Dog Dental Chews Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Dog Dental Chews Market is projected to expand significantly, rising from USD 784.02 Million in 2025 to USD 1.23 billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.83%. These functional treats are designed to mechanically scour away plaque and tartar buildup while often including ingredients that freshen breath and enhance oral hygiene. The industry is largely buoyed by the trend of pet humanization, where owners view their dogs as family members and prioritize premium preventative healthcare products. This cultural shift has catalyzed demand for consumables targeting periodontal disease, a common canine health issue. The magnitude of this spending is substantial; as reported by the American Pet Products Association, the pet food and treats sector in the United States alone generated sales totaling $65.8 billion in 2024.

Despite this growth, the market faces hurdles related to product safety and digestibility which hamper broader adoption. Incidents involving choking hazards, gastrointestinal obstructions, or tooth fractures linked to specific hard chews have generated consumer caution and attracted stricter regulatory oversight. Such safety concerns cause hesitation among cautious pet owners, effectively limiting market penetration. Consequently, the perception of risk associated with digestibility and physical safety remains a significant barrier impeding the full expansion potential of the dental chew category.

Market Drivers

The deepening emotional bond between owners and their pets acts as a primary market catalyst, with the tendency to anthropomorphize animals leading to increased demand for premium care. This cultural evolution encourages consumers to purchase high-quality, functional wellness products that align with human health trends, thereby broadening the scope for specialized treats. The financial scale of this dedication is vast; the American Pet Products Association's '2025 State of the Industry Report' from March 2025 indicates that total U.S. pet industry expenditures hit a record $152 billion in 2024. Further evidencing this investment in animal well-being, Zoetis highlighted in its 'Second Quarter 2025 Results' from August 2025 that operational sales of companion animal products rose by 8%, reflecting strong consumer demand for advanced health solutions supporting vitality.

Concurrently, rising consumer awareness regarding the dangers of canine periodontal disease has become a critical growth driver. As veterinarians increasingly stress the link between oral health and systemic issues - connecting gum disease to heart and kidney problems - owners are rapidly implementing preventive home-care routines. This perspective has transformed dental chews from sporadic treats into essential daily healthcare staples that supplement professional veterinary cleanings. The commercial validity of this trend is visible in manufacturing outcomes; Virbac's '2024 Annual Results' from March 2025 revealed that its 10.2% revenue increase in North America was largely fueled by sustained sales momentum in companion animal specialty and dental care products, underscoring how health-focused buying habits are expanding the functional chew sector.

Market Challenges

A major obstacle hindering the Global Dog Dental Chews Market is the enduring apprehension regarding product safety and digestibility. As pet owners apply greater scrutiny to the items they purchase, reports of adverse occurrences - such as choking, gastrointestinal blockages, and dental fractures - create substantial trust barriers. When consumers identify potential risks for physical injury or digestive distress, they are likely to curtail spending on chews or avoid the category altogether, despite the advertised dental advantages. This reluctance is especially prevalent concerning hard chews or rawhide-based options, which frequently face criticism for their inability to break down effectively within the digestive tract.

The requirement for high digestibility is further amplified by a growing emphasis on canine weight management and general health, leading to the rejection of products that might cause obstruction or compromise well-being. This rigorous evaluation aligns with industry data highlighting increased awareness of pet health metrics. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 35% of dog owners classified their pets as overweight or having obesity in 2024, a notable rise that emphasizes the strict vigilance owners now maintain regarding the nutritional content and digestibility of treats. As a result, these elevated safety expectations restrict the market reach of traditional dental chews that fail to ensure complete solubility and safety.

Market Trends

The shift toward sustainable packaging and upcycled ingredients has developed into a significant trend, fueled by environmental advocacy that considers a product's physical footprint alongside its nutritional value. Manufacturers are actively restructuring supply chains to decrease virgin plastic consumption and integrate circular economy principles, catering to eco-conscious owners who evaluate the environmental consequences of daily purchases. This operational evolution is evident among industry leaders; for instance, Mars noted in its '2024 Sustainable in a Generation Report' from July 2025 that it integrated over 14,000 metric tons of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic into its packaging in 2024, demonstrating a widespread industry commitment to waste reduction in pet care mass production.

In parallel, the rise of personalized and subscription-based direct-to-consumer models is transforming product distribution and routine adherence. Because dental chews require consistent daily use for efficacy, they are ideally suited for automated replenishment services that prevent shortages and ensure ongoing oral hygiene. This convenience has established recurring delivery models as a dominant sales channel for essential supplies. The magnitude of this consumer behavior is reflected in retail data; according to the 'Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results' from Chewy, Inc. released in August 2025, Autoship customer sales accounted for 83% of total net sales, highlighting the strong preference for automated purchasing solutions within the pet health sector.

Key Players Profiled in the Dog Dental Chews Market

• Mars, Inc.
• Nestle S.A.
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Merrick Pet Care, Inc.
• The J.M. Smucker Company
• General Mills, Inc.
• Wellness Pet Company, Inc.
• Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
• Compana Pet Brands LLC
• Earth Animal Ventures, Inc.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Dog Dental Chews Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Dog Dental Chews Market, by Product Type:

• Dental Bones
• Dental Sticks
• Dental Treats
• Others

Dog Dental Chews Market, by Age Group:

• Puppy
• Adult
• Senior

Dog Dental Chews Market, by Distribution Channel:

• Hypermarket/Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

Dog Dental Chews Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Dog Dental Chews Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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