The way you feed your pet affects both the quality and length of its life. That’s why it’s worth ensuring that any meals you feed your pet are well-balanced. Feeding a dog with no teeth, however, can be challenging. Not sure how to plan your pet’s diet? Find out what a dog without teeth should eat to enjoy good health for a long time.
Teeth in dogs – what affects your pet’s dental health?
A dog’s teeth are adapted to both carnivorous and omnivorous diets. Indeed, in the front part of the jaw, there are incisors and canines, which make it easier for your pet to nibble on meat. Deep in the mouth, on the other hand, you will find molars and premolars. These are ideal for grinding the food. The condition of a pet’s teeth changes most during its first year of life. This is when the deciduous incisors are replaced by permanent teeth. The permanent teeth should not fall out, even when the animal is old. This is why missing teeth in an adult dog is a problem that should arouse particular vigilance on the part of the carer. Among its most common causes are gum and periodontal disease, as well as mechanical trauma.
Feeding a dog without teeth – basic principles
The food for a dog without teeth should be tailored to the capacity, age and health of the pet. A different type of food will prove to be better for a busy puppy and another for a teenage pet. Here are some tips to help you compose the right diet for your canine friend.
Feeding a puppy without teeth
The first year of life is a time when a real revolution is taking place in the body of a four-legged dog. This is why young animals need specialised food. A typical puppy food contains a high number of calories and nutrients. It differs in composition from food designed for adults. This is why a senior dog cannot eat puppy food. Young animals, during the period of tooth replacement, may have difficulty chewing dry food. For this reason, wet dog food may form the basis of their diet at this time. However, once molars have appeared in the mouth, it is advisable to consult your vet about changing the diet, but it is still best to remain on wet food.
What should I feed my senior dog without teeth?
Food for a mature dog without teeth should be rich in easily digestible protein and low in calories. It is therefore best to use ready-made products that have been prepared with the needs of an elderly dog in mind. If your dog has no teeth, pay particular attention to wet food. Such food for senior dogs does not require intensive chewing.
How do I feed my dog after tooth extraction?
Immediately after tooth extraction, your dog may have problems accepting solid food. For this reason, liquid or very wet food should be fed to him for the first few weeks. Special care should also be given to a pet that suffers from various illnesses or has undergone medical procedures. Food for a dog without teeth with these types of problems should contain a complex of vitamins, minerals and additional substances to support the body during recovery. The best choice, in this case, will turn out to be a specialised dog food made for pets with special nutritional needs.
Caring for a dog without teeth – what else is worth bearing in mind?
Does your home have a dog without several teeth? Feeding is not the only thing you need to keep in mind. Oral hygiene is also very important to prevent the development of periodontal and gum disease. How do you take care of it? Clean your pet’s teeth regularly with a soft toothbrush and special toothpaste for dogs. A cleaner, i.e. a special finger pad, can also be a useful accessory. It should be used as an alternative to the toothbrush. If you notice a thick layer of tartar on your pet’s teeth, a visit to the vet is necessary. Many veterinary surgeries offer what is known as scaling. This is a painless procedure that removes tartar using ultrasound.
Which food for a dog without teeth – summary
Feeding a dog without teeth can be quite a challenge. However, it is worth approaching it head-on – properly selected meals will ensure that your pet empties the bowl with appetite. We hope that after reading our guide, you already know which food for a dog without teeth will prove to be the best. If you would like to learn more about feeding your pet, be sure to take a look at our other blog posts.
