Is Dry Dog Food a Good Option for Dental Issues

Dental disease in dogs, such as periodontal disease, is quite common. It is estimated that around 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease, which can place your dog in obvious discomfort. Without treatment or early action, dental disease in dogs can lead to tooth decay; although this is rare, it can be possible without owner intervention. If you suspect your dog is in the beginning stages of dental disease, or you want to prevent it from happening in the first place, there are steps you can take to prevent it from worsening.

Our guide will explain the main causes of dental issues in dogs, as the well as the best food to prevent or slow down the development of dental disease. We also discuss whether or not dogs with bad teeth or periodontitis can eat dry food, and other ways you can help your dog with the symptoms that may appear.

What Causes Dental Issues in Dogs?

There are various causes of dental problems in dogs, all caused by excess bacteria in the mouth that causes dental plaque build-up. This eventually hardens and becomes more difficult to scrape off, causing problems for your dog. Symptoms of dental disease in dogs include bleeding and inflamed gums, bad breath, missing or loose teeth, discoloured teeth and excessive drooling. Common causes of dental issues in dogs include:

• Age: much like people, a dog’s teeth may start to decay with age due to excessive wear and tear
• Poor dental hygiene: a dog’s teeth and gums may become infected through plaque if the teeth are not brushed or hard chews are not provided
• Dental trauma: if your dog has recently been in an accident that affected their face or jaw, they may develop dental problems as a result
• Certain breeds: particular breeds are unfortunately prone to dental issues, which can make prevention harder. These breeds include King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Toy Poodles, Greyhounds and short muzzle dog breeds such as Bulldogs
• Diet: foods that are high in sugars, preservatives and poor other quality ingredients can contribute to poor dental hygiene

What is the Best Food for Dogs with Dental Issues?

There is evidence to suggest that dry food may be the better option for your dog’s teeth. However, proper dental hygiene is still needed to keep your dog’s gums healthy, as dry food alone isn’t the answer. Dogs may still require regular cleanings and evaluations from a vet as plaque builds. To try and prevent dental disease, or help your dog who already has dental issues, consider the options below:

• Raw Dog Dood Diet: if you want to provide your dog with a diet that is fresh, minimally processed and completely free of additives and preservatives then we recommend opting for a raw food diet. Our canine friends' mouths are shaped to handle raw meaty bones, and this is what we need to provide them with to reduce plaque and tartar build up. When your dog chews this increases the production of saliva which has antibacterial compounds to improve your dog’s dental biome.
• DARF cold pressed dog food: if your dog has periodontitis which has led to inflamed gums and eroded teeth, they will need softer food. DARF cold pressed dog food is a softer dry dog food range that is kind to teeth and healthy gums. It also retains more nutrients than standard kibble and is palatable for fussy eaters. DARF is better for digestion too and comes in a range of tasty flavours. You can soak this food in water to soften it further.
• Air dried dog food: as well as being packed full of nutrients, air dried dog food can contribute to a healthy coat and teeth. Its texture is different than regular kibble, so it can aid in scraping away plaque on your dog’s teeth. Consider our Innocent Hound range of air dried dog food, with flavours such as lamb and beef for a tasty treat that can aid your dog's overall health.

As mentioned, food alone is not enough to keep your dog’s teeth in top condition. Consider dental kits and treats such as Beef Branches or Raw Duck Necks to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.

Can Dogs with Bad Teeth Eat Dry Food?

If your dog’s teeth have gone bad, are loose or falling out, dry food may not be the best choice. It can be hard on your dog’s teeth, and make tooth loss more prevalent. Therefore, you should feed your dog softer foods to work with their teeth rather than against them. Start with DARF cold pressed dog food to ensure your dog is getting a healthy diet that eases digestion.

Wet dog food is also a good option when moving away from dry food in aid of your dog’s teeth, as it is much easier to chew. Pureed wet food could benefit your dog if they have lost the majority of their teeth.

Raw dog food is extremely easy for dogs with poor dental hygiene to consume. The premade minces are finely minced making them suitable for your dog to minimize chewing and the discomfort this can bring to them.

If your dog has mild or severe dental disease, a wellbeing consultation provided by one of our dog nutrition experts can help you develop a diet plan that is kind to your dog’s teeth and is also packed full of essential nutrients your dog needs. You can enquire about our dog wellbeing consultations here.

What Other Ways Can I Help Improve my Dog’s Dental Health?

As well as changing their diet, there are other ways that you can help your dog improve their dental hygiene. These include:

• Dental treats: dental sticks and small treats can be great supplements to provide alongside their regular meals to promote dental health. Bones can also be a tasty, beneficial treat for tooth health
• Toys: some dog toys are designed to clear plaque from your dog’s teeth, including hard to reach places such as near the gums
• Brushing their teeth: there are little doggy toothbrushes available, some which sit on your finger, to help you clean your dog’s teeth between meals. You can put tasty toothpaste on these toothbrushes to make matters a little easier
• Regular dental checkups at the vets: taking your dog to a veterinarian regularly for a dental clean can help keep on top of their oral hygiene

Dog Food for Dental Problems with Fetch

At Fetch, we have a wide collection of dog food, treats and kits perfect for improving your dog’s dental hygiene. No matter whether they are starting with discolouration or have more severe tooth decay, we stock a range of products that can help. We also provide helpful wellbeing consultations to develop the best diet for your dog.

Get in touch with us today with any questions you may have about pet health!

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