Wellness Reviews

I Tried Greenies and Yummy Combs — Here’s the One I’ll Keep Buying

One is the household name we all know. The other is a "Hybrid Wellness" revolution backed by vets. Which one actually cures the "doggy breath of death" safely?

Words by Sarah Jenkins
Published Oct 12, 2025.

I treat my Golden Retriever, Cooper, better than I treat myself. I research his kibble, I buy him orthopedic beds, and I schedule his vet visits religiously. Admittedly, I’m a little "extra" when it comes to his well-being, but for good reason. His health is my responsibility.

But when it came to his dental chews, I was on autopilot. For years, I just bought the big box of Greenies®. They are the "Coke" of dog treats—available at every gas station and grocery store, familiar, and the default choice.

However, recently I read a terrifying statistic: hundreds of thousands of dogs suffer from choking incidents annually. I watched Cooper eat his Greenie one morning and realized he wasn't chewing it. He was "gulping" it. Two chomps, a swallow, and it was gone. He wasn't cleaning his teeth; he was inhaling a choking hazard. Furthermore, looking at the label, I realized I was feeding him mostly wheat flour.

I started digging into alternatives and kept seeing ads for a "Next Generation" treat called Yummy Combs. They claimed to be the first "Hybrid Wellness" treat—combining safety, oral care, and nutrition in a patented hexagonal shape.

I decided to put them to the test. Greenies® vs. Yummy Combs. I compared ingredients, safety mechanics, and the "morning breath test." Here is how they stacked up.

Safety & Form Factor

This was my biggest concern. If a dog swallows a large chunk of rubbery treat, it can cause a bowel obstruction—a life-threatening and expensive emergency.

Greenies® have the iconic toothbrush shape. While cute, the texture can be rubbery. My main issue is that aggressive chewers (like Cooper) can bite off large chunks and swallow them whole. It scares me. If he’s not chewing, he’s not cleaning his teeth—and worse, he's at risk of a blockage.

Yummy Combs look bizarre at first—like a honeycomb. But the science behind the shape is brilliant. They feature 4 specific safety innovations designed to deter gulping. First, the treat is designed to be wider than the throat opening, making it physically difficult to swallow whole. They have to chew it.

Second, they use "Slick'M Tech." This was the game-changer for me. If a dog does manage to swallow a chunk, the treat becomes slippery immediately upon contact with saliva or water, allowing it to slide down or be coughed up safely. Plus, they are hardness-tested to a score of 45 (perfect for scraping without breaking teeth), whereas many competitors score a 70+, which risks tooth fractures.

While Greenies are familiar, the "gulping" risk is too high for my comfort. Yummy Combs' anti-gulping design and quick-dissolve technology give me total peace of mind. I no longer have to hover over Cooper while he eats.

Oral Care Efficacy

Statistics show that 80% of dogs over age 3 have gum disease. It’s the #1 disease in dogs. It’s not just about bad breath; gum disease damages vital organs.

Greenies® work by mechanical friction. They work okay for a few hours. But because Cooper eats them so fast, they don't get enough friction against the back molars where the tartar really builds up. It feels more like a breath mint than a dental cleaning.

Yummy Combs are the first treat clinically proven to remove over 25% of hardened tartar and reduce bad breath by 45%. Because of the honeycomb pockets, Cooper’s teeth sink deep into the treat. It provides 360-degree flossing around the tooth, right down to the gum line. It has up to 200 scraping surfaces. The difference in Cooper's breath after one week was undeniable.

They have notably earned the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance for Tartar Control.

The mechanics of the shape simply clean better. Cooper has to maneuver the treat in his mouth to chew it, which means he is scrubbing his own teeth for 5 minutes instead of 30 seconds.

Nutrition & Ingredients

I realized I was treating Cooper's dental chew like a piece of candy, but Yummy Combs treats it like a supplement.

Greenies® are functional, but check the label: the primary ingredients often include wheat flour and wheat gluten. They are high in starch. Given that 55% of dogs are overweight, feeding a high-starch treat daily contributes to the problem.

Yummy Combs flipped the script on nutrition. They offer a protein-to-starch ratio reversal of nearly 20-fold compared to traditional treats. They contain over 44% superior protein (real chicken or fish) and less than 7% starch.

Furthermore, they are packed with 12 specific wellness ingredients, including Honey, Salmon Oil, Turmeric, and Glucosamine. It feels like a complete and balanced meal in a treat, supplying all 22 required amino acids.

Yummy Combs wins hands down for ingredients. It’s not just a treat; it’s a functional supplement. I love that I’m not filling Cooper with empty wheat calories.

Taste & Enjoyment

A big portion of Cooper's diet is kibble, so he isn't exactly operating with a Michelin-star palate. However, if he won't eat it, the health benefits don't matter.

Greenies® are highly palatable. Cooper has always loved them. They have a distinct smell that dogs seem to enjoy.

Yummy Combs seem to trigger an even bigger reaction. Perhaps it's the real freeze-dried chicken or the honey, but Cooper does a literal dance when he hears the bag open. Because the treat takes longer to chew, the "reward" experience lasts longer for him.

Honestly, Cooper loves both. But because the Yummy Comb lasts longer, he seems to get more satisfaction out of the session.

Cost & Value

At first glance, Greenies appear cheaper per bag. You can find them anywhere, often in bulk.

However, when I dug deeper, I realized what I was actually paying for with Yummy Combs. Because they include Glucosamine and Chondroitin (for joints), Salmon Oil (for coat), and Turmeric (for inflammation), I realized I could stop buying Cooper's separate joint supplements.

When you factor in the cost of a separate joint pill and the potential vet bills from gum disease or obstruction, the "cheap" treat becomes expensive.

It’s an investment in preventative health. By combining a dental cleaning, a safety device, and a multivitamin into one, Yummy Combs offers better value.

Final Verdict: Yummy Combs Is The Daily Habit I’ll Actually Keep

I never thought I’d switch from the "big brand," but Yummy Combs has completely won me over.

Greenies® are fine if you want a basic treat. But Yummy Combs are a functional health tool. They solve the safety issue of gulping, they actually floss the teeth, and they add vital nutrients like Glucosamine and Omegas that I used to buy separate supplements for.

It is "Hybrid Wellness"—combining safety, oral care, and nutrition in one specific shape. Cooper loves the taste, and I love the peace of mind knowing he isn't choking.

Bottom line: If you want to give your dog the smarter approach to daily wellness, Yummy Combs is the clear winner.

★★★★★

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