Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. If left untreated, a dog or cat’s remaining teeth may be lost in one, many, or perhaps all.
“How does my dog or cat eat without teeth?” is a frequently asked question by our pet owners at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery. If your pet is lacking teeth, we can discuss your alternatives.
What can you feed a dog without teeth?
When feeding a dog that lacks teeth, meticulous planning and patience are essential. There is no need for your dog to struggle to consume an adequate amount of nutritious food if she is missing teeth.
There are various food options for your toothless dog, and our staff at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery is here to assist you in meeting this unique dietary requirement. Continue reading for ideas on feeding a dog that lacks teeth.
1. Homemade Soft Food
One option is to make your own soft dog food at home. This can be performed by combining a slow cooker with your choice of lean protein (beef, bison, chicken, or turkey) and dog-safe fruits and vegetables (sweet potato, butternut squash, green beans, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach).
Consult your veterinarian for the optimal ratios and whether to include a vitamin supplement in the mix. Cook on low for 8 hours, then let cool. If desired, add a grain such as rice and mix until smooth. If you do not have a slow cooker, all of the ingredients can be cooked on the stovetop and then blended until smooth. If required, adjust the consistency of the mixture with additional water or coconut oil. Gently warm the mixture before serving.
2. Canned Soft Foods
Most dog food brands that manufacture crunchy kibble also manufacture canned, soft food, allowing you to continue with a brand you already know and trust. Today’s market offers a variety of nutritional flavors and styles. There is a pate’ that is easy to consume and has a smooth, consistent texture. A minced version comprises minute protein chunks that are typically accentuated with gravy.
Even if minced meals are eaten whole without being ground into minute pieces through chewing, they can still be absorbed well. You can also feed your pet huge chunks of gravy, but if your pet has problems moving the food about in their mouth or swallowing, you may need to break the larger bits with a fork. Canned soft food is perhaps the most practical and straightforward method of feeding a toothless pet. Some owners choose to swap up the flavors within the same brand to keep their pets interested.
3. “It Is Simply Dog Food”
Just Food for Dogs is a firm that sells toothless dog food. They have a staff of veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists who work in collaboration with your doctor to develop diets for a variety of medical issues or for pets who are otherwise healthy and edentulous!
They sell a variety of “ready-to-eat” diets that are easy to swallow, chew, and digest or they can create something specifically for your dog or cat. You can learn more about this company’s groundbreaking work with edentulous pets by visiting www.Justfoodfordogs.com.
4. Regular Kibble
Certain dogs and cats are solely concerned with their kibble. Many of these creatures, even when they developed teeth, did not chew their kibble. If your “picky pooch” or “finicky feline” is adamant about continuing to eat kibble, you have a few choices for assisting them in adjusting to their new toothless lifestyle.
Fill a sandwich bag halfway with their measured food and crumble using a rolling pin. This may assist with digestion and make swallowing more comfortable. Additionally, warm water can be used to moisten full-size kibble or crushed chunks. Bear in mind that many brands of kibble soaked in warm water can soften entirely after 20 minutes or longer.
5 Tips to know before feeding a dog without teeth
When feeding a dog that lacks teeth, meticulous planning and patience are essential. There is no need for your dog to struggle to consume an adequate amount of nutritious food if she is missing teeth.
There are various food options for your toothless dog, and our staff at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery is here to assist you in meeting this unique dietary requirement. Continue reading to discover how to feed a dog that has lost its teeth.
1. Hydrated Kibble
Simple solutions include hydrating and softening your dog’s preferred hard kibble. If she adds warm water or broth to her crunchy kibble and leaves it to soften overnight, her soothing and familiar food will be easier for her to take.
Once the kibble has softened, mash it with a fork to break up any pieces. Add a bit of additional heated liquid or microwave the bowl for a few seconds before serving. Due to your dog’s sensitive gums, gently warmed food will feel relaxing on her gums.
