Walk down the dog food aisle and you’ll see rows of dental chews and sticks claiming to “reduce tartar” and “freshen breath.” They’re colourful, uniform, and often shaped like toothbrushes. But do they really work?
The short answer: not as well as natural chews. In fact, when it comes to cleaning teeth and supporting overall health, natural options almost always come out on top. Let’s break it down.
1. Ingredients in Commercial Dental Bones
Many commercial dental bones rely on fillers and additives rather than real nutrition. Common ingredients include:
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Wheat, corn, or rice flours (cheap fillers).
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Artificial colours and flavours.
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Preservatives to extend shelf life.
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Added “freshening” agents like chlorophyll or artificial mint.
While they may look appealing to us, these ingredients don’t contribute much to dental health. In some cases, they can even upset sensitive stomachs.
2. What "Natural" Actually Means
When we talk about “natural chews,” we mean single-ingredient treats made from meat, skin, or bone. They’re free from additives and are minimally processed – just air-dried.
Examples include:
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Bully sticks
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Lumbar
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Fish skins
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Goat horns
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Ears with fur
Because they’re made from real animal parts, they offer not only dental benefits but also protein, collagen, and micronutrients.
3. Comparing Cleaning Power
The big difference between commercial dental bones and natural chews comes down to how they clean teeth.
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Dental bones: Often soft enough to be crunched and swallowed quickly. This means less chewing action, and therefore less plaque removal.
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Natural chews: Tougher textures require gnawing, scraping, and grinding. This mechanical action scrubs plaque from teeth and massages gums.
Think of it like comparing candy floss to crunchy granola – one disappears in seconds, the other actually works your teeth.
4. Long-Term Health Implications
Choosing the right dental chew isn’t just about today’s clean teeth – it’s about your dog’s future health.
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Commercial chews: May provide limited short-term benefit but don’t challenge the jaw or provide lasting dental effects. Fillers can add unnecessary calories without nutrition.
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Natural chews: Promote stronger jaws, healthier gums, and better digestion. Many also provide fibre (like fur-on treats) or essential nutrients (like omega-3s in fish skins).
Long term, dogs that regularly chew natural treats often have fewer dental issues, reducing the need for costly vet cleanings.
5. Why We Recommend Natural Every Time
At Bonza, we’re all about keeping things simple, safe, and effective. Natural chews:
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Last longer and keep dogs occupied.
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Deliver real dental benefits through natural abrasion.
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Provide extra nutritional perks.
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Come in a variety of options for different chewers.
For even more variety, our Chew Variety Packs make it easy to rotate between textures – keeping your dog interested while supporting their health.
Final Woof
Commercial dental bones may look flashy, but they’re often more marketing than substance. Natural chews, on the other hand, do what your dog really needs: they clean teeth, strengthen gums, and satisfy chewing instincts.
So, when it comes to dental health, ditch the gimmicks and go natural – your dog’s teeth (and tummy) will thank you.
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