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Review Summary
We give Checkups Dental Dog Treats a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Checkups Dental Dog Treats are a top choice for attentive owners focused on their dogs’ health. Though they won’t replace the need for regular brushing, a daily hard biscuit can provide effective tartar and plaque removal while massaging your dog’s gums and freshening their breath with every bite.
They’re effortless to administer and delicious to dogs, making proper dental upkeep as easy as possible. Checkups prove their worth with the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s seal of approval as an effective and safe care product. The treats also include a boost of omega-3 fatty acids important in maintaining healthy skin and fur and preventing inflammation.
An essential selling point in Checkups treats, featuring potato and rice flour, is its lack of wheat ingredients. For dogs suffering from grain sensitivity and allergies to wheat gluten, the treats can be an excellent choice to comfortably keep their oral health in check.
Checkups Dental Dog Treats – A Quick Look
- Reduces plaque by 25% and tartar by 62%
- Freshens breath and stimulates gums
- Highly digestible formula
- Easy to break in half
- Relatively expensive
- Only for dogs over 20 pounds
Specifications
| Treat type: | Hard dental chew |
| Top ingredients: | Potato flour, rice flour, glycerin |
| Calories: | 179 kcal/treat |
| Dog size: | 20+ lbs. |
Guaranteed Analysis
| Crude protein: | 10% min. |
| Crude fat: | 3% min. |
| Crude fiber: | 2% max. |
| Moisture: | 13% max. |
VOHC-Accepted
Checkups Dental Dog Treats note their VOHC approval as an authentic mark of quality. The Veterinary Oral Health Council awards its Seal of Acceptance to products that substantially reduce periodontal disease and promote oral health with regular use.
Companies submit research showing their product’s performance, and the Council reviews the data to see if it meets the clinical criteria to receive the seal. Checkups have had the Seal of Acceptance since 2008, earning recognition for their products’ ability to combat plaque and calculus buildup.
According to the company, the treats reduce plaque by up to 25% and tartar by up to 62%, which helps prevent the painful inflammation and infection often associated with periodontal disease.
Wheat-Free
For dogs sensitive to wheat, Checkups could be a safe and enticing alternative to the typical dental chew. The treat recipe uses potato flour and rice flour, which are easily digestible and gluten-free ingredients that replace wheat flour and keep the potential for stomach upset to a minimum.
If your dog doesn’t like the taste of their current dental chew or struggles with digesting various grains, a switch to Checkups may be appropriate.
Easy Preparation
Checkups are easy to use for dental management of different-sized dogs in the house, provided they’re at least 20 pounds and over 6 months old. For dogs weighing 20–25 pounds, the manufacturer recommends ½ a treat one to two times daily, while dogs over 25 pounds can have whole treats.
The treats are easy to divide, each featuring a center score line for a clean, even break. Though the texture allows teeth to sink through the treat for even cleaning, the manufacturer provides straightforward instructions for softening them in the microwave for an easier chew if your dog has trouble biting down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are There Any Dangerous Ingredients in Checkups Dental Dog Treats?
Checkups Dental Dog Treats are generally safe for any dog over 20 pounds and 6 months old to eat. However, conscientious consumers may find a few questionable ingredients. As the third listed ingredient, glycerin is prominent in the recipe.
Sometimes derived from biofuels, glycerin is a versatile material used in dog treats as a binding agent and sweetener, making it more appetizing to dogs. Though many find “vegetable glycerin” is more desirable, as it comes from vegetable oils, the glycerin in Checkups doesn’t distinguish its source.
The sweetener has no nutritional value and may cause stomach irritation if eaten excessively. Checkups also contain titanium dioxide, a whitening agent in food and cosmetic products. However, as a food additive, titanium dioxide has raised some safety concerns.
While the FDA has deemed it safe when it constitutes less than 1% of a product’s weight, the EU banned titanium dioxide for its potential hazards. New York has since disallowed its use, and states, including Illinois and California, have considered similar bans.
While the effects of the small quantities of titanium dioxide in treats such as Checkups are generally deemed inconsequential, additives should be a consideration for cautious pet parents comparing products.
Recall History
Checkups Dental Dog Treats have never had a recall.
What the Users Say
By researching user reviews and online discussions of Checkups Dental Dog Treats, we’ve found an almost ubiquitous appreciation for the ease of use and dental benefits these biscuits provide. Dogs love the appealing flavor and the hard texture, and since they require more chewing, the treats provide more effective cleaning than competing products.
Owners frequently brag about the look of their dog’s teeth, their fresh-smelling mouth, and the compliments they receive at the vet. Many even note that checkups have helped reduce the number of professional cleanings their dogs need.
Despite the appealing taste and effective teeth-cleaning texture, many consumers point out the relatively high price of Checkups compared to other dental chews. Some have also mentioned that their dogs suffered GI obstructions and distress from undigested pieces. Still, most owners find them highly digestible. First-time users should watch their dog’s eating habits to ensure they don’t swallow large pieces that might create a choking or digestion hazard.
Conclusion
Though they can be pricey and aren’t the healthiest snack for a dog, a daily Checkups Dental Dog Treat can make a substantial difference in the fight against periodontal disease. Alongside frequent brushing, these dental treats provide a hassle-free and tasty way to remove plaque and tartar, saving your pet from painful infections and helping to boost their long-term quality of life.
