The Nutro Co.'s Greenies oral health brand partnered with the American Veterinary Dental College to create the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an international organization that awards a Seal of Acceptance to pet oral health products meeting its criteria.

VOHC is made up of board certified veterinary dentists, who establish criteria and testing protocols to rank the effectiveness of pet products in helping to control plaque and tartar. VOHC awards a Seal of Acceptance to those products in compliance with its criteria.

Though February is National Pet Dental Health Month, 160 million pets do not receive any oral care, according to a study conducted January 10 by Trone Inc. VOHC aims to make it easier for consumers to provide this for their pets, as the majority of veterinarians say the VOHC seal is an important factor in selecting a dental treat, according to The Nutro Co.

“The VOHC seal confirms a product is efficacious in reducing buildup of plaque and tartar, the leading cause of oral disease, which can reduce a pet’s healthy lifespan,” said Dr. Jan Bellows, incoming AVDC president.