What Types of Food Will Improve Pet Oral Hygiene?

Pet oral hygiene can be a real concern for owners. Oral hygiene can be indicative of a large underlying problem with your pet’s health, or it could be that they are experiencing a large plaque build up. Plaque will eventually cause tooth decay, which will also cause bad breath. Certain foods are designed specifically for pets to eat or chew on, to help their oral cleanliness. It is not easy to shove a tooth brush in your dog's mouth and give their teeth a good scrubbing, so many companies have designed other methods of controlling oral hygiene.

Kibble

It is always advisable to buy the right kind of food to suit your pet. Many foods are created to benefit certain ages of animals and the packaging will clearly stage what age range the food is suitable for. Pet food is meant to optimize the health benefits to your cat or dog and will contain the proper nutrients and vitamins that your pet needs. The correct makeup of these foods also assists with oral hygiene. Kibble comes in different sizes and textures and some is better suited to larger animals, so read carefully what the suggested age range or animal the food is best for.

Plaque Wars

There are quite a large number of additives that you can put in your pet's food or drink which will assist in plaque reduction and control. Pro-Den Plaque-Off is one which you can add to your pet's food. It is a powder which will dissolve into the food but will help very well with plaque control and hygiene. Oxyfresh also produce a liquid additive which you can put into your pet's water to do the same thing and help with fresh breath.

Smelly Foods

Strong scented foods like fish will definitely linger on your cat’s breath. Some dogs will eat other foods which are not so good for them. People have a tendency to spoil their pets by giving them tidbits from their own plate of human food. This is not actually a very good idea, but we just can’t seem to help ourselves. Yes, it’s that face, isn’t it? Try to cut down on the amount of human food your pet consumes. Feed your cat more dry food than wet food. Wet food leaves a residue inside their mouths, whereas dry food will actively help to reduce the breath odor and plaque concentrate. Dry food will help with plaque removal.

Chew Sticks

Dogs love chew sticks. Cats are not so much chewers as dogs, but you can buy chew sticks to help reduce plaque in your dog’s mouth. For cats you can get toys which will let them chew and protect their teeth. Teeth are the main cause of bad oral hygiene and decaying teeth will lead to gum disease. Keeping your cat or dog (or any other pet) in good health relies on good oral hygiene, so always use products and food which will give them the best chance of keeping their teeth in good condition right into their old age.