We love dogs here at Nextrition. They aren't just pets; they are part of the family. That's why we put so much time and effort into producing our healthy dog food based on cold-pressed processing. But we know there are other things dog owners can do to ensure optimal health for their pets. For instance, introducing dental chews is good for a dog's teeth.
There has been plenty of discussion over the years about how different types of food affect canine dental health. Experts have discussed the moisture content in wet food, the abrasive nature of kibble, and even the impacts of dental chews. The three best things any pet owner can do for the dental health of his furry companion are:
- Regularly providing crunchy food — something hard to chew on.
- Brushing their teeth regularly.
- Offering dental treats.
Nextrition cold-pressed food is crunchy, shelf-stable food, packed with natural nutrients and flavors. We provide recipes that avoid the most common allergies, it is all natural, good for the gut, and an ideal choice as a dry dog food for picky eaters. A healthy set of teeth needs some resistance, if they only eat soft foods their teeth will become weak and may eventually fall out. This is why crunchy food or something hard to chew on is critical for maintaining healthy teeth.
Preventing Plaque and Tartar
Just like humans, regularly brushing teeth is an important step for maintaining dental health and preventing plaque and tarter build up. There are some dental chews that can help fight both plaque and tarter build up but should be used in addition to brushing teeth, not a replacement.
Look for dental chews that are abrasive by nature to help scrap the plaque off the teeth. It is even better if you can find a chew that isn’t consumed immediately but can last a couple of days. Between the two properties, dental chews can help scrape plaque off the teeth before it hardens into tartar. That is good for dental health.
Of course, regular brushing seals the deal. Look for a toothpaste that is designed to be safe for dogs as your pup will almost always consume the toothpaste while getting their teeth brushed. Combining dental chews with regular brushing can keep your canine companions' teeth in top shape.
Other Benefits of Dental Chews
Dealing with plaque and tartar is the main reason for giving your dog dental chews. But let's go one step further. Regular access to chews offers a couple of other benefits:
- Better Gum Health – A number of studies have shown that choosing dental chews can have a positive impact on a dog's gingival health indices. The chewing action stimulates and massages the gums, thereby reducing the chances of the dog developing gingivitis.
- Fresher Breath – We've all heard the jokes about 'dog breath'. It's likely that dog breath is the result of bacteria associated with plaque and tartar. So get rid of the plaque and tartar and you improve a dog's breath.
Dental chews are not merely the result of good marketing – they really can make a difference. Like our cold-pressed dog food, dental chews can improve your dog's oral health.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Before introducing a new dental chew, it’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Here’s why:
First, you want to choose a product that’s right for your dog’s size and chewing habits. A dental chew that’s too hard could damage your dog’s teeth, while one that’s too soft might not offer enough benefits.
Second, look for dental chews that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. These products have been proven to work, and your vet can likely recommend a few good options for your dog.
We hope you’re already feeding your dog Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. If so, why not add a quality dental chew to the mix? It can help reduce plaque and tartar, freshen your dog’s breath, and keep those gums healthy.
