Introduction
Greenies are a popular dental chew for dogs that were first introduced in 1998 by S&M NuTec. They are designed to help clean dogs’ teeth and control plaque and tartar buildup. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues for pets, with over 80% of dogs developing some form of dental disease like gingivitis and periodontitis by age 3. These conditions are not only painful for dogs, but can lead to other health complications. Greenies aim to provide an enjoyable chew treat for dogs that also promotes better oral health through the natural abrasive action of chewing. The texture and shape help clean teeth surfaces and control plaque and tartar. Greenies come in different sizes for dogs of all breeds and ages. They are marketed as an easy way for owners to improve their dog’s dental health.
Ingredients
Greenies dental chews contain the following main ingredients:
- Wheat flour – Provides structure and texture
- Glycerin – Adds moisture and flexibility
- Gelatin – Binds ingredients and adds chewiness
- Oat fiber – Adds dietary fiber
- Rice flour – Provides carbohydrates and texture
- Vegetable oil – Provides fat and flavor
- Sodium tripolyphosphate – Helps clean teeth
These ingredients allow Greenies to be chewy treats that help clean dogs’ teeth. The wheat and rice flours, gelatin, and oat fiber give them their crunchy texture. Glycerin and vegetable oil keep them moist and flexible. Sodium tripolyphosphate is the key ingredient for reducing tartar and plaque buildup.
Source: GREENIES Original Large Dental Treats, 24 Count
Veterinary Research
Greenies dental chews have been scientifically studied for their dental health benefits for dogs. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry found that providing dogs with Greenies dental chews daily for 28 days resulted in a 68% reduction in plaque buildup and a 63% reduction in tartar accumulation compared to dogs not given the chews (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32845313/).
Another 2021 study published in PLOS ONE examined the effects of Greenies dental chews on the oral microbiome of dogs. They found the dental chews helped shift the oral microbiota in a beneficial way by reducing bacteria associated with periodontal disease (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8257028/).
The veterinary studies demonstrated that regular use of Greenies dental chews can significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup in dogs, as well as positively influence the oral microbiome, suggesting they can be an effective tool for improving canine dental health.
Anecdotal Evidence
Many dog owners have shared positive experiences with Greenies dental treats. On Amazon, one reviewer said “They work so much better than any other brand of Dog Dental Treat in my opinion,” citing the treats’ soft texture that allows them to clean dogs’ teeth thoroughly (source). Another Amazon reviewer called Greenies a “staple” in their dog’s routine, praising the treats for their teeth cleaning power and delicious flavor (source).
However, some pet parents have raised concerns about potential risks. Consumer Affairs has compiled complaints from owners claiming Greenies caused vomiting, diarrhea or other adverse effects in their dogs (source). While many dogs enjoy these treats safely, it’s important to supervise pets and adjust serving sizes as needed. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.
Alternatives
While Greenies are one of the most popular dental chews for dogs, there are several other options pet owners may want to consider. Some alternative chew treats to compare include:
CET VeggieDent Chews – These plant-based chews contain delmopinol to reduce plaque and tartar. They are available in several sizes for dogs of all breeds. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, VeggieDent chews are effective at reducing plaque and tartar in dogs (Source).
Purina DentaLife Chews – DentaLife chews use a ridged texture and shape to clean teeth and freshen breath as dogs chew. They contain an active ingredient to reduce tartar buildup. Purina claims the chews reduce tartar in dogs by up to 57% (Source).
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews – These chews feature nubs and ridges to clean teeth and have baking soda and fluoride added to reduce plaque and tartar. They provide a dual-action cleaning by scrubbing and reducing buildup (Source).
Comparing ingredients, Greenies contain wheat flour, gelatin, and chlorophyll, while alternatives like VeggieDent use delmopinol and plant-based ingredients. Greenies aim to clean mechanically while other chews use plaque-fighting ingredients.
Cost Analysis
Greenies dental chews range in price from $14.98 to $32.93 for a standard bag on Amazon (1). This compares to other dental chew options like Milk-Bone Brushing Chews at around $13 for a large bag and Pedigree Dentastix at around $16 per bag. So Greenies tend to be on the pricier side.
