Your dog’s dental health isn’t just about fresh breath—it’s crucial to their overall wellbeing. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, over 80% of dogs over age three show signs of dental disease. Thankfully, dog dental treats are a tasty and effective way to help prevent plaque buildup, tartar, and gum disease.
If you’re searching for dog dental treats near me in West Vancouver, you’re in the right place. In this article, the expert team at North Care Animal Hospital in West Vancouver breaks down the top 7 vet-recommended dog dental treats that promote healthy teeth and gums—plus how to make them part of a complete pet dental cleaning plan.
Why Dog Dental Treats Matter for Your Pet’s Oral Health
Dental treats are more than just snacks. Designed with abrasive textures and active ingredients, they help:
Reduce plaque by up to 70%
Decrease tartar buildup
Freshen breath
Prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis
Lower the risk of dog dental abscess and infections
While professional dog dental cleaning is essential (learn more about it here), adding dog dental treats to your dog’s routine improves daily hygiene and reduces the frequency of invasive procedures.
Vet-Approved Criteria for Choosing Dog Dental Treats
When recommending dog dental treats in West Vancouver, our veterinarians focus on:
VOHC Seal of Approval (Veterinary Oral Health Council)
Ingredients that fight oral bacteria
Safe textures that do not break teeth
Proper sizing for breed and weight
Calorie content (especially for overweight dogs)
Client feedback and observed outcomes at North Vancouver Animal Hospital
Top 7 Vet-Recommended Dog Dental Treats
Here’s a detailed comparison of the best dog dental treats we recommend for local dogs in West Vancouver:
| Dental Treat | Main Benefit | Recommended For | Price Range | VOHC Approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Original | Reduces tartar & freshens breath | All breeds | $15–$40 | ✔️ Yes |
| Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic | Enzymes to break down plaque | Medium–large breeds | $20–$35 | ✔️ Yes |
| Whimzees Natural Chews | Natural, hypoallergenic | Small–medium breeds | $10–$25 | ✔️ Yes |
| Milk-Bone Brushing Chews | Dual action cleaning | Budget-conscious owners | $5–$15 | ✔️ Yes |
| Dentastix by Pedigree | Affordable daily chews | All sizes | $8–$20 | ✔️ Yes |
| OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews | Reduces bacterial attachment | Dogs over 6 months old | $25–$45 | ✔️ Yes |
| Purina DentaLife | Scientifically designed texture | Dogs with bad breath | $10–$30 | ✔️ Yes |
1. Greenies Original Dental Treats
Greenies are the gold standard in dog dental treats. They are not only VOHC approved, but also vet-tested for effectiveness in plaque and tartar control.
Key Benefits: Cleans down to the gumline, freshens breath, and promotes chewing.
Best for: Dogs over 5 lbs
Available flavors: Chicken, blueberry, mint
Why We Recommend: Highly palatable, clinically proven, and easy to digest.
2. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews
Virbac’s unique dual enzyme system actively fights dog dental bacteria, making it more than a treat—it’s a treatment.
Key Benefits: Reduces plaque and calculus with minimal calories
Best for: Dogs prone to dental decay or oral infections
Vet Tip: Ideal post-dental cleaning treatments
3. Whimzees Natural Dental Chews
Made from natural starches and free of artificial colors, Whimzees are perfect for sensitive pets.
Key Benefits: Hypoallergenic, gluten-free, vegetarian
Best for: Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies
Varieties: Brushzees, Stix, and alligator shapes for engagement
4. Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
Budget-friendly without compromising dental benefits, Milk-Bone chews have a patented twist shape that cleans like a toothbrush.
Key Benefits: Fights plaque, tartar, and bad breath
Recommended Frequency: One per day
Why Pet Parents Love It: Widely available and vet-recommended
5. Dentastix by Pedigree
These X-shaped chews are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup by up to 80% when used daily.
Key Benefits: Textured for mechanical abrasion
Sizes Available: Small, medium, large
Pairs Well With: Routine checkups at North Care Animal Hospital
6. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews
These premium chews contain Delmopinol, a unique ingredient that coats teeth and prevents bacteria from sticking.
Key Benefits: Freshens breath, protects from new plaque
Ideal For: Dogs that resist brushing
Price Justified By: Long-term dental protection and clinical strength
7. Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care
Purina’s scientifically designed ridges reach the back teeth where most dental issues begin.
Key Benefits: Scientifically tested for effectiveness
Good For: Daily dental maintenance
Bonus: High acceptance rate in fussy eaters
How to Incorporate Dental Treats into Your Dog’s Routine
Dental treats alone won’t replace professional dental cleaning for dogs. But when combined with:
Routine brushing
Annual vet dental exams
Pet-safe oral gels and sprays
Regular visits to North Care Animal Hospital in West Vancouver
…you create a complete oral hygiene routine that protects your pet’s long-term health.
Warning Signs Your Dog May Need Dental Care
If your dog shows any of the following signs, it’s time to consider more than just treats:
Bad breath (halitosis)
Red or bleeding gums
Loose or missing teeth
Trouble chewing or dropping food
Pawing at the mouth
Visible dental decay or yellow teeth
Swelling around the jaw or signs of dog dental abscess
These could be symptoms of periodontal disease, which requires urgent care. Book an appointment today for a professional pet dental cleaning in North Vancouver.
Your Next Steps: Healthy Smile, Happy Pet
We always recommend starting with a dental consultation at North Vancouver Animal Hospital. Our veterinarians will assess your dog’s oral health, recommend the right dental treats, and perform safe, effective cleanings.
📍 Visit us at:
1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101
North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S6
📞 604-984-1464
📧 northcareanimalhospital@gmail.com
🕗 Open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM