Treats and chews
Can dental chews cause an upset stomach?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes, some dogs react to the starch base or specific additives in dental chews with loose stools or mild gas, particularly when trying a new brand for the first time or if a dog eats a dental chew too quickly instead of gnawing it slowly. Switching brands or reducing frequency usually resolves this without needing to eliminate dental chews entirely.
Common triggers for a reaction
A starch base unfamiliar to a dog's usual diet, or eating a dental chew in large bitten off pieces rather than gnawing steadily over several minutes, are the two most common reasons a dog develops loose stools or mild gas shortly after a dental chew, usually within 6 to 12 hours.
Distinguishing a mild reaction from something more concerning
A single episode of softer stool that resolves within a day is a mild, fairly common reaction, while repeated vomiting, ongoing diarrhea beyond 24 to 48 hours, or visible discomfort points toward either a genuine intolerance to a specific ingredient or a piece that was swallowed rather than chewed.
What to try if reactions continue
Switching to a different brand with a different starch base, reducing frequency from daily to every second or third day, or supervising more closely to ensure the chew is being gnawed rather than swallowed in large pieces often resolves ongoing mild reactions without needing to stop dental chews altogether.
Key takeaways
- An unfamiliar starch base or eating too quickly are common causes of mild digestive upset from dental chews.
- A single episode of softer stool resolving within a day is a fairly common, mild reaction.
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea beyond 24 to 48 hours needs veterinary evaluation.
- Switching brands or reducing frequency often resolves ongoing mild reactions.