Dental health is as vital for your chihuahua as it is for you. When left untreated, your pup might develop severe conditions like periodontal disease. Luckily, dental chews can help! These help your chi keep their teeth healthy and plaque-free. But you may be wondering, what are the best dental chews for chihuahuas?
The best dental chews for these small dogs have many teeth-cleaning properties but aren’t too hard on their canines. But with the many kinds of dental chews available, it’s vital to pick one that’s best for your chi’s teeth.
For this post, I checked over 50 dental chews for smaller dog breeds to choose the seven best options for your chi. Check them out below!
| DENTAL CHEWS | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Greenies Dental Chews Treats (Original) |  | Check Price |
 | VeggieDent Dental Chews by C.E.T. | | Check Price |
 | OraVet Dental Chews |  | Check Price |
 | Milk-Bone Dental Chews | | Check Price |
 | Paragon Whimzees Dental Chews | | Check Price |
 | Pedigree DENTASTIX Dental Chews |  | Check Price |
 | Purina DentaLife Dental Chews | | Check Price |
Do Chihuahuas Really Need to Use Dental Chews?
Dental health is vital for all dogs, but it’s more crucial for small breeds like chihuahuas. That’s because these tiny dogs have crowded teeth, making dental care a priority. So, giving your chi a dental chew or two can go a long way.
Teeth wear out as your dog ages, and the best way to manage dental health is by preventing issues early on. And giving your chihuahuas dental chews at a young age helps keep their teeth healthy in the long run. These treats help clean your dog’s teeth while they’re busy having fun with it. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Keep in mind that dental chews have many purposes. For instance, some owners use them as dental aids—or simply as treats. Either way, they’re great alternatives that keep your chi’s teeth in optimal condition without much effort.
However, when choosing dental chews, make sure they consist of non-toxic compounds. Some companies make dental chews in the form of toys with artificial flavorings. These preservatives can be dangerous to your dog’s health, especially to small breeds like chihuahuas.
Using Dental Chews With Your Chihuahua
For optimal results, you should give your chi at least one dental chew every day. Doing this helps reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar over time. And this significant decrease prevents bacteria from building up in your chi’s mouth.
When giving your chi their dental chews, it’s best to double these as treats. Doing so encourages your dog to work for the dental chew by doing simple tricks like sitting or lying down. Moreover, this is an excellent way of letting your chihuahua have fun in the process.
Finally, when you add brushing to your chi’s routine, their teeth will be shining in no time.
If you’re searching for the best dental chews for chihuahuas, the seven products below will keep your chi’s teeth healthy, strong, and plaque-free up to their golden years!
Best Dental Chews for Chihuahuas – The Top 7!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Greenies Dental Chews Treats (Original)
Product Name: Greenies Dental Chews Treats (Original)
Product Description: If you're looking for the best dental chews for chihuahuas, look no further than the Greenies Dental Chews Treats (Original). This dental chew has the perfect balance of flavor and teeth-protecting properties. Thanks to its size, hardness, and all-natural formula, it's a suitable pick for smaller dog breeds. Moreover, to add more to its appeal to dogs, this dental chew comes in various shapes. With this, your dog won't only keep their dental health in check—but it will also boost their appetite! Overall, this dental chew is perfect for removing tartar and plaque on your chi's teeth without compromising their health.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Value for money
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Ingredients
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Packaging
Overall
Summary
Due to its balanced and all-natural formula, this dental chew has become a classic favorite among chihuahua owners, including me! In addition, all ingredients used in this product are easy to digest. That means even senior chis can enjoy this delectable treat without ruining their aging teeth. Above all, this dental chew has the perfect size and hardness catering to small breed dogs. With this, your chi will be asking for more, keeping their teeth healthy and strong long-term. Overall, this dental chew is the perfect all-around pick for young and old chis alike. The only issue is that it contains gluten, so this dental chew is not the best choice if your chi is gluten intolerant. Anyway, for those chihuahuas who are okay with gluten, you can’t find anything better than Greenies!
Pros
- Actively fight bad breath and plaque
- Available in different flavors and shapes
- Easy to digest
- Adequate hardness and size for smaller dogs
- It helps strengthen jaw muscles
Cons
- It contains gluten
- A little pricy
RUNNERS-UP
VeggieDent Dental Chews by C.E.T
The next dental chew I recommend for chihuahuas is C.E.T. VeggieDent Dental Chews. It combats the toughest plaque and tartar buildup while nourishing your chi’s teeth.
This dental chew mainly uses vegetables and all-natural ingredients. So as a dog owner, you don’t need to worry about artificial or toxic compounds. It’s no wonder why this treat has become a favorite among chi owners; it’s healthy all-around!
Furthermore, its texture and consistency have been specially designed to cater to chihuahuas. Its roughness makes it easy to get rid of tartar and plaque without damaging your dog’s teeth. And not to mention, it has a unique Z-shape that allows your dog to have a better grip and hold.
However, it doesn’t end there! The product’s unique structure makes it possible to cure common dental issues in chihuahuas, like bleeding or irritated gums.
