Milly Gaines
A dog dental diet is a nutritionally balanced food that helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums in adult dogs. It is a complete food, meaning it contains all the necessary ingredients and nutrients to be the sole food for a dog. Dog dental diets are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to inflammation of the gums and periodontal disease. They come in different forms, such as kibble, dental chews, and supplements that can be added to food or water. Some dog dental diets also contain ingredients that aid with weight control, easy digestion, and skin health. It's important to note that a dog dental diet should be used in conjunction with regular dental cleanings and toothbrushing, as recommended by a veterinarian.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve oral health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, preventing tooth rot, and reducing bad breath. |
| Composition | Kibble that is larger in size and has a coating or crunchy texture to assist in minimizing plaque buildup. |
| Benefits | Can be used as a complete food, providing all necessary nutritional components for adult dogs. May also contain ingredients that aid in weight control, easy digestion, and skin health. |
| Availability | Commercial dog dental diets are available in supermarkets, pet shops, online, and at veterinary clinics. |
| Usage | Should be used as the sole food for dogs to be effective in preventing plaque buildup. It should not be the main nutritional source for puppies or dogs with special nutritional needs. |
| Supplements | Water-soluble oral care supplements and dental chews can be added to the diet to further enhance dental health. |
| Veterinary Care | Dental diets do not replace regular veterinary cleanings and at-home oral care. It is important to consult a veterinarian before making any drastic dietary changes. |
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What You'll Learn
Kibble size and shape matter
The size and shape of kibble play a crucial role in a dog's dental health. When a dog bites into a standard dry kibble, it breaks down, which does not aid in physically cleaning the teeth. However, a dental diet kibble is designed so that it remains intact when the dog bites into it, creating an abrasive cleaning action. This increases the surface area in contact with the tooth, enhancing the cleaning effect.
The shape of the kibble is important in maximising tooth contact and increasing chewing. A larger kibble size increases the surface area that comes into contact with the teeth, allowing for more effective cleaning. This was supported by a 2007 study, which found that increasing kibble size by 50% reduced tartar buildup by 42%. Additionally, the larger size encourages dogs to slow down their eating, which can have further dental benefits.
The texture of the kibble is also key. A dental diet kibble should have an airy, fibrous texture that fragments easily. The broken edges of the kibble act like a toothbrush, scrubbing away plaque and tartar as the dog chews. This mechanical cleansing action is enhanced by the increased chewing time, as more saliva is produced, which helps to remove residues in the mouth.
Fibre is an important component of dental diet kibble. It increases chewing time, leading to more contact between the kibble and the teeth, and preventing plaque buildup. The specific type and amount of fibre in dental diets are optimised to promote this effect. In addition, some dental diets contain binding agents that attach to calcium, preventing plaque formation.
The kibble size and shape are important considerations when choosing a dental diet for your dog. By selecting a kibble with a larger size and optimised shape and texture, you can effectively reduce plaque and tartar buildup, contributing to your dog's overall dental health.
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Fibre and binding agents
Fibre is an important component of a dog's diet. It comes from plants and is a type of carb that doesn't get digested. Instead, it helps dogs digest other foods and serves several other important functions for a dog's health. Fibre can be soluble or insoluble, and it is important that dogs get both types from their diet.
Soluble fibre dissolves in water, and when it reaches the dog's colon, it helps digestion by serving as food for the good bacteria that live there. This is why soluble fibres are called "prebiotics", as they stimulate the growth of good bacteria. Sources of soluble fibre include beet pulp and pectin.
Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, does not dissolve. It can decrease the digestibility of fat and protein by accelerating intestinal passage or by increasing chyme viscosity. Sources of insoluble fibre include cellulose and lignocellulose, which are commonly used in dog food.
The specific type and amount of fibre within dental diets help to promote oral health by increasing chewing and contact time with the tooth, preventing the buildup of plaque.
Some dental diets also contain binding agents that attach to calcium and prevent plaque buildup. Products that are approved for helping prevent plaque accumulation will carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of acceptance.
