The Dentition of a Carnivore
Like the entire digestive system, the teeth of dogs and cats are designed for consuming and processing meat. Between the ages of four and seven months, puppies and kittens go through a teething phase where their baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth. The adult teeth of a dog comprise 42 teeth, while a cat has 30.
The teeth of a carnivore are used to grip prey, hold it, tear off pieces, or break through bones and then roughly chew. Unlike herbivores, dogs and cats cannot grind their food.
Dental Problems in Dogs & Cats
Unfortunately, many pets still suffer from unnoticed dental problems. These often begin with the formation of plaque, which consists of food residues and eventually hardens into tartar due to minerals in the saliva. Tartar can lead to gum inflammation or even gum recession, which in the worst cases can result in misaligned teeth or tooth loss.
Cats are also commonly affected by a specific type of cavity known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL). This condition ultimately causes a cat's teeth to dissolve, become brittle, and result in severe mouth injuries. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease affecting the teeth rather than a bacterial or viral infection, though exact studies are not yet available.
Common signs of dental issues include bad breath, brownish discoloration of the teeth, red gums, bloody saliva, and refusal to eat (hard) food. Untreated dental problems can lead to long-term damage throughout the body, potentially causing heart, liver, or kidney problems when bacteria and viruses spread from the mouth through the bloodstream.
How Can I Protect My Pet from Dental Issues?
Regular checks of the mouth and teeth can help detect and address many issues early on. Plaque, for instance, can be removed by the pet owner in its early stages, while tartar requires professional removal under general anesthesia by a veterinarian. However, the most effective strategy is to prevent plaque formation altogether, which can best be achieved through proper nutrition.
Cats and dogs that are fed a BARF diet are significantly less prone to dental issues because chewing on pieces of meat and bones provides a natural form of dental cleaning, removing plaque and even tartar. Regular chewing on bones or chew items stimulates saliva production, which protects teeth and gums, while also strengthening the jaw muscles. But be cautious: bones should always be fed raw, as cooked bones can splinter. Never leave your pet unsupervised when chewing bones or chew items, and always ensure fresh water is available.
All chew items from eBarf are made without artificial additives. They are gently dried, contributing not only to natural dental hygiene but also providing valuable nutrients. These natural chew items are the most species-appropriate way to protect your pet from dental issues—try them yourself and treat your dog or cat to a healthy snack in between meals!
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