Does Dog Food Rot Teeth?

Dental hygiene is important for people, and it is also a big deal in the canine world. Pooches, just like their loving human owners, are susceptible to frustrations such as tooth decay, halitosis and gingivitis. The type of food you provide your dog also can have an effect on his dental health.

  1. Wet Food and Tooth Decay

    • As far as dog food goes, wet canned foods are sometimes associated with ease in tooth decay development. Canned dog food consists of roughly 80 percent H20, and is therefore on the gluey side. Since it can so easily attach to your pet's teeth, it can sometimes bring on icky teeth decay, especially if the furry cutie doesn't routinely get his teeth brushed.

    Dry Dog Food

    • Dry dog food is often considered to be a more tooth-friendly alternative to the canned stuff. Unlike wet food, dry kibble doesn't linger on your pet's chompers. As a result, tartar accumulation doesn't take place as quickly as it does with wet canine meals -- a definite plus for discouraging unwelcome and yucky tooth decay dilemmas.

    Specific Dry Dog Foods

    • Not all dry dog foods are formulated explicitly to minimize tartar and plaque, although certain varieties are actually specifically made for just that purpose. Speak to your veterinarian regarding options for dry dog foods that are designed to make the buildup of both tartar and plaque a lot slower. Instead of closely examining every dog food box you see at the supermarket or local pet supplies store, go with a recommendation straight from your vet's mouth.

    Tartar

    • Some dry dog foods claim to have the ability to actually extract tartar from a dog's teeth. Unfortunately, once tartar exists on a dog's teeth, there's no way to eliminate it just with dry food. The only thing some kinds of dry food can do is stop the ugly stuff from showing up in the first place. The most effective way of getting tartar out of your pet's life is by visiting a veterinarian. A thorough tooth cleaning can help a dog kiss icky tartar goodbye -- phew.

    People Food

    • Although some kinds of canine food can indeed contribute to teeth decay, "people food" is not a suitable option for your pet's oral health, either. People food does nothing to maintain the strength of your dog's chompers. Instead of rewarding him with a bite of your chicken dinner, give him tasty canine snacks that are designed to keep his doggie "smile" in glowing condition. Never offer your pet any human food unless you have veterinary approval beforehand.