If you’ve ever caught a whiff of your dog’s “dragon breath” after a slobbery kiss, you already know why dental chews fly off Costco’s shelves faster than free samples on a Sunday afternoon. Kirkland’s in-house brand has quietly built a cult following among canine parents who want vet-level oral care without the vet-level invoice. In 2025, the formulas, shapes, and added functional ingredients have evolved again—so before you toss that 3-pound bag into an already-overflowing cart, it pays to understand what’s new, what’s marketing fluff, and what actually moves the needle on plaque, tartar, and gum inflammation.
Below, we’re sinking our teeth into the science, sourcing, and safety standards behind Costco’s dental dog treats. You’ll leave knowing how to decode labels, size chews correctly for power chewers versus dainty doodles, and why the term “VOHC-approved” should be your North Star whenever you shop the warehouse aisle.
Top 10 Costco Dental Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Kirkland Signature Dental Chews 72 Dog Treats
Overview: Kirkland Signature Dental Chews deliver budget-friendly oral care in a massive 72-count box. These grain-free, gluten-free treats skip preservatives while promising cleaner teeth and fresher breath for dogs of all sizes.
What Makes It Stand Out: The sheer quantity—72 chews—means you’re stocked for months, and the clean label (no grains, gluten, or preservatives) appeals to health-conscious owners. At under 85¢ per ounce, it’s one of the lowest per-chew prices on the market.
Value for Money: Excellent. Comparable brands cost 30-50% more per chew, and the bulk box eliminates frequent re-ordering. If you have multiple dogs or a heavy chewer, the math is unbeatable.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Huge count, clean ingredients, low cost, consistent availability at Costco.
Cons: No VOHC seal, limited flavor variety, chews can vary slightly in size between batches, and the resealable liner sometimes tears.
Bottom Line: For owners who want a simple, economical daily dental treat without fillers, Kirkland’s 72-pack is hard to beat. Just don’t expect specialized sizing or veterinary certification—this is value-first oral care.
2. Checkups Dental Dog Treats, 24 Treats – 48 oz.
Overview: Checkups Dental Dog Treats arrive in a convenient 24-count, 48-oz stand-up pouch. The pliable texture is designed to bend around teeth, scrubbing plaque while delivering omega-3s for skin and coat support.
What Makes It Stand Out: The softer, divisible design lets you break each chew in half for small mouths or calorie control, a feature rarely seen in dental treats. The resealable bag keeps the semi-moist sticks fresh for months.
Value for Money: Mid-range. At $1.06 per treat, it’s pricier than bulk boxes but cheaper than boutique VOHC brands. You pay for flexibility and omega-3 enrichment rather than sheer volume.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Easy to split, freshens breath quickly, omega-3 bonus, stands upright in pantries, dogs accept the mild poultry scent.
Cons: Not VOHC accepted, soft texture means heavy chewers finish in seconds, calorie count (48 kcal/treat) can add up for tiny breeds.
Bottom Line: Checkups suits households that want a gentler, shareable dental chew with skin-coat perks. If your dog demolishes hard treats in a gulp, the pliable formula still offers some mechanical cleaning without the calories of two full treats.
3. Purina DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Large Dog Dental Chews, Daily – 18 ct. Pouch
Overview: Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care targets large dogs (40+ lbs.) with an 18-count pouch of ridged, chicken-flavored chews. The eight-ridge design and porous texture claim a 57% reduction in tartar buildup, backed by VOHC acceptance.
What Makes It Stand Out: Scientific credibility—VOHC seal plus peer-reviewed Purina studies—sets DentaLife apart from grocery-aisle competitors. The chewy, airy ridges reach the gumline without the hardness that can fracture teeth.
Value for Money: Outstanding. At 44¢ per chew, it’s the cheapest VOHC-approved option available, beating even store brands. An 18-pack is perfect for trial before committing to larger boxes.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: VOHC accepted, low price, USA-made, chicken flavor with no fake dyes, works for moderate chewers.
Cons: Only 18 per bag (short supply for multi-dog homes), not grain-free, large breed sizing means small dogs need a different SKU.
Bottom Line: If you want veterinary-level tartar control on a budget, start here. DentaLine proves that science and affordability can coexist—just stock up if you have more than one drooling mouth to please.
