Just like with people, the foods a pet consumes play a crucial role in their dental health. Certain foods can help clean teeth and reduce plaque buildup, while others can contribute to dental problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque accumulation. Understanding the link between diet and dental health is essential for keeping pets happy and healthy.
Foods that help with dental health
The right diet can go a long way in helping to keep your pet’s teeth strong and healthy.
- Good quality dry food helps to remove plaque from animals’ teeth due to its crunchy texture. Choosing a dry food specifically formulated for dental health is a great option, as instead of shattering, the kibble keeps its form and rubs the teeth clean.
- Dental chews and treats can also help to reduce plaque build-up.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables – such as carrots, apples and celery – are a great supplement to your pet’s diet, as they help scrape away plaque as they are chewed. However, fruits with seeds should be avoided, along with avocados.
Foods to avoid
- Steer clear of sugary treats, as eating these foods can lead to plaque and tartar build-up.
- Avoid sticky foods that adhere to teeth and gums, as this can promote bacterial growth in the mouth.
- Cooked bones are another big no-no. They can splinter and damage teeth, as well as potentially causing serious internal damage.
- High-carbohydrate human foods such as bread, pasta and processed snacks can increase the amount of sugar in your pet’s mouth, which can also result in plaque build-up.
Other ways to help your pet’s dental health
- Daily brushing of the teeth (or at least once a week), especially the back teeth, will also greatly assist with your pet’s oral health.
- Fresh water also helps to wash away food particles and bacteria in your pet’s mouth, so ensuring their water bowl is always full of fresh water will help reduce plaque levels.
- Regular dental check-ups are vital to help keep on top of your pet’s dental health. This is the best way to catch any dental issues early and prevent them from developing into more serious problems.
Does your pet need a dental check-up?
Regular dental check-ups, combined with a proper diet, can prevent many common dental issues. If it has been a while since your pet has had a dental check-up, it’s time to schedule one. We offer free dog and cat dental exams if your pet doesn’t require a full consultation with a physical exam.
To make an appointment at our Loganholme vet clinic, give us a call on 07 3801 1744, book online or drop into our vet clinic at 141 Bryants Road.