Dog dental sticks
Dental sticks are a chewable treat shaped and textured to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up on a dog's teeth as they chew, working alongside regular brushing rather than replacing it. They are one of the more convenient dental products because most dogs treat them as a treat rather than a chore, which makes them easier to give consistently than brushing alone.
How dental sticks actually work
The mechanical action of chewing a textured stick helps scrape some plaque off the tooth surface as a dog works through it, and some formulations include ingredients intended to help reduce tartar build-up or freshen breath further. The ridged or textured shape is doing most of the practical work, which is why a dog that gulps a stick down whole rather than chewing it properly gets much less benefit.
Dental sticks are a supplement to dental care, not a substitute for brushing or veterinary dental checks. They can meaningfully help reduce plaque between brushes, but they will not remove existing tartar or address a dental problem that has already developed. A dog with visibly poor teeth, bad breath that persists, or obvious discomfort while eating needs a proper veterinary dental assessment rather than a chew-based fix.
Choosing the right size and frequency
Dental sticks come sized for different dog weights, and using the correct size for your dog matters both for the intended chewing benefit and to avoid a stick that is too large or too small for their mouth. A stick sized for a large dog given to a small one is more likely to be swallowed in bigger pieces than properly chewed.
Most dental products are designed to be given daily as part of a normal routine, but they are still an extra on top of a dog's regular diet, so factor the calories into their overall daily intake, particularly for a dog who is overweight or on a restricted diet. Some ranges offer a lower-calorie option specifically for dogs on a weight management plan, which is worth checking for if daily dental chews would otherwise add up.
What to watch for
Supervise a dog with a new dental stick until you know how they eat it, since a determined dog who tries to swallow a large piece rather than chewing it through can be a choking risk, the same as with any chew.
If your dog has existing dental disease, very worn or missing teeth, or is otherwise unable to chew properly, check with your vet about whether dental chews are appropriate before introducing them, since a proper dental check may be needed before a chew-based approach makes sense.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Forthglade Dental Calming Sticks
Dental chew sticks for dogs with added calming botanicals for evening routines
£2.99
Pedigree DentaStix Daily Large Dog Dental Treats
Daily Pedigree DentaStix dental chews portioned for large dogs
£2.29
Pedigree DentaStix Daily Dental Chews Small Dog
Daily Pedigree DentaStix dental chews for small dogs over the label age limit
£2.35
Forthglade Natural Dental Sticks 5pk
Forthglade Natural Dental Sticks 5pk: complementary dog chew with dried potato — 170G
£3.00
Dentalife Oral Care Dental Large Dog Chicken
Twelve DENTALIFE chicken dental chews for large dogs, with label facts
£4.35
Dentalife Oral Care Dental Chew Small Dog Chicken
Twenty-one soft daily dental sticks for small dogs, sized to Purina’s 7 to 12kg guide
£4.35
Dentalife Oral Care Dental Chews Medium Dog Chicken
Fifteen daily dental sticks for medium dogs from 12kg to 25kg
£4.35
Pooch & Mutt Dental Sticks Spirulina & Mint
Dental sticks for dogs with spirulina and mint, chicken-flavoured
£3.99
Pooch & Mutt Peanut Butter Dental Sticks
Grain-free, meat-free peanut butter dental sticks for dogs, for ages 6 months and up
£3.99
Pedigree Dentastix Fresh Adult Medium Dog Treats
Pedigree DentaStix Fresh daily dental chews for medium dogs each day
£10.29
Chicken-Wrapped Milk Stick Dog Treats
Chewy dog treats of soft milk sticks wrapped in real chicken or duck for tasty, protein-rich rewarding.
From£12.99
Pawtato Low Fat Gluten Free Spinach & Kale Sticks
Vegan dog chew sticks, gluten free, 8 per 120G pack, for dogs from 4 months
£2.49
Common questions
- Do dental sticks actually work for dogs' teeth?
- They can meaningfully help reduce plaque build-up between brushes, mainly through the mechanical action of chewing the textured stick. They work best alongside regular brushing and veterinary dental checks, rather than as a replacement for either.
- How often should I give my dog a dental stick?
- Most are designed to be given daily as part of a normal dental routine, but check the specific product's guidance and factor the calories into your dog's overall daily food, particularly if they are overweight or on a restricted diet.
- Can dental sticks replace brushing my dog's teeth?
- No. Dental sticks are a helpful supplement to dental care, but brushing reaches surfaces and areas a chew cannot, and dental sticks will not remove tartar that has already built up. Use both together for the best result.
- Are dental sticks a choking risk?
- They can be if a dog swallows large pieces rather than chewing them properly, the same as with any chew treat. Choose the correct size for your dog's weight and supervise a new dental stick until you know how they eat 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.