Virtually all dry dog foods have an abrasive action on the teeth, so their manufacturers are allowed to put wording on the label along the lines of “cleanses, freshens, or whitens.” But some dog foods also have a seal from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (vohc.org), which recognizes products that meet standards for plaque and tartar control.
Some pet foods have claims for plaque and tartar control without the special seal. Technically, that means the product is misbranded, but if the claim is made solely with respect to the food’s abrasive action, enforcement is a low priority. The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is not taking action against such claims at this time.
