Dog Dental Chews Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Dental Bones, Dental Sticks, Dental Treats, Others), By Age Group (Puppy, Adult, Senior), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarket/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 784.02 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.83%
Fastest Growing Segment	Dental Sticks
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 1232.44 Million

Market Overview

The Global Dog Dental Chews Market will grow from USD 784.02 Million in 2025 to USD 1232.44 Million by 2031 at a 7.83% CAGR. Dog dental chews are functional treats formulated to mechanically remove plaque and tartar accumulation while often containing additives to freshen breath and support overall oral hygiene. The market is primarily supported by the widespread humanization of pets, where owners increasingly prioritize preventative healthcare and view companion animals as family members deserving of premium wellness products. This shift has led to a surge in demand for functional consumables that address periodontal disease, which remains a prevalent health issue among canines. The scale of this investment in pet nutrition is substantial; according to the American Pet Products Association, in 2024, the pet food and treats category generated $65.8 billion in sales in the United States alone.

However, a significant challenge impeding broader market expansion involves concerns regarding product safety and digestibility. Reports of choking hazards, gastrointestinal blockages, or dental fractures associated with certain hard chews can lead to consumer hesitation and stringent regulatory scrutiny, thereby limiting market penetration among safety-conscious pet owners.

Key Market Drivers

Intensifying pet humanization and emotional bonding are the primary catalysts propelling the market, as owners increasingly anthropomorphize their companions and view them as family members entitled to premium care. This cultural shift drives consumers toward high-quality, functional wellness products that mirror human health trends, significantly expanding the market for specialized treats. The scale of this financial commitment is immense; according to the American Pet Products Association, March 2025, in the '2025 State of the Industry Report', total U.S. pet industry expenditures reached a record $152 billion in 2024. This willingness to invest in superior animal well-being is further illustrated by the broader performance of the sector. For instance, Zoetis reported in August 2025, in its 'Second Quarter 2025 Results', that sales of its companion animal products grew 8% operationally, underscoring the robust consumer appetite for advanced health solutions that support longevity and vitality.

Heightened consumer awareness of canine periodontal disease risks has simultaneously established itself as a critical market driver. With veterinary professionals increasingly emphasizing that oral health impacts systemic well-being—linking gum disease to heart and kidney issues—pet owners are rapidly adopting preventive home-based routines. This shift has transitioned dental chews from occasional indulgences to essential daily healthcare components used to supplement professional cleanings. The commercial impact of this medical focus is evident in recent manufacturing performance; according to Virbac, March 2025, in its '2024 Annual Results', the company's 10.2% revenue growth in North America was significantly driven by the sustained sales momentum of its specialty and dental care products for companion animals. This correlation underscores how health-centric purchasing behaviors are directly expanding the functional chew segment.

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Key Market Challenges

The primary challenge hampering the growth of the Global Dog Dental Chews Market is the persistent concern regarding product safety and digestibility. As pet owners increasingly scrutinize the consumables they provide, reports of adverse events such as choking hazards, gastrointestinal blockages, and dental fractures create a significant barrier to trust. When consumers perceive a risk of physical injury or digestive distress, they often reduce their spending on chews or avoid the category entirely, regardless of the dental benefits promised. This hesitation is particularly acute regarding hard chews or rawhide-based products, which are often criticized for poor breakdown in the digestive tract.

The demand for high digestibility is intensified by a broader focus on canine health and weight management, where any product that might cause internal obstruction or contribute to poor health is rejected. This scrutiny is reflected in recent industry data highlighting the growing awareness of pet health metrics. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2024, 35% of dog owners categorized their pets as overweight or having obesity, a significant increase from previous years that underscores the heightened vigilance owners now apply to the nutritional value and digestibility of treats. Consequently, this rigorous safety expectation limits the market penetration of traditional dental chews that cannot guarantee complete solubility and physical safety.

Key Market Trends

The transition to sustainable packaging and upcycled ingredients has emerged as a critical trend, driven by environmental advocacy that extends beyond the nutritional profile of the product to its physical footprint. Manufacturers are increasingly re-engineering their supply chains to minimize virgin plastic usage and adopt circular economy principles, responding to eco-conscious owners who scrutinize the environmental impact of daily consumables. This operational shift is tangible among market leaders; according to Mars, July 2025, in the '2024 Sustainable in a Generation Report', the company incorporated more than 14,000 metric tons of plastic PCR (post-consumer recycled) material into its packaging portfolio in 2024, reflecting a major industry-wide commitment to reducing waste in the mass-production of pet care products.

