be a great tool in your dog’s oral hygiene routine— as long as you choose the right ones. Opt for sticks with natural ingredients, a proper texture, and real dental benefits. And remember, no dental stick can replace brushing and regular check-ups with your vet!

If you’re looking for a gut-friendly, effective, and tasty option, give Scrumbles Gnashers a try—your pup’s teeth (and tummy) will thank you!