However, Greenies can be more cost effective in the long run because they are designed to last longer than other dental chews. Each Greenie is meant to be consumed slowly over the course of days or weeks, while treats like Dentastix are eaten in minutes. So even though Greenies may cost more upfront, one bag could potentially last your dog much longer than other dental chews before needing to be replaced.
Owners should also weigh the potential dental health benefits of Greenies when considering cost. Some vets argue the extra expense is justified by the cleaning and plaque/tartar reduction Greenies can provide. But pet owners will need to assess if the higher price point fits within their budget.
Nutritional Value
Greenies dog treats contain a number of important vitamins and minerals that provide nutritional value for dogs.
According to the product website, Greenies contain crude protein (minimum of 28%), crude fat (5.5-8%), crude fiber (maximum of 6%), calcium (minimum of 0.5%), and phosphorus (minimum of 0.5%) (Greenies). These nutrients are important for providing energy, supporting bone health, and maintaining muscle mass in dogs.
The protein and fat come from ingredients like wheat flour, wheat gluten, soybean meal, and animal digest. The fiber comes from the plant materials in the treats.
For dogs with certain dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that Greenies contain common allergens like wheat, soy, and chicken. Owners of dogs with food allergies or sensitivities should check the specific ingredients carefully.
Greenies also contain calories, with approximately 15 calories per mini dental chew, so they should be fed in moderation to dogs who need to watch their calorie intake (Greenies).
Safety
When Greenies were first introduced in 1998, they were designed to be fairly hard and not easily chewable. This unfortunately led to some choking hazards, especially for smaller dogs or dogs with weaker jaws. There was a highly publicized recall of the Greenies treats in 2006 after reports that the treats were linked to several dogs’ deaths from gastrointestinal obstruction.
Since the recall, Greenies has reformulated their recipe to make the treats much softer and more easily digestible. They increased the amount of protein and decreased the vegetable glycerin in the treats to improve this (1). The new Greenies are designed to begin dissolving once they come into contact with your dog’s saliva. This helps reduce the risk of blockages. However, some veterinarians still recommend supervision when giving any dental chew treat to your dog (2). Smaller Greenies treats are now available for smaller dogs. It’s still important to select the proper size chew for your individual dog.
Overall, the new Greenies formula seems to have addressed the main safety concerns. However, as with any supplement or chew treat, it’s smart to supervise your dog initially and stop feeding them if you notice any signs of gastrointestinal distress.
(1) https://www.usrecallnews.com/pet-product-recall-update-are-greenies-dog-treats-going-to-be-recalled/
(2) https://www.hepper.com/greenies-dog-treats-review/
Conclusion
Based on the information provided, there are pros and cons to feeding Greenies dental chews to dogs. On the pro side, Greenies are made with natural ingredients and do a good job cleaning dogs’ teeth and controlling tartar buildup. The texture also provides mental stimulation as dogs chew on them. However, there are some downsides as well. Large Greenies or aggressive chewers can choke on them, and they don’t provide much nutritional value. Additionally, some dogs may be sensitive to the ingredients.
Overall, Greenies in moderation can be an effective part of a dental care routine for dogs. For safety, it’s best to supervise dogs when giving Greenies to watch for choking. It’s also important to follow package instructions for sizing and adjust as needed if the dog is an aggressive chewer. Greenies should be given in addition to, not in place of, regular brushing, dental exams, and professional cleanings.
While not necessary, Greenies can provide dental benefits for dogs when used properly. Pet owners should weigh the pros and cons for their individual dog to decide if Greenies are a good option as part of their dog’s dental care routine.
References
This article is based on research from veterinary journals, pet food industry publications, and pet owner forums. The key sources include:
- Johnson, A. (2019). The effectiveness of dental chews: A clinical review. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 34(2), 23-29. doi:10.34521/jvd.v34i2.23
- Peterson, B. (2020). Ingredients and manufacturing processes of leading dental chew brands. Pet Food Industry, 67(8), 12-19.
- Lee, C. (2021). My dog loves Greenies but still has bad breath? PetForums.com. Retrieved from https://www.petforums.com/threads/my-dog-loves-greenies-but-still-has-bad-breath.18496/
While no statistical surveys were conducted for this article, experiential insights from veterinarians and pet owners provided valuable perspectives on the real-world effectiveness of Greenies dental chews.