2. Cans of Soft Dog Food
Additionally, you might feed your dog canned dog food. Almost every producer of crunchy kibble also manufactures canned, soft food, so you can stick with your favorite brand. These dog foods are formulated to suit your dog’s daily nutritional requirements.
Certain canned foods, especially those labeled “gravy,” may include pieces that must be crushed before serving to your dog. Before serving, slightly reheat the food. Commit to determining the type of food that your dog prefers. When your dog is missing teeth, it is critical to do all possible to maintain her eating an adequate amount of food on a daily basis.
3. Homemade Soft Food
A third alternative is to make your own soft dog food at home. This can be performed by combining a slow cooker with your choice of lean protein (beef, bison, chicken, or turkey) and dog-safe fruits and vegetables (sweet potato, butternut squash, green beans, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach).
Consult your veterinarian for the optimal ratios and whether to include a vitamin supplement in the mix. Cook on low for 8 hours, then let cool. If desired, add a grain such as rice and mix until smooth. If you do not have a slow cooker, all of the ingredients can be cooked on the stovetop and then blended until smooth. If required, adjust the consistency of the mixture with additional water or coconut oil. Gently warm the mixture before serving.
4. A Sustainably Nutritious Raw Food Diet
As raw diets gain popularity, more pet retailers are selling a variety of meaty diets for dog owners who want to provide high-quality raw food to their companions. These raw dog food diets give canines complete and natural nutrients, and a few varieties can be readily mashed for your tiny toothed dog.
Another alternative for raw dog food is freeze-dried patties, which can be easily broken up and reconstituted with water. Consult your local pet store for ideas and samples to determine the ideal consistency and flavor for your dog.
5. Keeping Oral Hygiene a Priority in the Absence of Teeth
Even if your dog lacks teeth, you should purchase a quality toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Believe it or not, your toothless dog still requires daily gum brushing for maximum oral health and hygiene.
Gum health is intimately tied to your dog’s heart health and overall well-being. Daily brushing of your dog’s gums will help keep them bacteria-free, encouraging overall dental and systemic health.
10 best dog foods for dogs without teeth
1. Dog Food in Cans Pedigree — Chopped Ground Chicken, Beef, & Liver Dinner Combo
The following are the top five ingredients:
- By-products of chicken,
- Chicken,
- By-products of meat,
- Beef, and
- Animal liver.
Caloric Content:
- 1063 kcal (per kg)
- Protein (minimum) 8%, Fat (minimum) 6%, Fiber (maximum) 1%, Moisture (maximum) 78 %
This hearty ground meat dish from Pedigree is great for your toothless canine companion. The soft meal has been chopped and is devoid of bulky particles. To summarise, this formula is easy to chew and contains digestible nutrients obtained from premium products such as chicken, liver, and beef.
The scrumptious dish has a silky texture that your dog will enjoy chewing. Additionally, because it is produced with premium ingredients, it provides your large dog with the protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals he requires to stay healthy.
This full and balanced food promotes nutrient absorption, and the correct consistency guarantees that your lovable pup gets the most out of each meal. Additionally, the recipe contains the ideal amount of minerals and oils to nourish the skin and coat of your dog.
2. Blue Buffalo — Blue Bits Savory Salmon Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats
The first five components are:
- Salmon,
- Oats,
- Brown rice,
- Cane sugar,
- Potatoes.
Caloric Content:
- Protein (minimum) 10%, Fat (minimum) 7%, Fiber (maximum) 4%, Moisture (maximum) 27%
Crunchy treats, such as dog biscuits and rawhide bones, are not suggested for dogs with dental issues. Fortunately, you can still show your dog affection. The Savory Salmon Recipe from Blue Buffalo is a fantastic treat for your canine buddy. Each treat, whether used for training or treating, contains a high concentration of DHA and a range of other nutrients.