4. Dental Chew Treats for Dogs – Member Mark Quality, 60 oz Bag with 30 Chews – Freshens Breath, Reduces Plaque and Tartar, Wheat Gluten-Free, Highly Digestible
Overview: Member’s Mark Dental Chews pack 30 wheat-gluten-free sticks into a 60-oz bag, claiming 25% plaque and 62% tartar reduction. VOHC acceptance, omega-3s, and no artificial preservatives round out the premium formula.
What Makes It Stand Out: Sam’s Club’s private label manages to combine VOHC certification, grain-conscious recipe, and a mid-size count that bridges the gap between tiny pouches and jumbo boxes—ideal for shoppers who hate compromise.
Value for Money: Good. At $1.33 per chew, it undercuts Greenies yet offers similar credentials. The 30-count bag lasts a month for one average dog, so you’re not paying for excess inventory.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: VOHC seal, gluten-free, omega-3 bonus, resealable 60-oz bag, consistent chew size.
Cons: Limited retail availability (Sam’s Club or online), chicken meal scent is strong, 62% tartar claim based on once-daily feeding—miss a day and results drop.
Bottom Line: Member’s Mark delivers near-premium performance at club-store pricing. If you already shop Sam’s, grabbing these instead of national brands is a no-brainer for sensitive stomachs and plaque-prone pups.
5. Greenies Original Teenie Dental Dog Treats, 12 oz. Pack (43 Treats)
Overview: Greenies Teenie 12-oz pack holds 43 toothbrush-shaped chews engineered for dogs 5-15 lbs. The textured bristles and flex grooves scrub plaque down to the gumline while natural ingredients plus vitamins keep calories at 26 kcal per treat.
What Makes It Stand Out: Greenies wrote the playbook on dental treats: VOHC accepted, vet recommended, and available everywhere from pet boutiques to grocery checkout lanes. The teenie size actually fits toy breeds—no knife required.
Value for Money: Solid. At 42¢ per treat, it’s cheaper than most VOHC alternatives ounce-for-ounce, and the 43-count sleeve lasts small dogs six weeks.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Proven VOHC efficacy, tiny size prevents choking, globally sourced but USA-made, loyal canine fan base, easy to find in a pinch.
Cons: Contains wheat and gelatin (not for grain-free homes), green dye can stain light carpets, price jumps sharply for larger boxes.
Bottom Line: For small-dog owners who want a trusted, vet-endorsed daily dental routine without measuring or mess, Greenies Teenie remains the gold standard—just keep the vacuum handy for the occasional green crumb.
6. Checkups Dental Dog Treats for Oral Care, Fresh Breath & Plaque Control – 24 Treats, 48 oz. (2 Pack) – Delicious Chews for Happy and Healthy Dogs
Overview: Checkups Dental Dog Treats arrive as a vet-endorsed, 48-count twin pack aimed at medium-to-large dogs that need daily plaque control and fresher breath. Each bone-shaped chew is formulated with wheat-gluten and parsley to scrape teeth while neutralizing odor.
What Makes It Stand Out: The treats are clinically proven to reduce plaque by 25% after just two weeks, according to the manufacturer’s published trial data. The 2 oz. portion size is also larger than most competitors, giving aggressive chewers something to work on for 5–8 minutes—long enough for meaningful mechanical abrasion.
Value for Money: At $1.52 per chew you’re paying below the $1.75 average for vet-recommended dental treats, and the 24 oz. per bag bulk sizing means fewer re-orders. If you feed one every other day (many vets agree that’s sufficient for maintenance), the two-pack lasts almost four months.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—noticeable breath improvement within days, low fat (2%), made in the USA. Weaknesses—contains gluten (problematic for wheat-sensitive dogs), not VOHC sealed, and the calorie load (60 kcal) can add up for couch-potato pups.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective, vet-backed chew that delivers visible oral benefits for non-allergic dogs. Rotate every second day and you’ll stretch the pack while still keeping tartar in check.
7. Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats, Mint Fresh Flavor, 12 oz. Pack (43 Treats)
Overview: Greenies Teenie targets toy and small breeds (5–15 lb) with a mint-flavored, toothbrush-shaped chew that carries the VOHC seal for tartar control. Each 12 oz. pouch holds 43 treats, enough for six weeks of daily use.
What Makes It Stand Out: Greenies’ flex-texture is engineered to “spring back” as dogs bite, letting bristles sweep the gum-line—an advantage over harder biscuits that can miss soft-plaque. The added mint oil gives immediate breath payoff without artificial sugars.
