Diet significantly influences dental disease progression in companion animals. Understanding the role of nutrition in dental health informs both prevention and management approaches.
Dental disease prevention through diet is an accessible welfare intervention for companion animal owners. The relationship between diet and dental health is complex: hard kibble provides minimal dental benefit compared to active chewing of appropriate substrates, while VOHC-approved dental diets with appropriate hardness and texture provide meaningful plaque reduction. Raw diets show some plaque reduction benefit but introduce food safety risks for both animals and household members. The most important dietary principle for dental health is avoiding high-sugar, high-starch treats that fuel bacterial plaque metabolism. Combining dietary dental hygiene with tooth brushing and professional veterinary cleaning provides comprehensive dental welfare management.