What are Greenies?
Greenies are a popular dental treat brand for dogs that first hit the market in 1998. They are made by the S&M NuTec company and come in a variety of flavors, sizes, and textures to suit different dogs’ preferences and needs.
The original Greenies treats were designed to help clean dogs’ teeth and freshen their breath. They have a unique shape, texture, and consistency that allow them to scrape away tartar and plaque when chewed (1). Greenies contain a range of ingredients including wheat protein, glycerin, gelatin, oat fiber, sodium caseinate, natural flavors, and more. They provide protein, fiber, and other nutrients in each low-calorie dental treat (2).
Over the years, Greenies have expanded their product lines to offer treats for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs of different sizes. They also introduced a line of dental treats called Greenies Vitality with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. While the ingredients vary between recipes, all Greenies products are designed to promote better oral health in dogs.
(1) https://www.veterinarians.org/greenies-dog-dental-treats/
(2) https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/are-greenies-treats-safe-for-dogs
Greenies Digestibility Concerns
There have been some complaints and concerns raised about dogs having difficulty digesting Greenies over the years. Some pet owners have reported their dogs choking on Greenies dental treats or vomiting them up after eating them.
In 2006, there were reports of Greenies blocking dogs’ intestines or esophaguses and requiring emergency surgery in some cases [1]. The treats were mentioned as the third most common cause of esophageal obstructions at the time. This raised alarm about the possible choking hazard and digestibility issues with Greenies.
Since then, Greenies changed their formula and made the treats more digestible. They tested the new formula in 2007 and found 92% of the treat dissolved in dogs’ stomachs within 30 minutes, reducing risk of intestinal blockage [2]. However, some pet owners still report Greenies getting stuck in dogs’ throats or causing vomiting.
Veterinarians generally recommend supervision when feeding dental chews like Greenies to minimize risk of choking. Owners should monitor their dog while eating Greenies and consider the treat size for their dog’s breed and weight.
Vet Perspectives on Greenies
According to the Greenies website, Greenies are recommended by veterinarians because they assist with complete oral health care1. The uniquely designed shape and texture of Greenies helps clean teeth and control tartar and plaque buildup. Many vets advise clients to use Greenies as part of their dog’s dental care routine.
While most vets approve of Greenies dental treats, some express concerns over the potential choking hazard and GI obstruction risks. These risks appear higher in smaller dogs or dogs known to gulp their food2. To mitigate these risks, vets recommend appropriate treat sizing for the dog’s weight, monitoring the dog while eating, and avoiding excess treats.
Overall, most vets consider Greenies a beneficial supplement to brushing and other dental care when used responsibly. Regularly monitoring dental health at annual checkups can help catch any issues early.
Greenies Safety Studies
Greenies conducted multiple safety studies on the digestibility of their dental chews. One study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry evaluated the digestibility of the classic and advanced regular size Greenies in dogs [1]. The study fed the chews to 48 dogs over a 6-week period. Fecal samples were analyzed throughout the study. The results showed 92.9% digestibility for the classic and 97.1% for the advanced chews.
Another Greenies study assessed the digestibility of the petite size chews [2]. This 3-month study in 120 small dogs found that the petite chews were readily digestible, with digestibility ranging from 88.9% to 94.7%. Based on these studies, Greenies concluded that their chews are highly digestible and safe for dogs. However, some veterinarians and owners remain skeptical of the treats.
Tips for Feeding Greenies Safely
When feeding Greenies or any dental chew, it’s important to monitor your dog to ensure proper digestion. Here are some best practices:
- Follow package feeding guidelines based on your dog’s weight.
- Supervise your dog while they chew on a Greenie to prevent choking.
- Introduce Greenies slowly if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
- Limit treats to 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Watch for signs of digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
Some signs your dog may be having trouble digesting Greenies include:
- Finding pieces of the treat in their stool.
- Stomach pain or bloating.
- Decreased energy level.
- Increased gas or loose stool.
If you notice these signs, stop feeding Greenies and contact your veterinarian. Some dogs are more prone to digestive issues with dental chews. Your vet can recommend alternatives that may be gentler on your dog’s stomach.
Greenies Alternatives
While Greenies are a popular dental chew, some pet owners look for lower calorie or different ingredient alternatives. Here are some other options for canine dental treats:
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Chews are a grain-free option made with delmulinum potato and chickpeas. They are designed to clean teeth surfaces and freshen breath. These chews contain 9 calories per treat.
