Bad teeth are a common problem as your dog ages, but they can also happen at any point in your dog’s life.
Whether your dog is experiencing tooth decay or is just an old dog, it’s a good idea to modify their diet so that they can continue to enjoy eating and not see it as a source of struggle and pain.
The easiest thing to do in these circumstances is to transition your dog from kibble to wet dog food. Unfortunately, wet dog food isn’t appetizing to all dogs.
So, what do you do when your dog is stubborn and refuses to eat canned dog food that’s easier on their mouth?
Luckily, wet dog food isn’t your only option for feeding dogs with bad teeth. There are a variety of soft dry dog foods on the market that are gentle enough for dogs with various tooth issues to chow down.
In this guide, you’ll find out what they are and how to choose soft dry dog food for dogs with bad teeth.
Table of Contents
- Top Soft Dry Dog Food for Dogs With Bad Teeth
- Things to Consider When Your Dog Has Dental Problems
- Additional Tips for Feeding a Dog With Bad Teeth
- Conclusion
Top Soft Dry Dog Food for Dogs With Bad Teeth
Finding new dog food for your pet is always stressful, as you never know whether or not they’ll enjoy it. It takes some digging to find dog foods worth trying, especially soft dry dog foods.
Things to Consider When Your Dog Has Dental Problems
Before choosing your pet’s new food, make sure you have a general understanding of their needs. It’s important to monitor your dog as they eat the new food and afterwards to see how they react to the change in diet. The eating problems might be more than a problem with your dog’s bad teeth.
Also, check to make sure that your dog’s dental problems don’t worsen. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Whining while eating or yawning
- Bad breath
Get a veterinarian’s opinion if you notice any change in your dog’s oral health. It might be the sign of something much more serious.
Additional Tips for Feeding a Dog With Bad Teeth
Add Water
If your dog doesn’t like the flavor of any new food you serve them and wants their dry kibble, try adding a little water to it to soften it. The softer texture might be easier for your dog to chew.
Homemade Food
If you can’t find a soft dry dog food that your dog likes and they don’t like the canned dog food you serve them either, try making something homemade. However, be aware that homemade dog food isn’t usually complete and balanced, and you must supplement it to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need.
Consider Possible Alternatives
It’s important to know the difference between a picky eater and a dog in distress. If your dog refuses to eat anything — to the point where they must be starving — they may be experiencing severe pain. Take them to the vet as soon as possible to get treated before the condition worsens.
Conclusion
As a dog owner, be prepared to experiment to find out what pet food your dog would prefer. This is a new experience for them as much as it is for you, so there will be some trial and error.
There is a variety of soft dry dog food for dogs with bad teeth, so you’re bound to find at least one type of soft food that works for your dog. Purina Moist & Meaty is a great place to start, and if you’re lucky, it might be the end of your search for the perfect soft dry food.