Intro
Picture this, you’ve just come home from a long day of work and your dog runs at you with full force. He comes to greet you with plenty of puppy kisses but his breath is rank! This is the case for many dog owners. Just like humans, dogs can experience plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth, which can lead to bad breath and other dental issues.
If you are a pet parent, you have likely heard of Greenies or perhaps even seen their treats at your local pet food store. Dog owners know that their pets can sometimes have some pretty smelly breath. Between food, getting into plants and grass in the backyard, and regular plaque build-up, things can get stinky. Greenies are a famous brand of dog dental treats that improve your dog’s bad breath and reduce the amount of plaque on your dog’s teeth.
Greenies work almost like a toothbrush for your dog to remove plaque and tartar using physical scraping when your dog chews on it. Dog owners are advised to keep a close eye on dogs when chewing these treats, as it could be a choking hazard.
Let’s Go
In this article, we will go over what is in a Greenie, whether Greenies are bad for dogs, and everything else you need to know about this popular dental chew brand! Keep reading to learn more information on how to keep your pup as healthy and happy as possible.
What are Greenies?
The Greenies company was originally started by pet parents with a dog named Ivan who had very stinky breath. The dog owners worked with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to develop the first toothbrush-shaped dental chew that aimed to reduce plaque and improve Ivan’s bad breath.
The main ingredients of Greenies dog treats are wheat flour, wheat gluten, glycerine, and gelatine. Other natural ingredients and vitamins are added as well. Greenies chew treats come in different sizes for large and small dogs. The company also makes different flavors and products, such as pill pockets.
How Do Greenies Work?
The unique shape and chewy nature of Greenies allow the teeth to sink in and create an abrasion against your dog’s teeth. This scraping and abrasion reduce the amount of plaque and tartar buildup which leads to fresh breath and other dental benefits.
Greenies are some of the best dental chews because they have the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance for dental care products. This is a group formed by the American Veterinary Dental College that provides standards and protocols for selling an effective product. According to a clinical trial, Greenies reduced tarter in pets by 60% in 28 days of consistent use once per day.
Why is Proper Dental Health Important For a Dog?
Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy is an important part of being the best dog owner. The enamel on a dog’s tooth is softer than a human’s, which means it can be damaged more easily. Good dental health can prevent health problems that can occur in your dog’s mouth such as gum disease and periodontal disease. These conditions are serious as they could lead to the removal of your dog’s teeth. Additionally, there is evidence that the bacteria responsible for dental problems can infect other organs of the body.
The best way to promote healthy teeth is through regular dental cleanings. A gum and tooth analysis each year is recommended to ensure there are no issues or health problems. On top of cleanings for your pup’s teeth, it’s a good idea to give them dental health chews to keep those puppy kisses as fresh as possible.
Are Greenies Bad For Dogs?
At one time, a report came out that claimed Greenies were bad for dogs because they were causing digestive issues. The primary reasons for these issues were that the dental sticks were not digesting properly, getting stuck in the dog’s esophagus, or breaking into small pieces and causing intestinal blockage. In some severe cases, surgical removal of the greenies was necessary.
A new formula for the pet chews has been implemented that includes highly soluble ingredients and a chewy texture has stopped these issues. The brand also introduced a variety of sizes which are visible on the Greenies packaging. This makes finding the correct size for large and smaller breeds easier. It is still recommended that pet parents follow feeding directions and monitor their dogs while chewing on Greenies to avoid choking.
What Age Can You Give A Puppy A Greenie?
A puppy’s teeth are much different from an adult dog’s. Before 6 months of age, a dog’s teeth are not fully formed and are still not permanent yet. Giving a puppy any kind of hard treat can damage its teeth or pull them out prematurely. This can cause even more dental problems rather than benefits.
How Often Should I Give My Dog Greenies?
As we know, poor dental health can lead to a lot of issues with your pup that could lead to some costly vet bills. A good pet owner wants to keep their dog as healthy as possible. Greenies can lead to better mouth and teeth health for your pet but should be consumed in moderation.
At 138 calories per treat, Greenies should only be consumed by your dog once per day. High-calorie treats can lead to obesity in your pup. Additionally, too many treats can cause an upset stomach and make your dog sick.
Different Types of Greenies
The toothbrushed-shaped dental treat was originally only produced in one flavor and size. Greenies have come out in a variety of sizes and flavors over the years. Different sizes allow you to give your dog a treat that is perfect for their breed which will reduce the risk of getting pieces of the treat stuck in their throat. Take a look at the list below to see all of the Greenies variations.
Sizes of Greenies
- Teenie – 5 to 15 pounds
- Petite – 15 to 25 pounds
- Regular – 25 to 50 pounds
- Large – 50 to 100 pounds
Flavors of Greenies
- Original
- Freshmint
- Blueberry
- Gingerbread
- Nutcracker
Summary
Greenies are a specific brand of dog dental chews that clean teeth and improve your dog’s breath. The original formula was reported as being unhealthy for dogs because it led to intestinal blockage and digestive issues like traditional bully sticks. The reworked formula includes a chewier texture and highly soluble ingredients that break down much easier in the digestive tract of your furry companion. There are also many different sizes and flavors of Greenies available, including options that are suitable for dogs between 5 and 100 pounds.
The Wrap
Regularly allowing your dog to chew on a Greenie dental treat cleans their teeth by removing plaque and tartar buildup from the average dry dog food. Because a puppy’s teeth are still developing until 6 months of age, these treats are only recommended for fully grown pups. While Greenies promote dental health, they should be treated as treats and consumed in moderation in adult dogs under full supervision.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to “are Greenies good for puppies?” Keep reading for more helpful dog owner information!
Sources:
https://www.greenies.com.au/about-greenies/faq/faq-canine-dental-chews/
https://midogguide.com/maintenance-and-care/why-cant-puppies-under-6-months-eat-greenies.html