Proper Feeding for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Teeth are considered a carnivore’s most valuable anatomical part. Teeth are necessary to shred, tear, and chew food; digestion actually begins in the mouth.  Since food nourishes the body, providing vital energy and nutrients for strong bones, healthy skin, and proper physiological balance, it is important that pets can actually chew their food. Ideally, dogs and cats should have their teeth brushed daily along with a yearly professional cleaning. However, plaque build-up (and frequency of cleanings) may be reduced by feeding a nourishing diet that promotes natural tooth cleaning.

Dental Disease Progression
Dental disease is a series of progressively damaging stages that begins when plaque, a soft coating comprised of food, saliva, and bacteria, coats the tooth surface. Within 72 hours after eating, dissolved calcium salts naturally present in saliva combine with plaque to form a hard matrix. Hardened plaque is called tartar. Interestingly, while saliva is the source of calcium salts for tartar, saliva is also critical to the prevention of plaque build-up.

Dental disease affects the whole body. Mouth bacteria can enter the blood stream through inflamed and bleeding gums, possibly causing secondary infections in the liver, heart, and kidneys. Likewise, gingivitis causes considerable discomfort when the animal chews. Many pets with dental disease actually stop eating or playing with toys because of the severe pain. Inadequate food intake, no matter how nutritious the food may be, has profound whole body consequences.

Mechanical Action and Low-Carbohydrate Diets…these work!
Mechanical abrasion is the only scientifically proven factor that prevents plaque and tartar build-up between dental cleanings. Daily brushing, as well as select bones, jerkies, and low-carbohydrate treats, help accomplish the necessary abrasion. Raw Frozen Bones, either whole or part of a Raw Frozen Diet, are considered the best dental aids available; they provide effective abrasion without the danger of splintering or impaction common to rawhide and improperly cooked bones.

The Bottom Line:
With all the confusion and conflict surrounding food form, feeding for dental health becomes a lifestyle change. For holistic dental care, scientific evidence supports the claim that raw bones reduce plaque and tartar naturally through mechanical abrasion, and that high meat, low-carbohydrate diets reduce the amount of carbohydrates available to mouth bacteria. Dogs and cats should be fed a rotation diet composed of raw and grain-free, low-carbohydrate food. Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Bones, Instinct kibble and canned, and Raw Frozen Diets are all grain-free, low-carbohydrate food choices. Yet, each pet is unique, so it is best to check with a veterinarian before dramatically altering your pet’s diet.It is the PLPA’s position that any company using the words “Private” or “Individual” in the definition and/or description of their cremation processes be expected to perform the procedure in the same manner as private cremations are performed by PLPA members.

At Nature’s Variety, our passion is the health and happiness of your cherished cat or dog. We are proud pet parents, just like you! So we understand that your pet has a special place in your family, in your life, and in your heart. Nature’s Variety is a natural pet food company located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our team is passionate about providing proper, holistic nutrition for your beloved dog and cat. Details about the entire product line, including retailers can be found at www.naturesvariety.com.