Do Dental Sticks Really Work?

Just like humans, our canine friends need proper dental care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Yep, that’s right, your doggy’s teeth need regular brushing and attention too. As dog owners ourselves, we also know this isn’t always the easiest task in the world and that’s where dental sticks come into play. Want to know what dental sticks are and if they really work? Read on…

What Are Dental Sticks?

Dental sticks are a popular dental hygiene chew product for dogs. They are designed to help maintain your dog’s oral health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, freshening breath, and promoting healthy gums.

Dental sticks are typically made from ingredients such as fruit and vegetables, peppermint, fibre and protein, and their shape is specifically designed to encourage chewing. They are usually available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and flavours to cater to different dogs’ preferences. These sticks are a super convenient way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.

Are Dental Sticks Good for Dogs?

Dental sticks can be a beneficial addition to a dog’s oral care routine when chosen wisely. The key to their effectiveness lies in their shape and texture. Look for a lattice shape (like the shape of our Clean Teeth & Chill dental sticks shown below) which provides a mild abrasive action when chewed, helping to remove plaque from the teeth mechanically. 

However, it’s essential to be careful when selecting dental sticks for your dog just as you would with any food or treat product. Look for products with high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial additives or excessive fillers.

In combination with other oral care practices (brushing – if your dog allows it!) dental sticks can play a valuable role in maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene and overall well-being. 

If your dog has suffered with or does have ongoing dental issues it may be worth consulting with your vet on whether dental sticks will be effective enough for your pooch’s needs.

Should You Give Your Dog a Dental Stick Every Day?

If the product states that it is a daily dental stick then it should be perfectly safe to give to your dog every day. Most dental sticks advertised as 'daily' – just like our Clean Teeth & Chill – can be used as part of your dog's daily routine.

We advise checking the calorie content as some of the lower quality dental sticks on the market can be notorious for high calories. Additionally, consider the size of the stick, matching it to your dog’s breed and size. If your dog is using a stick that is too large for their breed, they could be consuming more calories than they need.  Clean Teeth & Chill is just 43kcal per chew!

Are Dental Sticks Better Than Brushing?

We are sure that there will be some debates out there going on about this topic but the truth is that both have their merits, and it’s a good idea to use a combination of both for optimal dental health.

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is undoubtedly the gold standard when it comes to dental care, however, not all dogs are comfortable with having their teeth brushed, and some owners may find it challenging to maintain a regular brushing routine.

This is where dental sticks come in handy. They can complement teeth brushing by helping to reduce plaque and tartar buildup between those brushings. 

So, do dental sticks really work? We think so!

Dental sticks can be an excellent tool for maintaining your dog’s oral health when chosen and used wisely. Remember to prioritise your dog’s individual needs, consult your vet if necessary, and incorporate a well-rounded oral care routine to keep that tail wagging and those canines sparkling.

If you’re looking for high-quality dental sticks for your furry companion, check out Grub Club’s New Clean Teeth & Chill for a tasty and effective dental care solution:

 

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