Virbac ZEN Dental Chews
Treat · complementary
Our verdict
Is Virbac ZEN Dental Chews a good dog food?
This is a treat, not a complete diet, so it is not scored on our 1-100 scale. The ingredient breakdown below shows what is in it; a treat should be fed alongside, not instead of, a complete diet.
Complementary treats for dogs of all life stages, with maize, glycerine and soy protein as the main ingredients.
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for all lifestages
- Doesn't list chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish, venison, pork, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists rice flour
- You need more protein than this: 18.4% on a dry-matter basis is in the low band
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
What the label tells us
- The label lists 12 ingredients.
- Lists no artificial colours or preservatives.
- Prints no ingredient quantities.
Why is this treat not scored?
Our 1 to 100 rating applies to complete diets, so treats and complementary foods are presented as what the label tells us rather than a number that would invite comparison with complete meals.
What should I look for on a treat label?
A short ingredient list, named animal sources instead of generic terms, and no artificial colours or preservatives. Printed quantities are a good transparency signal, though few treat labels provide them.
These points are derived from the published ingredient list, not a rating.
Nutrition and feedingProtein 18.40% · Fat 0.70%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.40% |
| Fat | 0.70% |
| Fibre | 1.30% |
| Ash | 1.90% |
Additives & feeding info
No additives recorded yet.
Ingredients (12)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- carb 51.4%
- additive 16.2%
- other 10.4%
- supplement 9.0%
- fibre 6.8%
- veg 6.3%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corn starch | Cornstarch | carb · medium | - | 10.8 |
| 2 | Glycerin | Glycerine | other · medium | - | 10.4 |
| 3 | Soy protein concentrate (from seeds) | Soy Protein | carb · poor | - | 9.9 |
| 4 | Rice flour | Rice flour | carb · medium | - | 9.5 |
| 5 | Inactivated brewer's yeast | Brewer's Yeast | supplement · good | - | 9.0 |
| 6 | Sorbitol | Sorbitol | additive · poor | - | 8.6 |
| 7 | Corn cobs | Maize / Corn | carb · medium | - | 8.1 |
| 8 | Polyols (Erythritol) | Erythritol | additive · poor | - | 7.7 |
| 9 | Maltodextrin | Maltodextrin | carb · poor | - | 7.2 |
| 10 | Chicory inulin | Inulin | fibre · good | - | 6.8 |
| 11 | Pomegranate concentrate | Pomegranate | veg · good | - | 6.3 |
| 12 | Gamma-cyclodextrin | Gamma-cyclodextrin | carb · medium | - | 5.9 |
- 1. Corn starch10.8% estimated
- 2. Glycerin10.4% estimated
- 3. Soy protein concentrate (from seeds)9.9% estimated
- 4. Rice flour9.5% estimated
- 5. Inactivated brewer's yeast9.0% estimated
- 6. Sorbitol8.6% estimated
- 7. Corn cobs8.1% estimated
- 8. Polyols (Erythritol)7.7% estimated
- 9. Maltodextrin7.2% estimated
- 10. Chicory inulin6.8% estimated
- 11. Pomegranate concentrate6.3% estimated
- 12. Gamma-cyclodextrin5.9% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-14
Brand and contact: Virbac
- Website
- https://uk.virbac.com/
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-09-14
- Product page
- uk.virbac.com
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.2 | 9.191 | +2.14 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 56.4% | -0.115 | -6.49 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 1.2% | -0.005 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 18.1% | 0.163 | +2.95 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 10.3% | -0.012 | -0.13 |
| Other share of dry matter | 6.4% | -0.375 | -2.41 |
| Recipe graded poor | 33.3% | -0.065 | -2.17 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 4 | -0.876 | -3.50 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 9.9% | 0.060 | +0.59 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| High carb and low meat | yes | -1.180 | -1.18 |
| Additive penalty | -19.46 | 0.222 | -4.32 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.2 | 9.191 | +2.14 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 56.4% | -0.115 | -6.49 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.092 | +0.00 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 1.2% | -0.005 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 18.1% | 0.163 | +2.95 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 10.3% | -0.012 | -0.13 |
| Other share of dry matter | 6.4% | -0.375 | -2.41 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.027 | +0.00 |
| Recipe graded poor | 33.3% | -0.065 | -2.17 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 4 | -0.876 | -3.50 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 9.9% | 0.060 | +0.59 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | no | 2.294 | +0.00 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | no | 0.707 | +0.00 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| High carb and low meat | yes | -1.180 | -1.18 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -19.46 | 0.222 | -4.32 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- +0.02
- Subtotal
- 29.1
- Final score
- 29/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
This is not a complete diet, so the 1-100 rating does not apply to it. Read the recipe breakdown above as ingredient-quality context only.
Score history across model versions
The score shown above is always computed with the latest published model. Earlier scores are kept for the record and are never edited or deleted; a scoring change ships as a new model version with a public write-up on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
Not applicable to complementary food. FEDIAF reference ranges apply to complete diets.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) - not on file | 0/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) - not on file | 0/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 5/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents declared, Additives declared, Feeding guidance given, Batch and date labelling).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
See all current recalls we track.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
0/100 · limited — 1 checkable claim: 0 consistent, 1 contradicted.
Contradicted by the label
- "VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews contain no wheat gluten, animal proteins or artificial additives." — the declared label says otherwise on grain-free.
28 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Limited: at least one claim contradicts the declared label, or a recent upheld ASA ruling applies.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleans teeth (on pack) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Fights bad breath (on pack) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes relaxation (on pack) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews are tasty, natural-origin dog dental chews that help to calm and relax anxious dogs. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| soothing green tea extract helps your dog to feel at ease (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes relaxation in stressed dogs (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Scientifically proven to support relaxation during stressful times. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar when given daily. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Freshens the breath from day 1 (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| From the very first chew, your dog's breath starts smelling fresher and keeps getting better with each daily chew. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| The natural-origin, plant-based ingredients are tough on plaque and kind on the digestive system. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Treat your dog to a low-calorie chew every day while helping them maintain a healthy weight. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Controls odour-causing plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Refreshing the mouth with cooling erythritol. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Tackling digestive sources of bad breath with gut-friendly prebiotic inulin. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews for Relaxation, Fresh Breath and Better Oral Hygiene (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Pomegranate - Limits the growth of odour-causing bacteria; Antioxidant effect for added benefits (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Erythritol - Cools and freshens the mouth; Well tolerated by dogs (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Inulin - Feeds friendly gut bacteria; Supports oral and digestive balance; Targets digestive sources of bad breath (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews contain L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea extract. (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| No wheat gluten, animal products or artificial ingredients (on page) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low calorie (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| This naturally occurring ingredient is scientifically proven to have a calming effect on the brain, which may help your dog to feel more relaxed during times of stress. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| One study showed that VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews reduced the signs of stress in dogs when given two hours before a stressful event. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews contain highly digestible ingredients with low fat content, so your dog can enjoy one every day as part of a balanced diet. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews with green tea extract help to relax your dog, calming them during times of stress. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews also feature triple-action FR3SH™ Technology to help freshen breath and fight plaque. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews have a unique "Z" shape to help clean even more plaque from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VeggieDent® ZEN Dental Chews contain no wheat gluten, animal proteins or artificial additives. (on page) | Free-from | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
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