Pet care has evolved far beyond basic feeding routines. Today’s dog owners are thinking about gut health, joint mobility, oral hygiene, and even emotional well-being in the same way they approach their own wellness. That shift is reflected in the explosive growth of the functional treat category. The US dog treats, chews, and toppers market reached USD 7.9 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 15.9 billion by 2035, according to industry data, with dental chews accounting for 23% of growth in the treats segment.
Some functional chews focus on mechanical plaque removal, while treats incorporate probiotics for digestion or ingredients that support joint mobility. The challenge for owners is identifying which brands balance proven science, ingredient quality, and safety. Below, we outline what to look for before ranking six of the most established brands in the functional dog treat space.
How to Choose the Right Functional Chew
When evaluating brands, consider:
- Ingredient transparency and absence of artificial additives
- Mechanical design for plaque removal
- Inclusion of probiotics or joint-supporting nutrients
- Size variations for different breeds
- Calorie density to avoid overfeeding
Veterinarians often advise selecting reputable brands to reduce risks such as GI obstruction or dental fractures. With those criteria in mind, here are our top picks.
Our Top Picks for Functional Dog Treats and Chews
1. Pup Labs
Pup Labs leads the category with a science-aligned range of dog treats and chews online, designed to support dental health, digestion, and overall wellness. The brand integrates mechanical cleaning benefits with natural ingredients, positioning its chews as both preventive care and positive-reinforcement tools.
Key Features:
- Dental-focused chews designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup
- Probiotic and prebiotic support for digestive health
- Natural ingredients without artificial additives
- Options for different chewing styles and dietary needs
- Formulations aimed at breath freshening and oral bacteria control
Best For:
Pet parents looking for a multi-benefit chew that supports oral health, gut balance, and behavioral enrichment in one routine.
Standout Quality:
Pup Labs distinguishes itself by combining research-backed dental mechanics with digestive and emotional wellness benefits, offering a more comprehensive functional profile than brands that focus solely on plaque reduction.
2. Greenies
Greenies remains one of the most widely recognized dental chew brands, often associated with Veterinary Oral Health Council endorsements. The toothbrush-shaped design targets the gumline, and multiple size options make it accessible for toy through large breeds.
Key Features:
- Textured design for plaque and tartar control
- Available in Teenie, Petite, Regular, and Large sizes
- Grain-free lines available
- Referenced in the 2021 Verheyen et al. PLoS ONE study
Best For:
Pet parents focused primarily on proven dental plaque reduction with established brand recognition.
3. Milk-Bone
Milk-Bone offers a broad selection of brushing chews and crunchy treats fortified with vitamins and minerals. Its dental-focused lines emphasize tartar control and breath support, making it a mainstream option with strong retail availability.
Key Features:
- Brushing Chews for gumline contact
- Fortified with vitamins A, E, and B12
- Widely available across retail channels
- Size-specific options for small to large dogs
Best For:
Budget-conscious households who are looking for accessible dental support products.
4. Zuke’s
Zuke’s is known for functional training treats and wellness-forward formulations. Its Mini Naturals provide high-protein, low-calorie rewards, while Z-Bone offers a plant-based dental chew alternative.
Key Features:
- Real meat is the first ingredient in many formulas
- Grain-free options
- Dental-focused Z-Bone chews
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries and turmeric
Best For:
Active dogs that require low-calorie, functional rewards during training.
5. Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo extends its clean-label philosophy into the treat space with Health Bars, dental bones, and jerky chews. The brand emphasizes real meat ingredients and the absence of artificial preservatives.
Key Features:
- Real chicken or beef as the primary ingredient
- Grain-free dental bone options
- Added omegas and joint-support nutrients
- Broad availability in specialty and big-box retailers
Best For:
Pet parents who are already aligned with Blue Buffalo’s holistic pet nutrition approach.
What Makes a Functional Dog Treat Effective?
Dental Benefits Backed by Research
Dental chews have been studied extensively. A 2021 study published in PLoS ONE by Verheyen et al. found that commercial dental chews reduced calculus coverage, plaque thickness, and halitosis compared to a control diet. Similarly, a 2024 crossover trial published in the Journal of Animal Science demonstrated reductions in calculus, gingivitis, and pathogenic bacteria among dogs that consumed a novel dental chew for 28 days.
Mechanical texture matters. Chews with ridges, grooves, or dense surfaces create friction against teeth, helping reduce plaque buildup. Ingredients such as brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) have also shown promise. Gallagher et al. (2018), writing in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, reported that edible treats containing Ascophyllum nodosum significantly decreased plaque and calculus accumulation.
Digestive and Emotional Wellness
Functional treats increasingly include probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health. According to Animal Nutrition research, these compounds help balance the microbiome, reduce inflammation, and support immune function.
Chewing also provides behavioral enrichment. Pereira et al. (2023), in Animals Journal, found that long-lasting chews promoted positive emotional states in dogs by encouraging prolonged engagement. For anxious pets, this stimulation can serve as a calming outlet.
Final Thoughts
Functional dog treats are no longer simple indulgences. They’re part of preventative care strategies that address oral hygiene, digestion, joint mobility, and stress management. Research published in journals such as PLoS ONE, the Journal of Animal Science, and the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry supports the measurable impact of well-designed dental chews.
When selecting a brand, look beyond flavor and packaging. Focus on mechanical efficacy, ingredient integrity, and overall wellness integration. In a market projected to grow steadily over the next decade, the best functional chews will continue to blend science, safety, and thoughtful formulation to support healthier, happier dogs.
References
- Gallagher, L., et al. (2018). Effects of Edible Treats Containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the Oral Health of Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry.
- Pereira et al. (2023). Long-Lasting Chews Elicit Positive Emotional States in Dogs. Animals, 13(4), 595.
- Verheyen et al. (2024). Effects of a novel dental chew on oral health outcomes, halitosis, and microbiota of adult dogs. Journal of Animal Science, 102, skae071.
- Verheyen, M. A., et al. (2021). Dental chews positively shift the oral microbiota of adult dogs. PLoS ONE, 16(6), e0251573.
