Treats and chews
What ingredients are in dental chews?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most commercial dental chews combine a starch base, often wheat or potato, with added ingredients like glycerin for texture, natural flavoring, and sometimes specific compounds like sodium hexametaphosphate or added enzymes intended to reduce tartar buildup. Reading the full ingredient list matters for dogs with known sensitivities, since formulations vary meaningfully between brands.
The base structure most dental chews share
A starch base, commonly wheat, potato, or occasionally rice, gives the chew its shape and chewy texture, providing the substance needed for a dog to gnaw on for several minutes while the mechanical scraping action does most of the actual cleaning work.
Additives aimed specifically at dental benefit
Some products include specific active ingredients such as sodium hexametaphosphate, which helps bind calcium in saliva to reduce tartar formation, or added enzymes marketed as breaking down plaque, though the presence and concentration of these varies significantly between brands and price points.
Why checking the label still matters
Dogs with grain sensitivities may need a grain free formulation, typically substituting a different starch source like potato or pea, and any dog with a known food allergy should have every ingredient checked individually rather than assuming all dental chews follow the same basic recipe.
Key takeaways
- Most dental chews use a starch base like wheat or potato combined with glycerin and flavoring.
- Some include active ingredients like sodium hexametaphosphate specifically aimed at reducing tartar.
- Formulations vary meaningfully between brands, so check labels for known sensitivities.
- Grain free versions typically substitute potato or pea starch for wheat.