How Many Dentastix Can A Dog Have? [At A Time & Per Day]

Dentastix seem to be everywhere! Without doubt the most popular chew for dogs – sold in many retailers and pet stores worldwide. You can soon see why. They promise to clean your dogs teeth and freshen their breath; all while keeping your dog busy and entertained. But is there too much of a good thing? Do you need to limit how many of these chews your dog has? I spent some time researching to find out!

So, how many Dentastix can a dog have? Dogs can eat 1 appropriately sized Dentastix per day, in addition to their daily meals. However, puppies under the age of 4 months, or 2 kg in weight (4.4 lbs) should not be given these treats. It is important that fresh clean drinking water is always available.

When looking at purchasing Dentastix; you’ll soon notice that they are sold in different sizes.

They are designed for different sized dogs; with some being much larger for bigger breeds.

It is important that you purchase the right size of treat for your dog, to ensure that they can safely and properly chew and eat them.

Let us now take a closer look at the feeding recommendations of this particular chew, along with answering those others questions you will likely have.

So, if you want to offer these to your dog, be sure to keep on reading to know exactly how to do so safely!

How Often Should You Give Dentastix?

Dentastix were designed to be given to a dog daily, although you can give these less frequently if you so wish.

That being said, this treat generally provides better results to dogs whom consume them more frequently.

In fact, Pedigree (the manufacturer behind this particular product) even specify that feeding them daily has been scientifically proven to reduce the buildup of tartar by up to 80%.

Just consider, the benefits can be achieved through 1 Dentastix alone. There is no need to feed anymore than this.

While they are general low in fat and sugar, they do still contain calories.

For instance, one stick provides around 76 calories.

So you can imagine how providing two or more can quickly add up, and added to their other foods and treats, could provide a surplus of energy in your dogs diet.

Benefits Of Feeding Dentastix To Dogs

As the name suggests, the main purpose behind Dentastix is a dental one. They are specifically designed to clean a dogs teeth and promote healthy oral hygiene.

In order to achieve this, they have been shaped into an ‘x’, and through a combination of ingredients – are of a certain texture to help reduce the buildup of tartar and plaque.

Beyond this, Dentastix are high in protein and low in fat and sugar; giving a dog an optimal balance of nutrients that they should be obtaining through diet.

Here is the nutritional breakdown:

Name	% of Treat
Protein	8.5
Fat	1.8
Fiber	2.3
Moisture	13.5

The other main benefit of this particular treat, is that they come in a range of flavors that dogs enjoy. Perhaps the most notable being chicken and beef.

For this reason, dogs are more likely to consume them when given.

Lastly, and great news for us owners; they keep a dogs breath smelling fresh!

Are Dentastix Bad For Dogs?

Dentastix are healthy and most often suitable treats for most dogs. This is the case, so long as you purchase the right size for your dog, and feed them in moderation.

Remember these are treats after all; despite the benefits that they bring.

In other words, Dentastix are only really bad for dogs in excess.

Even then; there is nothing inherently toxic in the chews.

So, as long as you stick to the recommended serving sizes then there should not be any negative consequences experienced by your dog.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Too Many Dentastix?

If a dog eats too many Dentastix, then they are likely to experience similar symptoms to overeating; food bloat and a general lack of appetite.

In more extreme cases, an upset stomach and potentially diarrhea or vomiting may be observed.

Although, these extreme cases are only likely to be experienced by dogs whom have consumed a lot of Dentastix in a short amount of time.

We only have to look at other owners for this.

There are plenty of reports of dogs whom managed to get access to an entire box of Dentastix; quickly consuming them all before their owner even noticed.

Thankfully, in such instances, there are no reports of any immediate and major or long-term complications.

Dogs quickly returned to normal without the need for any additional support or measures.

That being said, this does not necessarily mean that this particular treat cannot be problematic.

One thing to take into account is how your dog eats, generally.

Some dogs do tend to eat quick, or even swallow their food before it has properly been broken down.

For these kind of dogs, their is definitely the possibility that a Dentastix piece swallowed too large could cause issues; such as digestive obstructions, or even blockage.

In such instances, you would need veterinary assistance. It would require swift attention.

If you were to notice any of the following symptoms soon after the consumption of several Dentastix, calling a vet comes strongly advised:

• Prolonged vomiting,
• An excessive bloated stomach,
• General lethargy and inability to move around,
• Constipation
• Lack of urination
• Pale or white gums

Vets will most commonly use X-Rays to confirm a blockage if suspected, but either way, will be able to rule out or propose a treatment option if identified.

In severe cases it would require surgery. But it should not come to that.

These kind of procedures are very rare.

For the most part, blockages are not common, and even in a dog who has eaten far more than they should have; will return back to their best in a few hours.

What Age Can Dogs Have Dentastix?

It is generally recommended that only dogs over the age of 4 months, or 2 kg in weight are given Dentastix.

This is because of the chewy nature and texture of this treat.

Before this age, puppies have not usually developed their full set of teeth.

Besides, this treat is intended for oral hygiene and care.

Thus, there is little benefit to a dog consuming this treat at this time.

Instead, specific soft puppy treats, like this Amazon best seller, is advised.

Finally

Dentastix are a great, versatile and healthy treat that dogs typically enjoy.

They do not cost too much, they are found in most stores and online retailers, and they tend to keep well too.

Besides, the benefits reach beyond just us as an owner.

Being low in fat, sugar and coming in a variety of enticing flavors; this is the kind of treat that works for your dog and not against them.

Cleaning a dogs teeth can be particularly challenging, so why not make the process that much easier by providing one of these chewy sticks once per day.

Just be sure to purchase the appropriate size for your breed.

And if they are still a puppy under the age of 4 months, do look for an alternative.