Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has IBD. Are Greenies or other dental solutions safe for her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shetland Sheepdog | Female | spayed | 2 years and 3 months old

My dog has IBD (lymphocytic infiltration) and is on a Royal Canin hydrolyzed protein diet. She has excellent teeth because she took a regular Greenie daily before she was diagnosed. After her diagnosis, even with daily paste-free brushing, her teeth have started to yellow. I was wondering if grain-free Greenies, which seem to be plant-based, would exacerbate her IBD. And if they would, are there any other daily dental solutions I can try? Thank you!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2017

Generally most dental sticks including greenies are not recommended for dogs with IBD. the only one i can recommend is Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Chews, it's hypoallergenic and Jemma night do better on those.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Great question! The challenge is that dogs can have varying degrees of severity with IBD. Some dogs with relatively mild sensitivities can tolerate small amounts of variation in their diet and be just fine. Other dogs are extremely sensitive, and once the IBD symptoms are controlled they cannot tolerate any changes in diet without a flare-up. Without knowing more about Jemma and her history, I cannot say whether she could tolerate Greenies. If she was taking them regularly prior to her diagnosis, but was also having IBD symptoms at the time, the Greenies may or may not have been contributing. I know this isn't a concrete answer for you - but unfortunately without knowing specifically what her dietary triggers are, and how sensitive she is, it is impossible to predict what we can allow her to ingest. I would recommend you pose this question to her primary veterinarian, who may be able to offer better insight given her history. Otherwise, you can certainly try one Greenie, give it a few days, and watch for any loose stool or GI upset. If she tolerates it well, you can give her a couple weekly, and gradually increase the frequency as she tolerates it. You could also try offering her a chew toy that isn't meant to be completely ingested, such as a Nyla-bone. It is possible that she cannot have anything oral without upsetting her IBD, in which case she will require complete dental cleanings under anesthesia a bit more often. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored