Best Food for Dogs with Bad Teeth: Top Choices for Dental Health

Dental health is essential for dogs, and their diet plays a crucial role in maintaining it. Dogs with bad teeth require special attention to their food to prevent further damage to their teeth and gums. The right food can help clean their teeth, freshen their breath, and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy teeth and gums.

When looking for the best food for dogs with bad teeth, there are a few critical things to consider. First, the food should be easy to chew and not too hard. Hard kibble can damage teeth and cause pain, making it difficult for dogs to eat. Soft food or wet food is a better option for dogs with bad teeth. Second, the food should contain ingredients that promote dental health, such as enzymes that break down plaque and tartar. Finally, the food should be nutritionally balanced to ensure that dogs receive all the essential vitamins and minerals they need.

We spent hours researching and testing various dog foods to find the best options for dogs with bad teeth. After careful consideration, we have identified several top picks that meet our criteria. These foods are easy to chew, promote dental health, and provide complete nutrition for dogs. With the right food, dogs with bad teeth can enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Best Dog Food for Bad Teeth

We understand that finding the right food for your furry friend can be a challenging task, especially if they have dental issues. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best dog food for bad teeth. These products are designed to help maintain your dog’s oral hygiene while providing them with the necessary nutrients for a healthy and happy life. Our team has thoroughly researched and tested these products to ensure they are effective and safe for your dog. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Oral Care, Chicken, Rice -amp; Barley Recipe, 4 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a dry dog food that helps improve your grown canine’s dental health, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice -amp; Barley Recipe could be a great option for you.

Pros

• Clinically proven kibble technology that helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
• Interlocking fiber technology that cleans your dog’s teeth and supports fresh breath with every bite.
• Made with natural ingredients and omega-6 fatty acids -amp; Vitamin E that promote healthy skin and coat.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food.
• The kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs.
• The price may be a bit higher than other dog foods.

We’ve been using this dog food for a while now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s dental health. The kibble is designed to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up, and it seems to be working well. Plus, the interlocking fiber technology is a great added bonus that helps to clean our dog’s teeth and promote fresh breath.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste of this food. Our dog seems to enjoy it, but we’ve heard from other pet owners that their dogs were not fans. Additionally, the kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs, so keep that in mind if you have a little pup.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice -amp; Barley Recipe to anyone looking for a dry dog food that promotes dental health. It may be a bit pricier than other dog foods, but we think it’s worth it for the benefits it provides.

Purina Moist and Meaty Steak Flavor Soft Dog Food Pouches – 36 ct. Pouch Steak 13.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a convenient and delicious meal for your dog with bad teeth, Purina Moist and Meaty Steak Flavor Soft Dog Food Pouches might be a great choice for you.

Pros

• The individual pouches make it easy to serve your dog a fresh meal with no mess and no cleanup.
• The soft and meaty texture is perfect for dogs with bad teeth or for use as a meal topper.
• Made with real beef, this dog food provides high-quality protein for strong muscles.

Cons

• Some dogs might not like the taste or texture of this dog food.
• The pouches might be too small for larger dogs or for use as a full meal.
• This dog food might not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or health issues.

We recently tried Purina Moist and Meaty Steak Flavor Soft Dog Food Pouches for our senior dog who has bad teeth and we were pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed it. The individual pouches make it easy to serve her a fresh and delicious meal without any mess or cleanup. Plus, the soft and meaty texture is perfect for her to chew and swallow with ease.

We also love that this dog food is made with real beef and provides high-quality protein for strong muscles. We’ve used it as a meal topper for our other dogs and they all seem to enjoy the taste and texture as well.

However, we did notice that some dogs might not like the taste or texture of this dog food, so it might not be suitable for all dogs. Additionally, the pouches might be too small for larger dogs or for use as a full meal. It’s also important to note that this dog food might not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or health issues.

Overall, we would recommend Purina Moist and Meaty Steak Flavor Soft Dog Food Pouches for anyone looking for a convenient and delicious meal for their dog with bad teeth.

Forza10 Active Oral Care Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dry dog food that promotes healthy oral hygiene and reduces plaque and tartar buildup, Forza10 Active Oral Care Dog Food may be a good choice for your furry friend.

Pros

• The formula is designed to help fight causes of bad breath and mouth irritations, and support oral health and a healthy oral cavity.
• With the clinically proven Active Fresh System kibble, this food keeps your dog’s mouth clean and healthy, making it a great canine dental solution.
• Made with wild-caught anchovy as the main ingredient, this limited ingredient dog food is rich in Omega-6 and Omega-3 and can be used as dental treats for dogs.

Cons

• The food has a strong fishy smell that some dogs may not like.
• It’s a bit pricey compared to other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.

We recently tried Forza10 Active Oral Care Dog Food with our dog who has bad teeth and we were impressed with the results. We noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s breath and overall oral health after just a few weeks of feeding him this food.

The kibble is small and easy for our dog to chew, which is important since he has trouble with larger kibble sizes. We also appreciate that the food is made with high-quality ingredients and is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Overall, we would recommend Forza10 Active Oral Care Dog Food to any dog owner looking for a high-quality dry food that promotes healthy oral hygiene and reduces plaque and tartar buildup.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack, 2 oz. Tubs, Pack of 8 Variety Pack 2 Ounce (Pack of 8)

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal complement for your dog with bad teeth, Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck.
• Mix this dog food in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and ultimate tail wags.
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food options.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• Packaging may be too small for larger dogs.

We recently tried Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement for our dog with bad teeth, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The simple recipe contains only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck. We appreciated that it was made without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*.

We also liked that this dog food can be used as a topper or mix-in with Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and nutrition. Our dog loved the taste and eagerly ate his meals with the Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement mixed in.

However, we did find that the product was a bit expensive compared to other dog food options. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste, so it may not be the best fit for all dogs. Lastly, the packaging may be too small for larger dogs, so you may need to purchase multiple packs for bigger breeds.

Overall, we would recommend Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement for dog owners looking for a healthy and high-quality meal complement for their furry friends with bad teeth.

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Duck Recipe

If you’re looking for a dog food that is both grain-free and good for dogs with bad teeth, then I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real meat is the first ingredient
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Expensive compared to some other brands
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Only comes in a 4-pound bag

We’ve been using this dog food for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with it. The fact that real meat is the first ingredient is a big plus for us, and we appreciate that there are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Another thing we like about this dog food is that it’s gluten-free. This is great for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to gluten.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this dog food is more expensive than some other brands. It’s also possible that some dogs may not like the taste, so it’s a good idea to start with a smaller bag to see if your dog likes it.

Overall, we highly recommend I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food for dogs with bad teeth. It’s a high-quality dog food that is both grain-free and good for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

Dentalife DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews, Daily

If you’re looking for a tasty treat that will help keep your dog’s teeth clean, then the Dentalife DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews, Daily is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• These dental chews are scientifically proven to have a 57% average reduction in tartar buildup, which helps freshen breath.
• The innovative design with a chewy, porous texture helps clean hard-to-reach teeth down to the gumline.
• These dog chews are made with wholesome ingredients and without any artificial colors or flavors.

Cons

• These chews may not be suitable for puppies under one year of age or adult dogs under 15 pounds.
• They may not last very long, as some dogs may gobble them up within minutes.
• The price point may be slightly higher than other dental chews on the market.

We recently tried out the Dentalife DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews, Daily on our dog and were impressed with the results. Our dog loved the tasty chicken flavor and we loved that they helped keep her teeth clean and freshen her breath.

The eight distinct ridges and porous texture of the dental chews really seemed to help clean down to the gumline and reach those hard-to-reach teeth. Plus, we appreciated that they were made with wholesome ingredients and didn’t contain any artificial colors or flavors.

While the price point may be slightly higher than other dental chews on the market, we felt that the results were worth it. Overall, we would definitely recommend the Dentalife DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews, Daily to anyone looking for a tasty and effective way to care for their dog’s teeth.

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious food option for your dog with bad teeth, Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Made with prime cuts of real meat raised in audited high-welfare family farms without growth hormones.
• Loaded with meaty animal protein, whole ancient grains, and fresh locally sourced produce without antibiotics, GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
• Features a pure mix of gluten-free grains such as steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds.

Cons

• May have a weird smell that could be off-putting.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• A bit expensive compared to other brands.

We’ve been using this food for our dog with bad teeth for a few months now, and we’re happy with the results. The food is made with humanely raised meat, which makes us feel good about what we’re feeding our dog. Additionally, the formula is loaded with meaty animal protein, whole ancient grains, and fresh locally sourced produce, which ensures a balanced and nutritious diet for our furry friend.

One of the best things about this food is that it features a pure mix of gluten-free grains such as steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds. This science-backed blend is designed for nutrient-rich wellness using omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamins, and fiber, which is great for dogs with bad teeth.

However, we did notice that the food has a weird smell, which could be off-putting for some people. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste, which could be a problem if you have a picky eater on your hands. Lastly, this food is a bit expensive compared to other brands, which could be a concern for some pet owners.

Overall, we think Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is a great choice for dogs with bad teeth. It’s nutritious, healthy, and made with high-quality ingredients that you can trust.

Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe With Superfoods

If you’re looking for a high-quality, plant-based dog food that promotes digestive health and a healthy skin and coat, then the Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods is a great option.

Pros

• Made with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
• Includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for complete digestive care
• Contains optimal levels of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of the food
• Higher price point compared to other dog food options

We’ve been using the Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s overall health and well-being. The high-quality ingredients and complete digestive care have helped with his digestion and we’ve noticed a shinier and healthier coat.

One thing to keep in mind is that this food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies. Additionally, some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of the food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor their reactions.

Overall, if you’re looking for a plant-based dog food that promotes digestive health and a healthy skin and coat, then the Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods is definitely worth considering.

TropiClean Fresh Breath Original | Dog Oral Care Water Additive | Dog Breath Freshener Additive for Dental Health | VOHC Certified | Made in the USA | 33.8 oz. Original 33.8 fl oz (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to improve your dog’s dental health, TropiClean Fresh Breath Original Dog Oral Care Water Additive is a great option.

Pros

• Freshens breath in 14 days or less
• Helps control plaque and tartar buildup
• Easy to use – simply add to your dog’s water bowl

Cons

• May not work for severe dental issues
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Can be expensive compared to other dental care products

We’ve been using TropiClean Fresh Breath Original for a few weeks now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s breath. The water additive is easy to use and doesn’t require any brushing, which is great for dogs with bad teeth who may be sensitive to brushing.

In addition to freshening breath, the water additive helps control plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated. We appreciate that the formula is naturally derived and free from harmful additives like sulfates, bleach, and parabens.

While TropiClean Fresh Breath Original has worked well for us, it may not be effective for more severe dental issues that require professional attention. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the water additive, so it may take some time to get them used to it.

Overall, we recommend TropiClean Fresh Breath Original for dog owners looking for an easy and effective way to improve their dog’s dental health.

Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food

If you have a small senior dog with bad teeth, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food.

Pros

• Supports joint and mobility with omega-3s from fish oil
• Balanced minerals support heart, kidney, and bladder health
• Antioxidant blend supports immune system

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Slightly more expensive than other brands

We recently started feeding this food to our 12-year-old Chihuahua mix with bad teeth, and we have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health. The small kibble size makes it easy for her to chew, and the omega-3s from fish oil have helped with her joint and mobility issues. We also appreciate that the balanced minerals support her heart, kidney, and bladder health.

One downside is that some dogs may not like the taste, so it may take some trial and error to find the right food for your furry friend. Additionally, this food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food for small senior dogs with bad teeth. It may be slightly more expensive than other brands, but the benefits to your dog’s health and well-being are worth it.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best food for dogs with bad teeth, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Texture

The texture of the food is one of the most important factors to consider. Soft and moist foods are generally easier for dogs with bad teeth to chew and swallow. Look for foods that are labeled as “soft” or “moist” and avoid hard kibbles or treats that can be difficult to chew.

Size

The size of the food is also important. Smaller pieces are easier for dogs to manage, especially if they have missing or damaged teeth. Look for foods that are labeled as “small bites” or “mini” to ensure that your dog can comfortably eat the food.

Nutritional Value

Just because a food is soft and small doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. Be sure to check the nutritional content of any food you’re considering. Look for foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, with a good balance of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

The ingredients in your dog’s food are important, too. Look for foods that have high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or fish, and avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial ingredients. If your dog has any food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to choose a food that is free from those ingredients.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the food. While it’s important to choose a high-quality food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs, you don’t want to break the bank. Look for foods that are affordable and provide good value for the price.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best food for your dog with bad teeth. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of homemade meals are suitable for dogs with dental issues?

Homemade meals can be a great option for dogs with dental issues, as they can be customized to meet your dog’s specific needs. Soft, cooked meats such as chicken, ground beef, or fish are good options, as well as cooked vegetables like sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots. It’s important to avoid hard or crunchy foods like bones, raw vegetables, and hard fruits, as these can be difficult for dogs with bad teeth to chew.

How can I ensure my dog’s diet supports dental health if they have bad teeth and gums?

In addition to feeding soft, easy-to-chew foods, there are several other ways to support your dog’s dental health. Providing dental chews or toys designed to clean teeth can be helpful, as well as brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothpaste. It’s also important to schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian to catch any potential dental issues early on.

What are the recommended soft dry dog food options for canines with poor dental health?

There are several soft dry dog food options available for dogs with poor dental health. Look for brands that offer “dental” or “sensitive teeth” formulas, as these are designed to be softer and easier to chew. Wet food can also be a good option, as it is generally softer than dry food.

Are there specific dog food bowls designed to assist dogs with severe dental decay or no teeth?

Yes, there are dog food bowls designed specifically for dogs with dental issues. These bowls are often shaped like puzzles or mazes, which can slow down eating and make it easier for dogs to chew their food. Elevated feeders can also be helpful for dogs with no teeth or severe dental decay, as they can make it easier for the dog to reach their food.

How should I alter my senior dog’s diet if they have lost teeth or have difficulty chewing?

Senior dogs with dental issues may benefit from a softer diet. This can include wet food, soft dry food, or homemade meals made with cooked meats and vegetables. It’s important to avoid hard or crunchy foods, as these can be difficult for senior dogs to chew. You may also want to consider adding supplements to your dog’s diet to support their overall health.

What dietary changes are recommended for a dog with advanced dental disease or missing teeth?

Dogs with advanced dental disease or missing teeth may require a specialized diet. Your veterinarian can recommend a food that is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs. Soft, easy-to-chew foods are generally recommended, as well as foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It’s important to avoid sugary foods and treats, as these can contribute to dental decay.