Chew bones and dental hygiene products like dental sticks are often perceived as beneficial for dogs' oral health. However, their safety is far from guaranteed.

Seductive marketing promises

Dental sticks generally promise:

• Tartar reduction
• Fresher breath
• Effortless tooth cleaning

While they may have a slight mechanical effect, these benefits are often exaggerated and by no means replace proper dental care.

Concerning composition

The majority of industrial dental sticks contain:

• Processed starches (wheat, corn)
• Additives and preservatives
• Artificial flavors
• Sometimes sugar or derivatives

These ingredients are used to improve texture and palatability, but offer little nutritional value.

The result: you're giving a "healthy treat"... which sometimes acts like an ultra-processed food.

Chew bones: very real physical risks

Industrial chew bones can pose several dangers:

• Choking hazard
• Broken pieces can be swallowed too quickly.
• Many intestinal obstructions
• Indigestible content.
• Bacterial contamination
• Some poorly preserved products may contain harmful bacteria.

The "good for teeth" trap

Many owners think they are doing the right thing by giving this type of product daily. However:

• Their effectiveness against tartar is limited
• They can be high in calories
• They sometimes maintain a taste dependency (additives)

A dental stick does not replace brushing or an appropriate diet.

Safer alternatives?

To take care of your dog's teeth more safely:

• Fresh meat (e.g., whole chicken thighs) after professional advice
• Quality dried tendons
• Food that encourages chewing: Pork/beef ears, beef tendons, tracheas, snouts, dried fish skins (rich in Omega-3). These fragment better and are digestible.

• Vegetables: raw carrots (fresh or frozen for teething puppies).

• Play with appropriate toys like fillable and freezable Kongs to keep the dog busy for a long time without the risk of ingesting dangerous pieces.

Prevention is better than cure!

We encourage you to get into the habit of reading the ingredients before buying anything for your pet. If you don't understand the terms, do some research! Have peace of mind!