If you’ve owned a dog for many years, you learn quickly that chewing serves far more than fun—it matters for teeth, gums, and overall health. I’ve seen both dental chews and chew toys help dogs reduce plaque, but each has strengths and limitations. Below, I share what I’ve found works best, what science says, and where Freezbone fits in.
Dental chews are edible (or semi-edible) treats designed with structure or active ingredients to reduce plaque, tartar, and bacteria. They often have ridges, textures, or abrasive surfaces, and sometimes include enzymes or antibacterial compounds.
Chew toys are non-edible items made from materials like rubber, nylon, natural rubber blends, and sometimes textured surfaces. Their goal isn’t always breaking down plaque, but giving your dog something to bite on, resisting boredom, and promoting chewing behaviour.
Here are some findings from research and vet-led studies:
|
Study / Topic |
Finding |
|
Effect of novel dental chews on oral health outcomes (Carroll et al. 2020) |
Owners believe dental chews are very important; many chews reduce plaque/tartar when used daily. PMC |
|
Influence of chewing on dental health (Bjone et al.) |
Two dental hygiene chews of different toughness significantly reduced plaque (p=0.003) and calculus (p=0.008) compared to a regular diet. Harder chew required more bites/time but delivered better cleaning. UNE |
|
Natural chews and dental products (Gallagher et al.) |
Bully sticks and raw bones reduced oral bacteria by ~60-80%. VeggieDental chews are also effective (~50-60% reduction). Journal of Biological Sciences |
|
Dental home care study |
About 72% of dog owners said natural chews matter for dental health; tooth brushing has lower compliance. PMC |
From my hands-on experience, both have roles. Here’s how I compare them in practice:
|
Aspect |
Dental Chews |
Chew Toys |
|
Plaque / Tartar Reduction |
Chews with abrasive surfaces or chemical agents often reduce plaque and calculus more effectively. Brush-like features help. |
Some toys with ridges/textures help mechanically, but many don’t reach the gum line or between teeth well. Less effective alone. |
|
Bacterial Load |
Some chews lower bacteria significantly. Example: bully sticks or raw bones in studies gave ~60-80% reduction.Journal of Biological Sciences |
Toys that include antimicrobial materials or ridged surfaces do help, but many toys are fashioned fordurability and chewing satisfaction rather than specific antibacterial benefit. |
|
Safety / Risk |
Edible chews (if too hard or improperly sized) may riskchoking or fragments. Some raw bones or very hard chews can crack teeth.Preventive Vet |
Toys that are too hard, rough, or with rigid surfaces can cause tooth wear or fracture. Plush and rope toys may harbour bacteria or loose fibres. |
|
Longevity & Engagement |
Chews are used up, so replacement is needed. But daily chews keep dental hygiene consistent. |
A good,durable toy lasts for months, can be reused, and stimulates chewing behaviour. |
|
Cost & Value |
Ongoing cost for chews. Cost per benefit is often good if chew effective. |
Up-front cost is higher for a durable toy, but long-term value if it keeps dogs chewing and reduces the need for dental cleanings. |
I’ve tested Freezbone’s products with dogs who are strong chewers and also with dogs needing dental support. Here’s what I found:
Freezbone toys made from durable rubber give enough resistance to promote chewing. That chewing helps mechanically clean the surfaces of teeth.
When you fill Freezbone withfrozen, dog-safe fillings, it makes dogs chew more deliberately, which gives abrasiveness plus time. That slows down the chewing, letting teeth get more benefit.
For dogs who dislike chews or get bored, Freezbone offers texture, licking, and frozen reward—combining features of chew plus mental engagement.
So while Freezbone isn’t a replacement for dental chews with active ingredients or brushing, it bridges many gaps: safety, engagement, regular use, and satisfying chewing needs.
Q: Are dental chews enough to keep teeth healthy?
No. They help, but brushing remains the gold standard. Regular vet dental checks plus brushing or scaling are essential. Chews reduce plaque/tartar, but don’t clean below the gum line or between tightly spaced teeth well.
Q: Can toys replace chews?
Not entirely. Toys help reduce boredom and encourage chewing, which is good. But unless the toy is textured or abrasive, its impact on plaque or tartar is small. Toys are more useful when paired with chews or with a filling (frozen treat) that encourages licking/chewing.
Q: How often should a dog get dental chews or chew toys?
Daily or near-daily use of a good dental chew gives the best results in many studies. Durable chew toys can be rotated and used several times per day, but require monitoring for wear or damage.
Q: What risks should owners watch for?
Look for broken pieces, cracked teeth, and choking hazards from small parts. Avoid overly hard items (antlers, very hard nylon) for dogs with weaker teeth or in young puppies. Check chew size; toy size must be appropriate.
From my years working with dogs, here are tips to get the most benefit:
Choose chews with VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approval or peer-reviewed backing when possible.
Match chew hardness/toy material to the dog’s breed, age, and chewing force.
Rotate chews and toys to sustain interest.
Keep up with vet dental checkups; use brushing at least a few times per week if possible.
UseFreezbone with fillings or frozen treats to combine chewing + licking + reward.