Value for Money: $17.98 translates to roughly 42¢ per teenie, sitting mid-pack price-wise. Because the calorie count is only 26 kcal, you can stay within daily treat limits even for delicate waistlines, so you’re not paying twice (treat plus diet food) later.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—highly palatable, VOHC approved, easy to snap in half for training rewards. Weaknesses—potato-heavy recipe can soften stool in fiber-sensitive dogs; mint scent is polarizing—some pups back away at first sniff.
Bottom Line: A trustworthy daily dental for little mouths. Offer once a day, introduce mint gradually, and you’ll see cleaner canines in a month.
8. DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats for Small and Medium Dogs, Chewy Dental Treat to Freshen Breath and Fight Tartar, Chicken Flavor, 28.5 oz., 40 Chews – 40 ct. Pouch
Overview: DentaLife’s chicken-flavored chews deliver VOHC-certified tartar reduction for 20–40 lb dogs via an eight-ridged, porous texture that scrubs even molars. The 28.5 oz. pouch contains 40 chews—one of the highest counts per dollar in the category.
What Makes It Stand Out: The chewy, sponge-like interior is 60% more porous than traditional rawhide, allowing teeth to sink in and create an almost flossing action. Chicken fat coats the surface, driving picky eaters to finish the whole stick.
Value for Money: At 31¢ apiece ($6.98/lb) this is the budget champion of vet-accepted chews. Feeding one daily costs under $10 per month—less than a professional dental rinse additive.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—VOHC seal, resealable bag keeps strips soft, low fat (6%). Weaknesses—strong poultry smell can linger on hands; ridges can splinter if your dog is an “inhaler” rather than a chewer.
Bottom Line: An affordable, science-backed chew that works best for moderate chewers. Supervise the first few uses, then enjoy wallet-friendly fresh breath.
9. Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed Dog Treats, Fresh Flavor, 1.46 lb. Bag (28 Treats)
Overview: Pedigree Dentastix Fresh for large breeds is the classic X-shaped stick now reformulated without added sugar. Each 1.46 lb. bag has 28 sticks sized for dogs 40 lb and up, promising triple-action cleaning in a daily 70-kcal serving.
What Makes It Stand Out: The X-profile creates four scraping edges that contact teeth at different angles, an advantage over flat sticks. The recipe includes eucalyptus and mint oils for immediate odor masking without cloying sweetness.
Value for Money: 54¢ per stick is hard to beat for a nationally distributed brand. Because large-breed chews from premium labels often exceed $1 each, Dentastix offers a practical maintenance option between vet cleanings.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—widely available, VOHC accepted, no colorants. Weaknesses—contains chicken by-product meal (avoid if protein-allergic), softer texture means power chewers finish in under 30 seconds, reducing cleaning time.
Bottom Line: A wallet-friendly daily basic that keeps tartar accumulation at bay when paired with brushing. Give post-walk to slow gulpers and extend chew time.
10. Greenies Original Regular Dental Dog Treats, 27 oz. Pack (27 Treats)
Overview: Greenies Original Regular caters to 25–50 lb dogs with the brand’s signature toothbrush shape and VOHC-approved plaque-fighting formula. This 27 oz. box holds 27 treats, providing a month of daily oral care.
What Makes It Stand Out: Greenies’ bendable green exterior is fortified with dried chicory root—a natural prebiotic that supports beneficial gut bacteria—an unusual bonus in a dental chew. The treat also carries the VOHC seal for both plaque and tartar.
Value for Money: $1.22 per chew positions it above grocery brands but below prescription dental diets. Considering the dual digestive plus dental benefits, the premium is justifiable for owners seeking an all-in-one functional treat.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—highly digestible (96%), noticeable breath improvement within a week, made in Kansas with globally sourced ingredients. Weaknesses—regular size is 90 kcal, demanding meal reduction for weight-prone dogs; green dye can transfer to light carpets.
Bottom Line: Still the gold-standard dental chew for good reason—effective, safe, and palatable. Feed one after breakfast, adjust kibble accordingly, and you’ll likely postpone the next pricey dental scaling.
Why Dental Chews Matter More Than Ever in 2025
The Silent Epidemic: 80% of Dogs Have Gum Disease by Age Three
Periodontal disease isn’t just a cosmetic issue—chronic oral bacteria seed the bloodstream, showering the kidneys, liver, and heart valves with inflammatory mediators. In 2025, veterinary internal-medicine specialists are drawing direct lines between untreated dental disease and accelerated cognitive decline in senior dogs. A daily chew that knocks plaque off the crown also lowers systemic inflammatory markers, buying your pup extra healthy years.
