Can Dogs Eat Without Teeth? Yes, They Absolutely Can!

Have you just discovered your senior pup needs extensive dental work? Maybe you’ve adopted a toothless senior dog (thank you for that!) and are wondering how they’ll manage mealtime I totally get your concern – it was my first question too when my 14-year-old Jack had most of his teeth removed last year

The good news? Dogs are incredibly resilient creatures, and many actually eat better once painful, diseased teeth are removed That’s right – your toothless wonder can still enjoy meals and maintain a healthy weight with some simple adjustments.

Why Dogs Lose Their Teeth

Before diving into feeding options let’s understand why some dogs end up toothless

• Periodontal disease – The most common cause, especially in small breeds
• Trauma or injury – Accidents can damage teeth beyond repair
• Genetic predispositions – Some breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies are more prone to dental issues
• Necessary extractions – Vets often remove painful or infected teeth to improve quality of life
• Age-related issues – Just like humans, dogs can experience tooth loss as they age

I’ve seen plenty of senior dogs at our local rescue who arrived with terrible dental issues. Sometimes it’s from neglect, but often previous owners simply couldn’t afford dental care or didn’t recognize the signs of dental disease until it was too late.

How Dogs Adapt to Eating Without Teeth

This might surprise you, but dogs don’t actually chew their food the way humans do! They have what veterinarians call a “shearing dentition” – their teeth evolved to catch prey and shear meat into small pieces before swallowing.

As Dr. Colin Adley from Animal Dental Care & Oral Surgery explains, “Dogs don’t chew their food the way people do… Once the piece of food is small enough, a dog will simply swallow the food.”

This natural adaptation helps explain why many dogs adjust quickly to eating without teeth. In fact, veterinary dental specialists at Carefree Dentistry and Oral Surgery report that “many dogs eat better once painful, diseased teeth are removed.”

Feeding Strategies for Dogs Without Teeth

Let’s explore your options for feeding a toothless pup:

1. Soft or Moist Food

This is probably the most obvious solution. Canned dog food, especially pâté styles, can be perfect because they’re already smooth. If your dog is still struggling, you can:

• Add a bit of warm water to make it even smoother
• Blend chunks with a food processor if the food contains larger pieces

2. Dry Kibble (Yes, Really!)

This might shock you, but many toothless dogs can still eat dry kibble! There are a few ways to make this work:

• Keep it as is – Some dogs simply learn to swallow pieces whole (monitor to ensure they’re not struggling)
• Grind it up in a food processor or coffee grinder
• Soak it in warm water or low-sodium broth for 5-10 minutes to soften

My Jack initially struggled with his kibble after his extractions, but after soaking it for about 7 minutes, he was happily munching away (or rather, gumming away!).

3. Homemade Options

If you’re interested in preparing food at home:

• Ground or shredded meats
• Mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin
• Cooked rice or oatmeal
• Steamed and mashed veggies like carrots, green beans, peas

I often make big batches of chicken stew with veggies and freeze portions for later use. My tip? If your dog rejects whole veggies (like mine does), try pureeing them into a “gravy” using the cooking broth.

Important: Always consult your vet before switching to homemade meals to ensure they meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

4. Feeding Techniques That Help

How you serve food can make a big difference:

• Use shallow bowls or plates for easier access
• Try feeding smaller, more frequent meals
• Form soft food into “meatballs” for hand-feeding reluctant eaters
• For tiny dogs who struggle with bowls, elevated feeding stations can help

One of my readers with a 4-pound Chihuahua found that hand-feeding worked best when her pup got frustrated with traditional bowls.

Treats and Chews for Toothless Dogs

Treats are still important for training and bonding! Try these toothless-friendly options:

• Soft treats that can be broken into tiny pieces
• Fat-free cottage cheese
• Xylitol-free peanut butter (great for stuffing toys)
• Crumbled, single-ingredient freeze-dried treats

For dogs who still enjoy chewing (yes, they can gum things!), soft dental chews that dissolve easily can be a good option.

Real-Life Success Stories

After Jack’s dental surgery, I was so worried he’d lose weight or reject his food. I needn’t have been concerned! Within a week, he was eating with more enthusiasm than he had in months. That’s when I realized his teeth had probably been causing him pain for quite some time.

Many veterinary specialists report the same pattern – dogs often show increased appetite, energy, and overall happiness once painful teeth are removed. As the team at Carefree Animal Dentistry notes, “tooth loss might seem like a major setback, but most dogs bounce back quickly.”

Maintaining Remaining Teeth (If Any)

If your dog still has some teeth left, it’s worth protecting them:

• Try brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste (never use human toothpaste!)
• Consider dental wipes if brushing is impossible
• Ask your vet about PlaqueOff powder or similar supplements
• Water additives can help freshen breath between cleanings

I’ve had great success with ProDen PlaqueOff Powder – I just sprinkle it on Jack’s food daily, and he doesn’t even notice it’s there.

When to Consult Your Vet

While most dogs adapt well to eating without teeth, you should contact your vet if:

• Your dog loses significant weight
• They seem reluctant to eat for more than a day
• You notice signs of pain like pawing at the mouth
• There’s excessive drooling or bleeding from the gums

Final Thoughts

Living with a toothless dog is absolutely manageable, and in many cases, your dog will be happier and more comfortable once painful teeth are gone. With a few simple adjustments to their diet, your pup can continue to enjoy mealtime and maintain proper nutrition.

Remember that every dog is different – what works for one might not work for another. Be patient during the transition period, and don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find what works best for your furry friend.

Do you have a toothless dog? What feeding strategies have worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

Yes, dogs can eat after a tooth extraction, but they must be fed a soft, moistened diet to allow for healing and prevent further irritation of the surgical site. Options include wet food, canned food, soaked kibble, or home-cooked soft foods like boiled chicken and rice.

To feed a toothless dog, you can switch to soft foods like canned wet food, or soften their existing kibble by soaking it in warm water or broth. You can also try homemade recipes with cooked meats, broths, and easily digestible ingredients, or offer pureed baby food or yogurt. Ensure the food is easy to swallow by mashing or blending any chunks, and be patient as your dog adjusts to the new textures and may need a variety of options to find something they prefer.

For a dog with no teeth, look for ultra-soft treats that don’t require much chewing, such as puffed treats like pig snouts or jerky, gelatin-based treats, or soft baked treats like those made by Go Nutty’s and Lucky Duckies. You can also make treats by soaking kibble with warm water or serving canned dog food. Another option is homemade dog treats, like frozen fruit and yogurt treats.