Many pet carers are told that kibble is the healthiest option for dogs and cats, and that it even helps keep teeth clean. While kibble is convenient and widely available, it’s worth taking a closer look at what goes into it and how it affects your pet’s health.
From dehydration to processed ingredients, and even its impact on dental health, there are several important factors to consider when deciding what’s best for your furry friends.
Kibble and Dehydration
Kibble is made by cooking and drying ingredients to create a shelf-stable product. This process removes most of the natural moisture, so your pet may need to drink more water to stay properly hydrated. For some pets, especially those who naturally drink less, this can increase the risk of urinary or kidney issues over time. Adding fresh water, broths, or rotating with wet food can help support hydration.
Kibble and Processed Ingredients
Kibble often contains highly processed ingredients to achieve texture, flavour, and shelf-life. These ingredients are nutritionally different from whole foods, and some nutrients may be lost during processing. While kibble provides convenience and certain nutrients, it’s worth considering how whole, minimally processed foods can complement your pet’s diet for overall health and wellbeing.
Kibble and Dental
You may have heard that the hard, crunchy texture of kibble scrapes plaque off teeth. It sounds logical, but here’s the reality:
High Starch Content – Kibble is packed with starch, which feeds bacteria in the mouth and speeds up plaque and tartar build-up.
Crumbly Texture – Rather than acting like a toothbrush, kibble often shatters and is swallowed quickly, barely touching the teeth at all.
So instead of keeping teeth clean, kibble can contribute to dental problems.
What Really Works?
The best way to support your pet’s dental health is simple: feed as nature intended.
A whole food diet with raw meaty bones not only promotes strong overall health but also helps keep teeth clean the way nature designed. Raw bones are rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and trace minerals, all of which directly support healthy teeth and gums.
Safety Tip: Always choose raw (never cooked) bones and make sure the bone size is right for your pet. Bones should be larger than your pet’s throat to prevent choking.
Best Bone Options
Here are some great choices depending on your pet’s size:
For Cats:
Chicken necks, duck necks, rabbit necks, whole quail, small turkey necks
For Small Dogs:
Chicken or duck wings/necks, turkey necks, oxtail, quail
For Medium Dogs:
Chicken or duck wings, duck necks, turkey necks, lamb or beef ribs, quail
For Large Dogs:
Turkey necks, lamb necks, oxtail, marrow bones (non weight bearing), bird necks
For Extra Large Dogs:
Turkey necks, beef ribs, oxtail, marrow bones, bird necks
Avoid weight bearing bones (like femurs or big leg bones), they’re too dense and can damage teeth.
What If My Pet Can’t Tolerate Raw Bones?
Not every pet can manage raw bones. In those cases, owners often look to dental treats. Unfortunately, many of these are made with starches, grains, and sugars to hold their shape, which just like kibble, feed oral bacteria and encourage plaque build-up.
Natural Alternatives to Dental Treats
If raw bones aren’t suitable, try natural, wholesome options instead. These provide the crunch pets need without the starches and preservatives:
These dehydrated treats are excellent for dental hygiene and a healthier alternative to standard dental chews.
Brush Your Pet’s Teeth!
As we all brush our own teeth, we can’t expect our pets to maintain excellent dental hygiene without having their teeth brushed. We recommend looking for a natural toothpaste with antibacterial ingredients like our Essential Dog Toothpaste. It is common for store bought pet toothpastes to contain unnecessary ingredients like sugar and salt, so ensure you are checking the label.
We are aware that it can be tricky to brush your pets teeth, particularly if they are older and have never had their teeth brushed before. Our Greenpet Seaweed Dental Powder, best used in conjunction with brushing, can improve your pet’s dental hygiene without the hassle and sometimes life-threatening risks of brushing.
Bottom Line
Skip the kibble myth. A natural diet, with raw meaty bones or simple, natural dental chews is the best way to keep your pet’s teeth strong, clean, and healthy.