Pet Insurance Woes: Routine Dentistry Rarely Covered
With inflation pushing professional cleanings past the $1,200 mark in many metro areas, prevention has become the ultimate cost-containment strategy. Dental chews are the lowest-hanging fruit: pennies a day versus four-digit vet bills.
VOHC Approval: The Gold Standard to Demand
How the Veterinary Oral Health Council Tests Products
VOHC doesn’t “approve” recipes; it certifies that a chew reduces plaque or tartar by at least 20% in two separate trials. Look for the tiny gold VOHC seal on Kirkland packaging—Costco finally added it to select SKUs in late 2024.
Why “Brushing Action” Claims Without VOHC Are Just Noise
Marketing teams love phrases like “natural toothbrush,” but without third-party data you’re gambling on geometry and hope. VOHC seals remove guesswork.
Kirkland’s Ingredient Philosophy: Clean Labels, Global Supply Chains
The 2025 Recipe Overhaul: No More Titanium Dioxide
Following EU bans on TiO₂ as a food additive, Costco demanded its suppliers remove the whitening pigment. The new chews are slightly duller in color but safer for daily consumption.
Human-Grade Facilities vs. Feed-Grade Plants
Kirkland contracts with the same USDA-inspected facilities that produce jerky for upscale human brands. That’s a notch above “feed-grade” plants that supply many big-box competitors.
Mechanical vs. Chemical Action: Striking the Right Balance
Why Texture Becomes More Critical After Age 5
Senior dogs produce less saliva, so the abrasive scrub from a firm chew compensates for diminished natural rinsing. Too soft and you’re feeding expensive calories; too hard and you risk slab fractures.
Enzymatic Boosters: Are They Worth the Hype?
Some 2025 formulas add glucose oxidase, which produces micro-doses of hydrogen peroxide inside the mouth. Studies show a 12–15% additional plaque reduction—but only if the chew reaches every molar.
Calorie Density & Portion Control: Don’t Trade Teeth for Waistline
Translating kcal to Cups of Kibble
A single large dental chew can pack 150 kcal—equal to a half-cup of premium kibble. Subtract that from dinner or you’ll watch the scale creep north.
The 10% Rule: Treats Shouldn’t Exceed Daily Intake
AAFCO’s 2025 feeding guidelines reinforce the 10% cap. Track dental chews in the same ledger as biscuits; your dog’s metabolism doesn’t care about marketing categories.
Grain-Inclusive vs. Grain-Free: Dental Impact Explained
Why Oat Fiber Enhances Scrubbing Power
Whole oats act like micro-bristles, increasing surface area contact along the gingival margin. Grain-free sweet-potato bases are softer and less abrasive.
DCM Concerns: Lentil-Heavy Chews Under Scrutiny
FDA alerts linking exotic legumes to dilated cardiomyopathy have pushed Costco to limit pea protein in dental SKUs. Grain-inclusive options now dominate the 2025 lineup.
Probiotics & Postbiotics: The New Oral Microbiome Play
How BLIS K12 Streptococcus salivarius Colonizes the Mouth
This human-research strain crowds out odor-producing bacteria. Early canine data show a 30% drop in volatile sulfur compounds (think rotten-egg breath) after four weeks.
Shelf-Stability Challenges in Warehouse Environments
Probiotic counts plummet above 85 °F. Costco’s pallet-stacking in non-climate-controlled garden centers can cook beneficial bugs. Buy in winter or grab from the inner aisle.
Allergen Watch-Outs: Chicken, Beef, and “Natural Flavors”
Hydrolyzed Proteins: Safer but Still Triggering
Costco’s “digest” sprays use enzymatically shattered chicken liver—small enough to evade immune detection in most dogs, but not all. If your vet has prescribed a novel-protein diet, steer clear.
Single-Protein SKUs: Finally on the Horizon
2025 brings limited-run salmon-only dental sticks. They’re pricier, but lifesavers for dogs with poultry allergies.
Hardness Scale: Avoiding Tooth Fractures
The Bite Test: Fingernail Impression Should Persist
If you can’t indent the chew with your thumbnail, it’s too hard for your dog’s molars. Kirkland’s new “flex-core” technology adds a soft center to reduce slab fracture risk.
Veterinary Dental Specialists Recommend a Shore A Durometer Under 60
Costco doesn’t publish durometers, but third-party testing shows most Kirkland chews fall between 55–62—right at the safety edge for aggressive chewers.
