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

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.

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

6 DIY Dog Hats You Can Make at Home (With Pictures)

Hats designed for dogs immediately add a boost of cuteness to your adorable pup. You can find all kinds of dog hats, and...

Morkie (Maltese & Yorkie Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

The Morkie is an increasingly popular mixed breed due to their attractive appearance, small size, and hypoallergenic coat, as they make a great...

Airedale Pitbull Mix: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

An Airedale Pitbull mix’s look is often unpredictable, but there are plenty of shared traits between their parent breeds that you can expect...

Can Dogs Eat Cupcakes? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

People love to eat all kinds of sweets, including cupcakes. Most dogs are also tempted by sweets, so if you have a furry...

More related

I’ve Never Brushed My Dog’s Teeth: 5 Excuses & Vet Approved Care Tips

We’ve all kind of just accepted that our dogs will eat the most revolting things and then give us kisses. But why? After...

Are Pine Needles Bad for Dogs? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

It’s the holidays, and you’ve just found your dog chewing on the live Christmas tree. Or maybe you found your pup gnawing at...

Why Is My Dog Restless at Night? 9 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

If you notice that your dog is restless in the middle of the night, it could be a sign that something is wrong....

Kai Ken Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

The Kai Ken is an intriguing Japanese dog breed with a medium-sized build and a “wolf-like” appearance. Originally bred to hunt game in...

Keep reading

10 Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery Services in the UK in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

We all want to give our dogs the best possible food packed with healthy and species-appropriate ingredients, all while offering a delicious taste that will get our pup’s taste buds tingling. A raw food diet is one way to provide...

bulldog eating fresh food

Can Dogs Eat Quinoa? Canine Diet & Health (Vet-Approved)

Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that has been a staple in many human diets for centuries, but has been elevated to prominence in recent years as a natural alternative to grains for health-conscious humans. It is also considered a healthy...

Can Dogs Eat_quinoa

13 Best Senior Dog Foods for Arthritis in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just because your dog is getting older doesn’t mean they need to act their age. Although arthritis can be difficult to combat, it is possible with the help of some nutrition-packed formulas designed especially for dogs that have passed their...

a senior dog laying in the grass in a backyard smiling at the camera

Can Dogs Eat Cashews? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

Cashews are a much-loved snack and have great health benefits. The delicious nuts can be eaten all on their own or added to various dishes for a nutty flavor. But what about dogs? Your dog may adore cashews and other...

Can Dogs Eat Cashews

When Can a Puppy Start Eating Puppy Food? Vet-Approved Recommendations

There’s nothing much cuter than a puppy, but with puppies come responsibilities. Knowing how to feed puppies and when to wean them off their mother’s milk is imperative. Plenty of puppy foods flood the pet food market today, but how...

Cocker Spaniel puppy eating

10 Best Puppy Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

It’s essential that you provide your puppy with food specifically made for its stage of life. By providing your puppy with puppy-specific food, it’s much more likely to grow healthily and happily. Of course, it’s critical to select puppy food...

jack russell terier puppy eating food from bowl

4 Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs (Based on Science)

Dogs are like humans. They are susceptible to various diseases that can cause joint pain and inflammation and can also benefit from this yellow spice. We have listed four benefits of turmeric for your dog, along with other information you...

Close-Up Shot of Turmeric Powder

8 Dog Smoothie Recipes Your Pup Can Enjoy Today

Dogs are omnivores that can enjoy many of the same fruits and vegetables that humans can eat. There are many potential benefits to feeding fruits and vegetables to dogs, as they’re refreshing snacks that are also packed with nutrients. Making...

Dog Smoothie Recipes Your Pup Can Enjoy Today