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We all know how important our own oral health is. Daily brushing, flossing, copious amounts of mouthwash and trips to the dentist in an attempt to keep our gnashers in perfect condition.
But what about our dogs? What can we do as dog parents to keep on top of our best friend’s dental health?
Dental disease is the number one health issue for dogs, affecting 80% of adult dogs. |
Dogs do so much with their teeth that they really need some special care. Starting to feel guilty that you don't brush your dog's teeth regularly?
Don't worry you're not alone. Research shows that only 2% of dog owners actually brush their dog's teeth on a regular basis. So could there be another way to help keep our dog's teeth clean?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHIMZEES DOG DENTAL STICK REVIEW
1. Buying Guide for Dog Dental Sticks
Whilst dental sticks can't replace brushing your dog's teeth, they are certainly better than ignoring your dog's dental health all together.
Designed to promote healthy teeth, the UK Dental Stick market offer a massive range of options including some very big household names such as Pedigree Dentastix.
However the list of ingredients in some of the more popular sticks makes for uncomfortable reading - sodium tripolyphosphate, derivatives of vegetable origin, meat and animal derivatives and cereals. If your dog suffers from allergies, this is a potential minefield.
We decided to put a more natural solution to the test - Whimzees dog dental sticks. They are not only natural, contain no artificial ingredients, flavours or additives, but they are made from only six primary ingredients so you know exactly what your dog is getting.
Could this be a solution to our doggy dental dilemma?
2. Whimzees Review : Basics
Whimzees are marketed as a quick and easy method of reducing plaque and tartar whilst helping to avoid bad doggy breath.
They are 100% vegetarian as they don't contain any ingredients of animal origin, plus they're grain free so perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. We should point out that they aren't gluten-free.
A total of 6 sizes are available to choose from ranging from extra small dog to large dog and two sizes suitable for puppies.
When offering a dental stick, it's important to choose the right size for the size of your dog. Your dog may be tempted to guzzle them down and they become a choking hazard.
Likewise if they're too big for your dog they could be consuming too many calories.
The Whimzees store page on Amazon, provides guidelines on which to choose for your dog or puppy.
We opted for a variety box suitable for medium sized dogs. Our box arrived filled with a selection of 28 dental sticks in three different shapes - mini toothbrush, alligator and the more traditionally shaped stix.
As well as being super cute, the shapes are uniquely designed to ensure proper blood flow through the gums and prevents bad breath and tartar buildup. Hollow spaces within each shape enable the teeth to easily grip and chew.
Importantly, Whimzees have received the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.
3. Whimzees Review : Tried & Tested
So what did Freddie think of his new dental sticks?
It's fair to say he loved them. At first he even tried to bury his new prized possession in his bed in order to safely stash it for later!
We offered them daily for a few weeks alongside his raw diet and it's fair to say that we definitely noticed an improvement in the plaque build up on his teeth.
However, the most noticeable difference is the effect on his breath which can be whiffy at times! He definitely smelt fresher.
Another thing to consider is how long the sticks last. According to the science, the longer the sticks last, the more your dog chews so the more plaque is removed.
Whimzees last a long time too, with each one taking nearly 10 minutes to devour. Some dental chews we've tried in the past seemed softer and haven't lasted anywhere near as long.
One concern about dental sticks generally, is the additional calorie content especially if they are offered daily. We were pleased that Whimzees are low in fat so there are no concerns about potential weight gain when offering their recommended one a day.
Finally let's talk packaging.
Whimzees are available in lots of different pack sizes. The best value for money are clearly the larger variety packs. As part of our testing we contacted the company regarding future packaging plans.
They confirmed that like many companies, they are moving to environmentally friendly packaging. Previously the larger variety pack was available in a resealable plastic carton the new style packaging is cardboard based.
We simply decanted to a resealable Tupperware container to keep them fresh.
Our Verdict
If you're looking for a good quality, natural dog dental stick which isn't full of extra calories, and with ingredients you can pronounce, Whimzees definitely fit the bill.
Admittedly they aren't the cheapest dental sticks on the market but they're a lot cheaper than the dog dentist !
You can even start early, as their newly expanded puppy range is formulated specifically for growing puppies aged 3-9 months. They have a softer texture for their more sensitive teeth and gums.
The complete range of Whimzees offers a choice of single shape or variety packs in various pack sizes.
Whimzees recommend giving your dog one stick a day for an effective cleaning routine.
The Rivals
Other Dental Chews
If you can't stretch to Whimzees then we would recommend taking a closer look at Pooch & Mutt, Forthglade, Soopa and Scrumbles, all leading brands offer great tasting dental chews packed with natural ingredients.
Or explore the insect-based dental sticks from innovative company Grub Club named Clean Teeth & Chill. If you haven't heard of Grub Club, they are one of the next generation dog food companies using insect protein as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional proteins like meat and fish.
Opting for an insect-based product for your dog is a great way to lower your carbon pawprint. Food, treats and dental sticks made with insect-protein are particularly suited to dogs with sensitive tummies and food allergies.
We review all these brands more in our side-by-side test and review - Best Dental Chews for Dogs 2024
Dog Toys
Another option we'd recommend is a dog toy that can help with dental hygiene. We'd recommend K9 Connectables as not only an amazing dog toy range but they now offer the 'Ultimate Dental Health Bundle'.
A great combination of fun, flavour, and oral hygiene with interactive cleaning toys that promote oral health.
If you're looking to start an oral health routine with your dog, we explore a range of other products ( including toothbrushes and toothpaste) for keeping your dog's teeth looking their best - Best Dog Plaque Removers |
Thanks for dropping by and reading our review of Whimzees Dog Dental Sticks
