Dog Chews for Dental Health: Finding the Best Natural Toothbrush

Dog dental health is important for so many reasons, including overall dog health. And while my dogs mean the world to me, I'll be selfish for a minute to mention how bad dog oral hygiene can really put a damper on the bond we have with our furry friends.

Case in point: last Wednesday, I was at the dog park with my 3 pups when I noticed one of my neighbors, whom I'll call "Rosa", sitting on a far bench, scrolling through her phone with one hand, a coffee drink in the other.

As I released my dogs into the mix, I caught sight of her American Staffordshire jumping up beside her, trying to give her sloppy dog kisses. I couldn't help but notice the disgust that reshaped her face as she pushed her loving pup away—an automatic response and certainly not reflective of Rosa's love for her K9.

Still, it was so sad to see dog affection rejected. I knew that look immediately. Rosa had just encountered a bad case of dog breath. And where there's bad dog breath, there's a worse culprit afoot—poor dog oral health.

It can creep up on even the most doting dog parent. Fortunately, I know many practical ways to support the dental health for dogs.

Why Care About Dog Dental Health

Just like humans, dogs can develop dental issues from an early age—especially if teeth aren't cared for. Plaque and tartar build up on unbrushed teeth. These substances give harmful bacteria somewhere to hide—and multiply.

As this happens, those bacteria produce an acid byproduct. This acid not only destroys enamel and eventually chews through the teeth.

An acidic mouth environment is smelly.

So, it's harder to let your pup get up close and personal. You might have the overwhelming urge to push them away. As the acidity grows, the gums also become inflamed, pulling away from the teeth and allowing more plaque to grow there.

As a result, tooth loss can start at a very young age, and they may struggle to eat.

The problem worsens.

Now, why am I so focused on bad breath? Obviously, tooth decay and gum disease are much worse.

It's because dog breath is one of the first signs we humans would notice. We might not see those initial patches of plaque growing or the yellowing of teeth.

But horrible dog breath? It's hard to ignore.

My terrier Pixie had some nasty breath when we first brought her home from the shelter. I joked with my partner on the way home, "We'll start an emergency dog dental health action plan immediately."

As soon as we stepped inside the door, I reached into the dog treats cabinets for Bruno's favorite natural toothbrush, beef trachea chews, and the single-ingredient, healthy dog treat that K9s love.

How All-Natural Dog Cleaning Chews Aid Dog Dental Health

Natural chews work by scraping off the plaque and tartar through the mechanical action of chewing. Chewing action can mimic what humans can do with a toothbrush.

So, it can clean down to the gumline and massage the gums.

Chewing also stimulates saliva production, rinsing the mouth of excess bacteria and blanketing the mouth with saliva's antimicrobial proteins. Then, certain enzymes jump into action. Lysozyme breaks down bacterial walls, while Lactoferrin inhibits bacteria's ability to access iron, slowing its reproduction cycle.

Who knew spit had so many good defenses?

With all of this in place, it's no wonder Rutgers University researchers found that dogs that chew on natural chews, such as dog bones or beef trachea, have 60-80% less harmful bacteria in their mouths after just 12 weeks.

Bacteria just can't thrive in the mouth of a dog that eats teeth-cleaning chews regularly.

I Call Them "Dog Toothbrushes"

Beef trachea is mostly cartilage. And they're the best chews for dog dental health. It has a chewy texture with ridges that can act like toothbrush bristles. The taste and chewy texture feed a dog's ancient instinct to gnaw on something for an extended period.

I would still give dogs beef trachea if dental health for dogs were the only benefit. But there are several other reasons beef trachea is so special. These are why I feel confident calling it the "best".

It's Single Ingredient

Why would I buy an ultra-processed dog treat when all-natural and nutritious dog treats are just as good—or better at removing plaque?

The trachea is mostly cartilage with no additives, preservatives, or added sugar. That last one (sugar) shouldn't be in something intended to clean teeth. But you'd be surprised how many "dog chews" contain sugar because they wouldn't taste good without it.

Joint Support

Cartilage is made of mostly collagen protein. Collagen is the structural protein on which healthy tissues are built. It's critical for healthy joints, skin, coat, bones, and digestive health.

There are also significant glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as hyaluronic acid. Studies have shown these substances can reduce joint inflammation, slow cartilage thinning, and support joint comfort and mobility in dogs.

Mental Health Support

For dogs, chewing is entertaining and mentally stimulating. So, giving them a trachea chew can also reduce anxious and destructive behavior. It can improve their mood and general quality of life.

Digestible

My dogs chew off and swallow pieces of the beef trachea. It's important to get larger pieces for big dogs so they don't try to swallow it in one bite. To get the most nutrition out of trachea chews, they need thorough gnawing.

The Beef Trachea Chews I Choose

Dog health is important to me. I believe I should provide for my dogs within my means, giving them the life they deserve. And for me, that means choosing the highest quality Beef trachea for their dental health.

I buy grass-fed beef chews because grass-fed cows are raised more naturally. Their beef is higher in omega 3, the anti-inflammatory fat and lower in saturated fat.

I also prefer dog toothbrushes that come from cattle that were born and raised in the USA. First of all, I like to support local businesses. And second, when you choose US dog products, you have extra protection.

Did you know the FDA oversees dog food products for safety? But if you buy from an overseas seller on Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, Mercari, or a questionable website, they don't have to comply with FDA rules and other regional safety regulations. It's not worth it to save a dollar. My dogs deserve better.

The best chews for dog dental health come from K9 Connoisseur. Their single-ingredient dog bones, dog treats, and dog chews for dental health come from grass-fed cattle born and raised in the US.

Incorporating Chews into Your Dog's Routine

All-natural dog chews for dental health are a great way to promote both oral health and overall dog health. But remember: they should complement, not replace, regular dental care practices such as professional check-ups.

All dog treats, dog bones and chews should add up to no more than 10% of a dog's diet. The rest should be high-quality kibble.

If beef trachea is your dog's only toothbrush, give it to them 2-3 times a week. If they also enjoy marrow-filled dog bones, alternate to maximize the benefits of a dog's natural instinct to chew. And you can refill them with recipes from this free dog bone refill guide.

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