Dry Dog Food Could Contribute to Dental Problems
Sure, crunchy kibble can remove some of the plaque near the tops of a dog’s teeth. But it can also be ineffective within the critical zone near the gumline.
And that’s where plaque and tartar cause their most harm — decay (cavities) and gum disease.
Even industry regulators look the other way when products claim to cleanse or whiten teeth. They simply avoid the issue altogether by labeling these marketing claims as “not objectionable” .
In fact, since most kibbles contain a higher percentage of refined carbohydrates, dry dog foods could ultimately increase plaque and tartar levels — and thus cause more dental problems than they supposedly prevent.
So, when choosing between canned or dry dog food, it’s OK to choose kibble. However, don’t choose it based solely on the assumption it’s better for your dog’s teeth.
What is Dry Kibble Good For?
There are many claims that kibble is better for dental health because the chewy friction created by kibbled diets usually means less plaque. And studies do typically support the positive effect of chewed foods on dental health.
But to what extent does the shape, size, and texture of dry food really matter when it comes to plaque reduction? Does that hold true for all dogs? And, if so, are all dry diets created equal?
Turns out that some crunchy foods do almost nothing for dental health while others have passed rigorous standards showing that they do reduce plaque. To prove this, enter the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), an organization charged with determining whether dental claims on veterinary products are true or not.
The Bottom Line: Veterinary dentists say that even the most effective foods, plaque-fighting-wise, are less than five percent as effective as simply brushing your pets teeth.
Consider feeding your dog or puppy a daily dental chew
A daily dental chew, such as rawhide or a specially formulated dental chew, can help maintain the health of your dog’s teeth.
Supervise your dog while they have a dental chew so that you can take it away if small pieces break off, which can be a choking hazard.