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Veterinary diets
Some veterinary diets also contain binding agents that attach to calcium, preventing plaque buildup. Products approved for plaque control will carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance. It is important to note that dental diets should not be the main nutritional source for puppies or dogs with special nutritional or medical needs. They should supplement an established diet that meets the dog's specific requirements.
When considering a veterinary diet, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian to determine the most suitable option for your dog's individual needs. Additionally, it is important to gradually transition to a new diet over 5 to 7 days to avoid upsetting your dog's stomach. While veterinary diets can be highly effective, they should be used in conjunction with other oral care practices, such as daily tooth brushing and regular dental cleanings by a veterinarian.
There are several veterinary diet options available for dog dental health, including Hills Healthy Advantage Oral+, Purina Dental Health Diet, Royal Canin Canine Dental, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Canine Formula. These diets are specifically formulated to reduce tartar buildup and improve oral hygiene, contributing to the overall well-being of your dog.
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Dental chews
Dog dental chews are treats designed to clean your dog's teeth and massage their gums. They encourage the abrasive act of chewing, which can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, leading to gum disease. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards a seal of acceptance to dog dental chews that pass strict trials in compliance with safety and regulatory issues and prove effective in preventing the accumulation of plaque and/or tartar.
When selecting dental chews, it is important to choose those that are appropriately sized for your dog to avoid choking hazards. The chews should also be suitable for your dog's age, as puppies under six months old should not receive dental treats since their adult teeth have not yet come in. Additionally, consider your dog's food allergies or sensitivities and ensure that the dental chews do not include those triggers in their ingredients.
There are various options available for dog dental chews, including Greenies, Purina, Milk-Bone, and more. These chews come in a variety of textures, shapes, and flavours, so you can experiment to find the ones your dog enjoys chewing on. Most dental chews should be given only once a day as part of a dog's optimal daily calorie intake.
While dental chews can be beneficial, they are not a replacement for professional teeth cleanings and regular tooth brushing. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), brushing your dog's teeth is the most effective way to maintain their dental health. You can use toothbrushes and toothpaste designed specifically for dogs to ensure their teeth remain clean and healthy.
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Oral supplements
One type of oral supplement that is commonly used for dog dental care is dental chews or edible treats. These chews are designed to promote healthy gums and teeth in dogs, and they can help to soften and remove plaque and tartar buildup. Nutrition Strength offers dental chews for dogs that are made with organic kelp, strawberry leaf, and pumpkin seed. These chews are highly rated and are designed to be taken with your dog's food or separately.
In addition to dental chews, there are also oral gels and sprays that can be used as supplements for dog dental care. Oral gels and sprays can be applied directly to the teeth and gums, and they can help to prevent and reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Water additives are another option for oral supplements, as they can be added to your dog's water to help promote dental health.
Some oral supplements for dogs come in the form of toothpowder or toothpaste. Natural tooth powder is a safe and natural alternative to toothpaste that does not contain any alcohol or irritating ingredients. Instead, it contains beneficial bacteria and all-natural ingredients that can help improve your dog's dental health. Toothpaste for dogs is also available and can be used with a toothbrush to help keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy.
It is important to note that while oral supplements can be beneficial for your dog's dental health, they should not replace regular veterinary check-ups and proper dental care. It is recommended to visit your veterinarian at least once a year for a standard oral health assessment and to follow their advice on the best products and supplements for your dog's dental health.
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Frequently asked questions
A dog dental diet is a complete food formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs while also promoting oral health.
A dental diet will typically feature larger-sized kibble that is designed to remain intact when the dog bites down, creating an abrasive-type cleaning action. The kibble should also be shaped to maximise contact with the tooth and increase chewing, which stimulates saliva production to help remove residues in the mouth.
Dog dental diets are designed to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease. They can also help with weight control, easy digestion and skin health.
There are several dog food options that are formulated to improve dental health, including:
- Hills Healthy Advantage Oral+
- Purina Dental Health Diet
- Royal Canin Canine Dental
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Canine Formula