Blue Buffalo Dental Bones combine natural ingredients like potatoes, carrot powder, and flaxseed with nutrients to support dental health. They contain 5 calories per mini dental bone.
Pedigree Dentastix are another alternative made with a unique X-shape to reach hard-to-clean back teeth. The texture helps reduce tartar and plaque buildup. Dentastix contain around 25 calories per treat.
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews combine chewing action with an abrasive texture to scrub away plaque and tartar as dogs chew. These vegetarian treats have 10 calories per chew.
Consult with your veterinarian to find the best dental chew for your dog based on their unique dietary needs and preferences.
Homemade Dental Treats
Making your own homemade dental treats for your dog is easy and allows you to control the ingredients. Homemade treats can be healthier and cheaper than store-bought treats, and dogs usually love the DIY recipes. Some popular recipes for homemade dental treats include:
Mint and Parsley Treats – These breath freshening treats from Healthy Starts in the Kitchen combine mint, parsley, eggs, and activated charcoal for a powerfully fresh treat. The mint and parsley help clean teeth while the charcoal absorbs impurities (Source).
Brown Rice Flour Treats – This recipe from Gone to the Snow Dogs uses brown rice flour as the base along with activated charcoal for a simple but effective dental chew. The charcoal and abrasive texture help clean teeth and control plaque (Source).
Pumpkin and Apple Treats – For a treat that cleans teeth and soothes stomachs, Damn Delicious has a recipe using pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and coconut oil. The fiber and enzymes in the pumpkin and apple promote digestion while scrubbing teeth (Source).
When making any homemade treats, be sure to check with your vet on ingredients if your dog has any food sensitivities. Dental treats should be fed in moderation along with regular teeth brushing.
The Importance of Dental Health
Proper dental health is extremely important for dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), by age 3 over 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, infections, and even damage to internal organs.
Periodontal disease starts with plaque buildup on the teeth. Within days, plaque hardens into tartar which harbors bacteria. This bacteria leads to infection and inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. Eventually, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis which damages the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
To promote dental health and prevent periodontal disease, regular tooth brushing is recommended. Brushing daily with toothpaste formulated for dogs helps remove plaque and tartar to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. You can also provide safe, vet-approved chew toys and dental treats to aid in mechanical cleaning. In addition, dental food and water additives containing enzymes and antibacterial ingredients help inhibit plaque and tartar buildup.
Scheduling annual veterinary dental cleanings and exams allows a professional assessment and treatment if any signs of periodontal disease are detected early. With proper preventative care at home and professional dental care, you can help ensure your dog maintains good oral health.
Final Verdict on Greenies
In summary, Greenies dental treats seem to have more potential risks than benefits for dogs. The main benefits are that they can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. However, multiple sources cite concerns about digestibility, especially for small dogs. There are reports of Greenies causing obstructions or even perforations in dogs’ intestinal tracts (Bone Appetreat, Vetchick). While Greenies claims their formula is safe, the shape, texture and lack of soluble fiber can make them hard to break down. There are also questions about some of the ingredients like wheat flour being problematic for dogs.
Overall, Greenies don’t seem to provide enough dental or health benefits to be worth the potential choking hazard or digestive issues they can cause. There are safer alternatives like dental treats made from all-natural ingredients, raw bones, or special dog toothpastes. Homemade treats are another option, ensuring you control exactly what goes into them. For dogs prone to gulping treats, a different kind of chew is advisable over Greenies. While they may help clean some dogs’ teeth, pet owners should weigh up the potential risks versus rewards before feeding Greenies.
References
Mars Petcare. (2015). Greenies canine dental chews. Retrieved from https://www.greenies.com/products/dog.aspx
Heyman, M. (2006). The effect of Greenies on the oral health of dogs. Veterinary Dentistry, 28(3), 264–267. Retrieved from https://www.greenies.com/about-us/clinical-studies.aspx
Logan E.I. (2006). Dietary influences on periodontal health in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 36(6), 1385–1401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.08.007
American Veterinary Dental College. (n.d.). Home dental care for dogs. Retrieved from https://www.avdc.org/carefordogs.html
American Kennel Club. (2019). Are dental treats the answer to keeping your dog’s teeth pearly white? Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-dental-treats-the-answer-to-keeping-your-dogs-teeth-pearly-white/