Is soft food bad for dogs teeth?

Pet dental-health studies find very little difference in tooth-decay cases between dogs that eat dry food and dogs that eat wet food. In fact, when it comes to keeping your pet’s teeth healthy, not all dry food is created equal, anyway.

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However, wet foods aren’t structured or designed to assist in removing plaque from your pet’s teeth.

But wet food is an efficient way to keep your dog hydrated and aid in digestion.

Wet food would be a great option for your dog to eat while recovering after a teeth cleaning if they have just returned from one.

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Our pets are unable to communicate when they are thirsty or otherwise feeling unwell, so it is our responsibility to provide them with the necessary hydration throughout the day. How do you feel when you are dehydrated? Do you feel a little lethargic, tired, or perhaps you have a headache?

If your dog is only eating dry food and did not drink enough water during the day, the body will draw moisture from the internal organs in order to digest the food, making it difficult to tell if your pet has had “enough” water. If this persists for an extended period of time, it may harm their organs.

Add it first to the food they are already consuming. You can start with a teaspoon or a few tablespoons and work your way up depending on the size of your dog. You can store open cans of wet food in the refrigerator for up to three days, but make sure to remove the kibble before doing so. To keep it fresh, be sure to cover it with a lid!

There is a widespread misconception that kibble is good for your dog’s teeth and wet food is bad when it comes to dental health. Cats and dogs have sharp, pointed teeth that are made to rip meat from the bone, so kibble does nothing to keep your dog’s teeth in their mouth or clean them. They don’t have any flat molars, so instead of actually “chewing,” they more frequently shatter their kibble.

Wet food is a great way to help your pet slow down if they eat their food quickly (especially when combined with a slow feeder). Mealtime shouldn’t be over in five seconds; you can always slow your pet down even more by adding more water to wet food. Your pet will feel more satisfied and the mealtime will be more leisurely if you slow it down.

Dry Dog Food Could Contribute to Dental Problems

Yes, kibble that is crunchy can help to remove some of the plaque from a dog’s teeth. However, it may also be ineffective in the crucial area close to the gumline.

And that’s where decay (cavities) and gum disease are most exacerbated by plaque and tartar.

When products make claims about cleaning or teeth whitening, even industry regulators do nothing. Simply by classifying these marketing claims as “not objectionable,” they completely sidestep the problem.

Dry dog foods may actually increase plaque and tartar levels in the long run because most kibbles contain a higher proportion of refined carbohydrates, leading to more dental issues than they are supposed to prevent.

Therefore, choosing kibble over canned or dry dog food is acceptable. But don’t choose it just because you think it will be better for your dog’s teeth.

Cons of Feeding Wet Food to Dogs

Dry food has always been preferred by dog owners for two reasons: cost and convenience.

Wet food is more costly, messy, and time-consuming to make.

The smell of dry food is another factor in dog owners’ decisions.

Despite the fact that dogs are drawn to the smell of wet food, many dog owners find it repulsive.

Wet food spoils quickly if left out for an extended period of time, making it inappropriate for dogs who prefer to chow down for several hours.

Another issue with wet food is waste.

Compared to numerous cans, pouches, or plastic containers, a bag of dry food produces significantly less waste.

FAQ

What’s better for dogs teeth wet or dry food?

Finding a pet food that provides your dog with excellent nutrition to meet their health needs should come first when deciding what to get them is a good place to start. Their food should also be something they find appetizing. Dry food can benefit dental health while wet food can help your dog stay more hydrated.

Do dogs need crunchy food for their teeth?

An outdated myth that needs to be put to rest forever is that crunchy kibble keeps dogs’ teeth clean. Kibble doesn’t actually do that; in fact, it most likely even makes dental disease worse. Over 80% of pets older than three years old have active dental disease, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

What foods cause tooth decay in dogs?

Starchy foods have a propensity to stick to your dog’s teeth, which is bad for the formation of plaque and tartar.

What can I feed my dog with teeth problems?

What Can You Feed a Dog or Cat With No Teeth?
  • Canned Soft Food. Most dog food manufacturers that produce crunchy kibble also produce soft food in cans, allowing you to stick with the company you know and trust.
  • “Just Food for Dogs” (Yes, they help cats too!) …
  • Regular Kibble.