Feeding your dog is one of the most rewarding aspects of pet ownership, strengthening the bond you share. Imagine enhancing this experience by simultaneously supporting your dog’s dental health. While daily brushing remains the gold standard for oral hygiene, the natural act of chewing also plays a crucial role in reducing plaque accumulation. Safe chew toys and specially formulated kibble can contribute significantly to your dog’s dental cleanliness. As veterinary dentists, we recommend incorporating kibble specifically designed for dental health into your dog’s daily meals. This proactive approach ensures that every feeding moment contributes to a healthier mouth for your beloved companion.
When dental care is neglected, plaque and tartar can form due to a combination of oral bacteria, food debris, saliva, and mineral deposits. If not removed through regular brushing, plaque hardens into tartar, adhering firmly to the teeth. At this stage, professional veterinary intervention, including ultrasonic scaling under anesthesia, is necessary. Without timely removal, plaque and tartar lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease, impacting your dog’s overall health and comfort. Fortunately, several advanced dietary options can significantly aid in maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene between professional cleanings.
1. Hill’s Healthy Advantage Oral+
Hill’s Healthy Advantage Oral+ offers a comprehensive approach to your dog’s well-being, extending beyond just oral care. This diet also supports weight management, promotes easy digestion, and contributes to healthy skin. The kibble pieces are notably larger than those in standard diets, featuring a specialized coating designed to minimize plaque buildup and combat bad breath. Dogs often enjoy the palatable flavor, and the larger kibble size encourages slower eating, which can be beneficial for dogs prone to gulping their food. Hill’s Healthy Advantage Oral+ is classified as a prescription diet and is readily available through most veterinary clinics.
2. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Canine Formula
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Canine Formula is another excellent option for enhancing your dog’s dental health. Its uniquely crunchy kibble texture has been scientifically proven to substantially reduce tartar accumulation. This formula is available in both large and small bite varieties, catering to different dog sizes and preferences. Like Hill’s, this is also considered a prescription diet and can be obtained from veterinary clinics.
3. Royal Canin Canine Dental Dry Food
Royal Canin Canine Dental features a distinctively shaped kibble and a proprietary ingredient blend that actively works to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. The larger kibble size, combined with a robust fiber matrix, effectively acts as a toothbrush as your dog chews. Royal Canin also offers a smaller kibble size, making it suitable for smaller breeds. This prescription diet can be purchased at most veterinary clinics.
Transitioning Your Dog to a New Diet
Every dog responds differently to dietary changes. If your dog is already accustomed to food from one of the brands mentioned above, the transition process is likely to be smoother. We strongly advise consulting with your local veterinarian or our veterinary dental specialists to determine the most suitable food for your pet.
It’s crucial to consider potential allergies. If your dog has sensitivities to common proteins like chicken, beef, or pork, these specialized diets might not be appropriate. When introducing any new food, always do so gradually over a period of 5 to 7 days to prevent digestive upset.
The Importance of Professional Veterinary Dental Care
While these specialized diets offer significant benefits, they are most effective when implemented alongside regular professional veterinary dental care. Comprehensive dental cleanings and full-mouth dental radiographs are essential starting points. A clean mouth, free from existing plaque and tartar, allows these therapeutic diets to perform optimally. These diets are particularly beneficial for dogs predisposed to dental disease, especially when owners are also committed to daily tooth brushing. However, it’s important to remember that these foods are not a substitute for routine professional dental cleanings performed by your veterinarian.
For dedicated veterinary dental care in Colorado Springs, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a board-certified veterinary dentist.
References:
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Canine Formula. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/dog/pro-plan-veterinary-diets-dh-dental-health-canine-formula
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Dog Food. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.royalcanin.com/us/dogs/products/vet-products/dental-diet-dry-dog-food
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Dental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hillspet.com/prescription-diet/dental-health
