Best Diet to prevent Dental Disease in Pets
Best Diet to prevent Dental Disease in Pets
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems seen in dogs and cats. By the age of three, most pets show signs of dental disease, often caused by plaque and tartar accumulation on their teeth.
While regular dental care and professional cleaning are important, your pet's diet can play a significant role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
How Tartar Forms
Tartar begins as plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that develops on teeth after eating. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to:
- Bad breath
- Inflamed gums
- Tooth decay
- Loose teeth
- Oral infections
- Pain when eating
The good news is that feeding the right foods can help reduce plaque accumulation and support better oral health.
Best Foods for Dental Health
1. Raw Meaty Bones (Appropriate and Safe Options)
Chewing on suitable raw bones can provide a natural abrasive action that helps scrape plaque from teeth.
Suitable options may include:
- Raw Kangaroo Fillets and ribs
- Raw Chicken Fillets and Wings
- Raw lamb ribs
- Raw turkey necks
- Beef Bully Sticks
Always supervise your pet and choose bones appropriate for their size and chewing style.
2. Dental Chews - 100% protein
Quality dental chews reduce plaque and tartar while satisfying your pet's natural chewing instinct.
Look for dental chews that are 100% protein
- Have a firm texture
- Encourage prolonged chewing
- Contain natural ingredients
- Support oral microbiome health
3. Crunchy Vegetables
Many dogs enjoy chewing vegetables, which can help mechanically clean teeth.
Good options include:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Green beans
These are low-calorie treats that can support overall health while providing a gentle cleaning effect.
4. High-Quality Protein Diets
Protein-rich diets support healthy gums and oral tissues.
Look for foods containing:
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- Minimal fillers
- High digestibility
- Balanced nutrition
5. Oral Health Supplements
Certain supplements can help support a healthy oral microbiome and reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Ingredients that may assist include:
- Postbiotics
- Probiotics
- Seaweed-based dental supplements
- Natural anti-inflammatory ingredients
Try Australian Animal Oral Care's New Oral Probiotic Supplement - TEETH
Foods That Can Contribute to Tartar Build-Up
1. Soft Processed Foods
Soft foods tend to stick to teeth more easily and may accelerate plaque accumulation.
This includes:
- Soft treats
- Processed meat products
- Sticky commercial treats
2. Sugary Human Foods
Sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria and should never be a regular part of your pet's diet.
Avoid:
- Biscuits
- Cakes
- Ice cream
- Sweetened snacks
3. Sticky Treats
Treats that cling to teeth can increase plaque formation.
Examples include:
- Soft chew treats
- Syrup-coated treats
- Sticky training treats
4. Excessive Carbohydrates
Many low-quality pet foods contain large amounts of starch and fillers that may contribute to plaque-producing bacteria.
Watch for diets heavily based on:
- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
- Low Quality grain fillers
Most dry pet foods are high in Carbohydrates with little actual meat.
Avoid completely or use occasionally
5. Table Scraps
Human foods are often high in fats, sugars, and processed ingredients that provide little benefit to dental health.
Don't Forget Daily Dental Care
Even the best diet cannot completely prevent dental disease.
For optimal dental health:
- Brush your pet's teeth daily
- Use quality dental chews
- Add Dental Seaweed Powder or a Probiotic to food daily
- Schedule regular oral health checks
- Have professional dental cleaning when required
The Bottom Line
A diet rich in quality proteins, appropriate chewing options, dental chews, and crunchy vegetables can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Avoid sticky, sugary, and heavily processed foods that can worsen dental health.
Combining good nutrition with regular dental care gives your pet the best chance of maintaining healthy teeth, fresh breath, and a happy smile for years to come.
Australian Animal Oral Care provides professional cosmetic pet dental cleaning services and premium dental products to help support your pet's oral health journey.
Dental Health = Daily Care
Discover the best foods to help prevent tartar build-up in dogs and cats, plus which foods to avoid for better dental health and fresher breath.