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One of the benefits of raw feeding is clean teeth and healthy gums. The belief is that dogs fed a regular diet of edible and recreational bones have cleaner teeth because the bones scrape away tarter, and the meat left on the bones flosses the teeth. While this may work for some dogs, I don't believe it's true for all dogs. Dog dental care is crucial for every dog's overall health and well-being, regardless of their diet. While a raw fed diet can contribute to better dental health compared to processed kibble, it does not replace the need for dental care.
Why Dog Dental Care is Important
Preventing dental disease: Dental disease is a common health issue in dogs. It can lead to bad breath, loose or missing teeth, pain, and systemic health problems. Regular dental care, including brushing, helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of dental disease.
Maintaining healthy gums: Raw feeding can help keep gums healthier due to the natural chewing action, but it is not foolproof. Proper dental care is necessary to remove any remaining food particles and bacteria leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontal disease.
Promoting overall health: Dental disease in dogs can have a far-reaching impact on their overall health. The bacteria from oral infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of secondary health complications.
Lengthening lifespan: Caring for your dog's dental health can improve their longevity. Dental disease is associated with pain and discomfort, reducing quality of life and potentially shortened lifespan. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help keep your dog healthier and happier for longer.
Avoiding costly treatments: Neglecting dental care may require expensive veterinary procedures such as dental cleanings, tooth extractions, or even oral surgeries. These procedures can be avoided or minimized through regular dental care at home.
Raw Fed Dogs aren't Exempt from Dental Care
As our dogs age, dental care becomes even more important. Again, just because a dog is fed a raw food diet doesn't exempt us from taking the steps to ensure proper dental care.
Raw Meaty Bones May Not Be Enough
I've learned firsthand that raw, meaty bones aren't enough for all dogs. It could be because of the dog or because I didn't feed them often enough (I now feed at least two meals weekly of raw meaty bones). I've found seven dogs on a raw food diet, and only one had severe dental issues despite eating the same diet as the other dogs.
Foolishly, I wasn't paying attention to her teeth because the teeth that were visible when she panted were clean. I missed the red gums and dental disease forming on her rear premolars.
Dogs aren't Fed Raw Bones
Some raw feeders are afraid to feed raw bones (or can't) for various reasons – their dog may be a gulper, they're concerned about a broken tooth or perforation, or they don't have a solid source for raw bones. Whatever the case, the lack of whole edible and recreational bones in the diet allows for the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
Over time, plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up on a dog's teeth. If not removed, it hardens and forms tartar (also called calculus), which irritates the gums and leads to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Senior dogs are more prone to excessive plaque buildup due to years of inadequate dental care.
Dental Diseases
As dogs age, their immune systems become slightly weaker, and there are age-related changes in saliva and gum health. This leaves senior dogs more susceptible to dental diseases such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Untreated dental issues that went unnoticed or undiagnosed can also contribute to this. This is another reason why annual wellness checks with a veterinarian are important.
Wear and Tear
Years of chewing on sticks, rocks (in some cases), edible and recreational bone, and protein chews take a toll on a dog's teeth. Over time, the chewing surfaces of a dog's teeth can become worn down, and this damage can make the teeth more susceptible to fractures, decay, and other dental problems.
Poor Dental Care Earlier in Life
For dogs that were adopted as adolescents or adults or were fed kibble for the first part of their lives, dental issues may become a lifelong concern to be managed. If a dog does not receive proper dental care during their younger years, it can have long-term consequences for their oral health. Neglected dental hygiene, lack of regular dental cleanings, and inadequate home dental care can all contribute to poor dental health in senior dogs.
Top 5 Dog Dental Care Products
My dogs have gorgeous teeth, but it's not due to diet alone. I include raw meaty bones and the following five products in my dogs' diet. They aren't all necessary; one or two will do, but I like to alternate products, and what works for one dog may not work for another.
