Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Review Australia: Are They Worth It for Dogs?
If you have ever dealt with bad breath, yellow teeth, or tartar build-up in your dog, you will know how difficult daily dental care can be. Brushing is still important, but many pet parents struggle to do it consistently. That is one reason dog dental chews have become such a popular part of everyday care routines.
In this review, we take a closer look at Bell & Bone dental sticks. We will cover how they work, what ingredients they use, whether they suit sensitive dogs, and how they compare with other dental chews commonly found in Australia.
Rather than acting as a shopping page, this guide is designed to help dog owners understand whether Bell & Bone is the right fit for their dog’s dental routine. If you want to browse the range itself, you can visit our Bell & Bone dental sticks collection.
Quick verdict:
Bell & Bone dental sticks are one of the stronger natural-style dental chew options for Australian dog owners who want grain-free recipes, real meat ingredients, and added oral actives to support daily plaque and breath management. They are especially appealing for dogs with sensitivities and for owners looking for a more natural alternative to mainstream dental treats.
1. What Is Bell & Bone?
Bell & Bone is an Australian pet treat brand known for making functional dog chews, including a popular range of Bell & Bone dental sticks. Many dog owners know the brand as either Bell & Bone or Bell and Bone, but they refer to the same range of Australian-made dental chews formulated for everyday use.
The brand stands out because it combines the idea of a daily chew with a more ingredient-conscious approach. Instead of positioning dental sticks as only a treat, Bell & Bone presents them as a practical way to support fresher breath, plaque control, and general oral care in dogs.
2. What Makes Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Different?
Bell & Bone dental sticks are popular because they combine chewing texture, natural-style ingredients, and functional oral support in one product. For dog owners comparing options, these are the features that usually stand out most:
- Australian-made – a strong appeal for dog owners who prefer locally developed pet products.
- Grain-free recipes – many pet parents actively look for grain-free options, especially when feeding dogs with sensitivities.
- Real meat inclusions – recipes commonly feature proteins such as kangaroo, salmon, chicken, duck, or lamb.
- Oral active ingredients – ingredients such as Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Zinc Sulphate are included to support dental function beyond chewing alone.
- Distinctive shape – the stick design encourages active chewing, which can support physical cleaning of the teeth.
- Life-stage and size options – there are puppy, adult, and senior choices, along with different size recommendations.
For dog owners already feeding natural dog food or looking for treats with a simpler ingredient profile, Bell & Bone often feels more aligned with that feeding style than some mainstream dental chew options.
3. Ingredient Spotlight: Bell & Bone Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric Dental Sticks
One of the most talked-about recipes in the range is Bell & Bone Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric Dental Sticks. This formula is often chosen by owners wanting a leaner protein source or a recipe that feels gentler for dogs with sensitivities.
Ingredients:
Kangaroo (30%), Tapioca, Glycerine, Sweet Potato, Mint (3.8%), Coconut, Vegetable Digest, Vegetable Gum, Salt, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Turmeric (1.1%), Zinc Sulphate, Parsley, Chia, Natural Flavour, Vegetable Oil, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Acacia Tree Gum, Food Acid.
3.1 Why This Formula Appeals to Many Dog Owners
- Kangaroo (30%) – a lean protein that many owners choose for dogs with food sensitivities or weight concerns.
- Tapioca and sweet potato – grain-free carbohydrate sources used to help bind and structure the chew.
- Mint and parsley – ingredients commonly associated with fresher breath support.
- Turmeric – often included in pet products for its functional positioning and broader wellness appeal.
- Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Zinc Sulphate – the key dental actives included to support plaque and tartar management.
From a formulation point of view, this recipe helps explain why Bell & Bone is often seen as a more natural alternative to mainstream dental chews. It is not just about flavour. It is about combining chewability, ingredients, and oral support in a way that feels more considered than a generic dental treat.
4. How Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Help Clean Teeth
Bell & Bone dental sticks are designed to support oral care through two main mechanisms:
4.1 Oral Active Support
- Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) is commonly used in dental chews to help reduce the mineralisation that contributes to tartar formation.
- Zinc Sulphate is often included to help support fresher breath and oral hygiene management.
