Introduction
Greenies are dental chew treats for dogs that are designed to help clean teeth and improve oral health. They are made of flexible material that can scrape away plaque and tartar as the dog chews, acting like a toothbrush (www.amazon.com/GREENIES-Original-Regular-Natural-Dental/dp/B000KEVF32). Greenies come in different sizes for dogs of different breeds and ages. The unique shape, texture, and odors are meant to appeal to dogs’ natural chewing instincts. While chewing on the treat, the abrasive surfaces help scrub the surfaces of the teeth to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. By reducing harmful oral bacteria, Greenies can freshen breath and reduce risk of periodontal disease. They also satisfy dogs’ innate need to chew. Overall, Greenies provide an enjoyable chewing experience for dogs while also promoting dental health.
Nutritional Content
Greenies dental treats are made with natural ingredients and contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support canine health. According to the Greenies website, the key nutritional components include:
Protein – Greenies contain high-quality protein from ingredients like wheat gluten and gelatin to support strong muscles.
Fiber – Ingredients like oat fiber add dietary fiber for digestive and colon health.
Vitamins & Minerals – Added vitamins like Vitamin C and minerals like zinc and iron provide nutritional support.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Flaxseed is a natural source of omega-3s for skin and coat health.
Antioxidants – Antioxidants from ingredients like turmeric help support a healthy immune system.
Some specific nutrients in Greenies Original flavor dental chews according to the Greenies website (https://www.greenies.com/products/greenies-original-regular-dental-dog-treats) include:
- 28% minimum crude protein
- 5.5% minimum crude fat, 8% max crude fat
- 6% maximum crude fiber
- 15% maximum moisture
So in summary, Greenies contain a blend of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support complete canine nutrition.
Calories
Greenies dental chews contain approximately 15-26 calories per treat depending on the size. Greenies Original Regular dental treats contain 26 calories per treat. Greenies Petite dental treats contain approximately 15 calories per treat. Greenies Weight Management treats contain roughly 18 calories for the Large size and 9 calories for the Petite size.
According to the Greenies website, “Each dog treat is only 15 calories, making them a great option for frequent treating.” The Amazon product page for Greenies states that the treats contain “26 kcal/treat.” And according to answers on Chewy.com, the Petite treats have “56 calories per treat” while the Teenie treats have “26 kcal/treat.”
Sources:
GREENIES Original Anytime Bites
https://www.chewy.com/greenies-petite-dental-dog-treats/product-question/1592668
https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx2K83HCJCJCL7Z?ref_=ws_cp_349a54f4aae169d5cf48_m_6_s_9_qa_ws_cp_1b3e77f82369811f6245_cp_4_t
Calorie Needs
The number of calories a dog needs per day depends on several factors including weight, age, and activity level. According to the Animal Medical Center of Chicago, the average calorie requirements for dogs by weight are: Dog Diet Calorie Requirements For Dogs
- 12 lbs – 750 calories
- 20 lbs – 400 calories
- 50 lbs – 900 calories
Puppies and adolescent dogs need more calories for growth and development. Senior and less active dogs require fewer calories. The Ohio State University Vet Medical Center provides a basic calorie calculator to estimate a dog’s resting energy requirements based on weight: Basic Calorie Calculator for Dogs and Cats. Most dogs need 1.2 to 2 times their resting energy requirement for their ideal calorie intake based on activity.
Greenies and Weight Gain
Greenies are relatively high in calories compared to many dog treats. The original Greenies dental treats contain around 5 calories per treat for the small/teenie size, or 20 calories for a large size treat. While this may not seem like much, the calories can add up quickly if a dog eats several per day.
For a smaller dog eating 1 dental treat a day, the 5 calories is likely insignificant. However, for a larger dog eating 2-3 large size Greenies per day, they could be consuming 40-60 calories from treats alone. Over time, these excess calories could lead to weight gain if the dog’s food is not adjusted to account for the additional calories.
Greenies now offers a line of weight management dental treats that contain 25-30% fewer calories. These can be a better option for dogs prone to weight gain or obesity when fed the original recipe. It’s important to monitor the total calories from all sources and adjust food accordingly when regularly feeding high calorie treats like Greenies.
