VOHC Accepted Products for Dogs

Types of VOHCAccepted Products

1. Dental Chews & Treats

Chews are the most popular VOHCapproved items. They are designed to be chewed for a specific amount of time (usually 12 minutes) to mechanically reduce plaque and release active ingredients that fight tartar.

2. Toothbrushes & Dentapicks

Manual toothbrushes and flexible dentapicks can receive VOHC approval when they demonstrate clinically proven plaque removal.

3. Enzymatic Toothpastes & Gels

These contain enzymes such as glucose oxidase or lactoperoxidase that help break down bacterial biofilm when brushed onto teeth.

4. Dental Sprays & Rinses

Sprays and rinses are convenient for owners who dislike brushing. VOHCapproved sprays must show a reduction in plaque scores after regular use.

5. Water Additives

Water additives are mixed into drinking water; only a few have reached VOHC standards because efficacy is harder to prove.

How to Read the VOHC Seal

The VOHC seal appears as a small logo on the product packaging. Look for the following elements:

• VOHC Seal A blue rectangle with the letters VOHC.
• Category Some products list Chew, Toothpaste, Brush, etc., indicating the tested claim.
• Expiration/Revision Date Shows the most recent review; newer dates mean the product met current standards.

If the seal is missing, the product has not been evaluated by the VOHC and its oral health claims are unverified.

Current VOHCAccepted Products (as of 2026)

Greenies Original Dental Chews VOHC

Size: Small, Medium, Large

Key Benefits: Mechanical plaque removal, tartar control, contains antioxidants.

Usage: Give 12 chews daily, depending on size.

OralBite Dental Bones VOHC

Size: MinitoExtra Large

Key Benefits: Dualtextured design for cleaning and flavor, enriched with zinc.

Usage: One bone per day, replace when worn.

Purina Veterinary Dental Brush VOHC

Feature: Soft nylon bristles, ergonomic handle.

Key Benefits: Proven plaque reduction in clinical trial.

Usage: Brush 23 times per week with a caninesafe toothpaste.

Scented Dental Gel (mild mint) VOHC

Ingredient: Enzymatic blend + mild fluoride alternative.

Key Benefits: Reduces plaque within 30 seconds of application.

Usage: Apply to a finger brush, massage onto teeth twice daily.

MilkBone Dental Spray VOHC

Flavor: Chickensavory.

Key Benefits: Convenient spray, works on hardtoreach molars.

Usage: Spray onto teeth and gums once daily.

Virbac CaniDental Water Additive VOHC

Form: Liquid concentrate for water bowl.

Key Benefits: Continuous lowlevel plaque control, easy to use.

Usage: Add recommended dose to daily water supply.

Tips for Choosing the Right VOHC Product

1. Consider Your Dogs Chewing Style. Heavy chewers benefit from tough chews or bones; light chewers may prefer softer treats or a dentapick.
2. Match Size to Breed. A chew thats too large can be a choking hazard; too small may be swallowed whole.
3. Check Ingredients. Look for natural flavors and avoid excessive artificial sweeteners or fillers.
4. Combine Methods. Using a chew plus a daily brushing routine yields the best results.
5. Monitor Dental Health. Regular veterinary dental exams help you assess whether the chosen product is effective.
6. Rotate Products. Switching between approved chews and a toothpaste can prevent boredom and maintain efficacy.

Remember, even the best VOHC product cannot replace professional dental cleanings when they are needed. Use these tools as part of a comprehensive oralhealth plan.