Is Whimzees good for dogs?
Yes, Whimzees is generally a good option for most dogs as a daily dental chew, and it is one of the better-known names in that specific part of the market. The range is built around distinctive shapes — the toothbrush, the alligator, the stix — designed to work mechanically on teeth as a dog chews, rather than around any medicated or added-ingredient claim.
How the chews are meant to work
Whimzees chews are shaped with ridges, bristles or textured surfaces so that the act of chewing itself does some of the mechanical work of dislodging plaque, similar in principle to a dental stick but with more varied shapes across the range aimed at different chewing styles.
They are vegetable-based rather than a rawhide or animal-part chew, which some owners prefer, and they come sized from small breed up to large, so the right size for your dog's mouth matters as much as which shape you pick.
Who should be more careful
As with any daily dental chew, they add calories on top of a dog's normal food, so a dog on a strict weight-management diet may need a smaller size or a less frequent chew to keep the overall daily intake balanced.
Any chew carries some risk of a dog trying to swallow a piece whole rather than chewing it properly, particularly an enthusiastic chewer with a large piece for their size — supervise a new chew the first few times and choose the size guide on the pack rather than guessing.
Choosing the right shape and size
The range includes several distinct shapes, and some dogs simply prefer one texture or chewing motion over another, so it's worth trying more than one if your dog loses interest in a particular shape quickly.
Always match the size to your dog's weight rather than picking based on price or what looks like the right amount — an undersized chew for a large dog is more likely to be swallowed in large pieces than properly worked through.
Store chews in a cool, dry place and check the use-by date on the pack, since a chew that has gone soft or stale is less effective at the mechanical brushing action it's designed to provide.
From this brand
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Long-Handled Silicone Pet Toothbrush
A food-grade silicone toothbrush with fine soft bristles on a long, paw-shaped handle that reaches back teeth comfortably. Gentle on gums and helps keep your pet's mouth fresh and clean.
£7.99
NanoSanitas Advanced No-Brush Dental Gel for Dogs & Cats
A brush-free dental gel for dogs and cats, formulated with silver nanoparticles and papaya extract to help reduce plaque and freshen breath.
£14.99
Forthglade Natural Dental Sticks 5pk
Forthglade Natural Dental Sticks 5pk: complementary dog chew with dried potato — 170G
£3.00
Forthglade Dental Calming Sticks
Dental chew sticks for dogs with added calming botanicals for evening routines
£2.99
Pet Dental Cleaning Wipes (50 Pack)
A tub of 50 textured finger wipes that lift plaque and freshen breath for dogs and cats without a toothbrush. Slip one over your finger and wipe teeth clean for easy daily dental care.
£9.99
Pedigree Dentastix Light Daily Dental Chews Dog
Pedigree DentaStix Light daily dental chews for medium and large dogs
£2.35
Pedigree Dentastix Light Dog
Pedigree DentaStix Light dental chews across small, medium and large sizes
From£2.35
Pet Oral Spray for Dogs & Cats
A 100ml pet oral spray for dogs and cats that helps promote fresh breath and cleaner teeth. Simply spray onto teeth and gums - no brushing needed for daily oral care.
£8.99
Pedigree Dentastix Fresh Daily Dog Dental Treats
The daily dental stick people ask for by name, sized for small, medium or large dogs
From£2.35
Pedigree DentaStix Daily Dental Chews Small Dog
Daily Pedigree DentaStix dental chews for small dogs over the label age limit
£2.35
Pedigree DentaStix Daily Large Dog Dental Treats
Daily Pedigree DentaStix dental chews portioned for large dogs
£2.29
Dentalife Oral Care Dental Large Dog Chicken
Twelve DENTALIFE chicken dental chews for large dogs, with label facts
£4.35
Common questions
- How often should I give my dog a Whimzees chew?
- Most are designed as a daily dental chew, but check the specific pack for the recommended frequency for your dog's size, and remember it adds calories on top of their normal food. Cutting back their main meal slightly on chew days is a sensible way to balance this out.
- Are Whimzees safe for puppies?
- There is a puppy-specific option in the range sized and textured for a younger dog, so check you have that version rather than an adult-sized chew. As with any chew, supervise a puppy the first few times to see how they manage it.
- Do dental chews replace brushing a dog's teeth?
- No, a dental chew is a helpful addition rather than a replacement for regular brushing, which remains the most effective thing an owner can do for a dog's teeth. Chews work alongside brushing, not instead of it.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.