The best food and treats for your dog's dental health

Did you know that 80% of dogs experience dental disease by 3 years of age?¹

Taking care of your dog’s tooth and gum health is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy and could even help them live longer.

Poor dental hygiene won’t only cause your dog pain and distress. It could also lead to more serious issues down the track that could result in expensive vet bills if you aren’t properly covered with pet insurance.

So, what is the best way to care for your dog’s teeth?

Keeping up with regular dental check-ups and thorough cleans at the vet is essential, and you can also ask your vet about how to clean your pup’s teeth at home.

But perhaps the easiest way to support your dog’s dental health is what you feed them.

Including certain foods in a dog’s diet can help reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar which leads to damaged, decaying teeth and a decline in gum health. So which foods are best for keeping their canines clean?

When it comes to looking after your dog’s gum health and dental hygiene through their diet, you might want to speak to your vet and get some advice.

Specially formulated dental care diets are designed with a dog’s tooth hygiene as the top priority, so they include ingredients that support their dental health.

Dental diet kibble is also shaped and textured in such a way that it helps reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar as they chew. Speak to your vet about whether this is an appropriate option for your dog.

Including some everyday foods from your fridge into your pet’s daily diet can help keep their teeth and gums in good shape.

Fruits and vegetables are the snack food of choice when it comes to doggy dental care.

Cut pieces of apple are a great fibre-rich option that also provide vitamins A and C (just be sure to remove the seeds and core first, as these can be toxic to dogs), while carrots are another low-calorie, high-fibre pick many dogs enjoy. Celery is another vegetable that not only supports dental hygiene and dogs’ gum health but can also freshen their breath.

Contrary to popular opinion, bones may end up causing dental problems for your dog.

Research has shown that while bones can help remove tartar from the tops of your dog’s teeth and keep your pooch entertained, they aren’t without risks.²

Munching on bones, especially for strong chewers, can wear down and even break your dog’s teeth. Worse still, if the bones splinter or break and pieces are swallowed, they can cause potentially life-threatening internal blockages.

If you’re going to feed your dog bones, make sure they’re raw (never cooked) and uncut, and always supervise your dog when they have a bone to watch for potential issues.

Dental chews are a safe alternative to bones that many dogs love to eat as a treat.

The best dog treats for dental health are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). The VOHC has a complete list of approved dog treats for dental health that meet safety standards and help reduce plaque and tartar. Look in your supermarket pet aisle or ask your vet for information.

Adding some teeth and gum-friendly foods into your dog’s regular diet can support dental health, but always speak to your vet before changing your dog’s diet to help prevent health issues.