Dentastix Original Toy/Small Dental Treats
Verified Jun 16, 2026
A low-protein, low-fat dental chew designed for adult toy and small breed dogs. It uses rice flour and wheat starch as the base, with added chicken and gelatin, and is shaped and textured to help support daily oral care. This treat is best used as a dental supplement alongside a complete and balanced diet, not as a primary food source.
This is a reasonable everyday dental treat option for healthy adult small dogs when used in moderation. The calorie content per stick is modest, and the texture and added minerals are formulated to support dental cleaning while keeping fat quite low. It is carbohydrate-heavy with relatively little animal protein, so it should be viewed strictly as a functional chew rather than a significant source of nutrition.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated specifically for toy and small dogs, with a single-stick daily portion that makes calorie control easier (about 22 kcal per treat).
- Very low in fat (minimum 1%), which can be useful for dogs that need lower-fat treats, such as some dogs with a history of pancreatitis when used under veterinary guidance.
- Contains chicken plus added vitamins and minerals, so it offers more than an empty-calorie treat while still focusing on its dental function.
- Designed with a chewy texture and shape intended to help reduce plaque and tartar as part of a broader dental care routine.
Considerations
- Chicken is included, so this is not suitable for dogs with known chicken allergies or sensitivities.
- The treat is primarily rice flour and wheat starch, meaning it is high in carbohydrates and relatively low in protein and other nutrients, so it should be limited to the recommended daily amount and not replace regular food.
- Contains wheat-derived ingredients, which may be an issue for the small number of dogs with true wheat allergy.
- Not appropriate for puppies or dogs under 7 lb, so multi-dog households with very small or young dogs will need different options for those pets.
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
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a plant-derived humectant and sweet-tasting solvent commonly used in pet foods and treats to retain moisture, improve texture, dissolve flavorings or vitamins, and enhance palatability. It provides usable calories, is generally regarded as safe for dogs and cats in typical amounts, but excessive intake can cause digestive upset and may be a consideration for diabetic pets or those needing calorie-restricted diets.
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 Original Toy/Small 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.