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Bad breath, yellowing teeth, and plaque buildup aren’t just cosmetic issues; they’re often the first signs of dental disease in dogs. In fact, most dogs show signs of oral health problems by age three. While brushing is still the gold standard, the right dog food can make a real difference in keeping your dog’s teeth cleaner every day.
Here are the best dog foods for dental diets, including vet-recommended prescription options and everyday non-prescription picks that help fight plaque and tartar naturally.
Why Dental Diets Matter for Dogs
Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth. When plaque and tartar build up along a dog’s teeth and gumline, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream and potentially impact vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
This is where dental diets and organizations like the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) come into play. The VOHC is an independent group of veterinary dental experts that evaluates pet dental products and awards its Seal of Acceptance only to foods and treats proven through clinical studies to help reduce plaque and/or tartar.
Dental-focused dog foods, especially those with VOHC recognition, are designed to:
Scrape plaque from teeth while your dog chews
Slow tartar buildup over time
Support healthier gums
Help reduce bad breath
While no food replaces brushing or professional cleanings, dental diets provide daily, science-backed support, especially for dogs prone to oral health issues.
What Makes a Dog Food Good for Dental Health?
Not all kibble is created equal. Dental dog foods are engineered differently from standard dry food.
Look for foods with:
Large or uniquely shaped kibble that encourages chewing
Textured or fibrous kibble that gently scrubs teeth
Clinically tested formulas proven to reduce plaque or tartar
VOHC approval (Veterinary Oral Health Council), which confirms dental benefits
Crunch alone isn’t enough; design and formulation matter.
Best Prescription Dog Foods for Dental Health
These veterinary diets are often recommended for dogs with existing plaque or tartar buildup or with ongoing dental concerns. Talk to your vet about getting a prescription for these choices.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Dental Care
Hill’s Dental Care is one of the most widely recommended dental dog foods by veterinarians.
Oversized, uniquely shaped kibble helps clean teeth as dogs chew
Interlocking fiber technology reduces plaque and tartar
Clinically proven dental benefits
Ideal for dogs with chronic dental issues
Royal Canin Veterinary Dental Diet
This formula focuses on both mechanical cleaning and oral health support.
Specialized kibble structure increases contact with teeth
Helps slow tartar accumulation
Supports gum health and fresher breath
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health
Designed to encourage thorough chewing.
Crunchy kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar
Supports long-term dental maintenance
Often recommended for adult and senior dogs
Prescription dental diets should be fed under veterinary guidance.
Best Non-Prescription Dog Foods for Dental Health
These options are ideal for everyday feeding and preventative dental care while being listed as VOHC‑approved.
Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care
This is one of the few widely available, non‑prescription dog foods that holds the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance.
Clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar
Interlocking fiber technology helps clean teeth as dogs chew
Suitable for long‑term, everyday feeding
Easy to find online and in pet stores
Royal Canin Dental Care
Royal Canin Dental Care is a non-prescription, VOHC-accepted diet formulated to support dental health.
VOHC‑approved for tartar control
Specialized kibble structure increases tooth contact
Best purchased through a veterinarian or vet‑affiliated retailer
VOHC-Approved Dental Chews and Treats
Good dental care goes beyond brushing, and that’s where VOHC-approved dental chews and treats can make a real difference. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards its Seal of Acceptance only to products that scientifically demonstrate they help reduce plaque and/or tartar buildup in dogs through controlled clinical testing. These chews and treats are an easy, delicious way to support your dog’s oral hygiene between brushings and vet cleanings, especially for pups who resist traditional toothbrushing.
Greenies® Canine Dental Chews
A gold-standard favorite for daily dental support, Greenies chews are designed to help scrape plaque and reduce tartar as dogs chew. They’re available in multiple sizes and flavors to suit nearly every breed and life stage.
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats
These popular daily treats feature unique ridges and a porous texture that help clean teeth down to the gumline. They’re VOHC-approved for tartar control and come in sizes for small, medium, and large dogs.
Pedigree® Dentastix Advanced & Original Treats
Pedigree’s Dentastix line is VOHC-accepted for reducing plaque and tartar. Their chewy, stick-like shape encourages longer chewing, which helps support better oral health.
Tartar Shield® Soft Rawhide Chews
Designed to be gentler than traditional rawhide, these soft chews help reduce tartar buildup with regular use. They’re VOHC-accepted and suitable for dogs who prefer a softer dental chew.
ProDen PlaqueOff® Soft Chews
These dental chews combine a clinically recognized formula with a treat-style texture. They’re VOHC-accepted for helping reduce plaque and tartar as part of a consistent dental routine.
C.E.T.® VEGGIEDENT® Chews (FR3SH, Zen & Flex)
A plant-based dental chew option, VEGGIEDENT chews are VOHC-approved and available in multiple varieties. Each offers a unique texture and formulation designed to support oral health.
Yummy Combs Treats for Dogs
These honeycomb-shaped chews are VOHC-accepted and designed to clean teeth from multiple angles as dogs gnaw, making them a fun option for lighter chewers.
Does Dry Dog Food Really Clean Teeth?
Standard dry food does very little for dental health, but dental-specific kibble is different.
Dental diets work best when paired with:
Regular tooth brushing
VOHC-approved dental chews
Routine veterinary dental exams
Think of dental dog food as maintenance, not a cure.
Extra Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Dental Health
Dental dog food works best when it’s part of a bigger oral care routine. While no single habit can prevent dental disease on its own, combining a few simple practices can significantly improve your dog’s long-term dental health.
To get the best results, pair dental food with these habits:
VOHC-approved dental chews and treats: These products are clinically proven to help reduce plaque and/or tartar when used regularly. Offering a daily dental chew can help clean teeth in areas brushing may miss—especially along the gumline.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Snacks like raw carrots or apple slices (with seeds removed) can provide a gentle abrasive action while chewing. These should always be fed in moderation and never replace balanced meals.
Consistent tooth brushing: Brushing remains the most effective way to remove plaque. Even brushing a few times per week can make a noticeable difference. Using dog-safe toothpaste and introducing brushing slowly helps most dogs adjust over time.
Regular veterinary dental checkups: Routine oral exams allow your vet to catch early signs of dental disease and recommend professional cleanings when needed.
Small, consistent daily efforts, rather than occasional intensive care, add up over time. By combining dental diets with chews, brushing, and routine vet care, you give your dog the best chance at healthier teeth, fresher breath, and a more comfortable life.
Choosing the Best Dental Diet for Your Dog
Healthy teeth are about more than fresh breath; they’re a key part of your dog’s overall well-being. By choosing a dental-focused dog food, adding VOHC-approved chews or treats, and keeping up with regular brushing and vet checkups, you’re taking simple but powerful steps to protect your dog’s long-term health. Dental care doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful; consistency matters more than perfection. With the right daily habits in place, you can help your dog enjoy a healthier mouth, a happier smile, and more comfortable years ahead.
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