Walking down the treat aisle can feel a bit like navigating a maze without a map. As a veterinary nutritionist, I see pet parents constantly weighing their options, often comparing apples to oranges—or in this case, dental chews to training treats. The truth is, the "best" treat depends entirely on what you are trying to achieve with your dog. Are you looking for a daily supplement to help manage plaque and tartar, or do you need a high-frequency reward that won't pack on the pounds during obedience class?
Today, I’m breaking down two very different but popular options: Pedigree Dentastix Small Breed Beef Treats and Charlee Bear Bacon & Blueberry Grain Free Dog Treats. While one promises a brighter smile for small breeds, the other offers a grain-free, low-calorie crunch suitable for just about any dog. I’ve tested both with my own pack of rescues and analyzed the labels to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your pantry.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Pedigree Dentastix Small Breed | Charlee Bear Bacon & Blueberry |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Dental Health & Tartar Control | Training & Frequent Rewards |
| Calorie Count | Moderate (Daily Chew) | < 3 Calories per treat |
| Texture | Chewy, dense X-shape | Crunchy, dry biscuit |
| Grain-Free? | No | Yes |
| Target Audience | Small Dogs (7-22 lbs) | All Breeds & Sizes |
| Key Ingredients | Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Beef Flavor | Pork, Peas, Chickpeas, Blueberries |
Detailed Product Analysis
Pedigree Dentastix Small Breed Beef Treats
Pedigree has long been a household name, and their Dentastix line is specifically engineered as a functional treat. These aren't designed to be inhaled in a second; they are meant to be chewed. The patented X-shape is crucial here—it acts almost like a squeegee against the tooth surface, helping to scrape away plaque before it hardens into tartar.
Watch: Pedigree Dentastix Small Breed Beef Treats 168ct
From a veterinary perspective, the texture is the hero. It is firm enough to provide resistance but not so hard that it risks tooth fractures, which is a common concern with harder chews like antlers. However, it is vital to stick to the size guidelines.
Charlee Bear Bacon & Blueberry Grain Free Dog Treats
On the other end of the spectrum, we have Charlee Bear. These treats are what I call "high-value, low-guilt." When I'm working on clicker training or teaching a new trick, I need a treat that I can hand out repeatedly without disrupting the dog's daily caloric balance.
Watch: Charlee Bear Bacon & Blueberry Grain Free Dog Treats, 8oz
At less than 3 calories per treat, these are exceptional for heavy reinforcement schedules. The Bacon & Blueberry recipe is grain-free, which is a nice bonus for dogs with specific grain sensitivities. They are dry to the touch—meaning no greasy residue in your pocket or treat pouch—and they have a satisfying crunch that many dogs find rewarding.
Ingredient Quality Breakdown
As a nutritionist, this is where I spend most of my time. The ingredient lists for these two products reveal their very different purposes.
Pedigree Dentastix relies on a base of rice flour and wheat starch. These ingredients are necessary to create the specific chewy texture that provides the mechanical cleaning action. While they aren't "fillers" in the sense that they serve a structural purpose, they are carbohydrate-heavy. If you are strictly monitoring carb intake or have a diabetic dog, this is something to watch. The beef flavor is palatable, but it is a flavor inclusion rather than a primary protein source.
Charlee Bear, specifically the Grain-Free line, leads with chickpeas and peas, followed by pork and pork liver. The inclusion of real blueberries adds a nice touch of antioxidants, though the primary benefit here is the clean, limited-ingredient profile. There are no artificial colors or flavors, which aligns well with a more holistic approach to nutrition.
Are grain-free treats better for all dogs? expand_more
Not necessarily. Unless your dog has a diagnosed allergy or sensitivity to grains, wholesome grains can be a good source of energy. However, for training treats like Charlee Bear, a grain-free formula often allows for higher protein density and fewer empty calories.
Palatability & Real-World Testing
I tested these with my rescue pack to gauge enthusiasm.
The Smell Test: Charlee Bear wins the aroma category hands down. As soon as I opened the bag, the scent of bacon was distinct. For a dog, scent is a huge part of the reward experience. The Dentastix have a milder, savory smell that is pleasant but doesn't fill the room.
Texture and Eating Experience: The Dentastix did exactly what they were supposed to do. My smaller terrier mix had to hold the chew between his paws and gnaw at it, which took him about 5 minutes. This duration is great for mental stimulation.
The Charlee Bear treats were gone in a flash. The crunch is audible—a "snap" that confirms the reward. My dogs were immediately ready for the next command, looking for another piece. This confirms their suitability for rapid-fire training.
Value Analysis
When we look at price, we have to look at "cost per use" rather than just price per bag.
Pedigree Dentastix come in at a higher price point per unit, roughly $0.18 to $0.25 per treat depending on the pack size. However, since the recommendation is strictly one per day, the monthly cost is predictable and reasonable for a dental supplement.
Charlee Bear offers incredible volume value. A single bag contains hundreds of treats. If you calculate the price per ounce, it is quite competitive, but the real value is in the "treat count." You can reward your dog 20 times in a training session for the cost of a fraction of a dental chew.
Can I give my dog Dentastix and Charlee Bear treats in the same day? expand_more
Yes, absolutely. You can give the recommended one Dentastix per day for dental health and use Charlee Bear treats for training rewards. Just be mindful of your dog's total daily calorie intake and adjust their regular meal size if necessary.
Best For Different Dogs
Puppies: Charlee Bear is the safer bet here. The small size and simple ingredients are gentle on sensitive puppy tummies. Dentastix are generally not recommended for puppies under a certain weight or age (usually 6 months) due to the richness and the chewing requirement.
Seniors: For older dogs with dental issues, be careful. While Dentastix helps prevent tartar, if your senior dog already has loose teeth or gum disease, the chewing action might be uncomfortable. Charlee Bear treats are crunchy, but they can be soaked in a little water or broth if your senior needs a softer option.
Dietary Sensitivities: If your dog has a known grain allergy (specifically wheat or corn), the Charlee Bear Grain-Free option is the clear choice. Pedigree Dentastix contain wheat starch.
Final Recommendations
Ultimately, these two treats belong in different categories of your dog care toolkit.
Our Top Pick
Charlee Bear
Charlee Bear Bacon & Blueberry Grain Free Dog Treats, 8oz
If your primary goal is preventative dental care for a small adult dog, and you want a convenient, once-a-day solution that is backed by veterinary research, Pedigree Dentastix is a solid, effective choice. It combines a treat with a health benefit.
However, if you are looking for a versatile, everyday reward or you are in the thick of training a puppy, Charlee Bear is the superior option. The low calorie count, clean ingredient list, and grain-free formulation make it a guilt-free way to bond with your dog.
