Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Review (2025): Natural, Vet-Backed Dental Care for Aussie Dogs

Bad breath, yellow teeth and stubborn tartar build-up are some of the most common problems we see in-store at ADS Pet Store. The tricky part? Most pet parents know they should brush their dog’s teeth… but in real life, getting a wriggly dog to accept daily brushing is easier said than done.

That’s where Bell & Bone dental sticks come in – Australian-made, natural dog dental chews designed for daily use, with clinically backed oral actives to help fight plaque and tartar while your dog simply enjoys a tasty chew.

In this 2025 review, we’ll look at how Bell & Bone dental sticks work, what makes them different from other dental chews (including a Bell & Bone vs Greenies comparison), and how to choose the right flavour and size for your dog – using the popular Bell & Bone Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric Dental Sticks as a key example.

Bell & Bone has quickly become one of the most popular options for natural dog dental chews in Australia, especially for pet parents looking for a grain-free, sugar-free alternative to mainstream dental treats like Greenies.

1. What Makes Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Different?

Bell & Bone isn’t just “another dental chew”. Their whole range is built around a few core principles that make them stand out from many traditional dog dental treats.

• Australian-made & owned – made locally with Australian quality control, supporting Aussie businesses.
• Grain-free, sugar-free and filler-free – no cheap wheat, corn or added sugars, which is important if you’re feeding a dental treat every day.
• Real meat as the first ingredient – kangaroo, salmon, chicken, duck or lamb as the main protein source rather than “by-product meals” or flours.
• Clinically backed oral actives – Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) and Zinc Sulphate are used to help reduce plaque and tartar formation at a chemical level, not just by chewing.
• Mechanical + chemical cleaning – the unique 3-pronged shape encourages chewing (mechanical abrasion) while the oral actives support real dental health benefits.
• Age- and size-specific sticks – puppy, adult and senior formulas, plus different sizes for small, medium and large dogs.

In short, Bell & Bone is trying to bridge the gap between a “fun treat” and “functional dental care” – something many everyday dental chews don’t truly deliver. For dogs on natural or grain-free dog food, it’s also a good match from an ingredient philosophy point of view.

2. Ingredient Spotlight: Bell & Bone Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric Dental Sticks

To really understand how Bell & Bone is formulated, let’s look closely at one of the most popular recipes: Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric Dental Sticks. The ingredient list for this product is:

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.

2.1 What Each Key Ingredient Does

• Kangaroo (30%) – a lean, hypoallergenic protein that’s ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or dogs that tend to put on weight easily. As the first ingredient, it helps keep the sticks high in quality animal protein but naturally low in fat.
• Tapioca & Sweet Potato – gentle, grain-free carbohydrate sources that help bind the stick and provide energy without relying on wheat or corn. They’re generally well tolerated, even by sensitive dogs.
• Glycerine – a food-grade humectant used to keep the sticks pleasantly chewy and moist so they don’t become brittle or hard.
• Mint (3.8%) & Parsley – classic “fresh breath” herbs that support a cleaner-smelling mouth. Mint can help neutralise odours, while parsley is often used as a natural breath freshener in pet treats.
• Coconut – contributes a small amount of healthy fat and flavour, helping with palatability and providing energy without being overly rich.
• Vegetable Digest – a natural flavour enhancer (palatant) that makes the sticks extra tasty so even fussy dogs are more likely to chew them thoroughly.
• Vegetable Gum & Acacia Tree Gum – plant-based gums used as binders and sources of soluble fibre. They give the stick its chewy, flexible texture and can also help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Salt – included at controlled levels to support palatability and mineral balance. In moderation, salt is a standard component of many complete pet foods and treats.
• Turmeric (1.1%) – known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; in a dental context it’s commonly used to support gum health and help reduce the impact of irritated or swollen gums.
• Chia – a natural source of fibre and omega fatty acids, supporting digestion, skin and coat health as a small functional addition to the recipe.
• Sodium Tripolyphosphate & Zinc Sulphate – the critical oral active ingredients. They work together to help reduce the mineralisation that forms tartar and to limit the growth of bad oral bacteria that contribute to plaque and bad breath.
• Natural Flavour – additional natural palatants that help ensure dogs find the sticks appealing, which is essential for any dental chew to work effectively.
• Vegetable Oil – provides a small amount of fat for energy and palatability, helping the stick hold together and taste good without being greasy.
• Preservative (Potassium Sorbate) – a commonly used food-grade preservative that helps inhibit mould and yeast growth, keeping the product safe and stable over its shelf life.
• Food Acid – used to help control the pH of the product and support overall stability and flavour without affecting your dog’s oral health.

From an ingredient perspective, this formula is designed to be:

• High in quality animal protein (kangaroo) but naturally low in fat.
• Completely grain-free, avoiding wheat and corn altogether.
• Functional beyond “just a chew”, with herbs and spices like mint, parsley and turmeric that support oral and general health.
• Scientifically supported, thanks to the inclusion of oral actives commonly used in dental products to help fight plaque and tartar.

3. How Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Help Clean Teeth

Bell & Bone’s dental concept is built around two complementary mechanisms that most vets look for in vet-recommended dental chews:

3.1 Chemical Support: Oral Active Ingredients

• Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) helps bind calcium in the saliva so it’s less available to form hard tartar on the teeth.
• Zinc Sulphate helps reduce bad oral bacteria, which can contribute to plaque build-up and bad breath.

These ingredients are commonly used in dog dental care products because they’re considered safe and effective when used at appropriate levels in pet oral care formulas.

3.2 Mechanical Cleaning: The Chew Itself

The 3-pronged shape of Bell & Bone dental sticks encourages dogs to “work” the stick as they chew, creating gentle abrasion along the tooth surface. This helps:

• Scrape away soft plaque before it hardens into tartar.
• Massage the gums, which can support better gum health.
• Keep your dog engaged, making each stick last longer.

When you combine mechanical cleaning with oral actives and natural fresh-breath ingredients like mint and parsley, you get a dental chew that does more than just keep your dog busy.

4. Vet-Backed Dental Care: What Vets Say

Bell & Bone’s dental range is vet endorsed. Many vets emphasise that effective dental care for dogs should:

• Provide mechanical cleaning of the teeth through gentle abrasion.
• Use safe, natural ingredients where possible.
• Include clinically proven oral actives that help reduce plaque and bad bacteria, rather than relying on texture alone.

Professional bodies such as the Australian Veterinary Association and the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) consistently highlight the importance of both chewing action and active ingredients in maintaining good oral health in dogs.

Bell & Bone’s formulas are designed with these principles in mind, which is why many vets are happy to recommend them as part of a broader dental routine that may also include brushing and professional dental checks.

5. Bell & Bone vs Greenies: Which Is Better?

One of the most common questions we hear from customers is: “Are Bell & Bone better than Greenies?” While both are popular dental treats, there are some clear differences in philosophy and formulation.

In-store, we often see Bell & Bone chosen by pet parents who:

• Prefer grain-free, low-additive treats.
• Have dogs with allergies or food sensitivities.
• Are looking for an Australian-made, more “natural” alternative to Greenies and other mainstream dog dental chews.

Both products can have a place, but if natural ingredients, lean meat and grain-free recipes are priorities for you, Bell & Bone tends to come out ahead.

6. Which Bell & Bone Dental Stick Is Best for Your Dog?

One strength of the Bell & Bone range is how many different recipes and sizes are available. Here’s a quick way to match sticks to your dog’s needs:

6.1 By Life Stage

• Puppy (from 10 weeks) – softer Puppy Dental Sticks such as Beef & Coconut or Salmon & Carrot are designed for smaller jaws and developing teeth.
• Adult (6 months to 7 years) – the full range of flavours and sizes (small, medium, large), including Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric; Salmon, Mint & Charcoal; and Chicken, Mint & Seaweed.
• Senior (7+ years) – senior-focused sticks tend to use gentler textures and supportive ingredients like rosehip for ageing joints and gums.

6.2 By Health Focus & Flavour

• For bad breath – Salmon, Mint & Charcoal or Chicken, Mint & Seaweed work well thanks to breath-freshening herbs and seaweed.
• For dogs with allergies or weight issues – Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric is a great choice, as kangaroo is lean and hypoallergenic.
• For puppies – choose the dedicated Puppy Dental Chews with a softer texture and appropriate size, and monitor how your pup chews.
• For seniors – look for senior-labelled sticks formulated for older mouths and joints.

