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Dentastix Fresh Large Dog Treats
Pedigree

Dentastix Fresh Large Dog Treats

Verified Aug 17, 2026

Dog · Treat Adult Large

A low-protein, low-fat dental chew designed for large adult dogs, using rice flour and wheat starch as the main ingredients. Its chewy texture and X-shape are intended to help reduce plaque and tartar while added peppermint flavor, parsley, and green tea extract aim to freshen breath. This is a treat, not a complete diet, and should be fed alongside a balanced dog food.

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Over-the-counter No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a reasonable option for a daily dental chew for large adult dogs, with a texture and shape aimed at supporting dental hygiene rather than providing significant nutrition. The recipe is based mainly on rice flour and wheat starch, with added minerals, vitamins, and breath-freshening ingredients, and is relatively low in fat and protein as you’d expect from a dental treat. It’s best used in moderation as part of an overall dental care plan that also includes tooth brushing and regular veterinary checkups.

Calorie and portion clarity 10.0
Ingredient composition 6.5
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Dental Care Breath Support
Suitable For
Adult Large
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Designed specifically as a dental chew, with a chewy, X-shaped stick that can help mechanically reduce plaque and tartar on large dogs’ teeth.
  • Low fat (around 1% minimum), which can be helpful for dogs that need to limit dietary fat from treats.
  • Includes added vitamins and minerals, so it contributes some micronutrients rather than being an entirely empty-calorie treat.
  • Clear calorie information per treat (about 73 kcal), which makes it easier to factor into your dog’s daily calorie allowance and prevent weight gain.

Considerations

  • Primary ingredients are rice flour and wheat starch, so this treat is mainly a carbohydrate-based chew and not a meaningful source of high-quality protein.
  • Contains wheat, poultry flavor, and gelatin, which are potential issues for dogs with known allergies or sensitivities to wheat or animal proteins like chicken or beef by-products.
  • Artificial colors (Blue 2, Yellow 5) are included; while considered safe, some owners prefer to avoid synthetic colors for their pets.
  • At roughly 73 calories per stick, daily use can add up for smaller large-breed dogs or less active dogs, so portions of their regular diet may need to be reduced to prevent weight gain.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Glycerin, Gum Arabic, Gelatin, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Poultry Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins, (Choline Chloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source of Vitamin E]), Natural Peppermint Flavor, Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative), Parsley, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate [Source of Vitamin C], Green Tea Extract, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Eucalyptus Oil

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
Gum Arabic
Gum Arabic (acacia gum) is a natural soluble fiber commonly used in pet foods and treats as a stabilizer, emulsifier and binding agent and provides fermentable fiber that can act as a mild prebiotic—benefiting gut microbiota in dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats—while not contributing meaningful protein, vitamin, or mineral nutrition. It is generally safe at typical inclusion levels and can improve texture and stool consistency, but high amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset or loose stools and rare sensitivities or allergic reactions should be monitored.
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
8.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
1.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
18.00%
Low High
2765
kcal / Kg
73
kcal / Treat
Low
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size Large
Texture Soft Chew
Food type Treat

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.

Price tier $$

Manufacturer

Company name Mars Petcare
Parent company Mars, Incorporated
Founded 1935
Headquarters Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ)
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Multiple states
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Pedigree Dentastix Fresh Large Dog Treats.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

Pedigree has 2 recalls on record. View brand recalls

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8.8 /10 Grade A
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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Pedigree ever been recalled?

Pedigree has 2 recalls on record. The most recent was FDA Recall: Mars Petcare US, Inc. on July 2, 2026.

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.

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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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.