Alternatives
If Greenies dental chews are too high in calories for your dog, there are some lower calorie alternatives. According to the Get Naked website, Get Naked Weight Management Dental Chew Sticks are a guilt-free, low calorie option. They contain only 1.5 calories per treat and are wheat, corn, soy, and gluten free. Another option is Get Naked® Weight Management Dental Chew Sticks, which are specifically made for dogs that need to watch their calorie intake. These dental sticks are low in fat and calories while still being tasty and satisfying for dogs.
When looking for low calorie dental chews, be sure to check the calorie count per treat as well as the ingredients. Avoid chews with fillers like wheat, corn and soy which can pack on extra calories. Stick to natural, low calorie ingredients likechicken, mint, parsley or turmeric for fresher breath.
Feeding Guidelines
Greenies provides feeding guidelines on their packaging and website to help pet owners feed the appropriate amount for their dog’s size and age. Greenies recommends feeding one dental chew per day. The treats come in different sizes for different weight ranges:
- Teenie size for dogs 5-15 lbs
- Petite size for dogs 15-25 lbs
- Regular size for dogs 25-50 lbs
- Large size for dogs 50-100 lbs
- Jumbo size for dogs over 100 lbs
Greenies states that the dental chews are not suitable for dogs under 5 lbs or younger than 6 months of age 1. Following the feeding guidelines prevents overfeeding. Giving too many dental chews can lead to weight gain, since each chew contains calories. Pet owners should also adjust portion sizes of their dog’s regular food to balance out the calories from Greenies.
For puppies, it’s important to transition to the adult dental chews slowly over time. The Puppy size is for dogs 6-24 months old. As puppies grow, owners can switch to a larger Greenies size while reducing the Puppy size. This helps manage calories during growth spurts.
Benefits of Greenies
While Greenies are relatively high in calories compared to some other dog treats, they provide important dental health benefits that may outweigh calorie concerns for many dogs.
According to Greenies, their dental chews help control plaque and tartar buildup through the mechanical abrasion caused by chewing Source. As dogs chew the treat, the chewy texture allows their teeth to sink in and scrape away plaque and tartar. This abrasive action is similar to brushing your dog’s teeth.
Wagstowiskers.com states that Greenies work like a toothbrush to scrub away tartar and plaque Source. The mechanical chewing action helps clean your dog’s teeth, fighting plaque buildup and promoting better dental health.
For dogs prone to dental disease or with existing dental issues, the tooth-cleaning benefits of Greenies may be worth the extra calories. Maintaining dental health can prevent more serious health issues down the line. However, calories should still be monitored and adjusted in your dog’s overall diet if weight gain is a concern.
Risks
While Greenies can provide some benefits for dogs’ dental health, there are some potential risks to be aware of when feeding Greenies treats.
One of the most concerning risks is the potential for choking. According to one study, Greenies were the third most common cause of esophageal obstructions in dogs (Source). The treat’s texture and shape can cause it to get lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract, creating a life-threatening blockage. This risk may be higher in smaller dogs or breeds with narrow throats.
Allergies or gastrointestinal upset are also possible side effects for some dogs who eat Greenies. Like any new food or treat, it’s a good idea to introduce Greenies slowly and monitor your dog for any reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation (Source).
While Greenies reformulated their recipe in 2006 to make treats more digestible, there is still some risk, especially if feeding treats in excess. It’s important to follow feeding guidelines and monitor your dog closely when introducing any new treat.
Conclusion
In summary, Greenies dental treats for dogs do contain calories, but are not necessarily high in calories compared to some other dog treats and foods. The calorie content ranges from about 15 calories per Greenies Anytime Bite to 56 calories per regular size Greenie. Whether or not Greenies are too high in calories for your dog depends on your dog’s size, activity level, metabolism, and if your veterinarian recommends weight loss. For most average, active dogs, Greenies can be an appropriate treat in moderation. However, for dogs needing to lose weight, lower calorie alternatives may be preferable. Overall, it’s important to consult your veterinarian, follow package feeding guidelines, and closely monitor your dog’s body condition when feeding any treat.