How to clean your dog’s teeth without brushing

Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is the gold standard — but let’s be honest, plenty of dogs simply won’t have a bar of it, and plenty of owners don’t have the time. The good news: brushing isn’t the only thing that helps. Here’s what actually works when the toothbrush is a no-go.

1. Hard dental treats

The simplest daily habit. A properly hard biscuit makes your dog chew, and that chewing action helps scrape soft plaque off the teeth before it hardens into tartar. Texture is everything — a soft treat does nothing here. Feed one to the right size dog each day and it becomes an easy, no-fuss routine.

2. Dental chews and safe chew toys

Longer-lasting chews give the back teeth a workout too. Pick something sized for your dog and always supervise — avoid anything so hard it could crack a tooth (a good rule: if you can’t dent it with a thumbnail, it may be too hard).

3. Dental additives and gels

Water additives and gels can help reduce plaque bacteria. They’re a nice extra, not a magic fix — use them alongside chewing, not instead of it.

4. The right diet

Some foods are formulated to reduce plaque, and feeding to a healthy weight helps overall health, teeth included. Your vet can point you to options if dental disease is a concern.

5. Don’t skip the vet check

None of the above removes tartar once it’s formed — only a professional clean does that. Book a dental check with your vet at least yearly, and sooner if you notice bad breath, red gums, or your dog going off harder food. Home care slows plaque down; the vet handles the rest.

The easiest place to start

If you do just one thing, make it a daily hard dental biscuit — it’s the lowest-effort habit with a real payoff. Bakers Bites Original Hard Baked Dental Dog Biscuits are baked hard on purpose for exactly this, from all-Australian ingredients with no preservatives. This is general information and not a substitute for veterinary advice.