Are Greenies Good for Dogs?
Key Takeaways
- Greenies are dental chews made to reduce plaque and freshen breath.
- Most dogs can eat Greenies safely, but size and health conditions matter.
- Some dogs might face issues like allergies or choking if not supervised.
- Vet approval is important before adding Greenies to your dog’s daily routine.
What Are Greenies?
Greenies are edible dental treats made for dogs. You’ve probably seen them in pet stores—green, toothbrush-shaped chews that claim to clean your dog’s teeth while freshening their breath. But they’re not just any dog treat.
Greenies were created by the Nutro Company and are now made by Mars Petcare. They’re designed to be both tasty and functional, with a chewy texture that scrapes plaque off your dog’s teeth while they chew. You’ll find versions for puppies, seniors, and dogs with weight concerns.
What’s inside Greenies?
Here’s a quick look at the usual ingredients:
- Wheat flour
- Glycerin
- Gelatin
- Natural poultry flavor
- Minerals (like calcium carbonate)
- Vitamins (like B12, E, D3)
These ingredients are meant to be digestible and provide dental benefits. There’s also a focus on texture—the chew is soft enough to not crack teeth, but firm enough to clean them.
Do Greenies Really Work?
Yes, in most cases, they do help. The key here is mechanical action. When your dog chews a Greenie, the shape and texture help scrub their teeth. Think of it like brushing, but with chewing.
Greenies are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which means they’ve passed certain tests for reducing plaque and tartar. According to the VOHC, dogs that chew approved dental chews regularly show a clear drop in buildup on their teeth.
So, if you’re not brushing your dog’s teeth daily (which most people don’t), a Greenie can fill in some of that gap. It’s not a complete substitute, but it’s a solid helper.
Are Greenies Safe for All Dogs?
They’re generally safe for most dogs, but that doesn’t mean every dog should have them.
Here’s where you need to be careful:
- Size: A small dog eating a large Greenie could choke. A big dog might swallow a small one whole. Always match the chew to your dog’s size.
- Chewing habits: If your dog gulps food instead of chewing properly, Greenies could pose a risk.
- Digestive problems: Some dogs don’t handle wheat or protein-heavy treats well.
Greenies are made to be digestible. They’re not as hard as rawhide or bones, which is a plus. But if your dog has a history of GI issues or has had surgery (like intestinal blockage), it’s safer to skip them or talk to your vet first.
Potential Benefits of Giving Greenies
Here’s why many dog owners like me choose Greenies:
- Cleaner teeth: Regular chewing reduces plaque and tartar buildup.
- Better breath: That signature Greenie smell might not be amazing, but it helps with dog breath.
- A healthier treat: Compared to fatty table scraps or calorie-dense biscuits, Greenies offer some added function.
They also come in low-calorie versions, senior dog formulas, and puppy options—so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all solution.
Possible Side Effects or Concerns
While Greenies are made to be safe, there are a few things to look out for:
- Choking: If your dog doesn’t chew it fully and swallows it whole, it can get stuck in their throat or intestines.
- Allergies: Dogs with wheat or protein allergies may react to some ingredients.
- Calories: One Greenie has about 90–140 calories, depending on size. For a small dog, that’s a lot. Too many Greenies could lead to weight gain.
So while one a day might be okay, giving them as treats multiple times a day isn’t ideal.
What Do Vets Say About Greenies?
Most vets support using Greenies as part of a dental routine—especially when brushing isn’t realistic. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, daily chewing with approved treats like Greenies helps prevent dental disease.
Still, some vets warn against them for dogs with a history of swallowing things whole or with digestive issues.
A vet I spoke with once said:
“Greenies can work well, but owners need to give them responsibly. Choose the right size and supervise chewing. And don’t skip brushing just because you give a treat.”
So yeah, it’s about balance.
Are Greenies Okay for Puppies or Senior Dogs?
Yes, but only the right versions. For puppies, there’s a Greenies Puppy formula made for dogs 6 months and older. It’s softer and easier on baby teeth.
Senior dogs can also eat Greenies. There’s a Greenies Aging Care version with softer texture and added vitamins for older pups who might struggle with harder treats.
If your dog is under 6 months or has dental disease, check with your vet before giving any chew.
Greenies vs. Other Dog Dental Chews
There are a lot of dental treats out there. Some cheaper, some more natural. Here’s how Greenies compare:
Comparison Table
| Brand | Price per Chew | Vet Approved | Digestible | Sizes Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies | $1.20 | Yes | Yes | XS to Large |
| Dentastix | $0.60 | No | Partial | XS to Large |
| Whimzees | $1.00 | Yes | Yes | XS to XL |
| Blue Dental Bones | $0.95 | Yes | Yes | S to L |
| Milk-Bone Brushing | $0.75 | Yes | Yes | S to L |
Greenies are more expensive, but they also have a VOHC seal and more vet backing.
How to Safely Give Greenies to Your Dog
Here’s how I do it, and how vets recommend giving them:
How-To Steps
- Weigh your dog to confirm the right size chew.
- Choose the Greenie that matches their weight.
- Give only one chew a day—after meals is ideal.
- Stay nearby while they chew. Watch that they don’t gulp.
- Store leftover Greenies in a sealed bag or airtight jar.
I’ve found that morning time works best—my dog is hungry, focused, and less likely to rush through chewing.
How to Tell if Greenies Are Working
So you’ve been giving Greenies for a few weeks. How do you know they’re actually doing something?
Here’s what to watch for:
- Less yellowing on teeth: Plaque buildup should go down.
- Better smelling breath: It’s not minty fresh, but noticeably improved.
- Healthier gums: Less redness or swelling.
You can also ask your vet to check at your dog’s next visit and compare dental condition over time.
When You Should Avoid Giving Greenies
They’re not for every dog. If your dog falls into one of these categories, talk to a vet first:
- History of swallowing treats whole
- Sensitive stomach or grain allergies
- Severe dental disease or oral surgery
- Under 6 months old
Some dogs are just too aggressive with chewing and might not handle Greenies well. In those cases, a softer dental rinse or vet-supervised cleaning might be better.
Are Greenies Worth the Cost?
That depends on how you look at it.
A 12-pack of regular Greenies costs around $15–$20, or about $1.25 each. That might seem like a lot for a treat. But compare it to:
- Dental cleaning under anesthesia: $300–$800
- Tooth extractions: $100+ per tooth
So, if a Greenie a day can help push that cleaning off a few years, it might actually save money.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Greenies are a popular choice for a reason. They help reduce plaque, fight bad breath, and give dogs something enjoyable to chew. For most dogs, they’re safe when used the right way.
But like any treat, they aren’t magic. You still need to keep an eye on your dog’s dental health, watch for side effects, and use the right formula for your dog’s size and age.
Next steps:
- Check your dog’s weight and age.
- Choose the correct Greenie size and formula.
- Talk to your vet if your dog has health issues or allergies.
- Make Greenies a small part of a bigger dental care routine.