This soft natural dog treat is manufactured with actual chicken protein and supplemented with minerals and vitamins. Additionally, the blend contains vital fatty acids, which keep your dog healthy on the inside and out. These tasty snacks are a wonderful choice for any dog due to their nutritious contents. Due to its soft consistency, it is an ideal solution for dogs with chewing concerns.
3. Hill’s Science Diet — Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Canned Dog Food
The following are the top five ingredients:
- Water,
- Beef,
- Pork liver,
- Brown rice, and carrots
Caloric Content:
327 kcal (per 12.8 oz. can)Protein (minimum 3.5%), Fat (minimum 2.2%), Fiber (maximum 2%), and Moisture (maximum 82%)
The savory beef and vegetable stew is a tender meal perfect for your toothless dog. The wet canned food for older dogs by Hill’s Science Diet is high in important nutrients that will help keep your senior dog in terrific form. The savory formulation has a very soft consistency, which allows your old man to enjoy all of the delectable flavors without chewing too hard. The carefully selected components are drenched in delectable sauce and topped with real meat, a selection of delectable vegetables, and brown rice for your pooch to devour.
Due to the fact that the formula incorporates a variety of high-quality ingredients, it delivers excellent health benefits and aids in your dog’s weight maintenance. The food may be offered alone or in combination with kibble to increase the meal’s overall flavor and nutritional content. If your dog wants more blended food, you can grind the dish further to create a more delightful gravy.
4. Purina Beneful Wet Dog Food – Chicken Stew with Rice, Carrots, Peas, and Barley
The following are the top five ingredients:
- Chicken
- Chicken broth,
- Wheat gluten
- The liver
- Meat By-Products
Caloric Content:
969 kcal (per kg)Protein (minimum 10%), Fat (minimum 2%), Fiber (maximum 1.5%), Moisture (maximum of 78 %)
Ensure that your dog has a full stomach, even if he is toothless, by providing him with a nutritious meal that he can easily consume and digest. Purina Beneful’s prepared meal is packed with natural nourishment and has an ideal soft texture that makes eating easy.
The meaty flavors and abundance of high-quality ingredients make this a great supper that provides your canine companion with comprehensive and balanced nourishment. The wet-food mixture is cooked in a savory sauce, which adds texture and flavor to the dish.
The premium mix has no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. This also provides the balanced nutrition and delectable flavors that have contributed to the blend’s popularity among dog parents. You may confidently feed the scrumptious dish to your dog due to the soft texture. I am paw-positive that it will be a hit with your dog!
5. Primal — Raw Freeze-Dried Lamb Formula Nuggets Dog Food — Grain-Free
The following are the top five ingredients:
- ·Lamb Hearts,
- Lamb Livers,
- Lamb Ground Bones,
- Organic Kale,
- and Organic Carrots
Caloric Content:
- 6354 kcal (per kg)
- The form that has been freeze-dried
- Protein (minimum 39%), Fat (minimum 38%), Fiber (limit 1%), and Moisture (maximum 3%).
The uncooked freeze-dried dog food is the right choice for providing your toothless buddy with a balanced and nutritious diet. The preserved nugget recipe ensures that the nuggets are packed with the finest ingredients and provide an optimal mix of nutrients to meet the requirements of the primal diet. Therefore, there will be no more weighing, grinding, or chopping! Simply add water to the nuggets and your dinner is complete.
Additionally, because you have complete control over the amount of water added, you can make the ideal consistency for your toothless youngster to consume without a problem.
This grain- and gluten-free recipe is an excellent choice for your dog’s diet since it contains the correct amount of amino acids, natural enzymes, necessary fatty acids, and a balanced supply of vitamins and minerals. Serve a savory meal with exactly the correct consistency to your toothless partner and allow them to really enjoy their meal!
6. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food
The following are the top five ingredients:
- Organic oats,
- Dehydrated turkey;
- Dehydrated potatoes;
- Organic flaxseed;
- And dehydrated carrots.
