Stephen Wilson Jr., in his mid-40s, the country artist who performed at or was recognized by the CMA Awards, says he invented Dentastix Fresh while working in research and development at MARS in Nashville before turning to music after his father’s death.

The claim casts an unexpected light on a career that moved from laboratory to stage: Wilson says the dental chew he developed for dogs remains on the market even as he has released an EP and an album in 2023 and risen to national recognition in 2025. Dog dental chews like Dentastix Fresh are known to reduce plaque coverage and thickness, calculus accumulation, gingivitis, and halitosis, aiding in the prevention of periodontal disease, which is a common oral health issue in adult dogs.

Wilson told Whiskey Riff that the product is one of his proudest achievements. “It’s called Dentastix Fresh. It’s still on the market. I see it out there. It’s for dogs. It’s a teeth-cleaning dental chew, very digestible. That’s my baby right there,” he said. Wilson’s invention has found a strong foothold in a growing market.

Wilson grew up in Southern Indiana and later worked in Nashville in research and development for MARS, according to his statements and the outlet’s reporting. He describes launching the pet product “from start to finish” before redirecting his professional focus to songwriting and performing. The pet care industry has recently seen significant growth, particularly in dog dental health products, spurred by rising pet ownership and increased awareness about oral hygiene.

The shift to music became more pronounced following the death of his father in 2018, an emotional turning point that Wilson has said pushed him to pursue music in his late 30s and early 40s. He released both an EP and a full album in 2023 and performed at the CMA Awards in 2025 after being named a nominee for New Artist of the Year by the organization.

On stage and off, Wilson presents a lived-in, hands-on approach to his craft. Observers note a visibly beat-up guitar, its body patched with masking tape and drawings — a detail he has discussed candidly. “Personally I like that better than preserving this guitar forever. I think guitars are meant to be played, not hung up on a wall and treasured,” he said. He added, “This guitar, because I play with a pick, it just destroys it.”

Wilson has spoken about musical influences and his approach to performance. “Willie Nelson is my hero — as a guitar player, singer and songwriter. He’s the greatest of all time,” he said, linking his reverence for classic country to the style he pursues on stage.

The story links two very different industries: commercial pet care and contemporary country music. Dentastix Fresh, as described by Wilson, is a teeth-cleaning dental chew for dogs that he launched while at MARS in Nashville. The product’s continued presence on store shelves forms part of Wilson’s narrative as someone who moved from product development to full-time music-making.

Wilson’s account of his past work and his recent musical milestones have been documented in the Whiskey Riff feature that ran in late December 2025. The article relays his recollections and quotes about both the pet product and his life as a musician.

Where his two careers intersect in public memory, Wilson has joked about bringing the two worlds together during live shows: “I probably need to start chucking them out there. Just take a bite out of it and (toss it in the crowd),” he said, referring to Dentastix Fresh, adding a whimsical touch to his performances.

As of his CMA recognition and his 2023 releases, Wilson remains publicly identified as a country music artist and a former food scientist who worked in research and development at MARS in Nashville.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.