Dentastix Bacon Flavor Large Dog Dental Treats
Verified Jun 15, 2026
A low-protein, low-fat dental treat designed for large adult dogs, this product uses rice flour and wheat starch as its base with chicken as an added animal ingredient and natural bacon flavor for palatability. Its chewy texture and X-shape are intended to support mechanical cleaning of the teeth during chewing, while added minerals and vitamins contribute some supplemental nutrition. This is meant as a once-daily dental chew alongside a complete diet, not as a primary food source.
Nutritionally, this is a moderate-calorie dental chew for large adult dogs that relies mainly on rice flour and wheat starch, with chicken added for flavor and some protein. It can be a reasonable part of an oral care routine for healthy large-breed adults, as long as it’s fed in appropriate amounts and the calories are factored into the dog’s total daily intake. It’s best used as an adjunct to regular toothbrushing and a balanced main diet, not as a significant source of nutrition.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Designed specifically for large adult dogs with a texture and shape intended to promote chewing and help with plaque and tartar control.
- Relatively modest fat content (minimum 1%) and clear calorie information per treat (84 kcal), which helps owners manage daily calorie intake.
- Includes added vitamins and minerals, which can provide some supplemental micronutrients in addition to the dog’s regular diet.
- Uses rice flour as the primary carbohydrate source, which is generally easy to digest for most dogs.
Considerations
- Very low in protein (minimum 8%) and based primarily on refined carbohydrates, so it should only be a small part of the diet and not a meal replacement.
- Contains chicken, which is a common food allergen in dogs; not ideal for dogs with known chicken sensitivities.
- Includes artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, iron oxide), which are not nutritionally necessary and some owners prefer to avoid for dogs with sensitive GI tracts or skin.
- Each chew provides 84 kcal, which is significant for smaller or less active large-breed dogs; portions of regular food may need to be reduced to prevent weight gain.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Rice Flour
Rice flour is a finely milled carbohydrate ingredient commonly used in pet foods as a digestible energy source and as a binder or thickener in kibble, treats, and wet food formulations. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and cats and low in fat, but offers limited protein and essential amino acids (so it should complement animal protein sources), can increase dietary glycemic load which may be relevant for diabetic or weight‑management pets, and may carry low levels of inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing and processing.
02
Wheat Starch
Wheat starch is a concentrated carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as a binder, thickener and energy source to help form kibble structure and improve texture during processing. It is highly digestible but supplies little protein or essential nutrients—cats receive minimal nutritional benefit—and may affect blood glucose in overweight or diabetic pets; dogs with wheat or gluten sensitivities can also react, so formulas for those animals typically avoid wheat-derived starches.
03
Glycerol
Glycerol (glycerin) is used in pet foods primarily as a humectant and sweetening agent to retain moisture, improve texture and palatability, and serve as a solvent or carrier in wet foods, treats, and liquid supplements. It provides a modest source of metabolizable energy for dogs and cats, but in large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset and may affect blood glucose, so products intended for diabetic pets or sensitive animals should be used with caution.
04
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
05
Gelatin
Gelatin, a collagen-derived gelling agent and binder, is commonly used in pet treats, chews and wet foods to improve texture, moisture retention and as an ingredient in joint or skin supplements. It provides collagen-related amino acids (e.g., glycine and proline) that may support joint and coat health but is not a complete protein—lacking essential amino acids such as tryptophan and taurine—so it should not replace balanced animal protein; source and quality (bovine vs. porcine) can matter for dietary preferences and safety concerns.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Pedigree is one of the largest global dog food brands, owned by Mars Petcare. It offers a broad range of dry and wet foods and treats for dogs across all life stages, positioned as an accessible, mass‑market brand sold in grocery, mass retail, and pet specialty channels worldwide. Marketing emphasizes everyday nutrition, affordability, and support for dog welfare and adoption initiatives.
Visit PedigreeManufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Pedigree Dentastix Bacon Flavor Large Dog Dental Treats has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pedigree ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Pedigree. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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