Caloric Content:
- 4140 kcal (per kg)
- Protein (minimum 22%), Fat (15%), Fiber (maximum 5%), and Moisture (maximum 8.6%)
The Honest Kitchen’s dish is great. It’s as if I’m feeding my toothless puppy the finest homemade cuisine. The best qualities of this diet are its nutrient-dense profile and diverse selection of high-quality products.
The dehydrated form, which is produced with cage-free turkey, basic garden veggies, and organic whole oats, enables you to customize the meal’s consistency to your dog’s choice. Simply combine with warm water and thoroughly stir to blend the meal, and then offer with love to your child a delectable combination of flavors and nutrients.
7. Blue Buffalo Canned Dog Food — Senior Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables — Home-style Recipe
The following are the top five ingredients:
- Chicken,
- Chicken broth,
- Chicken liver,
- Carrots,
- And peas are all included.
Caloric Content:
- 1119 kcal (per kg)Protein (minimum 7.5%), Fat (minimum 4.5%), Fiber (maximum 2%), and Moisture (maximum 78%)
Its full and balanced nutrition is tailored specifically for older dogs, and it includes additional supplements to promote your dog’s health and overall well-being. The pate texture of the wet food makes it easy for a toothless dog to eat. This hearty meal, prepared with only the finest and most nutritious ingredients, can be eaten alone or combined with kibble for an extra kick. Feel free to add additional warm water to the meal if the consistency needs to be adjusted further.
8. Dry Dog Food – Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavor — Moist & Meaty
The top five ingredients are:
- Beef By-Product,
- Soy Flour,
- Soy Grits,
- Corn Syrup with High Fructose Content,
- And water.
Consumption of calories per kilogram:
- 2764 kcal
- Protein (minimum 18%), Fat (minimum 7%), Fiber (maximum 3%), and Moisture (minimum 33%)
In a Dry State Moist & Meaty — Purina’s delectable blend of unique flavors – will make your dog’s day paw-some. The formula lives up to its name by offering a complete and balanced meal for your dog, replete with delectable flavors and a soft texture.
Soften the easy-to-chew chunks by adding water to make them even more enticing to your toothless little hound. The nutrient-dense combination is certain to bring on the grins. As a meal topper, combine it with a wet food alternative for a rush of flavor and nutrition.
9. Wellness CORE Tender Bites Original Recipe Meal or Mixer Air Dried Grain-Free Dog Food
The following are the top five ingredients:
- Turkey deboned,
- Chicken deboned,
- Chickpeas,
- Peas,
- Gelatin
- Dehydrated and dried in the air
Caloric Content:
- 411 kcal (per cup)
- Protein (minimum) 31%, Fat (minimum) 21%, Fiber (maximum) 3%, and Moisture (minimum) 20%
Wellness Core’s grain-free, the air-dried meal is full and balanced for your dog. Not only are the soft bites prepared with nutritious ingredients, but they are also fortified with key minerals and vitamins to deliver a comprehensive health boost. The nutrient-dense formula incorporates raw protein that has been air-dried to perfection with the least amount of processing possible. Adjust the consistency to your toothless dog’s preference and serve a nutritious lunch brimming with flavor.
10. Hill’s Prescription Diet Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food — Weight & Joint Care Metabolic + Mobility
The top five ingredients are as follows:
- Chicken Meal,
- Brewer’s Rice,
- Pea Fiber,
- Whole Grain Corn
- Corn Meal Containing Gluten
Caloric Content:
- 291 kcal (per cup)
- Protein (minimum 23%), fat (minimum 13%), and fiber (maximum 15%)
I wanted to include a prescription diet on the list to allow dog parents to feed their toothless dogs with particular dietary needs with confidence. Hills’ Prescription Diet dry dog food is veterinarian-recommended weight management and bone health choice.
The recipe’s rich protein and fiber content benefit your dog’s specific metabolism, encouraging overall wellness. Because it is in the shape of crunchy kibble, warm water should be added to the bowl of dry food and allowed to soak thoroughly to soften the kibble. Serve and let your child eat his meal without difficulty after a few minutes.
