C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh Plaque and Tartar Control Chews for Dogs, Small

Why it's worth it

VeggieDent FR3SH is entirely meat-free but still carries a VOHC seal, so a dog with a chicken or beef allergy doesn't have to settle for an unproven chew. The Z-shape is built to reach front teeth, back teeth and everything between.

Allergy dogs usually get the compromise option. Not here. Most effective dental chews use chicken or beef to drive palatability, which leaves owners of protein-sensitive dogs choosing between a safe treat and a proven one. VeggieDent is fully plant-based and went through the same VOHC process as Greenies and OraVet. You're not trading efficacy for safety.

The Z-shape is a real engineering answer. A straight stick tends to get chewed in one spot. The Z-bend forces the chew to move around the mouth as your dog works it, so the surfaces reach front teeth, back molars and the awkward middle. One chew a day is the intended dose, and the shape is what makes that single chew cover enough ground.

From our review of 11 dog dental chews, by James Bennett, Associate Editor

What we like

• +Allergy dogs usually get the compromise option. Not here
• +The Z-shape is a real engineering answer
• +It handles breath at the source
• +There's a prebiotic in the formula

What to know

• –You may have to go looking for it
• –Some dogs want meat
• –This bag is for dogs 11 to 22 pounds