Dental Bones Treat for Small Dogs
Verified Jun 14, 2026
These are plant-based dental treats for small dogs, designed to help clean the teeth surface while providing some added functional ingredients. They rely on sweet potato and rice flours plus pea protein as the base, with cinnamon for breath, miscanthus grass and inulin for fiber, and small amounts of fish oil and turmeric. They are intended as a supplemental chew, not a complete food, to be used alongside a balanced main diet.
This is a functional dental chew aimed at small dogs that combines a plant-based chew matrix with some added fiber, omega-3s, and turmeric. It can be a reasonable option for dogs who tolerate peas and rice well and need a daily dental treat alongside their regular diet. As with all treats, it should be fed in moderation so it doesn’t unbalance overall calorie intake or replace a complete and balanced dog food.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses sweet potato and rice flours rather than primarily sugar-based ingredients, which is preferable for a daily chew.
- Includes multiple fiber sources (miscanthus grass, inulin, yeast culture) that may support gut health and help the chew maintain structure for mechanical cleaning.
- Contains small amounts of fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) and turmeric, which are often used to support skin, coat, and general wellness.
- Free of common meat allergens like beef and chicken, which may be helpful for dogs that react to those proteins, though it does contain fish and soy lecithin.
Considerations
- This is a treat, not a complete and balanced diet, so it should make up only a small portion of your dog’s daily calories and always be paired with a balanced dog food.
- Pea protein and pea starch are significant components; if your dog is on a pea- or legume-restricted diet, this would not be appropriate.
- Contains fish oil and soy lecithin, so it’s not suitable for dogs with fish or soy allergies.
- Dental chews can help, but they do not replace regular tooth brushing and professional dental care when needed.
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
Sweet Potato Flour
Sweet potato flour is a gluten-free carbohydrate and binder commonly used in kibbles and treats to provide starch, bulk and both soluble and insoluble fiber. It offers digestible energy, fiber and beta‑carotene (a vitamin A precursor) that can support stool quality and palatability in dogs, but cats convert beta‑carotene poorly so it’s of limited vitamin A value for them; because it is calorie-dense and relatively high in carbohydrates, it should be used cautiously in overweight or diabetic pets and diets should be balanced to meet obligate carnivore nutrient needs.
02
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.
03
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a concentrated plant-based protein and functional ingredient in pet foods used to raise protein levels, improve texture and contribute soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful, digestible protein source for dogs and a supplemental protein in some cat formulas, but because it is lower in certain essential amino acids (and cats are obligate carnivores), diets relying heavily on pea protein should be formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and owners should note potential legume sensitivities and the debated link between high‑pulse, grain‑free diets and canine heart concerns.
04
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.
05
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Zesty Paws is a leading brand in the pet supplement category offering premium-quality chews, oils, and functional treats for dogs and cats. The brand is positioned as a fun and approachable yet scientifically informed line for pet wellness, targeting pet owners seeking preventive health solutions.
Visit Zesty PawsManufacturer
Zesty Paws follows U.S. FDA regulations for pet supplements and employs manufacturing partners that comply with cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices). The company emphasizes ingredient transparency and product testing to ensure quality, potency, and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Zesty Paws Dental Bones Treat for Small Dogs has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Zesty Paws ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Zesty Paws. 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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