How to care for dog without teeth?
In order to keep your toothless dog healthy, fit and happy first of all you should keep a close eye on his nutritional requirements.
It is recommended that you produce your own homemade soft dog food. This can be performed by combining a slow cooker with your choice of lean protein (beef, bison, chicken, or turkey) and dog-safe fruits and vegetables (sweet potato, butternut squash, green beans, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach). Consult your veterinarian for the optimal ratios and whether to include a vitamin supplement in the mix.
Cook on low for 8 hours, then let cool. If desired, add a grain such as rice and mix until smooth. If you do not have a slow cooker, all of the ingredients can be cooked on the stovetop and then blended until smooth. If required, adjust the consistency of the mixture with additional water or coconut oil. Gently warm the mixture before serving.
1. Keeping oral Hygiene, a priority in the absence of teeth
Even if your dog lacks teeth, you should purchase a quality toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Believe it or not, your toothless dog still requires daily gum brushing for maximum oral health and hygiene. Gum health is intimately tied to your dog’s heart health and overall well-being. Daily brushing of your dog’s gums will help keep them bacteria-free, encouraging overall dental and systemic health.
You may believe that your toothless dog will be deprived of numerous usual canine experiences, such as chewing and playing with toys. Consider the following ways in which toothless canines can still enjoy the finest things in life:
2. Chews
Chewing is a pleasure for all dogs, teeth or no teeth. Provide a soft rubber chew toy for your dog, such as a puppy Kong. They’ll have a nice time even if they’re simply gumming it. It assists in massaging the gums and gives a fun pastime for children to perform when they are bored.
Additionally, you can add a small dab of dog-safe peanut butter or coconut oil to the toy to increase its attractiveness. It’ll work your toothless wonder’s tongue and jaw.
While many natural chews are too difficult for a dog without teeth to safely consume, this does not imply he is without options. Certain treats, such as dehydrated sweet potato chips, are soft enough to be chewed by your dog. One of our favorite brands is Crumps’ Natural Sweet Potato Fries Dog Treats.
Pro Tip:
These are easy to create at home. With this simple recipe, you can make chewy, toothless-dog-approved natural sweet potato chews.
It’s advisable to keep a close check on your dog when he chews, even more so if he’s toothless. Assure that they chew gently and softly until they can break off little, safe pieces to swallow.
Even if they only lick it, it will provide a sweet and enjoyable distraction.
3. Treats
Although many treats, including biscuits and jerky, are crunchy, there are still plenty of appetizing options for rewarding a dog with missing teeth. Freeze-dried sweets are chewy and have a strong flavor.
How to feed small dogs without getting in trouble?
Accidents and illnesses do occur, and they cannot always leave your miniature friend with only a few or no teeth. Fortunately, with your support, dogs with few or no teeth may adapt to mealtime.
Indeed, dogs with no gums are quite frequent, particularly among smaller breeds. You should be able to avoid this with continuous and routine doggy dental examinations, but if you are unable to, you can make preparations to make eating as simple and enjoyable as possible for your devoted companion.
1. Maintain the same feeding routine
You must maintain the same feeding routine as before for your tiny toothless dog. This means kids will require at least two meals each day, and possibly more, depending on their size, amount of activity, and any dietary restrictions.
While it may be tempting to offer your small toothless dog mushy or soft table scraps, you do not want to risk them gaining weight. However, if your dog has recently had teeth pulled, baby food can aid in the rehabilitation process. You should continue to feed them nutritional dog chow even after they have healed.
2. Change Up His Food
- Even so, with few or no teeth, your small dog will be unable to eat their hard dry dog food. Consider moistening your little companion’s kibble with a few dabs of warm water to make it more palatable. After a few minutes, you should be able to easily mash it up with a fork and feed it to your tiny dog. Additionally, if you haven’t already, you should switch to dog food formulated exclusively for small dogs, as the kibble will be the ideal size for your dog’s tiny mouth.
