Although pet owners brush their own teeth twice a day to help prevent cavities, tooth decay and other health problems, many pet owners don’t realize that humans aren’t the only ones who need clean teeth. Dogs, like their owners, need their teeth cleaned! Let’s take a closer look at why your dogs need to get their teeth cleaned as well as some of the best foods that can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy and happy.

Why Your Dog’s Dental Hygiene is Important

Like humans, dogs can develop a host of health problems if their teeth and gums are not properly cared for; the most common problems include tooth decay, cavities, gum inflammation, and gingivitis. Gingivitis and gum inflammation in dogs is a serious concern, because gingivitis and gum inflammation in dogs can cause pain, increase the likelihood of cavities, and even cause bone loss in a dog’s mouth and jaw. A dog who has lost teeth or who has bone loss or mouth pain will find it difficult to eat, which can cause them to miss out on important nutrients that give them energy and keep them healthy.

There are several ways you can keep your dog’s teeth clean and prevent dental and mouth hygiene problems like gingivitis and decay. In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth with a specially designed brush and special dog-friendly toothpaste (never give regular toothpaste to a dog—it’s toxic!) you can use dog dental food. Dog dental food is a type of dental dog food which not only gives your dog key nutrients, it actually works to scrape plaque off your dog’s teeth and promote better mouth hygiene.

Best Dog Foods for Cleaning Teeth

There are many brands which offer dental dog food; the following are three of the very best dental dog food brands that are recommended for pet owners.

Purina

Purina offers a variety of different foods designed to help prevent dental problems and improve dental health. Their most popular dog dental food is their Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Health formula. Please note that this formula does require a veterinary prescription. This formula is a dry food formula with a patented texture on the kibble itself, which reduces plaque and tartar on the dog’s teeth and gums. It comes in several different sizes for both small and large breeds.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin’s dental dog food offerings including their popular Canine Dental Dog Food, which includes especially designed kibble that reduces tartar and plaque. This formula is also nutrient-rich, which is ideal for dogs of all ages. This formula comes in several different versions for both small and large dog breeds.

Hills

Hills currently produces several different types of dental-oriented dog foods. Their most popular line is Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care Dry Food, which is scientifically designed to reduce plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth and promotes good oral hygiene as well. This formula comes in several different forms, including for small and large dog breeds as well as for puppies and adults.