Doggy breath, yellow teeth, red gums. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems vets see in dogs. Many pawrents hope fresh food will fix it. Here's an honest look at what fresh food can and can't do for your dog's teeth, and what really keeps them clean.
Can fresh food clean my dog's teeth?
Not by itself. Our recipes are coarsely ground, so your dog doesn't chew through bone or tough meat at mealtime, and soft food won't scrub plaque away. Kibble doesn't clean teeth well either, unless it's a special dental diet. Most dogs swallow it after a crunch or two.
Veterinary reviews of the research found no good studies showing that a complete raw or fresh diet, on its own, prevents gum disease. So we won't promise that it does. Fresh food is wonderful for your dog's overall health, but it isn't a toothbrush.
What really keeps teeth clean
1. Daily brushing
Brushing is still the gold standard. Use a soft dog toothbrush and a dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste), and aim for once a day. Start slowly with lots of praise, and most dogs learn to enjoy it.
2. Chewing
Chewing is how dogs clean their own teeth. In one small study, beagles given raw beef bones to chew had much less tartar within days. It was only eight dogs, though, so it's an encouraging sign rather than proof. If you'd like to offer chews:
- Choose a chew bigger than your dog's mouth, so it can't be swallowed whole.
- Only ever give raw bones, never cooked. Cooked bones can splinter.
- Avoid very hard items, such as weight bearing bones or antlers, that can crack teeth.
- Always supervise, and take the chew away once it's small enough to swallow.
- Store raw chews like raw meat and wash your hands after handling them.
Chews and raw bones aren't right for every dog. If your dog gulps food, has dental work or has had tummy problems, ask your vet first.
3. Regular vet checks
Your vet can spot gum disease early and recommend a professional clean under anaesthetic when it's needed. Tartar below the gum line can't be removed by brushing or chewing.
Why it matters beyond the mouth
Gum disease is painful, and it can affect the rest of the body too. A large UK study found that dogs with dental disease were more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Looking after your dog's teeth is looking after their whole body.
Signs to watch for
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Brown or yellow build up on the teeth
- Chewing on one side, dropping food or pawing at the mouth
If you notice any of these, book a check with your vet.
The short version
- Fresh food supports overall health, but it won't clean teeth on its own.
- Brush daily if you can, and offer safe, supervised chews.
- Get your dog's teeth checked by your vet every year.
Healthy teeth mean happy mealtimes, and we love seeing those big smiles 🐾
Sources
- van Veggel N, Armstrong M (2017). In dogs with periodontal disease, is feeding a complete raw meat diet more effective than a complete kibble dental diet at reducing periodontal disease? Veterinary Evidence.
- Marx FR et al. (2016). Raw beef bones as chewing items to reduce dental calculus in Beagle dogs. Australian Veterinary Journal.
- O'Neill DG et al. (2013). Chronic kidney disease in dogs in UK veterinary practices: prevalence, risk factors, and survival. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.