Imagine going to your dentist and being told to forget using your toothbrush — because all you really need for good dental health is to simply eat a few crunchy tortilla chips every day.
And like magic, your teeth will be sparkling clean.
Sound absurd?
Well, you’re right. It’s utterly ridiculous.
But that’s precisely what most of us have been told about the magical tooth-cleaning power of dry dog food.
Well, now it’s time to separate the science from the myth.
Why Tooth Debris
Is So Difficult to Remove
There are three kinds of dental debris…
- Food particles
- Plaque
- Tartar (calculus)
Food particles are easy to remove. Just drinking water can even remove much of the free-floating fragments from around a dog’s teeth.
However, plaque and tartar are different.
Plaque is the sticky biofilm that adheres tightly to every tooth surface. It requires physical scrubbing to remove it.
What’s worse, once cleaned away, plaque returns again within just 24 hours.
Left along the gumline long enough, plaque slowly and inevitably turns into a rock-hard, barnacle-like crust referred to as calculus, more commonly known as tartar.
Plaque is what you remove with your toothbrush. Tartar is the hard stuff your dentist scrapes away when you get your teeth cleaned.
Dry Dog Food Causes More Dental Problems
Than It Solves
Sure, crunchy kibble can remove some of the plaque near the tops of a dog’s teeth. But it’s completely ineffective within the critical zone near the gumline.
And that’s where plaque and tartar do their ultimate damage — causing cavities and gum disease.
Even industry watchdogs look the other way when products claim to cleanse or whiten teeth. They simply avoid the issue altogether by labeling these unscientific claims as “not objectionable”1.
In plain English…
Dry dog food does not help create healthier teeth and gums
In fact, since most are loaded with a much higher refined carbohydrate content, dry dog foods can actually increase plaque and tartar levels — and thus cause more dental problems than they supposedly prevent.
So, when choosing between canned or dry dog food, it’s OK to choose dry kibble. But don’t choose it because you believe it’s better for your dog’s teeth.
A Much Better Way
to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth
Although it’s not perfect, there’s a simple and more natural way to improve a dog’s dental health without resorting to less effective kibble.
And that’s using raw meaty bones.
Because of their mildly abrasive texture and their ability to flex around the teeth, raw meaty bones can help remove plaque without using harsh toothpastes and chemicals.
These bones (typically from poultry) are generally considered safe and digestible for most dogs.
However, because they can splinter, never use cooked bones of any kind. And for the same reasons, avoid weight bearing leg bones from larger animals.
In addition, although the risk is small, uncooked meat can carry bacteria that can be hazardous to both pets and humans. So, use caution and common sense when handling these natural tooth-cleaning treats.
The Most Reliable Way
to Prevent Dental Disease in Dogs
The only scientifically proven way to decrease plaque and tartar is the same for dogs as it is for humans — daily brushing combined with routine tartar removal by a health professional.
And I can personally confirm, brushing a dog’s teeth can be one of the most challenging tasks of dog guardianship you can ever undertake.
Penny was the only dog in my last thirty years who actually allowed me to clean her teeth.
Unfortunately, without daily care and regular professional cleanings, canine dental disease is a near certainty.
So, give it a try. Notice how it’s done here in the photo — using a baby-soft toothbrush. Or you can add a special food-flavored canine toothpaste.
The Bottom Line
Dry dog food is probably not the best way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and free from dental disease. For better results, use a toothbrush. Or raw meaty bones.
You’ll be adding comfort and years of better health to your dog’s life.
- Official Publication 2008 Edition, Association of American Feed Control Officials, p. 128 ↩
The Dog Food Advisor publishes independent reviews to help pet owners make better choices when shopping for dog food.