But what I like the most about this product is its use of natural antiseptics. This makes it easier to loosen up tartar and plaque buildup over time.
Overall, if you’re looking for all-around dental chews that help keep your dog’s teeth and themselves in top health, VeggieDent is your best bet!
The only issue is that this dental treat contains a lot of calories. So when giving them to your chi, do it in moderation.
OraVet Dental Chews
OraVet Dental Chews promotes better dental and gum health for chihuahuas long-term. It uses advanced delmopinol technology, protecting your dog’s mouth against bacteria buildup. With this, you don’t need to worry about plaque and other dental diseases for a while.
Moreover, this is one of the few dental chews that you can give to your chi daily. It doesn’t contain any calories, so your dog can enjoy this as an everyday treat.
Aside from that, its hardness and rough texture ensure that it can clean your chi’s teeth in-depth. And each treat is adequately sized for small dog breeds, making it easier for your chi to chew. Just make sure to choose the extra small option as it comes in different sizes.
Meanwhile, if you have a picky chihuahua, this might be the dental chew they can stick with for a long time. It has a unique sweet marshmallow flavor that will have your chi keep coming back for more.
But what makes OraVet stand out is its veterinarian-designed structure. This prevents all harm that might come when using the dental chew. From choking to fractures, with OraVet, you have nothing to worry about!
My only issue with this product is that it’s way more expensive than other brands. However, with its quality and efficiency, it’s certainly worth every penny.
Overall, OraVet Dental Chews make for the perfect dental hygienic partner for any chihuahua.
Milk-Bone Dental Chews
For those looking for something more pocket-friendly, Milk-Bone Dental Chews is your best bet. This product gives you the utmost value for your money as they usually come in large packages.
It’s a chicken-flavored dental chew formulated to decrease tartar buildup. And to back its effectiveness, this product has received the seal of acceptance from VOHC.
Aside from that, its rice-based formula doesn’t use any soy products. Although it doesn’t have many ingredients, it still has over 15 essential vitamins and minerals. With this, even older chihuahuas can use it without issue.
Most notably, these dental chews have a unique structure that removes tartar buildup and freshens your chi’s breath. It has rough ridges and nubs for an easier grip.
Overall, if you’re looking to save money but don’t want to sacrifice quality, Milk-Bone is your best bet.
However, this product has not been approved for plaque control by the VOHC. So if your chihuahua has plaque buildup, this isn’t the best pick.
Anyway, if your chi doesn’t have any plaque problems, this dental chew should suffice.
Paragon Whimzees Dental Chews
For owners with older chihuahuas, I recommend Paragon Whimzees Dental Chews. It’s an all-natural, vegetable-based dental chew enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.
It doesn’t use artificial preservatives, and it sticks with a simple ingredient list. These include potatoes, yeast, lecithin, malt extract, glycerin, and cellulose. Hence, it ensures that it won’t trigger allergies and other sensitivities.
With this, these dental chews are safe for older chis or those with sensitive stomachs to use.
The product is also rich in fiber, actively reducing tartar and plaque buildup on your chi’s teeth. Also, the infused vitamins and minerals help in promoting stronger teeth and bones.
So not only can this dental chew protect your chi’s teeth, but it also gives them an immunity boost.
Finally, these dental chews come in different shapes to keep up with your dog’s ever-changing preferences. That means, with Paragon Whimzees, your chihuahua won’t ever get bored!
But this product isn’t safe for younger chihuahuas. That’s because it’s only available in larger sizes, so only chis older than one can use this dental chew.
However, this is the best pick for older chis or those with sensitive stomachs. Get cleaner and brighter teeth while keeping your chi’s health intact with Paragon Whimzees Dental Chews!
Pedigree DENTASTIX Dental Chews
Pedigree DENTASTIX is a classic favorite among chihuahua owners, and for good reasons. After all, Pedigree is a brand that you can trust when it comes to reliable pet products!
It uses a triple-action formula that helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup over time. And not to mention, this helps nourish your dog’s overall body. So it’s no surprise that this dental chew stands out among the other brands.
Also, this dental chew is available in different flavors, ideal for picky chihuahuas. This makes it easy to keep your chi entertained and not get tired of its aroma and taste.
Aside from that, this dental chew uses a chewy texture that makes it easier for chihuahuas to hold. And its miniature size makes it the perfect fit for your chihuahua’s small yet crowded mouth. With this, your chi can get healthier and stronger teeth over time.
But the best part is, you can give this to your chi every day without worry. After all, each stick is only worth a few calories. So it can perfectly serve as a treat, all while promoting sparkling and healthier teeth.
However, keep in mind that this dental chew is only ideal for dogs over 5 pounds. So if your chi weighs any less, it’s best to move on to the next product.
Purina DentaLife Dental Chews
My last pick for the best dental chews for chihuahuas is Purina DentaLife Dental Chews. Purina is a well-known brand in the market, so you know this is a product you can trust. In fact, this dental chew is recommended by vets, and VOHC approved.
