I am trying to find a healthy treat for my dogs to help with their teeth and gums. I do use CET toothpaste for them but once a week they get a Greenie as a special treat and I was told by several sheltie owners they are dangerous. Can anyone suggest other types of treats? Thank you.
Greenies
- Thread starter Colleen
- Start date
I've had good luck with the X shaped ones -- not nec. the Pedigree brand but I found a more natural limited ingredient brand at Petsmart. If it works for my shepherd who readily gets "grumbly tummy", the sheltie is fine with it too.
For pure teeth cleaning, I have had really really good results with the Merrick bones. I just got a multipack of the large ones without the knuckles and the sheltie (she's kind of a bigger girl) does fine with it. Has done amazing for the shepherd's teeth which were baaaaddd and are now nearly spotless with great gums. I don't leave the bones out, they have designated chew times where I can sit and observe about once a week.
For pure teeth cleaning, I have had really really good results with the Merrick bones. I just got a multipack of the large ones without the knuckles and the sheltie (she's kind of a bigger girl) does fine with it. Has done amazing for the shepherd's teeth which were baaaaddd and are now nearly spotless with great gums. I don't leave the bones out, they have designated chew times where I can sit and observe about once a week.
I have given all my shelties greenies with no problems whatsoever. How are they supposed to be dangerous?
Found this - but with over 600 million sold, it seems that if you buy the correct size for your dog you shouldnot have any problems.
http://www.1800petmeds.com/news/pet-supplies/are-greenies-dental-chews-safe-for-my-dog/
Found this - but with over 600 million sold, it seems that if you buy the correct size for your dog you shouldnot have any problems.
http://www.1800petmeds.com/news/pet-supplies/are-greenies-dental-chews-safe-for-my-dog/
Last edited:
Caro
Moderator
Your best bet for teeth is just a normal meaty bone. The have to use their teeth to get the meat off the bone and that helps with the plaque.
My problem with dental chews is they are full of sugar and usually very high in calories. I know they are designed to be abrasive when they chew but it always seemed counter-intuitive to put sugar in a dental product.
My problem with dental chews is they are full of sugar and usually very high in calories. I know they are designed to be abrasive when they chew but it always seemed counter-intuitive to put sugar in a dental product.
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
I think there was an issue a few years ago where Greenies were black-balled. I can't remember why exactly. But as far as I'm concerned, they are fine.
You can find healtier chews though. Blue Buffaloe has just release a line of dental chews. I also like Whimzees or Paragon . More natural ingredients.
And of course, bull pizzles, antlers....the split antlers are a hit right now because the marrow is open which really encourages them to chew.
Any treat that will get your dog to grind and chew is what you are looking for
You can find healtier chews though. Blue Buffaloe has just release a line of dental chews. I also like Whimzees or Paragon . More natural ingredients.
And of course, bull pizzles, antlers....the split antlers are a hit right now because the marrow is open which really encourages them to chew.
Any treat that will get your dog to grind and chew is what you are looking for
If memory serves, the brand was bought by another company, and they were reformulated to a safer formula. (I think the originals were cellulose based, and that was changed to a gelatin base.) Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and make sure that drinking water is available.
Greenies were part of my (adult) boy's vet-recommended dental program. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I gave him a Greenie. He absolutely loved them, and never had any problems.
Also, as daily treats, I gave my boy a few nuggets of Hill's Prescription t/d Canine Dental Health dry dog food. I used the standard-large nuggets, but it is also available in small-bite size. You can get this dog food from your vet.
Anyway, discuss the issue with your vet, to see what he/she has to say.
I use greenies with no issues. I also use Blue Buffalo's ziggies, also with no issues. I don't give Greenies on a regular basis though. Maybe one every two weeks. Sometimes once a week but usually not. It really helps with Honey who has stinky breathe bad. I also use a cloth dental cleaner to clean them, but she's not a fan of it so I just do it a little.
Ruutu gets the ziggies. He loves them and it keeps him busy with his Kong ball.
Ruutu gets the ziggies. He loves them and it keeps him busy with his Kong ball.
Sharon7
Moderator
I stopped with the Greenies years ago when my vet told me that had caused intestinal blockages and he didn't recommend them. They may be different now. Also, because they weren't well digested and came out intact in their poop, I caught Ally trying to eat it back again, which grossed me out completely.
What are ziggles? Our girls just get bully sticks and we brush their teeth. But I'd love to find more safe chews for them.
What are ziggles? Our girls just get bully sticks and we brush their teeth. But I'd love to find more safe chews for them.
I have had wonderful results with ClenzADent, (or it might be spelled CleanzADent) a seaweed extract that I sprinkle on the dogs' food once a day.
My second vet, which is not the one who started me on the product, noticed that it was working on their teeth and asked if I was brushing more (nope!).
I stay with natural chews - Greenies were not digested by my dogs and came out looking much like when they went in!
My second vet, which is not the one who started me on the product, noticed that it was working on their teeth and asked if I was brushing more (nope!).
I stay with natural chews - Greenies were not digested by my dogs and came out looking much like when they went in!
Ziggies are made through Kong, they're made to fit inside a Kong ball. http://www.kongcompany.com/products/for-dogs/treats/stuffn/stuffn-puppy-ziggies/
They freshen the breath and is fun for the pups.
The Blue Buffalo (sorry I mixed them up) dental bones look more like bones. http://bluebuffalo.com/blue-bones I haven't tried them but they look a lot healthier than most dental bones. Might have to switch over to these. I just like the ziggies because it's harder for Ruu to get out and keeps him busy longer than just chewing something.