At Mersey Raw, we’re often asked if a raw diet can improve dogs' dental health. We understand the importance of caring for your dog's teeth, and we firmly believe that feeding raw food has the potential to improve overall hygiene, resulting in cleaner teeth and gums! To learn more about raw dog food and dental health, continue reading.
Why is Your Dog's Dental Health Important?
Your dog's dental health is incredibly important! Good dental health prevents several potential issues, such as bad breath, tooth loss, or infection. Regular dental care for your dog is essential, from brushing their teeth to attending regular dental check-ups. But it doesn't stop there - your dog's diet could be having a huge impact on their dental health too.
How Does Your Dog's Diet Affect Dental Health?
Believe it or not, your dog's diet could be affecting their dental health. If you feed the likes of processed kibble to your pet, it could have a lot to answer for. A raw diet, on the other hand, offers numerous possible benefits when it comes to dental health.
Unlike more processed dog food, raw food is packed with natural enzymes that help fight bacteria (which our dogs' mouths are full of). Additionally, raw diets contain little to no traces of harmful carbohydrates, only species-appropriate ingredients to help break down plaque and tartar.
Signs of Poor Dental Health in Dogs
If your dog is showing signs of poor dental hygiene, it might be time for a change. Common signs of poor dental health in dogs often include:
- Bad breath
- Visible plaque buildup
- Gum inflammation
- Discoloured or damaged teeth
- Behavioural changes
It’s important to note that all dogs are different, and symptoms of poor dental health will vary. If your dog is showing signs of poor dental health, we advise consulting a vet.
Improving Your Dog's Dental Health
Is your dog suffering from poor dental health, and you don’t know what to do? From booking regular dental checks to switching to a more appropriate diet, there are a few ways you can try to improve your dog's dental health.
Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
There are plenty of safe, dog-friendly toothpastes available on the market today. We brush our teeth to keep them clean, so why wouldn’t we do the same for our dogs? Regularly brushing your dog's teeth can have many benefits, especially alongside the right diet.
Attending Dental Checks
Attending regular dental checks with your vet is important. While you may not notice any warning signs of poor dental health, your vet might. Typically, dental checks are advised every couple of months, consisting of a thorough check inside your dog's mouth to examine the condition of their teeth and gums.
Switching Diets
If you’ve been keeping on top of your dog's dental health and haven't seen much sign of improvement, we recommend switching diets. Raw dog food and dental health are often linked, as raw diets are believed to naturally improve clean teeth and healthy gums.
Feeding Natural Treats
Highly processed treat options are often packed with cereals and additives - two ingredients that definitely won’t improve your dog's oral hygiene. Chewing raw or dried natural treats with rougher textures for long periods can help remove unwanted plaque. At Mersey Raw, we stock raw lamb bones to keep your dogs' teeth clean and prevent destructive chewing habits.
Switching to Raw Dog Food
Switching to a raw diet for your dog could potentially benefit their dental health. If you’re ready to make the jump to an all-natural, protein-rich raw diet, you’re in the right place. Follow our steps for a safe transition to raw:
- Find out how much raw food to feed your dog by using our calculator tool
- Get started on feeding raw by following our handy guide
- Feed natural, dental-friendly treats alongside a balanced diet to further benefit your dog's dental health
If you have any questions about switching to a raw diet, our team is on hand to help.
High-Quality Raw Food for Your Dog to Improve Dental Health
At Mersey Raw, we want what’s best for your pooch, which is why we provide high-quality raw minces for dogs across the UK. Feeding a raw diet to your dog has the potential for better digestion, healthier fur, increased energy, and, of course, improved dental health.
Explore our full range of raw minces for dogs today, or get in touch.