4.2 Mechanical Chewing Action
The shape and texture of the sticks encourage dogs to chew rather than swallow quickly. That chewing action may help:
- reduce soft plaque build-up on the tooth surface,
- support gum stimulation,
- extend chewing time compared with softer treats.
This combination is one reason many owners see Bell & Bone as more than a treat that simply tastes good.
5. Why They Appeal to Dental-Conscious Dog Owners
Many dog owners today are more selective about dental treats. They are not just asking whether a chew is popular. They also want to know whether it matches their dog’s diet, sensitivity level, and overall ingredient preferences.
Bell & Bone tends to appeal to dog owners who are looking for:
- grain-free recipes,
- Australian-made dog treats,
- recipes with real meat inclusions,
- daily-use dental support for dogs with mild plaque or bad breath,
- a more natural-feeling alternative to highly processed mainstream dental chews.
That does not mean they replace brushing or veterinary dental care. But for many owners, they fit well into a practical maintenance routine.
6. Bell & Bone vs Greenies
A common comparison dog owners make is Bell & Bone vs Greenies. Both are well-known in the dental chew space, but they appeal to slightly different priorities.
| Comparison point | Bell & Bone | Greenies |
|---|---|---|
| Brand style | Often chosen for its natural-style positioning and Australian-made appeal | Often chosen as a mainstream, widely recognised dental chew |
| Formulation focus | Strong emphasis on grain-free recipes, real meat inclusions, and oral actives | Well-known for convenience and established dental chew recognition |
| Owner preference | Often preferred by owners looking for a more natural alternative | Often preferred by owners already familiar with mainstream dental treats |
| Australian-made appeal | Yes, this is one of its stronger selling points | Not typically the main reason owners choose it |
| Sensitive-dog appeal | Frequently considered for dogs needing grain-free or novel-protein style options | Suitability depends more on the individual dog and formula chosen |
In other words, Bell & Bone usually appeals more to owners who care strongly about ingredient philosophy, grain-free options, and Australian-made positioning. Greenies remains a familiar and convenient choice, but the two products often attract different buying mindsets.
7. Pros and Cons
Pros
- Australian-made and widely appealing to local dog owners.
- Strong fit for owners seeking natural-style dental chews.
- Grain-free options available across the range.
- Real meat inclusions help differentiate the formulas.
- Includes oral active ingredients for added dental support.
- Suitable options for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
Cons
- They do not replace brushing or professional veterinary dental care.
- Dogs with severe dental disease may need more than a daily chew.
- Correct sizing matters, especially for dogs that tend to gulp treats.
- Very strict prescription-diet dogs may need vet guidance before adding any treats.
8. Which Bell & Bone Dental Stick Is Best for Your Dog?
One strength of the range is that it is not limited to a single recipe. Different dogs often suit different formulas based on life stage, protein preference, and sensitivity level.
8.1 By Life Stage
- Puppies – puppy-specific dental chews are better suited to developing mouths and smaller jaws.
- Adult dogs – most of the standard Bell & Bone range sits here, including kangaroo, chicken, salmon, and lamb options.
- Senior dogs – older dogs may suit gentler-texture formulas or senior-positioned options.
8.2 By Need
- For bad breath – recipes with mint, parsley, seaweed, or charcoal often attract the most interest.
- For food sensitivities – kangaroo formulas are often considered first.
- For smaller breeds – size-appropriate sticks matter more than flavour alone.
- For owners switching from mainstream dental chews – Bell & Bone is often explored as a more natural-feeling alternative.
9. What We See In-Store at ADS Pet Store
At ADS Pet Store, Bell & Bone dental sticks are one of the ranges we see customers return to consistently. A few patterns stand out in-store:
- Kangaroo formulas are often chosen by owners managing food sensitivities.
- Mint-focused varieties are often chosen when bad breath is the main concern.
- Small-breed owners tend to care most about sizing and chew time.
- Customers switching from Greenies often mention that they want something that feels more natural or grain free.
- Repeat buyers usually value the convenience of adding one dental chew into an everyday routine rather than relying only on brushing.
