The Veterinary Oral Health Council doesn’t just take a manufacturer’s word for it. Products need clinical trial data showing a meaningful reduction in plaque or tartar before earning the seal. That single filter cut a long list of “dental” treats down to a short one of products actually proven to do something.
What to Look for in a Dental Chew for a Shih Tzu
Non-negotiable. This is the only independent, clinically backed standard in the category, and it’s exactly what vets look for.
The right size matters as much as the brand. An undersized dog on an oversized chew is a genuine choking risk.
Shih Tzus have small jaws and crowded teeth. A chewy, flexible texture is generally safer than a hard, rigid one.
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives where avoidable, given how sensitive small-breed digestion can be.
Dental chews only work with consistent daily use, so a treat a Shih Tzu will actually want every day matters.
Most dental chews are for adult dogs only. Puppies and dogs under 5 lbs need a vet’s input before starting any chew.
The Best Dental Chews for Shih Tzus
Quick Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall Greenies Teenie Dental Treats (5–15 lbs)
- Best Grain-Free Whimzees Brushzees Extra-Small
- Best Vet-Recommended Plant-Based Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent, Small
- Best Budget Option Purina DentaLife Daily, Small Dogs
Greenies is one of the most widely vet-recommended dental chew brands, and the Teenie size is sized specifically for dogs in the 5 to 15 lb range, which covers the large majority of adult Shih Tzus. The manufacturer’s clinical data behind the VOHC seal shows a meaningful reduction in tartar and plaque accumulation with daily use, and the chewy, ridged texture is designed to clean down to the gumline as a Shih Tzu chews.
This is the same brand most vets already stock in their own clinics, which says a lot about its track record. It’s also widely available and easy to find in the correct small-breed size, rather than requiring a workaround with a product sized for larger dogs.
Pros
- Sized specifically for Shih Tzu-range weights
- Strong VOHC clinical data behind the seal
- Widely vet-recommended brand
- Chewy texture designed for small jaws
- Easy to find in stores and online
Cons
- Contains grain (not ideal for grain-sensitive dogs)
- Calorie-dense for daily use in a toy breed
- Not suitable for dogs under 5 lbs
Whimzees Brushzees are made from six primary natural ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or grain, making them a solid pick for Shih Tzus with grain sensitivities. The toothbrush-shaped design is built to work like a mechanical brush as a dog chews, and the extra-small size is correctly scaled for a 5 to 15 lb dog rather than downsized from a bigger chew.
Because they’re plant-based, the texture is a bit softer than a rawhide-style chew, which several owners of small, older, or dental-sensitive dogs find easier for their dog to manage.
Pros
- Grain-free and free of artificial additives
- VOHC accepted for tartar reduction
- Toothbrush-style shape and texture
- Correctly sized for toy breeds
- Good option for sensitive stomachs
Cons
- Softer texture may clean slightly less aggressively than harder chews
- Only one flavor/shape in this size
- Pricier per treat than some competitors
Virbac is a veterinary pharmaceutical company, and Veggiedent is one of the more clinically established names in the dental chew category, carrying VOHC acceptance for both plaque and tartar. The plant-based, enzyme-supported formula is designed to be gentle enough for daily use without the additive load of some flavored competitors.
This is a frequent pick among vets specifically because Virbac’s core business is veterinary products rather than mainstream pet food, which shows in the more clinical, ingredient-forward approach to the formula.
Pros
- Made by a veterinary pharmaceutical company
- VOHC accepted for both plaque and tartar
- Plant-based, enzyme-supported formula
- Includes digestive support ingredients
Cons
- Less widely stocked in physical stores
- Texture is firmer than Whimzees
- Smaller pack sizes than some competitors
Purina DentaLife is the most budget-friendly VOHC-accepted option on this list per treat, and the 58-count pouch sized for 5 to 20 lb dogs covers the Shih Tzu weight range comfortably. The porous, ridged texture is designed to clean down to the gumline, and Purina reports a 57% average reduction in tartar buildup with daily use.
For owners who want a genuinely VOHC-backed option without the higher per-treat cost of Greenies or Whimzees, this is the most practical everyday choice, especially for a large household or multi-dog home going through chews quickly.
Pros
- Lowest cost per treat among VOHC-accepted options here
- Large count pouch, less frequent reordering
- Made in Purina-owned USA facilities
- Correctly sized for Shih Tzu weight range
Cons
- Contains wheat and rice flour, not grain-free
- Some artificial preservatives in the formula
- Slightly less premium texture than Greenies or Whimzees
Side by Side: How These Four Stack Up
| Product | Grain-Free | Correct Small Size | Vet Brand | Budget-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Teenie | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Whimzees Brushzees XS | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Virbac CET Veggiedent | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Purina DentaLife | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, provided the product carries the VOHC seal of acceptance and is used daily. VOHC only awards the seal after reviewing clinical trial data showing a measurable reduction in plaque or tartar, so accepted products have real evidence behind them, unlike most unregulated “dental” treats.
No. Dental chews are a helpful daily supplement, but the AVDC and most vets still recommend regular brushing alongside chews, along with professional dental cleanings as needed. Chews reduce plaque and tartar buildup; they don’t replace a full dental care routine.
Most adult Shih Tzus fall in the 9 to 16 lb range, which lines up with the “Teenie” or “Extra-Small” size on most VOHC-accepted brands (typically labeled for 5 to 15 or 5 to 20 lb dogs). Always check the current package for the exact weight range, since formulations and sizing can change.
Most dental chews, including all four in this list, are labeled for adult dogs only. Puppies have different jaw development and dental needs, so check with a vet before introducing any dental chew to a puppy under a year old.
So, Which Dental Chew Is Best for a Shih Tzu?
For most Shih Tzus, Greenies Teenie is the strongest overall pick: it’s correctly sized, backed by solid clinical data, and it’s the brand most vets already recommend. If grain sensitivity or additive-free ingredients matter more, Whimzees Brushzees is the better fit. Virbac’s Veggiedent is worth considering specifically because of its veterinary pharmaceutical background, and Purina DentaLife is the most sensible pick for anyone who wants VOHC-backed protection without the premium price tag.
Whichever one you choose, the size on the package matters as much as the brand. Match it to your Shih Tzu’s actual current weight, introduce it gradually, and supervise the first several chews to make sure it’s being chewed rather than gulped. 🐾
Sources and References
- Veterinary Oral Health Council: About the VOHC Seal of Acceptance
- Veterinary Oral Health Council: Accepted Products List
- Amazon: Greenies Teenie Original Dental Dog Treats, 43 Count
- Amazon: Whimzees Brushzees Dental Treats, Extra-Small, 48 Count
- Amazon: Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Tartar Control Chews, Small
- Amazon: Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats, Small, 58 Count
