Best Foods for Dog Dental Health

Pups fit our lives just perfectly! They make us physically and mentally healthier, happier, and more content with our lives. According to the report “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats,” unique nutritional requirements of humanity’s best friends depend on their size, breed, stage in life, etc. In our blog, we’ve already mentioned that diet has a huge impact on a pup’s general health and well-being. Today, we’ll talk more about the best dog food for dental health. Just a bit of effort and the right products on the menu, and they’ll show off their pearly whites!

What to Feed a Dog for Dental Health?

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Based on the “Nutrition - General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs” report by Kingsbrook Animal Hospital, the six basic nutrients for tail-wigglers are water, minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. All can be found in the following healthy dental treats for dogs:

• Raw meaty bones (be careful though). These help keep fangs naturally clean by scraping off plaque mechanically. Cooked bones are taboo (they can break into small, sharp parts).
• Coconut oil. Just a small amount of it added to the pet’s diet helps reduce harmful bacteria and make their breath smell like flowers. 
• Veggies and fruits (10% of the daily menu). Apples, carrots, and pumpkins are top favorites for dog teeth health. They help deal with chronic oxidative stress that usually stands behind periodontitis.
• Kefir that’s made of raw goat milk. Rich in calcium, this one gives the probiotics that help keep the health of the microbiome.
• Dark leafy greens. These are a great source of nutrition – a bag of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are all good for gums.
• Prebiotics/probiotics. Yeasts and bacteria that work magic for your furry buddy. Add them to their diet to boost both gastrointestinal and oral wellness.
• Homemade dog food after dental surgery. Chicken and rice mash, turkey and sweet potato puree, egg and oatmeal soft bowl, and similar treats that work well during the recovery period when the pet’s mouth is sensitive or sore.

Check out our catalog for pet-safe treats!

Pet Owners Ask: How Do I Improve My Dog's Dental Health?

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Taking care of a canine’s oral health includes dental dog food and regular checkups (both at-home and vet). If you need a quick plan, we’ve got you covered:

• Brush their teeth every day. It’ll help you combat plaque.
• Make dental care dog food part of the menu. Raw bones, dental diets, VOHC-approved treats, and yummy stuff from the list above, etc.
• Provide chew toys. Pick durable products to help the woofie clean their teeth naturally. Plus, it’s a great way to stimulate your pup mentally.
• Use powder, water additives, oral sprays, etc. These products reduce bacteria and help prevent plaque buildup.

Keep on Brushing!

We, at Healthywoof.com, encourage pet parents to brush their pets’ teeth manually and have regular vet cleanings. It is impossible to have long-lasting teeth and healthy gums without those two ‘ingredients.’ Using expert-approved brushes and pastes, you’ll remove plaque. Plus, include certain products that combat plaque as well. 

What foods cause plaque on dog's teeth? We strongly recommend avoiding the following items:

• Treats that contain a lot of sugar and are sticky. They weaken enamel, fuel harmful bacteria, and increase the risk of gum/cavity issues.
• Cooked bones. They tend to shatter. As a result, they injure the cavity.
• Junk food. You shouldn’t eat it either, frankly speaking. In the case of canines, sugary or fatty foods do no good to animals’ teeth.
• Excess wet foods. It sticks to teeth and doesn’t do mechanical cleaning.
• Foods that have too much starch. Things like chips, pasta, and bread cause plaque buildup.

Keeping your pet’s pearly whites healthy is a matter of consistency, patience, and good dental treats for dogs. By focusing on their oral health from an early age, you’ll keep your pup happy for years to come.