What the VOHC seal on dog dental chews actually means
The Veterinary Oral Health Council seal tells you a chew, water additive or diet passed testing for plaque or tartar. Here's how to read it.
Walk down any pet aisle and half the chews promise "fresh breath" and "clean teeth." Only some of them have been tested against a standard. That's what the VOHC Seal of Acceptance is for.
What VOHC is
The Veterinary Oral Health Council reviews data from companies that want to claim their product reduces plaque (the soft bacterial film) or tartar (plaque that has hardened). If the results meet its standard, the product gets the seal for that specific claim. VOHC publishes the full list of accepted products at vohc.org.
How to read the seal
- Check the claim. Each listing says "Plaque", "Tartar" or both. A tartar-only product slows hardened buildup; a plaque claim means it reduces the film that starts the problem.
- Check the exact product. Seals apply to specific formulas and sizes. "Greenies" and "Dentastix" have accepted versions, but not every flavor or spin-off is automatically covered.
- Check the species. Dog products and cat products are listed separately. Don't give a dog chew to a cat.
- No seal doesn't mean useless. Testing costs money, and some decent products never apply. But a seal means someone checked.
Examples from the current list
The VOHC list includes chews such as OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews (tartar, accepted 2016) and Canine Greenies (plaque and tartar, 2007), and water additives such as TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Water Additive for Dogs (plaque, 2020). The list also includes an ADA-compliant soft-bristle, flat-head toothbrush, a reminder that brushing is still the benchmark.
Where seal products fit
Think of it as a ladder. Daily brushing with a pet toothpaste does the most. A VOHC chew or water additive is a useful extra, or the realistic option for a dog who won't let you near their mouth with a brush. None of them fixes existing tartar or a painful tooth; that needs a vet dental cleaning.
Our full list, with toothpastes and kits, is in Best Dog Dental Care. New to brushing? Start with our brushing guide.
Source: Veterinary Oral Health Council, "VOHC Accepted Products" (vohc.org/accepted-products), checked October 2026.