What Makes the Ingredient List Actually Different
When you compare Earthbones to the big names like Greenies or DentaStix, the difference is immediately obvious. Those brands have ingredient lists that look like chemistry experiments - we're talking 30+ items including multiple types of minerals, synthetic vitamins, preservatives, and color additives. Earthbones stripped all that away. There's no wheat gluten, no gelatin, no gum arabic, no sodium tripolyphosphate, and none of the artificial colorants you see in competitors. The company specifically sourced ingredients from quality suppliers audited to strict standards, and they made a point of avoiding anything from China. That's not just marketing talk - it's reflected in what's actually in the bag.
How They Actually Make It Work Without All the Additives
The real trick here is the chickpea flour and pea starch combination. These aren't fillers - they're doing the heavy lifting. They're coarse enough to actually scrape plaque off teeth while still being soft enough that your dog's teeth can sink in. Most dental chews need a ton of stabilizers and binders to achieve that balance, but Earthbones managed it with minimal ingredients. The peppermint and rosemary oils handle the fresh breath part, while the calcium carbonate supports the cleaning action. It's a straightforward formula that actually makes sense when you think about what a dental chew is supposed to do.
Related: Learn more: Is Earthbones Dental for Large Dogs worth buying in 2026
One thing worth knowing: some owners have reported digestibility issues with these chews. A few people mentioned their dogs threw up undigested chunks, even after limiting them to every other day. The company says they're lab-tested for digestibility, but individual dogs vary. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or a history of not tolerating certain treats well, you might want to introduce these slowly rather than jumping straight to daily use.
Related: Learn more: What to consider when buying Earthbones Dental for Large ...
Who Should Actually Buy These
If your dog has allergies or sensitivities to chicken, beef, or grains, these are worth trying since they're completely meat-free and grain-free. They're also solid if you're the type who reads ingredient labels and gets frustrated by unpronounceable additives - you won't have that problem here. The vegan formula means no gelatin or animal byproducts, which matters if that's important to you. That said, if your dog has a track record of not tolerating pea-based treats or has a sensitive digestive system, you might want to stick with something else or at least test a small amount first before committing to a full pack.
At $118.77 for a large pack, you're paying more than Greenies or DentaStix, but you're getting a genuinely simpler formula with better ingredient sourcing. Whether that's worth it depends on how much you care about what goes into your dog's treats.
