A dog with no teeth requires special attention. We understand it is not an easy job to look after a toothless dog, as it can be quite confusing. What to feed them? What to avoid? There are so many questions that need to be addressed first before proceeding. That is why many veterinarian professionals like me are often asked, “What To Feed a Dog With No Teeth?” Here is the answer!
Understanding Canine Teeth Loss
Knowing how many teeth dogs have is vital. Usually, a healthy adult dog has 42 teeth. If you notice your dog with less than that, it is possible that your dog lost it. Tooth loss in dogs is not uncommon. You might encounter many dogs missing some or all of their teeth, and the reasons can be many.
- Old Age: Old dogs often experience tooth loss due to tooth decay, bone density loss, jawbone weakening and years of wear and tear.
- Dental Disease and Other Illnesses: Periodontal Disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Other dental diseases and illnesses, like kidney and liver issues, can lead to tooth decay.
- Injury or physical trauma: Injuries are also very common causes of tooth loss. Dogs often get into accidents or fights, which can result in tooth loss.
- Poor Oral Hygiene and tooth decay: Poor oral health can lead to plaque formation, tooth decay and gum diseases.
- Malnutrition or Nutritional Deficiency: A poor malnutrition diet can lead to weaker bones and weakening tooth enamel, which can result in tooth loss.
- Genetic Complications: Genetic factors can play a role in tooth decay and loss. Some gene variations
Even if your dog is not suffering from tooth decay, it is still recommended that you have adequate knowledge about how to deal with a toothless dog, as you never know when you might need it.
My Dog Is Missing Teeth, What To Do?
If your dog is missing a tooth or two, it is necessary to know the reason. If it requires further medical attention, it is best to get on with it without any delays. A visit to a vet can help you with that. Your veterinarian can find the exact reason for the tooth loss and give you a proper guideline for the next steps. If medical attention is necessary, then your vet will likely start treatment and suggest some meds as well.
You should also discuss a diet plan and decide what to feed your dog now that it can not chew properly. Soft and liquid food is the best choice, as it is easy to chew and swallow.
What Can I Feed To My Dog With No Teeth
A dog without some or all teeth will find it hard to chew hard, dry food. Here are some alternatives you can try.
1. Soft, Liquidy, Wet food
Replacing regular hard and dry food for dogs with no teeth with soft and moist wet food is the simplest way to feed them. You can try homemade soft, moist food, moist kibble, fruits and vegetables, and soaking normal food in water or bone broth to soften them. You have to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients, so getting help from a vet can be a game changer.
2. Soft Canned Dog Food
Canned food is also an amazing alternative to dry, hard food as it is already soft and moist. But you must ensure the canned food is safe for dogs and has no added preservatives or harmful seasonings. Usually, canned food is not enough to meet the daily nutrient requirement for dogs, so you might need to include soft fruits and cooked vegetables to make up for the missing nutrients.
3. Baby Food
Baby food can be a healthy option for dogs with no teeth it is wet and soft. However, baby food on its own is not enough for dogs. You have to incorporate other things to compensate for the missing nutrients in baby food. Also, ensure the baby food is free of harmful ingredients that are not good for dogs, like garlic and onions.
4. Blended Or Ground Food
Blending and grounding kibble and other food is a viable option. Breaking food down into smaller pieces makes it easier to swallow. You can moist it up by adding water or broth with no seasonings.
5. Boiled Chicken Mashed vegetables and Fruits
Boiling chicken makes it soft, and you can tear it into smaller pieces. A mixture of boiled chicken, mashed fruits and cooked soft vegetables can make an amazing and healthy food alternative for dogs with no teeth. Make sure the fruits and vegetables you choose are safe for dogs before feeding. Generally, bananas, watermelon and mangoes are the best choices for a toothless dog as they are soft, squishy and safe for dogs. Mashed potatoes are also a great alternative but avoid seasonings and oil.
Oral Hygiene Of A Toothless Dog
Maintaining oral hygiene is essential even if your dog is toothless, as it can significantly affect its health. Buying a soft toothbrush for dogs and getting a dental appointment at your local vet from time to time can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Don’t worry. Many dog owners ask their vet what to feed a dog with no teeth, and the answer is simple: Soft food. Tooth loss is quite common in dogs and knowing what to do is essential for your dog’s safety. We hope this article helped you with it. For more information regarding pet issues keep surfing Petlyx!
