Anyone know about Greenies, Aquadent or Veggiedent?

[Tina J.]

I'm looking for something to help keep Boo's teeth clean.  She's not very fond of brushing.  Greenies and Veggiedent are edible treats and Aquadent is something  you add to the drinking water...

Anyone use these or know about them?

Thanks,

Tina J.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I have the same problem with my chihuahua - even if he gets a good dental chew, however, he doesn't get it far back enough in his mouth so that it actually cleans it. My doodle loves antlers and puts them all the way back to her molars - her teeth are so far staying very clean (but she is a huge chewer/gnawer!).
I wouldn't use greenies - there are reports of pieces breaking off and hurting dog's digestion systems. I haven't heard of Veggiedent. Zukes z-ridge dental chews are a great product. Both of my dogs flip for them:
http://www.zukes.com/woof/z-ridge.html

[Tina J.]

Cool, Zuke's are made in Durango, Colorado. I went to college in Durango. What flavor do your pups like? I wonder if the cranberry would stain carpet?

[Amanda and Quinn]

I'd never heard of these before! Just ordered one in the cranberry flavor from Amazon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't like the idea of putting all these chemicals in a dog's drinking water:
Aquadent Ingredients:
Purified water, Glycerine, Xylitol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium sorbate, Emilgase (enzyme), Zinc gluconate, Sodium benzoate, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and Chlorhexidine gluconate.

I've done an analysis of the other CET product ingredients, too, and I wouldn't give any of them to my dog.
VeggieDent was recalled less than a year ago in Australia and there is some thought that it contributes to kidney disease:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7468-Pet-Health-Examiner~y2009m6...

Most dogs are not fond of getting their teeth brushed; also of getting their nails trimmed, taking medicine, having their coats brushed out, etc. Too bad. It has to be done, and they get used to it. The finger applicators are easier to use than the brushes and seem to bother some dogs less.
If you dog likes chewing on antlers, marrow bones, or any other kind of hard chew object, that helps a lot to keep their teeth clean and prevent tartar buildup. I'd stay away from the chemicals, artificial colorings, etc. as much as possible.

[Tina J.]

I KNEW you would be an excellent source of information! Thanks again!

Tina J.

[Tammy & Gracie]

All of my dogs tend to throw up after having greenies, and it quite upleasantly green! I give raw beef marrow bones a couple of times a week and this keeps their teeth very clean. I have no experience with the water additives.

[Tina J.]

Thanks to everyone. I think I'm going to buy a fingertip toothbrush, find some quality doggy toothpaste and maybe some Zuke's in cranberry.

You guys are awesome and I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Tina J.