What can dogs eat to keep teeth clean

In the morning sunlight, when the dog rubs its wet nose against your palm and wags its tail at you, showing its white teeth, that pure joy always makes people can't help but smile. But few people realize that behind the dog's cute smile, a silent "oral protection battle" is going on. According to statistics from the American Veterinary Dental Association, more than 80% of dogs over 3 years old have periodontal diseases of varying degrees. These diseases can not only lead to bad breath and tooth loss but also may trigger secondary lesions in important organs such as the heart and kidneys. As the most intimate partner of dogs every day, food actually contains the natural code for protecting oral health.

The structure and function of teeth are the basis for understanding the need for cleaning. A dog's teeth are divided into incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, and each tooth has a unique function: the sharp canines are responsible for tearing meat, and the molars bear the important task of grinding food. However, this clearly divided chewing method also makes food residues more likely to remain in the gaps between the teeth and at the edges of the gums. When these residues meet the bacteria in the mouth, they will quickly form a sticky biofilm - dental plaque, which will start to mineralize and harden into tartar after 24 hours, and then erode the gums and cause inflammation. This is like a chain reaction that is difficult to reverse once it starts.

Natural ingredients are the mildest teeth cleaners. Bones with meat are the "natural toothbrushes" for dogs. When they chew on beef ribs or chicken necks, the hardness and irregular surface of the bones can effectively rub against the surface of the teeth and remove dental plaque. But when choosing bones, one must be extremely cautious. The bones of poultry are likely to break into sharp small pieces after being cooked, which may cause damage to the digestive tract; while the large bones of cattle and sheep are more suitable for adult dogs. During the chewing process, the dog's jaw muscles will be fully exercised, and this biting action can also promote the secretion of saliva. The lysozyme and lactoferrin in the saliva have natural antibacterial effects.

Vegetables and fruits provide multiple protections for oral health. Carrot sticks and apple slices are not only rich in dietary fiber. Their crisp texture can mechanically clean the teeth when chewed and can also stimulate the secretion of saliva to neutralize the acidic environment in the mouth. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which helps to enhance the resistance of the gum tissue; and the plant fibers in celery are like natural dental floss, which can reach deep into the gaps between the teeth and carry away food residues. It should be noted that the sugar content in fruits needs to be strictly controlled, and toxic fruits for dogs such as grapes and raisins must be firmly avoided.

Specially designed pet foods embody the wisdom of modern technology. Professional dog food simulates the cleaning effect of natural ingredients through the special design of particle shape and hardness. For example, some dog foods use X-shaped or cross-shaped particles, which can make multi-angle contact with the surface of the teeth when the dog chews; and the high-hardness particles require more forceful biting, prolonging the chewing time and thus enhancing the cleaning effect. In addition, some functional dog foods are also added with ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which can protect joint health while cleaning the teeth, achieving multiple maintenance effects.

Oral care snacks turn cleaning into an interesting interaction. Natural snacks made from deer antlers and yak cheese are not only highly chew-resistant but also can release natural antibacterial ingredients during the chewing process. The commonly seen dental sticks on the market inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria from the root by adding enzyme preparations and prebiotics; and the chewing biscuits coated with a chicken-flavored layer allow the dog to unconsciously complete teeth cleaning while enjoying the delicious taste. However, it should be noted that snacks can only be used as an auxiliary means, and overfeeding may lead to problems such as obesity or picky eating.

Dietary collocation and feeding habits build a comprehensive protection system. The feeding method of combining dry and wet food can not only ensure a balanced nutrition but also give play to the cleaning advantages of foods in different forms: dry food is responsible for mechanical cleaning, and wet food provides sufficient moisture. Regular and fixed feeding helps to reduce the residence time of food residues in the mouth, and giving an appropriate amount of clean water to drink after a meal can also play a preliminary rinsing role. For small dogs and senior dogs, due to their weak chewing ability, hard foods can be broken into small pieces or special easy-to-chew products can be selected.

In this protracted battle to protect the oral health of dogs, food selection is just one part of it. Regular teeth brushing, professional teeth cleaning, and daily observation are also indispensable. When a dog is unable to enjoy delicious food due to dental health problems, that lost look in its eyes will make every owner feel distressed. Let's start by choosing the right food and protect their bright smiles with scientific feeding methods, because every healthy chew is a way for them to convey happiness to us. After all, when the dog rushes towards us with healthy and white teeth, that warmth and healing are exactly the good life we all pursue.