When it comes to dog dental care, a holistic approach that combines nutritional care, thoughtful home care, and proven products is essential. Periodontal disease affects an overwhelming majority—over 80% according to the Cornell DogWatch newsletter—of dogs 3 years old or older. Addressing plaque buildup before it hardens into tartar, or calculus, is one of the best ways to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and support not only oral, but systemic health. While daily tooth brushing remains the gold standard for at-home oral hygiene, adding a dog dental diet or treats to support dental health and VOHC-approved products can make a substantial difference between veterinary cleanings. If you’re looking for the best dog teeth cleaning products, we addressed that in our article on the best toothpastes for dogs.
Before we discuss the ins and outs of feeding your dog to promote dental health, it’s important to recognize that, no matter what you are feeding, whether it is a dental kibble or raw bones, it is not a complete substitute for veterinary dental care, and some dogs may still develop periodontal disease despite chewing regularly. For this reason, involving your veterinarian and implementing a comprehensive approach is best. We recommend:
- Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth: Tooth brushing with dog-safe, Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-accepted toothpaste. remains one of the most effective ways to control plaque, and even raw-fed dogs benefit from this routine.
- Feeding a Dog Dental Diet: This should be discussed with your veterinarian to ensure you choose the right food for your dog.
- Providing Safe Chews and Additives: Natural chews, water additives, oral gels, and powdered meal toppers can also be added to the regimen without conflicting with a fresh feeding philosophy.
By combining these evidence-based strategies, including safe chewing options and thoughtful diet composition, you can help maintain your dog’s dental health and protect them from health issues linked to periodontal disease. Now let’s discuss what you need to know about each product.
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Dog Dental Food
Dog dental kibbles are formulated to support oral health in multiple ways. These kibble diets are typically larger, denser, and structured to encourage chewing with the goal of mechanically scraping plaque from the molar teeth. Ingredients such as insoluble fibers, like cellulose, help make the kibble tougher and provide it integrity during chewing, maximizing the amount of time it can convey cleaning action on the teeth.
Some dental diets may also include chemical agents, such as polyphosphates or zinc salts, which help inhibit the hardening of plaque into tarter. These combined physical and chemical strategies can help keep calculus from forming on teeth and slow the progression of periodontal disease.
Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care and Purina Plan Veterinary Diet DH are frequently cited by veterinarians for their fiber matrix technology that helps clean teeth to the gum line. Royal Canin Veterinary Dental and Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care are also commonly recommended by veterinary professionals, and all have a VOHC Seal of Acceptance.
The VOHC Seal of acceptance indicates that the product has undergone an independent review of professionals to determine its impact on the reduction of plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. The VOHC was established in 1997 under the umbrella of the American Veterinary Dental College to evaluate products claiming to reduce plaque and tartar.
While the VOHC does not conduct trials themselves, they review data from at least two independent, statistically significant clinical trials. To earn the seal, a product must demonstrate at least a 15% reduction in plaque or calculus in each trial, with an average reduction of at least 20%. Products meeting VOHC standards may earn recognition for plaque control, tartar control, or both, making this seal a trusted marker for pet parents and veterinarians alike.
Dog Dental Chews
There are also many dental chews available on the market that tout dental benefits from either the mechanical action of chewing, additives, or both. Products such as Greenies, Virbac C.E.T., VeggieDent Fresh Chews, Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews, and Dentastix help mechanically clean teeth and reduce buildup while also offering tasty treats for your dog.
These chews come in different shapes, textures, and sizes to suit dogs of varying breeds and chewing behaviors and are formulated with tooth safety, solubility, and digestibility in mind. This is beneficial as it means they are not hard enough to break or damage teeth and are soluble and digestible enough that they do not pose a high risk for a gastrointestinal obstruction if large pieces are swallowed.
Best Non-Traditional Dog Food for Dental Health
Many dog owners are moving away from feeding traditional kibble and are exploring fresh-feeding, low-carbohydrate nutrition, and natural chewing strategies for dental care. Supporting dental health without kibble is possible, but it requires thoughtful planning and an understanding of both the benefits and potential risks.
A low-carbohydrate diet may contribute to oral health by reducing the amount of sugar that oral bacteria feed on. While kibble is convenient and has proven dental formulations, many options on the market are starch-heavy, since carbohydrates are needed to form dry food.
High-carbohydrate diets can increase the availability of substrates for bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup and tartar formation. Lincoln Naturals offers freeze-dried dog food that has very low levels of carbohydrates, ranging from 2% to 3%. Bones & Co and Primal Pet Food offer formulas for dogs in both fresh and freeze-dried forms, with the formulas varying in carbohydrate ranges. Although scientific research on carbohydrate restriction and oral health in dogs is still limited, anecdotal evidence from raw feeders and holistic veterinarians suggests that these diets can support cleaner teeth and fresher breath.
Best Dog Chews for Dental Health
Raw meaty bones add another layer of dental care by providing natural mechanistic abrasion. The act of gnawing, tearing, and chewing works to scrape away plaque and stimulate gum tissue, much like a natural toothbrush. Raw poultry necks, wings, feet, and similar softer, pliable bones are often chosen because they are less likely to fracture teeth than dense weight-bearing bones from large animals, or antlers. However, raw bone feeding must always be approached with caution. Cooked bones should never be offered, as they can splinter and cause dangerous internal injuries.
Even with raw bones, risks remain, including broken teeth, gastrointestinal upset, or obstructions can occur. Because of this, it is important that bones and chews be size-appropriate and fed under supervision. Even smaller, softer natural chews, such as bully-sticks, can fracture teeth. My dog, Samson, shattered a molar on a bully stick just a few months ago. Fractured teeth are painful and can result in infections and abscesses, so it is important to check your dog’s teeth regularly for any issues.
