The diet of our furry companions has become a hot topic in recent years as many have realized that dental care for dogs involves heavily-processed foods such as kibble and dog roll are full of filler and sodium. In response to this, many dog owners are exploring different diets to find one that is both healthy and preferable for them. Recent years have seen an explosion in popularity around raw pet food in PA and throughout the rest of the United States.
A common inquiry about raw pet food PA for residents that have been asking is whether feeding your dog a different diet requires a change in dental practice. This, of course, is completely dependent on the nutritional content of the food you’re feeding them. While certain foods may boast various benefits for your dog, they may also contain ingredients which are conducive to plaque buildup.
Here’s a look at how your dental practice can match your dog’s diet.
Dental Care for Dogs Starts with Food
Before even considering a toothpaste or toothbrush suitable for your dog, it’s important to ensure their diet isn’t causing unnecessary damage to their teeth. While we can expect some wear and tear from certain foods, there are ingredients out there which don’t need to be in your dog food and can cause tooth and gum decay.
Foods to Avoid
A common fallacy in the world of dog food is that, because of its abrasive nature, dog kibble can help clean teeth. This is simply untrue, and in fact, many common dog kibbles can contain ingredients which cause plaque and tartar buildup. The ingredient in dry dog food which leads to plaque is usually carbohydrates, which convert into sugar and then react with bacteria in their mouth. Once plaque is established it can turn into tartar which can be substantially harder to remove, and cause more serious problems.
Food that Helps
The idea that kibble can clean your dog’s teeth may be false, but the idea has roots in truth. The abrasive nature of dog kibble may be able to help remove some of the plaque buildup on their teeth. So finding something abrasive that doesn’t contain something that causes plaque is a must, that’s where raw bones come in. The abrasive nature of the bones, and their flexibility, means that they can actually help to remove plaque. They can also do so without leaving carbohydrates or sugar in your dog’s mouth to be turned back into plaque.
Dental Care for Dogs Starts with a Consistent Routine
Once you know that food isn’t the cause of your dog’s dental problems, it’s time to look for a suitable dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Under no circumstance should you use your own toothpaste on your dog’s teeth, nor should you share your toothbrush with them. Instead be sure to look for a purpose-built doggy toothbrush and toothpaste.
What to Look for in a Dog Toothbrush
Unlike those masochists out there that like hard bristles, your dog will need a soft bristled toothpaste for their dental hygiene. This ensures that no damage is done to the teeth or gums, while still brushing away food debris and plaque. There are also other features in dog toothbrushes which may be good for your dog, including those with two heads, or those made of more natural materials like bamboo.
What to Look for in a Dog Toothpaste
Instead of prioritizing aroma, like many of us do when choosing our own toothpaste, it’s better to find one that your vet recommends. This is because, as with dog food, there are dog toothpaste products out there which aren’t necessarily good for our dogs, and instead use tricky marketing to seem equitable.
Be sure to avoid these ingredients when looking for dog toothpaste:
- Alcohol
- Artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives
- Fluoride
- Grapefruit seed extract (methylparaben)
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
A Good Dental Routine
Most vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth a minimum of three times per week, but we believe that simply isn’t enough. Instead try to treat your dog’s teeth as you do your own, brushing them in the morning and evening, after meals respectively. This will ensure that no food remains lodged in their teeth or gums for hours, and will protect both your dog and you from the horrors of poor dental hygiene in dogs.
Be sure to choose calming times of the day at first, and if you can start this practice while they’re still young. Older dogs may not be a fan of brushing at first, although over time they will become used to it.
Dental Care for Dogs Is Better with Food that’ll Make them Smile
At Happy Critters, we’re happy to provide a range of raw pet food PA and nearby. Be sure to check out our delivery schedule to ensure we deliver to your area before calling us, and check out our range online.
