Dental disease in dogs is largely preventable, and the role of diet - including dental diets, chews and raw bones - in maintaining oral health is an important but often misunderstood welfare topic.
Dental disease causes chronic pain, systemic infection and reduced quality of life in dogs. The prevalence of dental disease in the companion dog population represents an enormous, largely preventable welfare burden. Prevention through daily toothbrushing, appropriate dental chews and annual professional dental assessment prevents most of this suffering. Nutrition choices play a supporting role alongside active dental hygiene.