This real-world feedback is one reason Bell & Bone remains a strong option in conversations about everyday dog dental support.
Our practical takeaway: if your dog needs an easier daily dental routine and you prefer a grain-free, Australian-made chew with a more natural ingredient profile, Bell & Bone is one of the better ranges to look into.
10. How to Use Bell & Bone Dental Sticks in a Daily Routine
- Feed consistently – daily use generally makes more sense than occasional use.
- Choose the right size – size matters for safe chewing and better dental contact.
- Supervise chewing – especially for fast eaters or dogs that tend to gulp.
- Start gradually for sensitive dogs – some owners prefer to begin with a partial stick and build up.
- Use alongside broader dental care – chews support maintenance, but they work best as part of a full routine.
11. Are Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Worth It?
For many Australian dog owners, yes. Bell & Bone dental sticks are worth considering if your priorities include:
- grain-free formulations,
- Australian-made dog treats,
- real meat-based recipes,
- daily support for plaque, tartar, and bad breath,
- a more natural alternative to mainstream dental chews.
They are not a miracle fix for heavy tartar or advanced gum disease, but for routine maintenance and owner-friendly daily use, they are a strong option.
12. Where to Learn More or Browse the Range
If you want to explore the different Bell & Bone recipes, sizes, and flavour options, you can browse our Bell & Bone dental sticks collection.
If you would like to learn more about the brand itself, you can also visit the official Bell & Bone website or read customer feedback on the brand review page.
This article is intended as a review and buying guide rather than a substitute for the collection page itself. The collection remains the better destination if you already know you want to compare products directly.
13. Signs Your Dog Might Need Dental Support
Some common signs that a dog may benefit from a better dental routine include:
- ongoing bad breath,
- yellow or brown staining near the gum line,
- mild tartar build-up,
- less interest in harder chews,
- red or irritated-looking gums.
If symptoms are more severe, such as obvious pain, bleeding, loose teeth, or very heavy tartar, a veterinary dental check is the better next step.
14. How to Tell If Dental Chews Are Helping
- Breath gradually improves rather than becoming worse over time.
- Plaque build-up slows down rather than thickening quickly.
- Your dog actually chews the stick instead of swallowing it whole.
- There are no digestive issues after routine feeding.
Dental chews are best viewed as maintenance support. They are most useful when used early and consistently, rather than waiting until dental disease becomes advanced.
15. FAQs
Are Bell & Bone dental sticks grain free?
Yes, Bell & Bone dental sticks are generally positioned as grain-free dental chews, which is one reason they are popular with owners looking for a more natural-style option for sensitive dogs.
Are Bell and Bone dental sticks the same as Bell & Bone?
Yes. Many people know the brand as Bell and Bone, but it refers to the same Bell & Bone dental stick range.
Are Bell & Bone dental sticks made in Australia?
Yes, one of the strongest appeals of the Bell & Bone range is that it is Australian-made, which matters to many local dog owners comparing dental treat brands.
Are Bell & Bone dental sticks safe for daily use?
They are designed for daily use when fed according to the brand’s directions and when the correct size is chosen for your dog. As with any chew, supervision is still important.
Which Bell & Bone flavour is best for bad breath?
Recipes with mint, parsley, charcoal, or seaweed are often the first options owners look at when bad breath is the main concern. Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric is also a popular choice for dogs needing a leaner protein option.
Can puppies have Bell & Bone dental sticks?
Yes, but puppies should have the puppy-specific formulas designed for younger dogs and smaller mouths, rather than standard adult dental sticks.
Is Bell & Bone a good alternative to Greenies?
For owners looking for grain-free, Australian-made, natural-style dog dental chews, Bell & Bone is often considered a good alternative to Greenies. The better option depends on your dog’s needs and your ingredient preferences.
Do Bell & Bone dental sticks replace brushing?
No. They can support a better daily dental care routine, but they do not replace brushing or professional veterinary dental treatment when it is needed.
Are Bell & Bone suitable for dogs with food allergies?
Many owners consider Bell & Bone for sensitive dogs, especially kangaroo-based recipes. However, dogs on very strict veterinary diets should still check with their vet before introducing new treats.
