What Foods Are Bad for Your Dog's Teeth?

Dogs have the same dental care needs as humans, and what you feed your furry baby can have a huge impact on their teeth and overall oral health.

The right foods can help keep your pup's teeth and gums healthy, while the ‘wrong’ foods can lead to decay and gum disease.

Unfortunately, the mixed messaging on the packaging and the vast variety of brand choices can make it confusing for dog parents to pick and choose foods that won't take a toll on the pup's teeth.

But don't fret!

We've made a list of the top foods you should avoid giving your dog if you want to keep their teeth healthy and strong.

What Foods Are Bad for Your Dog's Teeth?

1. Wheat

Wheat is a common ingredient in many dog food brands, but it's not the best choice for your pup's teeth.

As a complex carbohydrate, wheat contains starch that breaks down into sugar and fat. Just as you shouldn't consume too much sugar, your pup must also avoid it.

When the sugar in wheat interacts with the bacteria in your dog's mouth, it can create an acidic environment that can damage their teeth and gums.

Besides being bad for the teeth, wheat can be difficult for some dogs to digest. It causes intestinal issues if it doesn't break down properly.

2. Hard Treats

While many hard treats contain ingredients that are safe for doggies to eat, they can still be hard on your pup's teeth.

These treats can cause significant damage to the teeth if chewed on too often. They can break or chip your dog's teeth, making them more vulnerable to cavities and other dental issues.

The same goes for bones. Many pet parents believe that bones are good for their dog's teeth, but this isn't always the case. Bones can splinter and cause serious damage to your furry baby's teeth and gums.

3. Sticky Treats

Sticky treats, like those made from peanut butter and honey, can be a great source of protein and other vitamins and minerals for your pup. But they can also be a danger to their teeth.

These treats tend to get stuck between the teeth and stay there, leading to plaque buildup and tooth decay.

It's important to remember that you must give all treats in moderation, reserving sticky treats for special occasions, not as a daily snack. If you choose to give your pup one, always follow up with proper dental care to help remove any plaque that may have built up.

4. Leftovers

Human food, like cheese and bread, can stick to the teeth and cause plaque buildup and tooth decay. Anything soft and sticky can lead to painful gum disease and, ultimately, tooth loss.

In addition, many human foods are also highly acidic or sugary, which can also contribute to tooth decay. Foods such as candy, coffee, and soft drinks are a big no if you want to keep your dog's dental health in check.

What Foods Naturally Clean Dog's Teeth?

If your dog loves snacking on crunchy treats, you'll be happy to know that there are some healthy options that won't damage their teeth. Some examples include:

Apples

Apples are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Their texture helps scrape away any built-up plaque on the teeth. Plus, these fruits contain natural sugar that can help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your dog's mouth.

Carrots

Carrots are a good source of fiber. Dogs love munching on them for their crunchy texture. Hence, they're best for scrubbing any built-up plaque on your dog's teeth.

Celery

Celery is a crunchy vegetable that's full of vitamins and minerals. It's also a great source of dietary fiber, which can help reduce plaque buildup and keep your pup's teeth healthy.

Kelp

This dental superfood is rich in the Bacillus licheniformis bacterium that boosts the production of amylase to help fight plaque and excess food particles from your dog's teeth. It's also necessary to break down certain proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber lacking in canine saliva.

Besides these fruits and vegetables, blueberry, strawberry, papaya, sauerkraut, and pomegranate should be a staple in your dog's diet. These foods contain certain enzymes that your furry baby can't produce on their own.

What Treats Are Good for Dog's Teeth?

Treats are essential to training your dog and making them feel loved. But you can't just pick anything from the aisle on your monthly grocery runs.

The treats you give your furry baby can make or break their oral health.

Here are a few healthy options you should consider if you want to keep your dog's teeth healthy, clean, and strong.

Jones Organic Chicken Dog Treats

Jones is a popular brand for canines that has been making dogs happy for 30 years. Their Organic Chicken Dog Treats are a must-try for your pup.  

Made using organic chicken, brown rice, and other natural ingredients, these tasty treats are one of the healthiest options for dog treats.

They don't contain wheat, soy, or corn, so you don't have to worry about sugars messing with your dog's teeth.

Cloud Star Chewy Tricky Trainers

Cloud Star training treats contain wholesome, easily digestible ingredients. They are 100% gluten and grain-free and don't contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. More importantly, they have 0% corn, eggs, wheat, and soy content, so they won't compromise your dog's teeth.  

These soft, tasty, chewy treats come in two flavors:

•   Cheddar Flavor
•   Peanut Butter Flavor

Lickin' Good! Liquid Dog Treat for Dog Training

If you're still skeptical about solid treats ruining your dog's teeth, how about a liquid treat made from all-natural ingredients?

This treat comes in powder form in a refillable bottle. Flavors include Chicken Liver and Dehydrated Non-Fat Yogurt. All you have to do is add water to the powder per the instructions on the packaging.

And voila—you've got some liquid treats for your furry baby!     

These are great if you want to keep things interesting for your dog by adding variety. You can store them in the refrigerator for about a week.

Also, thanks to the low-calorie content, they are perfect for training dogs of all sizes and weights—even those getting intensive training. Once you're out of the powder, you can purchase 3 oz or 6 oz of Lickin' Good Powder to refill the bottle.