Zuke's Z-bones Dental Chews

[Rich, Sandy and Ollie]

I'm just wondering if these really work to clean a dog's teeth.  I bought some of the regular size for Sandy (she's 53 lbs) and she loves them so much that she eats them in less than 5 minutes, so I'm not sure how much benefit they really are.  She also has an elk antler, but I do worry about her breaking a tooth on it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think all of the dental chews do some good, but will not replace regular brushing or thoroughly clean the teeth. Zuke's is a very good brand. With dental chews, it's not the length of time that the dog chews them that supposed provides the benefits, it's the shape of the chew and the texture.

We've have a lot of discussion here about antlers, and I don't think I've ever heard of a dog breaking a tooth on one. Some are softer than others, though; if you're concerned, you might try the split antlers which have more of the softer marrow surface exposed.

[Rich, Sandy and Ollie]

Thanks for the reply.  I haven't heard definitively of a dog breaking a tooth on an antler either, but in searching the threads here there appear to be vets who do not recommend them for this very reason.  Sandy already only gets the split antlers and isn't really a power chewer so hopefully she'll be okay.

It's good to hear that it's not the length of time that a dog works on a dental chew that provides the benefit!  Since the Zuke's are grain-free, nutritious and Sandy's current favorite I guess it can't hurt to keep giving them to her even if they're gone in minutes.

[Stella]

Hartley is a power chewer and has chipped several teeth on antlers. So, we had to stop giving them to him. He can't have real bones either for the same reason!!

[Mindy]

I use these with my paddy, he's a small medium Australian labradoodle, at 4.5 yrs old he stays at 31/32 lbs...he eats the regular size and it takes him about 10minutes or so to eat...he gets a couple of them a week....with regular brushing, I believe they help, however nothing seems to replace momma and the toothbrush. He LOVES them, and Paddy is a grain free dog, who eats wellness core, and we find ZUKES grain free treats to be just great. I find the z bones very good, especially the carrot!

[Chelsie]

My Goldendoodle, Sam, and Chorkie, Eli, both love them! Eli is 15 lbs and a powerful chewer, and Sam is 50 lbs. They both get the regular size and takes them about 15 mins to eat them. Their favorite is the apple crisp...the cherry turns their poo redish and scared me the fist time I saw it, but then I rememerd they got a cherry z bar! They both love their split antlers too, they don't touch the whole antler I got them!