Dental Treats for Pets That Fight Plaque and Freshen Breath
If you've ever been greeted with a big doggy grin (or a curious feline sniff) that made you shy away, you're not alone. Bad breath is common in pets – but it’s often a sign of more serious dental issues brewing beneath the surface. Luckily, there's a delicious way to support your pet’s oral health: dental treats. Beyond freshening breath, the right treats can help reduce plaque, support gum health, and even boost overall wellbeing.
At Petdirect, we get that your pet’s health starts with what’s in their mouth. That’s why we've put together this guide to help you choose dental treats that go the extra mile for your furry friend.
Why Dental Health Matters For Pets
In New Zealand, pet dental care is often overlooked, yet more than 80% of pets experience some form of dental disease by the age of three. Left untreated, dental disease can cause pain, tooth loss and even affect organs like the heart and kidneys. Ouch!
Signs your pet may need dental attention include:
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
- Reluctance to chew or eat dry food
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Pawing at the mouth
This is where dental treats really shine – offering a tasty way to help tackle plaque and tartar between brushes (or vet visits!).
The Benefits Of Dental Treats Beyond Fresh Breath
Dental treats aren't just minty chews. When carefully chosen, they offer a whole suite of benefits:
- Reduces Plaque and Tartar: Many dental treats are designed to be chewy or have a unique texture to help scrub teeth as your pet chews.
- Supports Gum Health: Some treats include ingredients that support a healthy inflammatory response, helping keep gums in top condition.
- Encourages Chewing: For dogs especially, chewing is a natural behaviour – calming and healthy when directed at the right thing!
- Boosts Overall Wellbeing: A healthier mouth reduces the risk of bacteria travelling through the bloodstream, protecting overall health.
Look for treats that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal when possible, and always choose the right size and toughness for your pet’s breed and age.
Top Picks: Dental Treats Pets Actually Love
Dental treats work best when pets want to eat them! At Petdirect, our team recommends popular picks like:
- Greenies: Tailor-made for dogs and cats, Greenies are deliciously chewy and specially shaped to clean teeth right down to the gumline.
- Whimzees: All-natural, plant-based treats shaped to maximise cleaning with every chomp.
- Dentalight: A favourite for furkids with sensitive bellies – these come packed with natural ingredients for dental and digestive support.
You can find these and more in our dedicated dog dental treats and cat dental treats collections.
Combining Treats With A Complete Dental Routine
While dental treats are a helpful tool, they work best as part of a full mouth-care routine. Here’s how you can create a sparkling smile strategy at home:
- Brush regularly: Use pet-friendly toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to clean teeth every few days.
- Add a water additive: Odour-neutralising water additives can freshen breath and reduce bacteria buildup.
- Provide dental chews: Offer treats daily or several times a week, depending on your pet and the product instructions.
- Visit your vet: Schedule professional dental checks once a year or as recommended.
Not sure where to start? Browse our selected oral health supplements that support teeth and gums naturally.
Tips For Choosing The Right Treat
Every pet has a different chew style, so consider these factors before picking the perfect dental snack:
- Size: Choose a treat size suitable for your pet’s mouth – too big may frustrate, and too small may be a choking hazard.
- Ingredients: Go for natural, low-fat ingredients. Avoid sugar, artificial flavours, or colours.
- Function: Some treats also support skin and coat health or digestive care, making them a multi-functional treat-time win.
Celebrate Healthy Smiles With Pet Perks
Whether your dog’s a heavy chewer or your cat prefers a light nibble, there’s a dental treat to suit every chomper. And with Petdirect’s Pet Perks loyalty programme, you’ll earn rewards every time you shop – because taking care of their teeth should come with a few reasons to smile!
Don’t forget, you can also earn Airpoints™ Dollars on every order, and with our Autodeliver service, you’ll never run out of breath-freshening, tooth-loving treats again.
Keep Their Mouths Happy – One Treat At A Time
Dental treats are more than just tasty tidbits – they’re a simple step towards better health. With options that freshen breath, fight plaque, and support full-body wellbeing, it’s clear these treats really do go above and beyond. Whether you’re shopping for a pup, a kitty, or one of each, explore our range of dental treats and give their smile something to show off.
At Petdirect, we’re proud to say We Get Pet. Because your pet’s health is always worth smiling about.