Frequently Asked Questions


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Dental Care
Greenies® dental chews help control plaque and tartar buildup by mechanical abrasion. As a dog’s teeth penetrate the treat, mechanical scraping and scrubbing of the tooth surface occurs. Greenies® dental chews contain no chemicals to reduce plaque and tartar. A chewy texture helps dogs sink their teeth into the chew with each bite, and the rounded “bristles” wrap around each of the dogs’ teeth for greater contact. Movement of the teeth into and against these bristles creates a brushing action, much like a toothbrush, that helps control plaque and tartar buildup, the two leading causes of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Greenies® dental chews help control plaque and tartar build up by mechanical abrasion. As a dog chews the treat, the mechanical scraping and scrubbing of the tooth surface occurs and the dog’s teeth penetrate it. Greenies® dental chews contain no chemicals to reduce plaque and tartar like many other products do.
Periodontal disease is currently the number one diagnosed disease in pets, however more than half of all dog owners admit they have no daily dental regimen for controlling plaque and tartar, the two leading causes of periodontal disease. Worse yet, most dog owners don’t see dental health as a big deal. But, if gone unchecked, poor dental health leads to life-threatening conditions including liver, kidney and heart disease.
Because Greenies takes dental care seriously, Greenies® dental chews feature a special shape and texture all designed for maximum dental efficacy. The chewy texture helps dogs sink their teeth into it with each bite, and the rounded “bristles” wrap around each of the dogs’ teeth for greater contact. Movement of the teeth into and against these bristles creates a brushing action, much like a toothbrush, that helps control plaque and tartar buildup, the two leading causes of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

In fact studies show that Greenies® dental chews lead to 54 percent less tarter build-up and 12 percent less plaque build-up up in 28 days. All it takes is just one Greenies® dental chew a day.
Daily dental maintenance is the key to maintaining a dog’s oral health between regularly scheduled cleanings. When given once a day, the Greenies® chew has been shown in studies to effectively reduce tartar build-up by nearly 70 percent, reduce plaque build-up and help keep gums healthy. All it takes is just one Greenies® dental chew a day.
Veterinarians recommend a dental care routine that includes oral exams at least once a year, dental brushing as advised and daily maintenance, which can be conveniently provided via a dental chew like Greenies® dental chews once a day.
Veterinarians recommend that dental care become a daily habit for dog owners. And, one of the easiest ways to do this is to schedule your dog’s dental care parallel to the timing of your own routine so it’s easy to remember when to give your dog his or her dental chew.
Just as professional dental cleanings are important to good oral care for people, annual dental cleanings by a veterinarian for dogs are essential. An in-depth tooth and gum analysis and professional cleaning from a qualified veterinarian at least once a year ensures there are no other health problems on the rise. However, daily dental care routines are critical as well. Including chews such as Greenies® dental chews helps to control tartar and plaque build-up and that helps promote good dental health. All it takes is just one Greenies® dental chew a day.
No two products are alike, just like no two dogs are alike. While most dental chews are created with a one-size-fits-all approach based on dog size and weight, recent research revealed that the shape of a dog’s skull actually determines how hard it can bite, how wide it can open its mouth and the placement of its teeth, allowing scientists to create an effective dental chew unlike anything else available.
Greenies® dental chews has followed all of the strict protocols and product testing required in order to meet the VOHC’s strict requirements of approval. We are proud to say that Greenies® dental chews demonstrated efficacy in controlling plaque and tartar build-up.
Greenies® dental chews, are a convenient daily oral healthcare option, are formulated based on innovative, scientific research on biometrics and feature:
    • A chewy texture – The chewy texture enables dog’s teeth to sink in with every bite, increasing contact and “brushing” action with individual teeth to help prevent tarter and plaque buildup and provide breath-freshening benefits
    • Shape – A contoured shape with rounded edges fits dog’s teeth and cleans hard-to-reach spots with a “brushing action” as the dog chews; also the shape includes purposely sculpted valleys and ridges designed to accurately direct dogs to specific areas for maximum chewing
    • Easy digestibility – the highly soluble proteins in Greenies® make the product extra chewy, nutritionally complete and balanced for adult dog maintenance and help the product break down quickly for easy digestion
    • Nutritionally balanced – a blend of high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals make Greenies® dental chew nutritionally complete and balanced
Greenies® dental chews are inspired by the famous green, toothbrush shape everyone loves, but the design has been advanced by extensive biometric research that told us how to accommodate differing jaw strength, size and structure of dogs. The design features a curved and flexible shape to wrap around canine’s teeth and clean hard-to-reach spots with a “brushing action” as the dog chews. There’s even an extra bristle for more cleaning power. The shape is designed to offer maximum chewing action, which promotes healthier teeth and gums.
Throughout the product development phase for Greenies® dental chews, research showed that a soft, chewy texture would achieve the best dental care benefit, enabling a dog’s teeth to sink into the chew with every bite. In addition, the flexible texture is specially designed to accommodate different types and sizes of dogs (softer for small dogs and harder for larger dogs), so it’s easy to chew and digest.
Greenies® dental chews are made of high quality, easily digestible proteins that help keep dog’s teeth clean while also keeping their breath fresh. The easy to digest and chewy nature of Greenies® dental chews helps ensure that they are safe for dogs when given the appropriate sized serving. Greenies® dental chews are 96 percent digestible, which is more digestible than the average dry dog food.
Greenies® dental chews are designed with features that encourage dogs to chew off small pieces that are easy to digest. Its formula includes high quality and easy to digest proteins to make it soft, flexible and chewy.
Initial testing with beagles has demonstrated that Greenies® dental chews chew time is about 1/2 to 2/3 of the time of original Greenies®. However, lasting time varies significantly for every dog. The chewy texture encourages a dog to chew more and be less inclined to swallow a large piece without adequately chewing.
Gelatin, Wheat Protein Isolate, Glycerin, Soy Protein Isolate, Sodium Caseinate, Natural Poultry Flavor, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Vegetable Oil (Preserved with Propyl Gallate), Sodium Tripolyphospate, Lecithin, Ground Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Monostearate, Monoglycerides of Edible Fatty Acids, Choline Chloride, Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative), Minerals (Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Maganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate [source of vitamin E], Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Folic Acid), Chlorophyll.
Greenies has a longstanding commitment to improving the lives of pets and their owners. An important part of that commitment is to continue to foster the most scientifically advanced research and product development.
Biometrics may not be a familiar name, but this science is used in some of the most cutting edge innovations in identification and physical mechanics of living characteristics – current applications include retinal scans, fingerprints, voice patterns and other applications. Insights from proprietary biometric research about canine physiology were critical to the development of the Greenies®. This marks the first application of biometrics in the pet treat category.

