Dog dental chews cost about $4.19 to $17.99 a bag at Target, from Purina DentaLife ($4.19) to Greenies ($17.99 for 12 oz). Pick one with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which lists Greenies, OraVet, Purina DentaLife, Pedigree Dentastix Advanced, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, Whimzees and Blue Buffalo Dental Chews among others. Vets still call daily tooth brushing the most effective home care, and say to avoid antlers, hooves and bones.
- $4.19 to $5.29Purina DentaLife (VOHC)
- $13.49 to $15.29Milk-Bone Brushing Chews (VOHC)
- $4.29 to $29.99Pedigree Dentastix
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Picks by need
Every pick below appears on the VOHC accepted-products list for dogs, which we checked on October 30, 2026, with Target prices from the same day. VOHC accepts products that meet its standards for slowing plaque or tartar. We did not test any chew. Each button opens an Amazon search.
- Lowest cost, VOHC seal
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care[4][5]
$4.19 to $5.29 a bag at Target [5]
Shop on Amazon - Plaque and tartar claim
Greenies Dental Chews[4][5]
$9.99 to $17.99 at Target [5]
- VOHC accepted for plaque and tartar, five sizes from teenie to large [4]
- Puppy, aging care, weight management and grain-free versions also hold the seal [4]
- Big bags for big dogs
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews[4][5]
$13.49 to $15.29 at Target [5]
Shop on Amazon - Vet clinic brand
OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews[4]
- VOHC accepted for tartar since 2016 [4]
- Plant-based option
Whimzees or C.E.T. VeggieDent[4]
- Whimzees Toothbrush and Brushzees, and C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH, Zen and Flex chews are VOHC accepted for plaque and tartar [4]
Prices at a glance
- Purina DentaLife (VOHC)$4.19 to $5.29
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews (VOHC)$13.49 to $15.29
- Pedigree Dentastix$4.29 to $29.99
- Greenies (VOHC)$9.99 to $17.99
- Blue Buffalo Dental Chews (VOHC)$17.99
Price table
| Item | Low | High | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purina DentaLife (VOHC)[5][4] | $4.19 | $5.29 | 6.8 oz to 7.8 oz bags | |
| Milk-Bone Brushing Chews (VOHC)[5][4] | $13.49 | $15.29 | 18 to 48 chews | |
| Pedigree Dentastix[5] | $4.29 | $29.99 | Small to large dog packs | |
| Greenies (VOHC)[5][4] | $9.99 | $17.99 | 4 large to 43 teenie chews | |
| Blue Buffalo Dental Chews (VOHC)[5][4] | $17.99 | Medium, 11.5 oz |
Prices are typical ranges from the maker and retailer pages listed below on the date shown. Prices change often; check the seller before you buy. How we get these prices
What the VOHC seal means
The Veterinary Oral Health Council lists products that have earned its Seal of Acceptance, each with its claim: plaque, tartar, or both.[4] The AKC says VOHC-seal products can help reduce the severity of periodontal (gum) disease.[1] Cornell and the University of Wisconsin veterinary school both point owners to the VOHC list when choosing chews.[2][3]
VOHC-accepted dog chews
| Chew | VOHC claim | Price at Target |
|---|---|---|
| Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care | Tartar[4] | $4.19 to $5.29[5] |
| Milk-Bone Brushing Chews | Tartar[4] | $13.49 to $15.29[5] |
| Canine Greenies | Plaque, tartar[4] | $9.99 to $17.99[5] |
| Blue Buffalo Dental Chews | Tartar[4] | $17.99[5] |
| Pedigree Dentastix Advanced | Plaque, tartar[4] | Varies |
| OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews | Tartar[4] | Varies |
| Whimzees Toothbrush and Brushzees | Plaque, tartar[4] | Varies |
| C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH, Zen, Flex | Plaque, tartar[4] | Varies |
Check the exact product: some lines have only certain versions on the list, such as Dentastix Advanced and Dentastix Original Large.[4]
Chews to avoid
Cornell says fractured teeth commonly come from chewing very hard objects, even chew toys, and to avoid antlers, hooves and bones, which can break a tooth or splinter.[2] The AKC cites the AAHA 2019 dental guidelines to avoid hard treats such as antlers and natural or synthetic bones.[1] The University of Wisconsin never recommends bones, antlers or bully sticks as chews.[3]
The fingernail test: veterinary dentists say you should be able to dent a safe chew with your fingernail.[2] Rawhides need supervision.[2]
Chews plus brushing
The AVMA, quoted by the AKC, says brushing is the single most effective thing owners can do to keep teeth healthy between dental cleanings.[1] The University of Wisconsin says dogs accept brushing when it is painless and followed by a reward.[3] Chews help most for dogs that resist a toothbrush.[1]
When to see a vet
See your vet if a tooth looks broken; Cornell explains that fractured teeth carry risks and need a vet’s assessment.[2] Ask about a professional dental cleaning at the yearly exam, since the AVMA frames home care as what you do between cleanings.[1] See dog teeth cleaning cost for prices and a vet visit for exam costs.
Frequently asked questions
Do vets recommend dental chews for dogs?
Vets recommend chews with the VOHC seal. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center points owners to the VOHC list, and the University of Wisconsin veterinary school says to look for the VOHC seal. Both still treat chews as a help, not a replacement for brushing.
Do any dog dental chews actually work?
Products on the VOHC accepted list have met its standards for reducing plaque, tartar or both, and the AKC says VOHC-seal products can help reduce the severity of gum disease. The AVMA, quoted by the AKC, says brushing is still the single most effective thing owners can do between cleanings.
What keeps tartar off a dog's teeth?
Daily brushing works best, per the AVMA. Dental chews and treats with the VOHC tartar claim, such as Greenies, DentaLife, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews and OraVet, add to it. Your vet can remove existing tartar with a professional cleaning.
Which dog chews are not safe for teeth?
Cornell says to avoid antlers, hooves and bones, which can break teeth or splinter, and the AKC cites AAHA guidelines to avoid hard treats such as antlers and synthetic or natural bones. Cornell's fingernail test: you should be able to dent a safe chew with your fingernail.
Greenies vs Dentastix: which is better?
Both brands have products on the VOHC list. Canine Greenies are accepted for plaque and tartar; Pedigree Dentastix Advanced is accepted for plaque and tartar, and Dentastix Original Large is accepted for tartar. At Target, Greenies run $9.99 to $17.99 and Dentastix $4.29 to $29.99.
Related
Sources
- 1 American Kennel Club. How to Find Safe and Effective Dog Dental Treats. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
- 2 Cornell University, Riney Canine Health Center. Risks of a fractured tooth. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
- 3 University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Protect Your Pet's Teeth: Top Tips from a Veterinary Dentist. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
- 4 Veterinary Oral Health Council. VOHC Accepted Products (dogs). Accessed Oct 30, 2026.
- 5 Target. Dog dental chews: search results and prices. Accessed Oct 30, 2026.