Ditch the Dental Sticks? Natural Chews That Are Good for Your Dog's Teeth
June 03, 2025 | By Ashleigh Tosh
Keeping your dog's teeth clean isn't just about fresh breath, it's an important part of their overall health.
But with shelves full of cheap dental sticks and chews promising cleaner teeth and healthier gums, it's easy to assume they're all doing the job. The reality? Many of these products are packed with questionable ingredients and often deliver minimal benefits.
Today we're going to take a look at some natural alternatives that will not only help keep your dog's teeth clean but will also provide a nutritional boost.
Crunchy Vegetables - Simple, Affordable, and Surprisingly Effective
Raw, crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli stalks are a great place to start. They might not be every dog's idea of a treat, but many dogs love them once they get used to the texture.
So, why are they worth including in your dog's treat lineup?
Natural tooth cleaning action
The crunch helps scrape away plaque before it hardens into tartar.
Hydration support
Vegetables with high water content help keep your dog hydrated, especially in warmer months.
Nutritional value
These veg are packed with vitamins and fibre, making them ideal for dogs on a low-calorie or weight-control plan.
Of course, not every dog will take to raw veg, but for those that do, it's a healthy and inexpensive way to support oral health.
Bio-Appropriate Chews for Your Dog's Dental Health
 Some of the most effective dental chews are those that mimic what dogs might chew on in the wild. Think raw meaty bones, bully sticks (also known as pizzle sticks), and dried fish skins.
These natural options offer multiple benefits like:
Mechanical cleaning
The act of prolonged chewing helps scrape away plaque and stimulate gum health.
Mental enrichment
Chewing is naturally calming for dogs and can help prevent boredom or destructive behaviour.
Nutritional goodness
Fish skins are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, bones contain essential minerals like calcium, and bully sticks are a high-protein option.
Always supervise your dog when offering chews like bones and go for high-quality products from reputable suppliers.
Does Kibble Clean Dogs Teeth?
There's a common belief that dry food keeps a dog's teeth clean through crunching, but research and experience suggest otherwise. Most kibble is too small or brittle to have any meaningful impact - it often shatters on contact rather than scraping along the tooth surface.
Worse still, many dry foods are high in starch, which may contribute to plaque formation by feeding bacteria in the mouth.
What About Specialised Dental Kibble for Dogs?
Some brands produce specific dental diets that include ingredients designed to reduce tartar.
These ingredients bind with calcium in your dog's saliva to prevent plaque formation. While they can be effective, it's worth knowing what you're feeding.
The most common additives include:
These are artificial ingredients so if you're aiming for a natural diet, they may not fit your preferences. It's a balance between convenience and ingredient integrity.
Choosing the Right Chews and Foods
Want to find natural chews and foods that actually support dental health? Here at All About Dog Food we list loads of foods, chews and more on our directory pages. Simply use the filters on the left of the page to set your preferences and take your pick from:
- • Nutrient-rich natural chews
- • Products without artificial additives
- • Options tailored to your dog's size, life stage, and dietary needs
It's a simple way to find effective alternatives that compliment your feeding philosophy!
In Conclusion
While oral hygiene is important, chewing also supports your dog's mental wellbeing. The right chew can be a daily source of enjoyment, stimulation, and health support.
So next time you're browsing the dog food aisle, think beyond the flashy packaging of dental sticks. A carrot, a chunk of fish skin, or a responsibly sourced chew could do a much better job - naturally.
Before you go, though, what's worked best for your dog's teeth? Do they love raw veg or have a favourite natural chew? Share your experiences with us below!
About the author
 Ashleigh Tosh - Content Writer at All About Dog Food
Ashleigh's a professional writer with over a decade’s experience, including several years focused on human nutrition and the fitness industry. That extensive understanding of ingredients and health translated naturally into her passion for dog nutrition, sparked when her late Dogue De Bordeaux developed digestive issues. Now a Content Writer for All About Dog Food, she's delighted to help dog owners all over the UK make informed choices for their pups. She lives with Frank, her lively Rottweiler, and credits his energy and very shiny coat to a great diet, and plenty of play (he's a big fan of tug-o-war).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are raw bones safe for dogs to chew?
Yes, raw meaty bones can be safe for many dogs when chosen appropriately for their size and chewing style. Always supervise your dog while chewing and avoid cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause serious injuries.
Can dogs eat all raw vegetables as dental chews?
Not all raw vegetables are suitable. Safe options include carrots, celery, cucumber, and broccoli stalks.
How often should I give my dog a natural dental chew?
This can vary depending on the type of chew and your dog’s needs, but offering a natural dental chew 2–3 times a week is a good starting point. Always monitor your dog to ensure they’re chewing safely and not gulping large pieces.
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References
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Cookie •6 days ago
My Pom’ favourite veggie treat is a lettuce stalk. She leaves the leaves but crunches every last bit of the crispy stalks.Rae •7 days ago
Yak Milk Chews are also advertised for good dental hygiene What's your opinionViolet3violet •8 days ago
Our dog loved to chew a cork out of the wine bottle (never swallowed it) I wondered if this was a bit of a tooth cleaning exercise