The biometrics study analyzed canines unique physiologies, including anatomical differences between dogs of different body weight, shape, skull shape and bite force – all these factors impact biting and chewing capabilities. Measurements of the three main shapes of canine skulls (all breeds fall within one of these three shapes) were analyzed to determine the maximum bite force and gape capabilities of various dogs and to design a dental chew that accounts for all of these variations. The result is a dental chew that is designed to be good for all dogs.
Digestibility refers to the actual physical and nutritional breakdown and utilization of foodstuffs by the body. In vitro solubility (or disappearance testing) is a test tube based method of determining the extent of breakdown of a food product in the gut. It involves subjecting a food item to a series of environments which simulate the stomach (an acid environment) and the intestines (a more neutral environment). This is an important consideration in designing a pet food product to ensure products are as safe as possible for all dogs.
Wheat protein isolate is a wheat protein that has been chemically processed to remove most of the starch. It is a more pure wheat protein than wheat gluten. Wheat protein isolate is 85% protein and wheat gluten is 75% protein. Wheat protein isolate is more soluble (20%) than wheat gluten (3%).
We use soy protein isolate in our new formulation. The bad press that soy had years ago when used in pet food was related to the use of soybean meal. Soybean meal contains significant amounts of oligosaccharides (stachyose and rhaffinose) that may cause flatulence in dogs. Soy protein isolate is protein that is “isolated” from these troublesome carbohydrates and is a high quality protein.

Periodontal disease is currently the number one diagnosed disease in pets, however more than half of all dog owners admit they have no daily dental regimen for controlling plaque and tartar, the two leading causes of periodontal disease. Worse yet, most dog owners don’t see dental health as a big deal. But, if gone unchecked, poor dental health leads to life-threatening conditions including liver, kidney and heart disease.

