Do you know what good dental diets for pets are? As we all know, our pets LOVE food. Mealtime is an invaluable method of creating lasting bonds between you and your furry friend. And to allow our pets to keep enjoying their meals, taking care of their mouth is essential. Just like humans, cats and dogs are susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, plaque buildup, and other oral health issues that can lead to systemic problems if untreated. While regular dental checkups and cleanings are critical, the right food can significantly improve your pet’s oral health.
Why Dental Health Matters for Pets
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets. Research shows that by the age of two, approximately 80% of cats and dogs show signs of periodontal disease, which can lead to:
- Bad breath, also known as halitosis
- Tooth loss
- Excessive drooling
- Painful oral infections
- Kidney, liver, and heart issues due to bacteria entering the bloodstream.
A proper diet is one of several effective tools to combat these problems.
What to Look for in a Dental Diet or Treats
- VOHC Seal of Approval:
Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These have been scientifically tested for effectiveness.
- Crunchy Textures:
Hard kibble or specially designed dental treats can help scrape plaque and tartar off the teeth as your pet chews.
- Enzymatic Additives:
Some foods contain enzymes that actively break down plaque and bacteria in your pet’s mouth.
- Low Sugar Content:
Avoid foods with added sugars, which can feed bacteria, leading to faster buildup of plaque.
Recommended Dental Diets and Treats
Dental Diets for Pets
- Prescriptions Diets: talk to your pet’s primary care veterinarian to see if a prescription food would be appropriate.
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- Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care: Specially formulated to reduce plaque, tartar, and stains.
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- Royal Canin Dental Care: Contains balanced nutrients and unique kibble texture designed to promote chewing, which in turn simulates brushing.
- Non-prescription Diets:
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- Science Diet Oral Care: Utilizes a unique and clinically-proven interlocking fiber technology that cleans teeth and freshens breath.
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- If you think your pet will only eat a certain brand of kibble, try adding textured vegetables (carrots, green beans) to the mix!
- Wet Food Considerations: While kibble helps mechanically clean teeth, wet food doesn’t necessarily cause more plaque — prioritize balanced nutrition!
Canine Dental Treats:
- Virbac Veggiedent Chews
- Purina Dentalife Daily Oral Care Chews
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
- Pedigree Dentastix
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What to avoid:
- Real bones and rawhide chews are generally too difficult to break down into pieces that are safe to swallow and can also cause damage to your dog’s teeth.
- Nyla bones
- Bully sticks
- Antlers
- Real bones and rawhide chews are generally too difficult to break down into pieces that are safe to swallow and can also cause damage to your dog’s teeth.
Feline Dental Treats:
- Feline Greenies Dental Treats
- Virbac C.E.T. Chews
Supplemental Dental Care Tips
- Daily Brushing:
Use pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste with a toothbrush designed for your pet’s mouth.
- Water Additives:
Products like Oxyfresh Dental Water Additive can be added to your pet’s water bowl to help reduce oral bacteria levels.
- Regular Vet Visits:
Schedule dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/27/2024) Image by JackieLou DL from Pixabay