Greenies are a popular dental chew treat for dogs, designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and control tartar and plaque buildup. The Original Regular flavor contains natural ingredients and is the most classic version of the Greenies dental treats. But are Greenies worth buying for your dog? Do they really help clean teeth? In this article we talk about Greenies Original Regular Natural Dog Dental Care Pros, Cons & reviews.
Pros of Greenies Original Regular Dental Chews
Effective Tartar & Plaque Control
The main benefit Greenies tout is their ability to control tartar and plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. The unique shape and texture help scrape away and reduce tartar and plaque as your dog chews, acting like a toothbrush. The crunchy texture and sodium tripolyphosphate ingredient specifically help break down tartar while chewing.
Veterinarian Recommended
Greenies are veterinarian recommended and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for their ability to control tartar. VOHC tests and reviews dental treats like Greenies for their clinical effectiveness, so veterinarian acceptance indicates the treats do provide tangible dental health benefits.
Long-Lasting Chew Experience
The chewy, crunchy texture is designed to provide a long-lasting, enjoyable chewing experience for dogs. They are made to flex as your dog chews, helping clean teeth and making the treats last longer than hard chews. Dogs seem to enjoy the texture and flavor as well.
Grain-Free, Gluten-Free Recipe
Greenies Original Regular dental chews are made grain-free and gluten-free, which is important for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. They skip fillers like wheat, corn, and soy, sticking to ingredients like peas, potatoes, and natural flavors.
Variety of Sizes For All Dogs
One of the challenges with dog treats is finding an appropriately sized option for your dog. Greenies come in a range of sizes perfectly suited for dogs from 5lb toy breeds up to 130lb giant breeds. No matter your dog’s size, there’s a Greenies dental chew sized just right.
Cons of Greenies Dog Dental Chews
Contains Artificial Flavors & Colors
While the base ingredients are natural, Greenies do contain artificial flavors, colors, and chemical preservatives like BHA. These synthetic ingredients allow the distinctive taste and appearance dogs love, but some pet owners prefer treats with only natural ingredients.
Can Upset Some Dogs’ Stomachs
There are some reports of Greenies causing stomach issues or diarrhea in sensitive dogs. Usually these issues are minor, but check with your vet if signs persist. It’s typically recommended to introduce them slowly and supervised to assess tolerance.
Higher Calorie Than Some Treats
The calorie density in Greenies tends to be higher than some other dental chews or treats. This is only a concern if your dog needs to watch their calorie intake for weight management. But they make a sensible daily treat for most average, healthy adult dogs.
Expensive Compared to Other Treats
Greenies dental chews also come with a higher price tag than basic biscuit treats. Users feel the dental health benefits are worth the higher cost, but expect to budget accordingly to work them into your dog’s routine.
Ingredient & Nutrition Analysis of Greenies Dog Treats
The main beneficial ingredients in Greenies are:
– Wheat Starch and Glycerin: Provide structure and the chewy/crunchy texture
– Sodium Tripolyphosphate: Helps break down tartar
– Dicalcium phosphate: Strengthens teeth
– Pea Protein: Lean supplemental protein
– Natural Flavors & Colors: Appeal to dogs
The primary concerning ingredients are:
– Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2): Controversial synthetic dyes
– BHA preservative: synthetic antioxidant linked to long term health issues by some studies
Macronutrient Breakdown Per Treat:
– Calories: 27
– Protein: 2g (6%)
– Fat: 1g (5%)
– Carbohydrates: 5g (89%)
The low protein and fat with high carbohydrate content make Greenies more of a supplemental treat than a nutritionally balanced food. But they provide dental benefits dogs love the taste of.
What Real Customers Say About Greenies Dog Treats
Thousands of happy Greenies customers report the treats providing noticeable improvements in their dog’s dental health, breath, and enjoyment chewing. Owners of finicky dogs also say even picky pups love the flavor and texture.
Some dogs do experience mild stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea, so introducing slowly is recommended. See your veterinarian if signs persist. Customers with sensitive dogs say the Gentle or Petite/Teeny sizes work better.
Negative reviews primarily cite the cost being higher than expected or frustration with dogs gulping rather than chewing the treats. But most agree the dental health benefits make Greenies a worthwhile routine purchase.
Conclusion
Overall, Greenies Original Regular natural dental chews offer an effective way to improve and maintain your dog’s oral health between professional cleanings. Their crunchy, flexible texture combined with beneficial ingredients provide a complete chewing experience that scrapes away plaque and tartar from teeth. They may cost more than basic biscuits, but most feel the dental benefits are worthwhile. Just introduce slowly to dogs with sensitive stomachs and be mindful of your individual dog’s calorie needs. Greenies present an easy way to improve your pup’s dental health with a treat they love. I sincerely hope you find this “Greenies Original Regular Natural Dog Dental Care Pros, Cons & reviews” article helpful.