The groundbreaking biometric research made it possible to design a dental chew with the most appropriate texture and hardness for dogs with a variety of bite force capabilities. The result is Greenies® dental chews are offered in five different sizes (from Teenie to Jumbo) that is designed to be good for all dogs of all sizes.
Greenies® dental chews are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. This means that Greenies® dental chews has met the AAFCO minimum requirements for protein, fat, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Few treats do this. We feel it is important because whenever one adds treats to their pets diet they are adding additional calories. We recommend that pet owners decrease their pet’s regular diets to compensate for any added calories if weight gain is an issue. We feel it is important that the calories added from our treats be as nutritious as premium pet foods. Therefore, we do not want to “dilute” your pet’s nutrition with unbalanced treats.
We recommend that Greenies® dental chews be fed as a treat and not a sole diet. The feeding recommendation of 1 per day follows the global WCPN recommendation for complementary pet foods, that a snack or treat does not exceed 15% of the dogs’ daily caloric intake. This treat does not replace the main meal and, if given too many or if the wrong size is given to the wrong size dog, then the dog may exceed its daily calorie limit and therefore promote obesity. Also, because the treat is highly digestible, it can cause gastric upset and diarrhea if fed in excessive quantity.
Oral Care
Oral disease is currently the #1 health problem diagnosed in pets.* But more than half of all dog owners admit they have no daily dental regimen for controlling plaque and tartar—the two leading causes of periodontal disease. Worse yet, most clients don’t see dental health as a health issue. If left untreated, poor oral health can lead to life-threatening conditions including liver and kidney problems and heart disease.
  * Data from peteducation.com, 2006.
Oral disease is currently the #1 health problem diagnosed in pets.* But more than half of all dog owners admit they have no daily dental regimen for controlling plaque and tartar—the two leading causes of periodontal disease. Worse yet, most clients don’t see dental health as a health issue. If left untreated, poor oral health can lead to life-threatening conditions including liver and kidney problems and heart disease.
  * Data from peteducation.com, 2006.
Studies show that Greenies® dental chews can lead to 54% less tartar buildup and 12.5% less plaque buildup. All it takes is just one Greenies® dental chew a day.
Chewing promotes good oral health. The more dogs chew, the more they work their mouths and clean their teeth. When used once a day as part of a dental care routine, dental chews, such as Greenies®, can significantly reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Chewing promotes good oral health. The more dogs chew, the more they work their mouths and clean their teeth. When used once a day as part of a dental care routine, dental chews, such as Greenies®, can significantly reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
No. Most dental chews are created with a one-size-fits-all approach, based solely on size and weight. First-of-its-kind biometric research revealed that the shape of a dog’s skull determines how hard it can bite, how wide it can open its mouth and the placement of its teeth. Scientists at Greenies used this information to create an 
effective and safe dental chew that accommodates the needs of individual dogs and is unlike any other dental chew. 
Feeding

Greenies® dental chews is based on scientific data on biometrics, which analyzed canines unique physiology such as tooth position, skull shape, weight and bite force. Traditionally, pet chews are designed strictly based on size and weight of a dog, but the biometric research shows that texture and shape of a dental chew are as important as size when it comes to the way dogs chew. That’s why Greenies® dental chews come in five sizes from “Teenie” to “Jumbo” that fit any dog’s needs perfectly.

Jumbo for dogs over 100 pounds
Large for dogs between 50 and 100 pounds
Regular for dogs between 25 and 50 pounds
Petite for dogs between 15 and 25 pounds
Teenie for dogs between 5 and 15 pounds

If a store near you does not carry all sizes, please ask the manager of the store to do so.

We do not recommend Greenies® dental chews for dogs less than 5 pounds and/or less than 6 months of age because they do not have adequate chewing abilities. We recommend Greenies® SmartBiscuit® treats for these pets. See your local retailer or ask us for a sample.
Misc.
Uniquely designed to reduce plaque and tartar build-up, GREENIES® products are marketed exclusively through pet specialty retailers and veterinary clinics where knowledgeable staff is equipped to answer pet owner questions and make the right recommendation. This is particularly important for clinically proven canine GREENIES® dental chews as each of the five sizes is specially formulated to deliver the maximum dental benefit to each weight range.
No we have not. All GREENIES® products are safe for pets.  In 2006, Canine GREENIES® dental chews for dogs were reformulated to be more safe, soluble, and easily digestible, as well as effective for daily pet oral care.  Reformulated GREENIES® dental chews are 96 percent digestible, which is more digestible than the average dry dog food. Since the product was reformulated in 2006, there have been no reports of blockages or obstructions.  GREENIES® dental chews are a nutritionally complete and balanced blend of high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, fruits and vegetables for adult dogs.
Greenies® dental chews are available at pet specialty retailers, online and at veterinarians across the country.
Greenies® carry a product guarantee. Simply return the unused product to your retailer along with a cash register receipt and a statement of why you are not satisfied and your purchase price will be refunded or a credit given.
The price of Greenies® dental chews varies based on package size. The approximate retail range for a package is $7.99 to $32.99 depending on size and count.
Greenies® dental chews have a 12 month shelf life. The “Best Before” expiration date is printed on the bottom of the bag.
Greenies® dental chews are nutritionally complete and balanced for adult dog maintenance. This means that there are added vitamins and minerals just like in a premium dog food. Sometimes part of the added minerals can appear as white specks on the surface of Greenies® dental chews.
That has not been our general experience. But if saliva-saturated remnants are rubbed into the carpet and remain on the carpet for a long period of time, it could be possible.
Greenies® dental chews are nutritionally complete for adult dog maintenance. The texture is designed to accommodate a dog's bite force. We would recommend Feline Greenies® dental treats for cats. We do not carry a product appropriate for pocket pets.
Because of the chewy, flexible, soluble ingredients, under high heat or humidity conditions Greenies® dental chews can tend to adhere to each other. This in no way affects their integrity or nutrition. You can easily pull them apart for normal feeding.
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