Food Options to Clean Dogs Teeth and Improve Oral Health

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Loose Teeth in the Palm of the Hand
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Dental chews can be a great option for cleaning dogs' teeth, with some studies showing they can reduce tartar and plaque by up to 70%.

These chews work by using a combination of texture and abrasive properties to remove debris and bacteria from teeth.

Some popular dental chews include Greenies and Oravet, both of which have been shown to be effective in reducing dental problems in dogs.

Kibble with dental benefits can also be a good option, with some kibbles containing ingredients like pyrophosphates that help prevent tartar buildup.

Natural Teeth Cleaning Methods

You can use food to clean your dog's teeth, and one way to do this is by using dental treats.

Raw bones are a great option to scrape teeth clean, especially if you source them from a reputable supplier.

Just like a good toy, bones will clean off teeth, too.

Always supervise your dog when he's chewing on a bone to make sure he doesn't break off pieces of the bone.

Take a look at this: Clean Dog Poop

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A small bone will break or splinter, may get stuck in your dog's mouth, or your dog may try to swallow it whole.

Uncooked and large bones, preferably from a cow, are the best to use.

Some veterinarians argue against the bone-chewing idea, so it's a good idea to go ask yours to see what they say.

You can also take your dog to the vet to have their teeth cleaned professionally.

Diet

Feeding kibble can contribute to poor oral health and dental disease in dogs, as it gets stuck in their teeth and around the gumlines, leading to plaque build-up and gingivitis.

The texture of extruded dry foods is similar to a biscuit that gets stuck in human teeth, and the same thing happens to dogs. Kibble is high in starchy carbohydrates that cause plaque build-up and damage the enamel.

Dogs have a low level of salivary amylase, which means their oral bacteria work harder to break down carbohydrates, releasing acids that damage the tooth.

Fresh food, on the other hand, is much better for dogs' teeth, as it's more digestible and has a high moisture content that prevents it from getting stuck in teeth and gumlines.

Some breeds with large lips may need assistance removing food remnants from the inside of their lips.

Dog Care and Hygiene

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You can keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy by incorporating natural foods and dental treats into their diet.

Some of the best natural foods for dogs include chicken, beef, and peanut butter, which can be used as a tasty and healthy reward for good behavior.

Dental treats like OraVet chewable treats and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz can help reduce tartar buildup and prevent bad breath.

You can also try giving your dog dental chews that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance on the packaging, which ensures they meet certain standards for oral health.

Brushing your dog's teeth is another great way to keep them clean, and you can use a regular human toothbrush for large dogs or a baby toothbrush or fingertip brush for small dogs.

Try to brush your dog's teeth 2-3 days a week, but if they enjoy it, daily brushing is even better.

Canine toothpaste comes in flavors like chicken, beef, and peanut butter, and you can purchase a dog toothbrushing kit that includes the toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Just Food for Dogs Beef

Treats and Chews

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You can give your dog dental treats that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s Seal of Acceptance on the packaging, as this seal indicates that these products help control tartar buildup. One example is the OraVet chewable treat that is given once daily.

Dried meat treats are an excellent option for dental chews. They provide excellent chewing action that will help keep the teeth clean. Dried beef ears or snouts, dried tendons, esophagus, and similar pieces are eagerly accepted by most dogs.

Chewing helps to keep the teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar. With the enormous variety of chew treats available on the market in various sizes, flavors, and fits for every stage of your dog's life, your dog’s dental care couldn’t be taken care of any easier.

Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs) are an excellent way to help keep teeth clean. The ripping action a dog makes to remove the meat from the bone, and the grinding of teeth against the bone itself, help soften and scrape any present plaque from teeth.

Credit: youtube.com, The BEST Raw Bones To Clean Your Pet's Teeth

Raw bones are a great way to clean your dog's teeth and satisfy their urge to bite and chew at the same time. Unlike cooked bones, raw bones don't splinter, so the chances of sharp pieces getting stuck in your dog's throat are minimal.

You can also give your dog natural treats like biscuits made from 100% natural ingredients to keep their teeth in good shape. Our Jones Organic Chicken Dog Treats feature a blend of organic chicken, brown rice, barley, and oat flour, among other natural ingredients.

Dogsee Chew ticks all the requirements for natural, no added sugar or fat, preservative-free, and gluten-free chew treats.

If this caught your attention, see: Feeding Raw Food to Dogs

Consult a Professional

Asking your vet about prescription dental food is a good idea, especially if your dog is prone to periodontal disease.

Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health has been clinically proven to help reduce dental disease.

Your vet can recommend one of these prescription dental foods, such as Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care, which has also undergone clinical trials to prove its efficacy.

These diets are formulated by boarded veterinary nutritionists, so you can trust their expertise.

You'll need to ask your vet for a prescription to try one of these formulas for your dog.

What to Feed Dogs

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You can feed your dog natural treats that promote oral health and keep their teeth clean. Crunchy vegetables, berries, and raw bones are great options.

Some popular natural treats include biscuit treats made from 100% natural ingredients, such as organic chicken, brown rice, and barley. These treats can be a great alternative to traditional dog food.

Sweet potatoes are also a nutritious treat for dogs, packed with vitamins and fiber that promote overall well-being and keep teeth clean. You can even make your own sweet potato chews at home in under 10 minutes using a toaster oven.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional treat for dogs that promotes their overall well-being.

Packed with vitamins and fiber, sweet potatoes make a great snack for your furry friend.

You can make delicious sweet potato chews for your dog in less than 10 minutes using a toaster oven at home.

These chews are not only tasty, but they also help keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy.

Sweet potatoes are a natural food that can be easily incorporated into your dog's diet to promote oral health.

Adding Supplements to Dog Food

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You can add dental powder to your dog's meals to promote oral health. This can be a convenient and easy way to keep your dog's teeth clean.

VetriScience Perio Support is a flavored dental powder that can be applied to the top of your dog's food. It contains a probiotic that helps promote healthy bacteria in your dog's mouth.

The powder should be applied to every meal your dog eats to help freshen their breath and prevent tartar and plaque from building up on their teeth.

Raul Bednar

Senior Assigning Editor

Raul Bednar is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for guiding writers towards compelling narratives. With a keen eye for detail, Raul has a proven track record of selecting high-quality articles that captivate readers. His expertise spans a range of topics, including dog training and behavior.

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