The ingredients in Greenies are not healthy options for dental care. I have seen a number of associations with pancreatic issues and intestinal blockages (due to digestibility issues) as well when used frequently.
About Greenies:
GREENIES
According to their website, this easy-to-digest, nutritious treat helps to make health a priority, it’s made with quality ingredients – “from around the world” and it’s a vet-recommended dental care product.
Wheat flour is the first ingredient and then we have wheat gluten as the 3rd one. Wheat is high in carbs and dogs can easily develop sensitivity to it. Symptoms may include red, itchy skin, frequent “head shaking” indicating discomfort in the ears, excessive paw licking. Treats that are high in starchy carbs (over 37% in this case) may actually promote the build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth.
Gelatin and Glycerin are added to achieve that gummy, moist texture. Glycerin is a type of sugar-alcohol, it’s a binder, a form of preservative. It has no nutritional value and cannot be fully absorbed by the body.
Powdered cellulose is a cheap, artificial ingredient used to “bulk up” the food/treat. Dogs cannot digest powdered cellulose.
Synthetic minerals and vitamins are hard to absorb.
The idea should really be about the gnawing action on the stick. Many dogs won’t actually gnaw, but rather chomp off chunks and chew like treats. That doesn’t help the dental care at all.
Brush your dog’s teeth – consider appropriate sized raw meaty bones.