Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Greenies Good for Dogs? Vet-Approved Nutrition Guide

Share

Greenies bites out of package

Dental disease is one of the most common canine health problems. Dental problems can be painful and make it difficult for dogs to eat. Severe periodontal disease can make dogs more vulnerable to tooth root abscesses and organ disease. That’s why veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at home, maintaining regular dental cleanings, and using products like dental chews to keep their teeth in top shape.

Greenies Dental Treats keep dogs’ teeth strong and healthy by reducing the amount of tartar and plaque buildup. They’re also designed to keep their breath nice and fresh. Greenies carry the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statements of nutritional adequacy, and they have been accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Greenies are tasty treats that are safe for most healthy dogs when used correctly according to a few guidelines.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-01-TEST

Why Can Dogs Eat Greenies?

Greenies Dental Treats are formulated to meet the AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines. The VOHC has reviewed and accepted Greenies, indicating they meet the organization’s standards for removing plaque and tartar.

Benefits of Feeding Greenies to Dogs

Dental disease can be painful and negatively impact dogs’ overall health. However, dental disease can be prevented with at-home dental care and regular professional teeth cleanings. While regular tooth brushing is an absolute must, dental chews, and treats can also play a role in keeping dogs’ teeth healthy.

Greenies are designed to remove plaque and tartar, which may help prevent the development of gingivitis or gum inflammation. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss, and it can increase dogs’ risk of developing various medical conditions.

Greenies are available in multiple sizes to make them easy for different breeds to consume safely. They come in several flavors, and there are weight management formulas for hefty dogs. The company also makes grain-free treats and special formulas for older dogs.

Keep in mind that dogs should enjoy all treats, even ones with dental benefits, in moderation to ensure they don’t gain too much weight. One appropriately sized Greenie per day is recommended, as is monitoring your dog while eating it to make sure they chew and swallow it correctly. This will help minimize the risks of choking and gastrointestinal problems.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-01-TEST

Are There Other Ways to Support Dogs’ Dental Health?

Pet parents can keep their canine companions’ teeth in top shape by regularly brushing their teeth, using dental-health-supporting products, and ensuring they get professional dental cleanings.

Tooth Brushing

Brushing your dog’s teeth at home is vital to keeping them healthy. While every day is best, two or three times a week also works. Using toothpaste developed explicitly for dogs is best since human brands contain chemicals that aren’t good for pets, like xylitol.

Canine toothpaste has the added benefit of coming in various flavors, such as chicken, that many dogs like. Some dogs even look forward to tooth brushing sessions when tasty toothpaste is involved.

Powders and Water Additives

Dental powders and water additives can also help by preventing plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Dental powders are convenient and only need to be sprinkled on your dog’s food to be effective.

Water additives are added to your dog’s drinking water and help eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath and tartar.

Prescription Dental Diets

Prescription diets can be useful for dogs with dental problems. They’re designed to clean dogs’ teeth as they chew. They’re effective but only available with a veterinarian’s prescription.

Dental Cleanings

Tartar and plaque can develop on your dogs’ teeth even with the best at-home dental care. Therefore, some dogs require regular professional dental cleanings in addition to all the brushing and treats they get at home.

Veterinarians usually examine their teeth during regular wellness checkups to see if enough plaque and tartar are present to warrant a dental cleaning under anesthesia. The frequency of dental cleanings varies; some dogs require yearly attention, and others can wait longer. The factors that affect the length of time between cleaning include how dogs’ teeth are regularly cared for and their breed.

Tiny dogs often have more problems with periodontal disease than larger pets. Brachycephalic dogs such as Pugs and Boston Terriers are also prone to plaque and tartar buildup since they often have crowded teeth that trap food and make it easy for dental disease to get started.

dogster face divider

Conclusion

Greenies Dental Treats are designed to keep dogs’ teeth clean and freshen their breath. They’re VOHC-accepted, so they’re healthy and effective in helping prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum inflammation and the development of periodontal disease.

Greenies Dental Treats can play an essential role in dental health maintenance, along with regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings under anesthesia.

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: My Best Trick (April 16, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

From Grief to Gratitude: How One “Potato” and a Road Trip Changed Everything

The “COVID Puppy” phenomenon is a well-known chapter of the pandemic, but for Alexis Walling, the arrival of a tiny, wrinkled English Bulldog...

Why Dogs Play Too Rough — And the Simple Fixes That Prevent It From Becoming a Problem

A dog that plays too rough with others is a problem that builds fast. One minute, the dogs are running and chasing, the...

Ricky Gervais Says: It’s Time to Release The Dogs

As activists prepare to carry out the biggest Open Rescue in the history of animal welfare, Ricky Gervais says, “it’s time to release...

More related

How to Give a Dog a Treat: Vet Approved Tips, Do’s & Don’ts

Some of us habitually toss table scraps on the floor for the dog to enjoy. While there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with this, training...

How Long Does a Bull Terrier Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care

Bull Terriers were bred for pit fighting. These dogs are rough and ready to rumble. However, they also have a sweet, tender side....

Pet Telehealth: How Does It Work? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Many aspects of living with dogs have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused many people to become familiar with using...

How to Bond With Your Dog: 9 Ways to Strengthen Your Connection

Dogs are man’s best friend for good reason. After all, they bring us joy, laughter, and comfort, and owning a dog has many...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Eggplant? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Although your dog may want to eat just about everything in your house, there are a lot of foods that must be kept out of their reach for their own safety. Food products such as chocolate and avocado or anything...

Can Dogs Eat Eggplant

8 Best Dog Foods for Boston Terriers in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Boston Terriers are affectionate and loving dogs that make wonderful family pets. Their tuxedo black-and-white markings have given them the nickname the “American Gentleman.” If you own one of these dogs, you know how amazing they are and you want...

boston terrier dog eating from white bowl

Can Dogs Eat Hay? Vet Approved Facts & Advice

Hay is used as animal feed. However, that doesn’t make it a good choice for your dog. Many dogs will naturally eat a small amount of grass for differing reasons. Therefore, it isn’t odd for them to try a bite...

Can Dogs Eat_hay

10 Best Dry Dog Foods for Senior Dogs in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

Owning a senior dog can be a bittersweet time in your life. While you have all these wonderful memories together and a close bond, you also have to watch their health and mobility decline. Keeping our dogs around for as...

german shepherd dog lying near food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

If you enjoy the sweet, tart taste of citrus fruits like tangerines, you might be tempted to share the delicious goodness with your dog. Fortunately, most dogs can safely eat parts of tangerines in small quantities. In this article, we’ll...

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines

10 Best Dog Foods for St. Bernards in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Finding the right dog food is essential and can also be frustrating. You have to work through reviews and clever marketing strategies to determine what’s best for your dog based on its age, activity level, breed, and size. Chances are...

Saint Bernard sitting in meadow

How to Cook Eggs for Dogs: 3 Vet-Approved Recipes & Facts

Eggs are a nutritious (and tasty) part of most people’s breakfasts, so you might wonder if they can be a part of your dog’s diet too. The answer is yes, they can! However, you need to purchase pasteurized in-shell eggs...

hard boiled eggs

8 Best Dog Foods for Maltese in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Maltese are affectionate, curious, and fearful companions. As one of the oldest breeds in the world, this toy dog is relatively easy to care for. They’re people-pleasers at heart, but they’re also spunky little pups that aren’t afraid of a...

little dog maltese eating food from a bowl at home

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter