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Raw Dog Food and Dental Health for Dogs Edmonton
Jan 13, 2025
Raw feeding and dental health explained honestly. Here is what raw dog food does and does not do for your dog's teeth, and the role of raw meaty bones.
Dental health is one of the topics that comes up frequently in raw feeding conversations. Here is an honest overview of what raw food does and does not do for a dog's teeth.
Dry kibble is sometimes marketed as being good for dogs' teeth because of its crunchy texture. In practice, most dogs swallow kibble with minimal chewing, which limits any mechanical cleaning effect. Kibble also contains carbohydrates that can contribute to the formation of plaque.
Raw feeding, particularly when it includes raw meaty bones, involves genuine chewing. The mechanical action of a dog gnawing on a raw bone is one of the most natural ways for teeth to be cleaned. This is one reason dental health comes up positively in many raw feeding discussions.
Pre-made frozen raw food in tube format, like the products Hound and Bone carries, contains ground bone rather than whole raw bones. Ground bone provides calcium and phosphorus but does not offer the same mechanical teeth-cleaning effect as whole raw bones that a dog actively chews. For a breakdown of what ground bone does contribute to a raw diet, see our guide on what raw dog food is made of.
Owners who want to add whole raw bones for dental purposes typically do so as a supplement to their dog's regular raw meals, not as a replacement for them. If you are considering adding raw bones to your dog's diet, speaking with your veterinarian about appropriate bone types and sizes for your dog is recommended.
Raw feeding is not a substitute for regular dental care. Depending on your dog's individual dental health and breed, regular tooth brushing, professional dental cleanings, or other dental hygiene practices may still be appropriate.
The best approach to your dog's dental health is one that is tailored to their specific situation, ideally with input from your veterinarian. For related reading on how raw food affects your dog's overall health, see our post on raw dog food and gut health. Browse our complete raw blends to find the right product for your dog in Edmonton.
This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Individual results may vary.