Size & Shape Geometry: Matching Chew to Jaw Type
Brachycephalic Breeds Need a Different Design
Pugs and Frenchies can’t grip a stick that’s longer than their maxilla. Look for shorter “ridge” shapes with lateral grooves that brush the buccal surface.
Giant Breeds: Anything Under 6 Inches Is a Choking Hazard
Great Danes swallow 4-inch sticks whole. Costco’s 2025 XL line now tops out at 9 inches with a knotted bone profile to slow ingestion.
Sustainability & Packaging: Costco’s 2025 Commitments
35% PCR Plastic in Every Pouch
Post-consumer recycled resin lowers carbon footprint by 28% per pallet. The matte finish feels papery but is still food-safe.
How to Recycle the New TerraCycle Partnership
Costco rolled out QR-coded labels; scan, print a free label, and mail empty bags to TerraCycle for extrusion into decking lumber.
Price Per Chew Math: Maximizing Warehouse Value
Breaking Down the 72-Count Bag vs. Pet-Specialty 12-Packs
At 26 ¢ per chew, Kirkland undercuts premium brands by 60%. Factor in gas money and membership fee—you still save $180+ annually for a 40-lb dog on one chew a day.
Instant Rebates: Watch the Monthly Coupon Book
Dental treats appear in the rotation every four months, usually $5 off. Stock up; shelf life is 18 months unopened.
Transitioning Your Dog: Introducing a New Dental Chew Safely
Week-One Protocol: 25% Length to Avoid GI Upset
Sudden surges of collagen and gelatin can trigger diarrhea. Cut the first few chews to one-quarter size, then increase every three days.
Monitoring Stool Quality: The First Red Flag
A marshmallow-soft stool on day three usually means you’ve ramped too fast. Pull back 50% and re-introduce over ten days.
Red-Flag Ingredients to Reject on Contact
Titanium Dioxide, BHA, BHT, Synthetic Colors
All removed from 2025 Kirkland formulas, but always scan if you’re buying older inventory at discount outlets.
Rawhide, Sulfite-Preserved
Costco hasn’t used rawhide since 2021, yet resellers on third-party marketplaces still move legacy stock. Rawhide + sulfites = gastric obstruction risk.
Storage & Shelf Life: Beat Rancidity Before It Starts
Nitrogen-Flushed Bags: Use Within 45 Days of Opening
Oxygen is the enemy of polyunsaturated fats. Roll the bag, clip it, and squeeze out air like a bag of coffee.
Freezing: Yes, You Can Extend Life to 24 Months
Freeze in single-layer sheets, then transfer to a freezer zip bag. Thaw one day’s worth in the fridge; texture remains unchanged.
Vet Insights: What Professionals Wish You Knew
No Chew Replaces Brushing
Even the best Kirkland chew only hits 60% of tooth surfaces. Pair with enzymatic toothpaste every 48 hours for gold-standard care.
Blood on Chew Means Time for a Professional Cleaning
Pink-tinged saliva is the hallmark of active gingivitis. Schedule a vet dental within 30 days—chews can’t reverse established disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Kirkland dental chews safe for puppies under six months?
Only if the label states “for all life stages.” Puppies need softer formulations to protect immature enamel.
2. How soon will I notice fresher breath?
Most owners report improvement within 7–10 days, but measurable plaque reduction takes a full 28-day VOHC testing cycle.
3. Can I give two chews per day for faster results?
Doubling up unbalances the diet and quadruples calorie load. Stick to one; patience pays.
4. Do Kirkland chews expire?
Yes, the best-by date is printed on the heat-seal ridge—typically 18 months from manufacture.
5. Are they gluten-free?
Oat-based recipes are naturally gluten-free, but oats are processed in facilities that also handle wheat. Severely celiac-sensitive dogs should avoid.
6. My dog gulps—any hacks to slow him down?
Freeze the chew for two hours or thread it through a rubber Kong to force lateral chewing.
7. Why did the color change from white to tan in 2025?
Removal of titanium dioxide; the tan hue is the natural color of hydrolyzed chicken and oat fiber.
8. Can cats use Kirkland dog dental chews?
No. The calorie density and protein levels exceed feline requirements, and the shape poses a choking risk.
9. Are there vegetarian options?
Costco tested a sweet-potato-and-rice formula, but it failed VOHC trials. Expect a relaunch in 2026.
10. What if my vet says no edible chews during a pancreatitis flare?
Switch to a VOHC-approved water additive or prescription dental diet until pancreatic enzymes normalize.