Brit Functional Snack Dental, 150 g is a functional semi-soft treat from the Czech brand Brit for protecting dogs' teeth and gums. The protein comes from venison: dehydrated venison (26%) plus hydrolysed venison protein and meat. For dental care it contains kelp (3.5%) and sodium hexametaphosphate (0.4%), which help against tartar, along with rosemary, sage and clove. It's grain- and potato-free. Energy: 304 kcal per 100 g.
What it is and who makes it
Brit is a Czech maker of pet food and treats. Functional Snack is a series of semi-soft treats where each flavour has its own job. Dental is the variant for teeth and gums, suitable daily as a training reward or a treat.
Ingredients and analysis
Dehydrated venison (26%), pumpkin (20%), red lentils (16%), liquid vegetable starch (14%), hydrolysed venison protein (8%), hydrolysed venison (5%), collagen (4%), kelp (3.5%), rosemary (1%), salmon oil (1%), fulvic acid (0.5%), sodium hexametaphosphate (0.4%), sage (0.3%), clove (0.2%), minerals, cantaloupe extract and inactivated lactobacilli. Preservatives: citric and malic acid.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26% |
| Fat | 5% |
| Calcium / phosphorus | 1.6% / 1.1% |
| Vitamin C / zinc | 500 mg / 150 mg per kg |
| Moisture | 17% |
| Energy | 304 kcal per 100 g |
Pros
- Against tartar. Kelp and sodium hexametaphosphate.
- Herbs for the mouth. Rosemary, sage and clove freshen breath.
- Venison. An uncommon protein that suits dogs sensitive to chicken and beef.
- Grain- and potato-free. Pumpkin and lentils instead.
- Low fat. 5% fat and 304 kcal per 100 g.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Doesn't replace brushing. The treat helps, but a toothbrush works better.
- Won't remove existing tartar. Only a vet can do that.
- Semi-soft. It cleans teeth mechanically less than hard chews.
- Calories count. Keep treats under 10% of the daily allowance.
How to give it
Give the treat daily as a training reward or a snack during the day. Regularity is what matters for teeth, as the anti-tartar ingredients work when the dog gets them every day. For training, break the pieces into small bits. Fresh water should always be available. Subtract treat calories from the daily food portion.
How sodium hexametaphosphate works
Tartar is plaque that has mineralised with calcium from saliva. Sodium hexametaphosphate binds calcium in saliva, so soft plaque stays soft longer and is easier to remove by chewing and brushing. Kelp is a seaweed also used in anti-plaque products. This is prevention: the treat won't dissolve hard yellow-brown tartar already at the gumline, which needs a professional clean at the vet's.
Complete dental care for dogs
The foundation is brushing with a dog toothpaste several times a week. On top of that, use mouth liquids and sprays such as Canina Dental Can, plus chew treats and toys, and have your vet check the teeth yearly. Step-by-step instructions are in how to brush your dog's and cat's teeth, and choosing chews is covered in chew treats for dogs.
Who it suits
Dogs with plaque and bad breath, small breeds prone to tartar, dogs that won't let you brush their teeth, and everyday training. The same series has a skin and coat treat, Brit Functional Snack Skin & Coat. Other treats are in dog treats.
Verdict
Brit Functional Snack Dental is a semi-soft grain-free treat with venison, kelp, sodium hexametaphosphate and herbs to help prevent tartar and freshen breath. A good daily addition to brushing, but not a substitute for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brit Functional Snack Dental help with tartar?
It helps prevent tartar; existing tartar is removed by a vet.
What meat is in it?
Venison.
Does it contain grains?
No, it's grain- and potato-free.
Can I give it every day?
Yes, daily and within 10% of daily calories.
Does the treat replace brushing?
No, it complements brushing.
How many calories?
304 kcal per 100 g.
Is it suitable for dogs allergic to chicken?
There's no chicken meat; the protein is venison, and it contains salmon oil.
Can puppies have it?
No age is given in the description; puppies are better off with dedicated puppy treats.