This dental chew is made for small- to mid-sized dogs. Its patented structure makes it easier for chihuahuas to hold. Additionally, it helps reach your chi’s backside teeth, deep cleaning their entire mouth.
Aside from that, each dental chew has a dense and rough surface, allowing it to last longer. With Purina, your dog can satiate their cravings while removing plaque and tartar.
Above all, these dental chews come in a delicious chicken flavor. With this, even your pickiest chihuahua is guaranteed to go back for more!
But the best part is, each stick only contains a few calories. Hence, you can use this dental chew as daily oral care for your chi!
Choosing the Best Dental Chews for Chihuahuas (Buying Guide)
There are plenty of dental chews made for dogs in the market. However, not everything is suitable for chihuahuas. To help you discover the best pick for your furry companion, here are the things you need to look for:
🦴 Edible vs. Non-Edible
Chihuahuas have different preferences, habits, and personalities. For instance, some chis prefer dental chews that are flavorful and hard. Meanwhile, others want chewy dental treats. But even if this is the case, experts recommend using edible dental chews.
Choosing edible dental chews serve a dual purpose. These won’t only clean and strengthen your chi’s teeth, but they can also nourish their body.
✏️ Ingredients
If you’re looking for edible dental chews, you must consider what they’re made of. That’s because giving your chihuahua too many dental chews can lead to obesity. So ensure to choose one minimal to no calories—or fat.
Additionally, it’s best to choose dental chews made from natural ingredients to ensure your dog’s health. If that’s not possible, at least choose ones infused with healthy and safe compounds.
📏 Size
Since chihuahuas have crowded teeth, size is a crucial factor for dental chews. For instance, if you choose a dental chew that’s bigger than they can chew, it can damage their teeth. On the other hand, if you pick something too small, your chi might swallow instead. And this defeats the purpose of the dental chew.
💪 Hardness (Texture)
Another factor you must consider to ensure a dental chew is safe for your chi is hardness or texture. After all, the roughness and thickness help in removing tartar and plaque. But if a dental chew is too hard, this can damage or break your chi’s teeth. And in a worst-case scenario, this might cause a fracture.
Generally, dental chews that are rough yet gentle are the best pick for these tiny dogs. However, this still varies for the chihuahua’s size and age.
🦴 Shape
This factor is one that most owners overlook, but it’s vital. For example, though smooth or rounded dental chews are easier on a chi’s teeth, they can’t provide enough mechanical action. And this means they won’t be able to promote better dental health long-term. Usually, the best shape for dental chews for chihuahuas is those with rough- or brush-like surfaces.
👩⚕️ Vet- or VOHC-approved
Dental chews approved by vets or the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) are usually healthier and safer. These professionals typically test these products regarding effectiveness in removing tartar and plaque. However, this factor is entirely optional.
Tips to Keep Your Chihuahua’s Teeth Clean
Aside from giving the best dental chews for chihuahuas, here are other things you can do to keep your chi’s teeth clean, strong, and healthy over time:
- Brush your chi’s teeth. Using vet-approved toothpaste and toothbrush can help you remove more tartar and plaque. It’s best to do this every other day.
- Feed your chi quality dry food. Giving the best dog food for chihuahuas helps in removing plaque and tartar over time.
- Give them crunchy treats. These can also help fight against plaque and tartar buildup. And examples of healthy crunchy treats include carrot or apple slices.
- Use dental sprays. These won’t only freshen their breath, but they can also prevent plaque buildup.
- Visit the vet. If possible, schedule regular teeth examinations and dental cleanings with your preferred vet. Doing so keeps your chi’s teeth healthy and clean in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best way to protect my chihuahua’s teeth?
A: Aside from regular brushing and feeding dry kibble, giving your chi dental chews protects their teeth over time. These treats help fight off plaque and bacteria build-up, promoting better dental health.
Q: Is tooth decay common in chihuahuas?
A: Chihuahuas have crowded and fragile teeth, making them prone to dental diseases. This affects around 80% of dogs as they age. Luckily, tooth decay and other conditions can be prevented with proper dental hygiene.
Q: Can I give my chihuahua dental chews every day?
A: Everyday dental maintenance is the key to maintaining a chihuahua’s oral health. When you give your chi a dental chew per day, this can decrease tartar and plaque build-up by 60%! With this, you can keep your chi’s gums and teeth healthy in the long run.
Q: What’s the safest thing for chihuahuas to chew on?
A: Whether edible or not, dental chews are the safest things for chihuahuas to nibble on. As long as these products aren’t made from toxic compounds, they should be safe for your chi.
Q: Are dental chews as good as brushing your chihuahua’s teeth?
A: Although dental chews make for a great alternative to everyday brushing, they can’t completely replace the practice. After all, brushing your chi’s teeth can reduce tartar and plaque 15% to 20% more than dental chews. It’s best to pair these two to manage your chi’s teeth long-term.
Final Words
The best dental chews for chihuahuas will keep your chi’s teeth more robust, healthier, and cleaner up to their golden years. So aside from taking them to the vet for regular cleaning, invest in dental chews for better overall dental health! And the products above guarantee the best value for your money—and your chi’s teeth!
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