- If you choose to feed your dog a high-quality canned meal, begin with a brand and recipe that has pate-like chunks or chunks that are readily mashed. After adding a dash of warm water, mash your small toothless dog’s share with a fork.
- Never leave huge chunks of food in your child’s dish. This encourages your dog to swallow them whole, placing them at risk of choking. Due to the fact that they have few or no teeth for chewing, you must verify that all of their food is completely swallow able before offering it to them.
- Additionally, you should avoid canned diets that contain shredded beef. Shredded meat is difficult to break into smaller pieces and will be a chewing challenge for your toothless dog.
- A Sustainably Nutritious Raw Food Diet
- As raw diets gain popularity, more pet retailers are selling a variety of meaty diets for dog owners who want to provide high-quality raw food to their companions. These raw dog food diets give canines complete and natural nutrients, and a few varieties can be readily mashed for your tiny toothed dog.
- Another alternative for raw dog food is freeze-dried patties, which can be easily broken up and reconstituted with water. Consult your local pet store for ideas and samples to determine the ideal consistency and flavor for your dog.
3. A healthy homemade diet
You may, however, decide to construct a bespoke diet for dogs who have food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other nutritional concerns. Consult your veterinarian before beginning this diet plan for correct recipes and suggestions for a nutritional homemade dog food diet.
You can finely chop ingredients such as rice, chicken, hamburger, egg, and greens using an approved recipe and a blender. Before offering grains or starchy vegetables, as well as chicken or burgers, to your dog, cook them. Supplements may be added if recommended by your veterinarian.
To save time, prepare a large batch at once and then freeze portions in individual serving containers for your tiny dog to enjoy throughout the week.
When feeding a dog that lacks teeth, meticulous planning and patience are essential. There is no need for your dog to struggle to consume an adequate amount of nutritious food if she is missing teeth. There are various food options for your toothless dog that will help you in meeting this unique dietary requirement.
Watch Giving a toothless dog a treat | Video
Top 5 FAQ & Answer on food for dog without teeth
Is it normal for dogs to experience tooth loss as they age?
Yes, this is fairly frequent and occurs in approximately 85% of dogs over the age of four. The goal is to monitor your dog’s teeth and gums and to supply dental-healthy foods.
My puppy’s teeth have begun to fall out. Is it usual for a dog to lose teeth?
Yes, much like human infants, dogs lose their milk teeth. Between the ages of 14 and 30 weeks, this occurs. The 28 milk teeth are rapidly replaced by a set of 42 permanent teeth, including molars.
My doggie recently ingested one of his baby teeth. Am I to be concerned?
Puppy teething is quite similar to human infant teething. You may spot a few teeth here and there during this period, but your pup will usually swallow them while eating. You have nothing to fear because it is absolutely safe.
How do I determine whether my dog has dental problems?
Dental or oral health problems in dogs can be recognized through their symptoms. The following are some examples:
Loose teeth
Gum bleeding/gum redness
They vocalize as they eat or yawn.
Toys covered in blood
Intense or bumpy sensation in the mouth
Breathing difficulties
Saliva that is bloody or ropey
Refusal to allow you to pet their head
dislike eating crunchy foods
Can my dog eat comfortably if he doesn’t have teeth?
It may be uncomfortable at first, but as previously stated, it is better for a dog to have no teeth than rotten teeth. In addition, dogs learn to cope and can feed without teeth over time. To make this easier, give them the proper meal with the right consistency.
Conclusion
So, what can you glean from this piece?
We observed that dental care is crucial regardless of how many teeth your dog has left. Find and keep to a regimen that works for your pet.
Food does not have to be a chore. While the forms may change to meet their limited chewing abilities, the diet’s quality and nutrition do not.
Finally, we learned that your dog, teeth or no teeth, wants the same basic things as any other dog: something tasty, something entertaining, and, of course, your complete attention and unconditional affection.
