How Earthbones Stacks Against Other Natural Dental Chews
Earthbones has some legitimate advantages over competitors like Bocce's Brushy Sticks and Hive Dog Chew Sticks. The big differentiator is the ingredient count - Earthbones uses 60% fewer ingredients than average dental chews, which matters if your dog has a sensitive stomach or you're trying to avoid unnecessary additives. The natural enzymes that fight bad breath are a real feature here, not just marketing fluff.
Bocce's Brushy Sticks compete on similar ground with their bristled shape designed to break down plaque, and they're also made in the USA with real ingredients. Hive Dog Chew Sticks go a different direction with organic honey and peanuts, plus they're Non-GMO Project Verified if that matters to you. The choice really comes down to your dog's preferences and any dietary restrictions. Earthbones seems to win on simplicity, while Bocce's might appeal more if your dog needs the textured surface for plaque control, and Hive works better if you want something with more flavor variety.
Related: Learn more: Is Earthbones Dental for Large Dogs worth buying in 2026
What Actually Happens Over Weeks of Regular Use
These are meant to be chewed regularly, so durability matters. The fact that Earthbones passed lab testing by the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences for digestibility is genuinely useful - it means they won't just sit in your dog's stomach causing problems. That said, digestibility is about what happens after your dog swallows, not how long the chew lasts in their mouth.
Related: Learn more: Best places to buy Earthbones Dental for Large Dogs cheaply
With regular use, you're looking at a chew that should break down gradually rather than splinter or cause blockages. The fiber-rich, low-fat formula means they won't contribute to weight gain if your dog is on a diet. Over time, if your dog is actually using them as intended, you should notice fresher breath, though that's hard to measure objectively. The real test is whether your dog will keep coming back to them or lose interest after a few weeks. Some dogs are picky about dental chews, so you might find yourself with a half-used box.
First Week Experience and What to Expect
When you open a bulk pack at that price point, you're getting a decent quantity, which is good for testing whether your dog even likes them. The chews are made in the USA from domestic and imported ingredients, so quality control should be consistent. Your dog might take to them immediately or might need a few days to warm up - some dogs are suspicious of new treats.
The limited ingredient recipe means fewer potential allergens, which is a plus if your dog has food sensitivities. Start by giving one chew and watching how your dog handles it. If they're a power chewer, these might disappear quickly. If your dog is more cautious, they might last longer. The fact that they're lab-tested for digestibility should give you confidence that even if your dog swallows large chunks, it won't cause the digestive upset you might get with lower-quality chews.
The real question is whether your dog will actually use these regularly enough to justify the investment, and whether the breath-freshening benefit is noticeable enough to matter to you.
