What Can I Feed My Dog With Missing Teeth?

Feeding a dog with missing teeth is no small feat, especially if you are also dealing with a picky eater. However, you can make healthy non-solid dog foods or find them at your local pet care store.

  1. Starches

    • Should you choose to provide your furry friend with a home-cooked meal, plan in advance so the foods have time to cool in the refrigerator. For example, regular potatoes as well as sweet potatoes provide a good base for nourishing your canine.
      Potatoes should be cooked far in advance to avoid burning your dog's mouth or tongue. Also, it is essential to remove any skin from potatoes prior to serving as it is toxic to dogs.
      Scoop the potato into your dog's bowl and mash until there are no visible lumps. You may need a few tablespoons to1/4 cup of water, depending on your dog's size, to further soften the potato.
      Another good starch to consider is brown rice. Boil the rice until it is limp.

    Vegetables

    • Add a variety of colorful veggies. Grab a can of cut or diced carrots, green beans or peas. Consider feeding these veggies in moderation if your dog has previously enjoyed a dry food diet to avoid potential stomach upset or diarrhea.
      Stay away from onions and garlic, as these foods cause anemia in dogs. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower should be avoided as they could make your pooch gassy and, even when excessively steamed, may still be difficult to grind without a full mouth of teeth.

    Protein and Calcium

    • Your homemade food should also contain protein and calcium. Protein should make up at least 60 percent of your canine's diet. For a good source of easy-to-digest protein, boil some chicken, peel the skin, then place in the blender. For calcium, add a tablespoon or two of low-sodium, low-fat cottage cheese.
      Mash and mix each component thoroughly so your dog can enjoy the meal without struggling to chew.

    Considerations

    • If you don't have the time to make your own dog food, try a natural canned food. Wellness and Blue Buffalo are two popular natural dog food brands. They offer specialty soft food for puppies, adults and seniors, as well as a variety of recipes. Still, you may need to mix soft food with water in order to achieve a puree-like substance easy on the teeth or lack thereof.
      If your dog has a known food allergen or other health problem, consult your vet before embarking on any new diet. Your vet may inform you of food substitutions so your dog remains fully nourished.
      Most importantly, remember that like humans, dogs should have a well-rounded diet, rich in protein and vitamins. It may take time for your companion to accept the texture of his new food, but he may even like it better than dry food.