7. What We See In-Store at ADS Pet Store (Real-World Experience)

At ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin, Bell & Bone dental sticks have become one of our go-to recommendations for everyday dental care. Here’s what we see most often in real life:

• Best sellers – Kangaroo, Mint & Turmeric and Salmon-based dental sticks are consistently our most popular flavours.
• Small dogs – owners of small breeds like Cavoodles, Maltese and mini Poodles tend to choose the small size sticks, and they’re usually very well accepted.
• Allergy-prone dogs – families dealing with chicken or beef allergies often switch to the kangaroo recipe with great success.
• Greenies switchers – quite a few customers specifically come in asking for a “more natural alternative to Greenies”, and Bell & Bone is often the brand we recommend first.
• Visible results – many regulars report noticeably fresher breath and slower tartar build-up when they feed a Bell & Bone dental stick every day, especially when combined with occasional brushing and vet dental checks.

This kind of real-world feedback is a big reason we’re comfortable recommending Bell & Bone as part of a dog’s ongoing oral care routine.

8. How to Use Bell & Bone Dental Sticks in a Daily Routine

• Frequency – feed one dental stick per day for best results.
• Timing – many owners give the stick after dinner as a “dessert” that also helps clean the teeth after a meal.
• Supervision – always supervise, especially if your dog tends to gulp chews instead of chewing.
• Sensitive tummies – for sensitive dogs, start with half a stick and build up over a few days. If your dog is already on a gentle or natural diet, Bell & Bone usually fits in well.
• Not a replacement for vet care – dental sticks support oral health but don’t replace professional dental cleans or treatment for advanced dental disease.

9. Are Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Worth It?

9.1 Key Benefits

• Australian-made, grain-free and sugar-free.
• Real meat (such as kangaroo or salmon) as the number one ingredient.
• Contains clinically backed oral actives to help reduce plaque and tartar.
• Fresh-breath herbs like mint and parsley in many recipes.
• Lean, hypoallergenic options for sensitive or allergy-prone dogs.
• Dedicated puppy and senior options for different life stages.
• Good fit for dogs already on natural, grain-free or hypoallergenic diets.

9.2 Things to Keep in Mind

• Dogs with advanced dental disease still need a vet check – dental sticks can help, but they can’t remove heavy tartar or treat infected gums.
• Always choose the right size stick for your dog to reduce the risk of gulping or choking.
• If your dog has a very restricted veterinary diet, check with your vet before adding any new treats.
• Dogs with pancreatitis, severe food allergies or very worn teeth may need a softer, lower-fat option – your vet can guide you.

10. Where to Buy Bell & Bone Dental Sticks in Australia

You can shop the full range of Bell & Bone dental sticks at ADS Pet Store.

• Fast local delivery across most Melbourne metro suburbs.
• Click & Collect available from our Moorabbin warehouse.
• Careful packing to keep your dog’s treats safe and fresh in transit.

To learn more about the brand itself, you can also visit the official Bell & Bone website or browse real customer feedback on Bell & Bone’s review page.

11. Signs Your Dog Might Need Dental Chews

If you’re not sure whether your dog would benefit from daily dental sticks, here are some common signs we see in-store that suggest it’s time to take their dental care more seriously:

• Persistent bad breath – a “fishy” or sour smell that doesn’t improve after meals.
• Yellow or brown staining along the gum line, especially on the back molars.
• Red, inflamed or bleeding gums when chewing toys or after eating.
• Reluctance to chew harder food or toys, or dropping food out of the mouth.
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face along the carpet.

Dental chews like Bell & Bone can be a helpful part of your dog’s routine at the early and maintenance stages. If your dog already shows severe pain, heavy tartar or loose teeth, speak to your vet first – they may need a professional clean before you rely on treats to maintain results.

12. How to Tell If Dental Chews Are Working

Once you start feeding Bell & Bone or any other dog dental chew, it’s useful to keep an eye on a few simple markers:

• Breath improves – while it may not become “minty fresh”, it should smell noticeably less sour or offensive over a few weeks.
• Slower tartar build-up – you may still see a little staining, but it shouldn’t worsen as quickly as before.
• Your dog chews thoroughly – the stick should be actively chewed for at least a minute or two, not swallowed in one gulp.
• No tummy upsets – stools stay normal, even when you feed one dental stick most days.

If you notice ongoing bad breath, visible pain when chewing, or grey/black tartar that doesn’t shift, that’s a sign to book a vet dental check. Dental chews are best seen as a daily support – not a cure for existing dental disease.

13. FAQs