Veterinarian Sets the Record Straight on Dental Chews for Dogs
Do you give your dog dental chews? Many people do as a way to care for their pup's teeth, but veterinarian Amir Anwary doesn't recommend it. In this video that he shared on Tuesday, March 19th, he explains why, and shares an alternative.
Amir starts the clip by saying that dental chews are just a waste of money. He goes on to explain that these chews are full of ingredients that aren't good for your dog's health or weight, and why. He explains that the best way to care for your dog's teeth is to brush them, but we all know that most dogs are not fans of that. Watch to the end to find out which product he does recommend; all you do is simply put it in your dog's food when you feed them!
Pretty interesting, huh? The product that Amir recommends is called Zest and Pep, a dental powder that simply gets added to your dog's food. If you're like me and buy everything on Amazon, unfortunately it's out of stock there but if you go directly to Zest and Pep's website, you can purchase it for $19.00. Commenter Bronwyn Pierce asked, "What about Veggiedent dental chews which you purchase at the vets?" and Amir responded, "Those are good yes! The only good ones actually. Look for the VOHC accreditation."
Related: Vet's Trick to Brushing Dogs Teeth Is a Stroke of Genius
Alternatives to Dental Chews
What else can your dog have to keep their teeth healthy? Believe it or not, dry dog food does the trick. Top Dog Tricks shares, "dry dog foods' highly abrasive nature has a scrubbing action on canine teeth that helps to maintain cleanliness and general oral health," they go on to include, "Studies show that dry dog foods are also responsible for the increased production of saliva in the dog's mouth, which is known to contain immunoglobulins produced in reaction to the antigens found in the mouth."
If you're looking for something healthy and all natural, consider giving your pup a variety of fruits and veggies. Carrots are great because "the rough and fibrous nature of carrots basically scrubs your dog's teeth, the same way we've discussed dry dog foods do." Others to consider include cucumber, celery, apples and watermelon (all deseeded). Feed your pup all of these in moderation; some of them are high in sugar and can cause your dog to gain weight.
While there are several fruits and veggies your dog can enjoy, there are also some they you should never feed them, onions, tomato stems and leaves, and grapes and raisins to name a few. If you're not sure if your pet can have a food item, talk to your vet before giving it to them, and always err on the side of caution. It could save your dog's life!
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