Dental chews for puppies: building a healthy-mouth habit
Puppies lose their baby teeth around 3 to 6 months, and gnawing is how they cope. A good chew soothes sore gums and starts a tooth-care routine that will matter for the rest of their life.
Always check the minimum age on the package. Many chews and supplements are labeled for puppies over a certain age or weight. If your puppy has a health condition or takes medication, ask your vet first.
Tip: look for the VOHC Seal (Veterinary Oral Health Council). It means the maker submitted data showing the product reduces plaque or tartar. You can check the current list at vohc.org.
Popular options to look at
Greenies Puppy Dental Treats
Puppy-formulated version of the well-known Greenies chew, sized by weight.
Why people like it: A very familiar brand, and the shape is designed to scrub as your puppy chews.
Good to know: Greenies labels its puppy treats for puppies 6 months and older; pick the right size and supervise.
Whimzees Puppy
Vegetable-based chews from Whimzees, with a puppy line.
Why people like it: Grain-free plant-based ingredients and fun shapes.
Good to know: Check the label's age and weight guidance, and give them under supervision.
Purina DentaLife
Porous, chewy dental treats from Purina, sold in sizes from mini to large.
Why people like it: Easy to find and comes in multi-packs for daily use.
Good to know: Check whether the size and age guidance fit your puppy.
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent
Vet-brand dental chews from Virbac.
Why people like it: Often recommended in vet clinics, with a Z-shaped chew.
Good to know: Read the label for the minimum age.
Puppy toothbrush + enzymatic toothpaste
Brushing is the gold standard for dog dental care. Chews support it but don't replace it.
Why people like it: Start early with tiny sessions and lots of praise, and your puppy will grow up thinking it's normal.
Good to know: Never use human toothpaste. Xylitol and fluoride are not safe for dogs.
Chew safety basics
- Always supervise and take away small leftover pieces.
- A chew should be big enough that it can't be swallowed whole.
- Avoid very hard items like cooked bones or antlers for baby teeth. Ask your vet if you're unsure.
- Count chews as part of daily calories.
How we put this together: we read manufacturer product pages, ingredient labels and veterinary-organization guidance. We have not lab-tested these products and we don't give star ratings. Formulas change, so always read the current label. Last reviewed 2026-10-21.