1 – TEEF for Life's Protektin42™
Maintain the original idea while applying the style guide.TEEF is an amazing water additive for dogs that helps maintain their dental health by promoting easy and daily hygiene at home. It uses a revolutionary, vegan, and prebiotic technology based on microbiology and molecular nutrition to enhance dental health and fresh breath safely. Adding just one scoop of TEEF to your dog's drinking water daily inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria while promoting the growth of essential beneficial bacteria for optimal dental health.
From my experience, my dogs don't have issues with their drinking water when I add TEEF. I add two scoops to a pitcher of water once daily, and I refill their water dishes once or twice daily.
2 – Mad About Organics Oral Care Herbal Spray
This herbal spray is made with human-grade, natural ingredients that help freshen breath and weaken plaque and tarter to allow for easier removal while improving gum health. Spraying the oral care herbal spray in the mouth once or twice daily immediately freshens breath. Plaque and tartar became easier to remove after two weeks of consistent daily use. Continued use is excellent for maintenance and prevention.
This oral care herbal spray is an excellent alternative for dogs that dislike brushing their teeth.
3 – DIY Toothpaste for Dogs
with CocoTherapy & Dog Breath Lite by AnimalEO
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties that can help eliminate harmful bacteria in your dog's mouth and along the gumline. For fresh breath, you can try using Dog Breath Lite by AnimalEO. This product contains essential oils such as copaiba, peppermint, helichrysum, and myrrh. Copaiba has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, while peppermint freshens breath and reduces pain. Helichrysum is known to decrease inflammation, boost healing, and relieve pain, and myrrh also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Homemade Toothpaste Recipe
I mix a tablespoon of organic, virgin coconut oil in a bowl with ten drops of Dog Breath Lite to create homemade toothpaste for my dogs. I massage a small amount (on my finger) along the gums at least once weekly, especially with my senior dog.
4 – 1TDC by Works So Well
1-TetraDecanol Complex (1-TDC), can help promote healthy gum tissue and potentially prevent periodontal disease in pets. This oil is made from esterified fatty acids and supports joint health and mobility, allowing dogs to remain active longer. I squeeze the capsule's contents on my dog's upper gums, primarily above the molars. My dogs love the taste.
5 – Real Dog Box Chews Only Box
Although raw meaty bones are a significant part of my dogs' raw diet, plaque and tartar still accumulate. I prefer protein chews to recreational bones because my dogs can enjoy them indoors and outdoors. Bones and chews help remove plaque and tartar, unlike some dental chews that contain starch.
Real Dog Box is a monthly treats and chews subscription service. They also offer treats-only and chews-only boxes and a secret shop where subscribers can find additional items like rabbit heads (with and without fur), air-dried organ blends for meal preps and meal toppers, and whole quail (with feathers).
I give my dogs protein chews several days a week, monitoring their chew sessions for safety. Each dog has a chew style that determines what kind of chew (light, medium, or heavy) they enjoy.
Dental Chews and Chew Toys
There are a lot of dental chews and chew toys on the market, and I'm not a fan of most of them because they either have sketchy ingredients or I'm afraid of them. I get tired of researching ingredients, and dental chews have a long list of ingredients, that are difficult for dogs to digest. Why spend time researching ingredients for a product that's rough on my dog's gut health and doesn't keep their teeth clean?
I don't understand how we're expected to believe they clean our teeth if our dogs can chew them up like a treat rather than gnaw on them like a bone—there's no abrasion to scrape tartar from the teeth, and they don't last long enough to touch many of them.
For dental chew toys like Nylabone and Benebone, I worry about the plastic my dogs are consuming by chewing on these toys. I've seen pictures of dogs with their jaw stuck in a Benebone or similar chew toy – so I'm terrified of those. Ultimately, dental chews come down to the dog, their chew style, and our comfort level. I prefer raw or air-dried bones to hard plastic chew toys.
When choosing dental chews and toys, consider safety. Choose toys that are a good fit for your dog, and always monitor your dog when it's enjoying its toy.