Simultaneously, the growth of personalized and subscription-based direct-to-consumer models is fundamentally reshaping product distribution and regimen adherence. Unlike occasional indulgences, dental chews require consistent daily administration to be effective, making them uniquely suited for automated replenishment services that prevent stock-outs and ensure continuous oral hygiene. This convenience factor has solidified the recurring delivery model as a primary sales channel for essential consumables. The scale of this shift is evident in recent retail performance; according to Chewy, Inc., August 2025, in its 'Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results', Autoship customer sales represented 83% of total net sales, underscoring the overwhelming consumer preference for automated purchasing solutions in the pet health category.

Segmental Insights

The Dental Sticks segment currently represents the fastest-growing category within the Global Dog Dental Chews Market due to its effective balance of consumer convenience and functional oral care. Owners increasingly prefer these products because their specialized textured surfaces are specifically designed to mechanically reduce plaque and tartar accumulation during daily chewing routines. This expanding demand is further supported by validation from authoritative organizations like the Veterinary Oral Health Council, which enhances consumer trust regarding product efficacy. Consequently, the ability of dental sticks to offer preventative dental hygiene in an accessible format drives their accelerated adoption among health-conscious pet owners.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the Global Dog Dental Chews Market, primarily due to high pet ownership rates and a strong culture of pet humanization. Regional dominance is sustained by elevated consumer awareness concerning canine oral health, promoting a significant shift toward preventative dental care. Furthermore, the market benefits from robust veterinary recommendations and a mature retail infrastructure. A key influencing factor is the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which validates product efficacy through its Seal of Acceptance, significantly fostering consumer confidence and guiding demand toward verified dental hygiene solutions.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Dentalis Animal Health Inc. announced a significant breakthrough in product validation by earning five Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seals of Acceptance. This prestigious recognition covered the company’s range of canine dental sticks and combination products, scientifically verifying their effectiveness in controlling plaque and tartar buildup. The President of the company stated that securing these seals validated their science-driven approach to companion animal oral care. This achievement positioned the company as a leader in the market, offering veterinarians and pet owners clinically proven solutions for maintaining optimal dental health in dogs.
• In August 2024, Nulo Pet Food unveiled a new line of functional dental chews during the SuperZoo trade show in Las Vegas. These products were crafted using a custom blend of sustainably sourced yak and cow milk to create a durable chew that naturally promotes oral health through mechanical action. The company developed this line to align with the growing trend of pet parents seeking multifunctional treats that offer nutritional value alongside dental benefits. The Director of Research and Development at Nulo emphasized that the launch was a direct response to the market's shift toward science-backed, wellness-focused products for dogs.
• In March 2024, Nestlé Purina PetCare expanded its oral care portfolio with the launch of DentaLife Puppy Teething Chews in the United States. The company commemorated this product introduction by hosting an immersive event in New York City aimed at educating pet owners on the significance of establishing dental hygiene routines early in a dog's life. Designed specifically for puppies, these new chews feature a texture appropriate for teething and are formulated to help clean teeth while freshening breath. This strategic addition allowed the brand to address the specific oral health needs of younger dogs within the broader dental chew market.
• In March 2024, Swedencare AB broadened its dental product offerings by introducing ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews to the European market. This launch provided a new, highly palatable delivery format for the company's flagship kelp-based ingredient, which is clinically proven to support oral health by reducing plaque and tartar. The product was manufactured internally at the company’s facility in the United Kingdom, ensuring strict oversight of production quality. Management highlighted that this expansion into the soft chew segment was driven by increasing consumer demand for functional treats that are easy to administer and effective for maintaining canine dental hygiene.

Key Market Players

• Mars, Inc.
• Nestlé S.A.
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Merrick Pet Care, Inc.
• The J.M. Smucker Company
• General Mills, Inc.
• Wellness Pet Company, Inc.
• Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
• Compana Pet Brands LLC
• Earth Animal Ventures, Inc.

By Product Type	By Age Group	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Dental Bones Dental Sticks Dental Treats Others	Puppy Adult Senior	Hypermarket/Supermarkets Specialty Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Dog Dental Chews Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Dog Dental Chews Market, By Product Type:

• Dental Bones
• Dental Sticks
• Dental Treats
• Others

• Dog Dental Chews Market, By Age Group:

• Puppy
• Adult
• Senior

• Dog Dental Chews Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Hypermarket/Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

• Dog Dental Chews Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE