🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Care Products

Stop Tear Stains: 5 Best Dog Dental Chews

Tear stains on your dog? The right dental chew helps. Top pick Greenies has the VOHC seal for proven plaque control. Compare 5 vet-recommended treats here.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

ProPawPicks Reviewer

Updated

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★ Top Pick: Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats

VOHC-accepted

Dental Efficacy Standard

5 sizes

Size Options Available

Natural ingredients

Ingredient Focus

1 chew per day

Typical Dosing

⚡ Key takeaways

Best Overall: Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats. Greenies are VOHC-accepted for plaque and tartar control.
Best Vet-Trusted Style: Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews. These chews are VOHC-accepted and made with natural ingredients like potato starch and veg.
Best Budget: Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats. Purina DentaLife offers an affordable option with a unique shape that cleans teeth.
Best for Seniors: VetriScience Perio Plus Dental Chews for Dogs. These chews are softer than many dental chews, making them ideal for senior dogs with sens.
Best Chewable: Zesty Paws Dental Chews for Dogs. Zesty Paws Dental Chews are soft and chewy, making them easy for dogs to eat.

Quick answer

The best dog dental chew for tear stains is Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats, which are VOHC-accepted and help clean teeth while freshening breath. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, consider Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews. If you need a budget-friendly option, Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats offer good value.

What to consider for Dog Dental Chews For Tear Stains

Tear stains are often caused by porphyrins in tears, which can be exacerbated by poor oral hygiene. Dental chews help by reducing plaque and bacteria that contribute to staining. Look for chews with the VOHC seal, appropriate size for your dog’s weight, and natural ingredients. Avoid chews with artificial colors or preservatives that might worsen staining.

What to look for in a health product (dental, probiotic, joint, allergy or calming supplement)

For dental chews, look for the VOHC seal of acceptance, which indicates effectiveness in controlling plaque or tartar. Ingredients should be natural and free from artificial additives. The chew should be appropriately sized for your dog’s weight to prevent choking. For supplements like probiotics or joint support, look for an NASC quality seal, evidence-based ingredients at meaningful amounts (e.g., stated CFU for probiotics, glucosamine and chondroitin for joints), and clear dosing instructions. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement.

How we chose these picks

Evaluated products based on ingredient quality and safety.
Prioritized chews with the VOHC seal for dental efficacy.
Considered size options to match different dog breeds.
Reviewed manufacturing standards and company reputation.
Selected products with natural ingredients and no artificial additives.
Included options at various price points.
Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

Products claiming to cure or prevent tear stains or other diseases.
Human dental products or medications not formulated for dogs.
Chews with vague proprietary blends that don’t disclose ingredient amounts.
Exceeding the recommended daily dose, which can cause digestive upset.

For more guidance, explore our dog guides, dog food, and dog health resources.

Sources and further reading

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats	Best Overall	Check price →
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews	Best Vet-Trusted Style	Check price →
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats	Best Budget	Check price →
VetriScience Perio Plus Dental Chews for Dogs	Best for Seniors	Check price →
Zesty Paws Dental Chews for Dogs	Best Chewable	Check price →

Why this matters

The VOHC seal is the most reliable indicator of a dental chew's effectiveness, as it requires scientific evidence of plaque or tartar control.

The Options

Types Explained

VOHC-Accepted Chews

These chews have been scientifically tested and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for plaque or tartar control. They are the most reliable for dental health.

Best for: Dogs with existing dental issues or owners wanting proven efficacy.

Natural Ingredient Chews

Made with simple, recognizable ingredients like vegetables and natural binders. They often avoid artificial additives that may worsen tear stains.

Best for: Dogs with food sensitivities or owners prioritizing clean labels.

Soft Chews

These chews have a softer texture, making them easier for senior dogs or those with dental pain to chew. They may be less effective at scraping plaque but are gentler on teeth.

Key Buying Factors

VOHC Acceptance

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal indicates that the product has been shown to be effective in controlling plaque or tartar. Choosing VOHC-accepted chews ensures you're getting a product with proven dental benefits.

Size and Texture

Chews should be appropriately sized for your dog's weight to prevent choking. Texture matters: harder chews may be better for cleaning but could be tough on senior dogs, while softer chews are gentler but may not clean as effectively.

Ingredients

Look for natural ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which can contribute to tear stains. Avoid chews with excessive fillers or by-products.

Calorie Content

Dental chews add calories to your dog's diet. Consider the calorie count, especially for dogs on a weight management plan, and adjust meals accordingly.

Digestibility

Some chews are harder to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Look for chews made with easily digestible ingredients like potato starch or rice flour.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Daily Dental Routine

Offer one dental chew per day as a treat, ideally after meals. Supervise your dog while they chew to ensure they don't swallow large pieces. Combine with regular tooth brushing for best results.

Monitor for Reactions

Introduce new chews gradually and watch for signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog has allergies, check the ingredient list for common allergens like wheat or corn.

Storage and Freshness

Store chews in a cool, dry place in their original packaging. Check expiration dates and discard any chews that appear moldy or have an off smell.

Pro tip

For best results, pair dental chews with regular tooth brushing and a high-quality diet to minimize tear stains.

Frequently asked questions

Do dental chews really help with tear stains?

Dental chews can help reduce tear stains by improving oral hygiene. Tear stains are often caused by porphyrins in tears, which can be exacerbated by bacteria in the mouth. By reducing plaque and bacteria, dental chews may lessen the severity of tear stains. However, they are not a cure-all. Other factors like diet, genetics, and health conditions also play a role. For persistent tear stains, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying issues.

How many dental chews should I give my dog per day?

Most dental chews recommend one chew per day, but always follow the specific product's instructions based on your dog's weight. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain or digestive upset. For example, Greenies suggests one chew per day for dogs 25 to 50 pounds. If your dog is on a calorie-controlled diet, adjust their meals to account for the extra calories. Never exceed the recommended dose.

When should I see a vet about tear stains?

You should consult a veterinarian if tear stains are severe, suddenly worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms like redness, swelling, discharge, or squinting. These could indicate an infection, blocked tear ducts, allergies, or other health issues. A vet can perform a thorough examination and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, eye drops, or dietary changes.

What is the NASC seal and why is it important?

The NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) seal indicates that a manufacturer follows quality standards for supplement production, including good manufacturing practices and adverse event reporting. While the NASC seal is more common for supplements like probiotics and joint chews, some dental chews may also carry it. It provides assurance of product quality and safety. However, for dental chews, the VOHC seal is more directly relevant to dental efficacy.

Should I choose a joint supplement or dental chew for tear stains?

For tear stains, dental chews are more directly relevant because they target oral bacteria that can contribute to staining. Joint supplements, such as those containing glucosamine and chondroitin, support joint health but do not address tear stains. If your dog has both joint issues and tear stains, you can use both products, but they serve different purposes. Always consult your vet before combining supplements.

Can probiotics in dental chews help with tear stains?

Probiotics may support overall gut health, which could indirectly influence tear stains by improving immune function and reducing inflammation. However, there is limited scientific evidence directly linking probiotics to tear stain reduction. Some owners report improvements, but results vary. If you want to try probiotics, choose a product with a stated CFU count and specific probiotic strains. For targeted tear stain treatment, consult your vet.

Are dental chews safe for all dogs?

Dental chews are generally safe for healthy dogs, but there are risks. Dogs with dental disease, loose teeth, or a history of gastrointestinal blockages should use chews with caution. Always choose the appropriate size to prevent choking. Supervise your dog while chewing and discard small pieces. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, opt for easily digestible chews. Consult your vet before introducing dental chews to puppies or senior dogs.

What ingredients should I avoid in dental chews?

Avoid dental chews with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, as these can contribute to tear stains and may cause allergic reactions. Also avoid chews with excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which offer little nutritional value. Steer clear of rawhide-based chews, as they can be difficult to digest and pose a choking hazard. Look for natural ingredients like potato starch, vegetable glycerin, and natural flavors.

Can dental chews cause digestive issues?

Yes, some dogs may experience digestive upset from dental chews, especially if they are high in fiber or contain ingredients that don't agree with them. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. To minimize risk, introduce new chews gradually and monitor your dog. Choose chews made with easily digestible ingredients. If digestive issues persist, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.

A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.

Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Care Products, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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