Sized for tiny jaws; delivers tartar control and fresher breath without the dangerous hardness of bone-like chews.
We may earn a small referral fee
Is it just me, or do the “long-lasting” chews online always look like they were made for a dog twice the size? Watching a tiny Chihuahua go to town on something rock-hard made me realize how quickly a cute chew can turn into a tooth-risk situation. Now I stick to right-sized dental chews that have some give, because I would rather refresh breath and support cleaner teeth than gamble on a cracked tooth.
In-depth Reviews
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH Tartar Control Chews (Mini)
- Strong tartar and breath support for a daily chew
- Toy-dog sizing feels manageable in tiny mouths
- Breaks down more safely than many long-lasting chews
- Some picky dogs need a few tries to accept the texture
- Not ideal for dogs that must stay on very low-calorie treats
GREENIES Original Dental Dog Treats (Teenie)
- Highly palatable, even for picky small dogs
- Good everyday chew texture for toy breeds
- Simple routine that supports cleaner teeth
- Can disappear quickly with fast chewers
- Not the best fit for dogs with very sensitive stomachs
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dental Chews (Small Dog)
- Good value for consistent daily use
- Texture promotes a longer chew session
- Works well as a simple dental routine
- Some dogs finish it quickly, limiting cleaning time
- May not suit dogs with ingredient sensitivities
Whimzees by Wellness Brushzees Dental Treats (Extra Small)
- Great shape for small jaws to grip and chew
- Encourages longer chewing versus quick swallowing
- Reliable daily dental support
- Some toy dogs need a slow introduction to the texture
- Can be too firm for seniors with painful teeth
Barkworthies Odor-Free Bully Sticks (6 Inch)
- Longer-lasting chewing to satisfy natural instincts
- Typically more digestible than rawhide
- Great for occupying a busy small dog
- Choking risk with the last small piece without a holder
- Can be rich for sensitive stomachs
Buying Guide
Quick Safety Check: Choosing a Chihuahua Chew Without Cracking Teeth
Hardness matters more for toy breeds. Chihuahuas can be brave chewers, but their teeth are not built for the same forces as big dogs. I avoid chews that feel like a rock (antlers, hooves, and many weight-bearing bones) because tooth fractures are painful and expensive. If you cannot dent it with a fingernail, it is often safer to skip it.
Match the chew to the mouth. A chew that is too big encourages gulping and awkward chewing, while a chew that is too small becomes a choking hazard. For long chews like bully sticks, a holder is non-negotiable in my house, and I take the chew away when it gets down to a swallowable nub.
Remember chews count as calories. Dental chews and bully sticks can quietly add up, especially for a Chihuahua. If you give a daily chew, reduce meal portions slightly, and watch weight over a couple of weeks. A little consistency here keeps “helpful dental habits” from turning into unwanted weight gain.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final Verdict: For most Chihuahuas, Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH (Mini) is the best overall chew because it is right-sized for toy mouths and genuinely supports cleaner teeth and fresher breath with a more tooth-friendly texture. If you want a simpler daily option that is easy to find almost anywhere, GREENIES Teenie is a very solid runner-up.
See also
If you are shopping for a younger dog, start with our guide to the best chews for puppies.
- Best harnesses for Chihuahuas
- Our favorite dog crates for safe downtime
- Best toys for Dachshunds (lots of small-dog overlap)
- Best treats for senior dogs
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
What are the safest chews for Chihuahuas?
For most Chihuahuas, the safest “everyday” chews are vet-style dental chews that are sized for toy breeds and designed to soften as they’re chewed. Look for a chew that matches your dog’s weight range, encourages a gentle chewing motion, and is not rock-hard.
A simple rule of thumb many vets share is the “fingernail test”: if you cannot dent the chew with your fingernail, it may be hard enough to risk a tooth fracture for a small dog. That is why I skip antlers, weight-bearing bones, and very hard nylon-style chews for many Chihuahuas, especially if they are enthusiastic chewers.
How often should I give my Chihuahua a dental chew?
Most dental chews are intended for daily use, but follow the package directions for your dog’s size and talk with your vet if your Chihuahua has pancreatitis history, sensitive digestion, or needs weight control. Dental chews work best when they are consistent, not occasional.
Also, remember dental chews are a helper, not a replacement for brushing. If you can manage even a few brushings per week, you will usually see better results than chews alone, especially for tiny breeds that build tartar quickly.
Can Chihuahuas have bully sticks, and how do I prevent choking?
Many Chihuahuas do fine with bully sticks, but you need two safeguards: sizing and supervision. Pick a thickness your dog can work on without trying to swallow big chunks, and always supervise chewing time.
The biggest risk is the last small piece. Use a bully stick holder so your Chihuahua cannot gulp the end, and take it away when it gets small enough to fit fully in their mouth. If your dog tends to “power chew” and snap off chunks, a softer dental chew is usually the safer choice.
Are rawhide chews okay for Chihuahuas?
I generally avoid rawhide for Chihuahuas. It can soften into swallowable pieces, and small dogs are more likely to choke or develop digestive blockage because their airways and GI tracts are so small. Some dogs also get stomach upset from it.
If you want a longer-lasting chewing session, consider a digestible option like a bully stick and use a holder, or stick with a VOHC-accepted dental chew that is designed to break down more safely.
What chews work best for Chihuahua puppies or seniors?
Puppies need gentler textures that support teething without being too hard, and seniors often need softer options that are easy on worn teeth and sensitive gums. In both cases, the “hardness” issue matters even more than it does for a healthy adult Chihuahua.
Choose a chew made specifically for your dog’s life stage and size, and when in doubt, go softer and smaller. If your senior has dental disease or missing teeth, ask your vet whether a dental chew is appropriate, or if you should switch to brushing plus softer treats.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.