Vitamins, Minerals & Foods that Support Oral Health in Dogs

A dog's genetics help to determine the strength of their teeth and bones. Some dogs have naturally strong teeth, while others have chalky, softer teeth. While all dogs require sufficient oral health-supporting vitamins and minerals in their daily diet - some dogs may require more than the average quantity to ensure good oral health is maintained.  

Although commercial dog kibble does have added vitamins and minerals, the amount provided kibble product varies by manufacturer, brand and type.  Kibble alone may not provide enough of the right vitamins and minerals /to meet your dog’s daily quota for achieving good oral health. You can augment your dog’s daily intake of critical vitamins and minerals by providing them with:

• A supplement designed specifically for canines, and/or;
• Supplement your dog’s daily diet with fresh, whole foods (including some dairy, fruit and vegetables) that are good for your dog and are rich in oral health and immune system supporting vitamins and minerals. 

If you are thinking that feeding your dog fruits and veggies will cause diarrhea you should read this article. 
 

An added bonus - whole, fresh crunchy food such as whole carrots, parsnips and sliced pieces of apple help scrub your dog’s teeth clean!

Calcium (mineral)
 

A dog’s teeth and jaws are comprised primarily of calcium. When there is not enough calcium in a dog’s diet the risk of developing periodontitis increases. Calcium is best when combined with phosphorus and Vitamin D (see Phosphorus and Vitamin D rich foods below).

• Cheese - Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, Provolone;
• Dark green leafy vegetables, collard greens, spinach, ⁶broccoli;
• Kelp (also has many other health benefits);
• Yogurt (plain, unsweetened).

Iron (mineral)

Not enough iron can cause inflammation of the tongue and the formation of sores in the mouth. Tip - vitamin C helps the body better absorb iron.

Dark green leafy vegetables, collard greens, spinach, broccoli (broccoli should not exceed more than 1/10^th of the dog’s daily food intake);

• ³Eggs;
• ⁴Liver;
• Red Meat;
• Turkey or Chicken giblets; 

 

Phosphorus

Calcium requires phosphorus to maximize calcium’s’ bone strengthening benefits. The following foods are high in phosphorus. Combine some high calcium and high phosphorus as a little meal on its own or mixed in with your dog’s kibble.

• Cheese - Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, Provolone;
• Chicken
• ¹Garlic
• Flax Seeds (ground not whole)
• Meat
  Turkey
• ²Salmon, halibut, herring
• Wheat Germ

 Vitamin B Complex
 

(B1 thiamine + B2 riboflavin + B3 niacin + B5 pantothenic acid +B6 pyridoxine + biotin + folic acid + B12 cobalamins)

B complex vitamins are essential for oral health. A deficiency of these vitamins can cause a variety of oral health problems, including bleeding gums and inflammation. The following foods are high in B complex vitamins:

• Cheese;
• Chicken;
• Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach);
• ³Eggs;
• ²Fish;
• ⁴Liver;
• Peanuts, peanut butter (use only human grade, as non-human grade can have aflitoxins which are carcinogenic)
• Yogurt

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is required for the development of collagen - a substance that gives cell tissue strength and elasticity - both attributes are very important for healthy gums. The following foods are high in vitamin C:

• ⁵Bell Pepper - all colours
• ⁶Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Clementines
• Dark leafy greens (kale, mustard greens, garden cress)
• Kiwi
• Oranges
• Papaya
• Parsley
• Strawberries
• Tangerines

Vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates the body’s balance of calcium and phosphorus; helps with the absorption of calcium; helps protect against inflammation; protects and lubricates bones and teeth. The following foods are high in vitamin D:

• Beef;
• ³Eggs;
• ²Herring;
• ⁴Liver;
• ²Mackerel;
• ²Salmon;
• ²Sardines;
• ²Tuna (don’t use albacore tuna - as it is high in mercury);
• Swiss Cheese.

Related Articles:

 

Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms

Preventing Gum Disease in Dogs and Maintaining Good Oral Care

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Toothpaste, Oral Rinse and Dental Chews

Dental Care for Dogs - Natural, Herbal, Homeopathic DIY Remedies, Treatments

How to Select Safe, Affective Teeth Cleaning Chews & Dental Chews for Your Dog

Notes

¹Onion, Chives, Leeks, Shallots are dangerous, garlic in small amounts is beneficial
Contain thiosulphate, the substance responsible for causing ‘Heinx Factor’ anemia in dogs. Can also cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. The amount of thiosulphate found in garlic is much lower than in onions, in fact the amount in garlic is barely traceable!  When garlic is ingested in reasonable amounts there are no harmful affects, only beneficial ones! Garlic is known for its antic cancer, diabetes, liver, heart, kidney disease fighting properties as well as its use as a natural flea repellent and de-wormer for dogs.

²Fish - in large quantities are dangerous, small quantities are beneficial
If fed exclusively or in large amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. A small amount of cooked or canned  fatty fish such as anchovies, salmon, sardines, shad, smelt, mackerel are very good for your dog (on a daily basis is fine - in small amounts) as these types of fish are nutrient rich and a good source of omega fatty acids. Use caution if you are feeding your dog raw fish. Raw fish can contain flukes, a parasite that infests the liver of animals including dogs. This parasite can cause liver damage and subsequently death. Granted in some places around the world dogs are fed raw fish. Just be aware that in doing so you may put the health of your dog at risk. If you know for certain that the fish in your area is not infested than there is no threat to your dog’s health.

³Eggs - raw can be a hazard, cooked in small amounts are beneficial   
Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella, although the chance of contamination for your dog is low as a dog’s stomach acids are very strong and dog’s also produce a lot of bile. You can cook the eggs to avoid this issue. Due to the avidin it is best not to give eggs every day, but a couple of times a week is fine.

⁴Liver - in small amounts is beneficial. In large amounts can cause Vitamin A toxicity, leading to kidney damage/failure.

⁵Peppers - in small amounts are beneficial.

Peppers are a Nightshade vegetable. Nightshade vegetables and fruit (goji berries, eggplant, potatoes,tomatoes, all peppers - with the exception of black pepper) are rich in many vitamins, minerals and other compounds that are beneficial. When included in small amounts as part of a balanced diet these vegetables are safe to consume. However when ingested in large quantities they may cause health problems. Nightshade vegetables contain alkaloids. Alkaloids are produced by the plant to protect it from harmful insects, when ingested in substantial amounts alkaloids may cause cause inflammation, arthritis, muscle pain, stiffness, poor healing. The alkaloid content of these vegetables are reduced by 40 to 50% when the vegetables are cooked.The leaves, stems and flowers of these plants are very toxic.

⁶Broccoli - in small amounts are beneficial.

Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals and other compounds such as bioflavinoids (cancer fighting) - so this vegetable has much good to contribute to a dog's diet. Broccoli does contain one toxic ingredient called isothiocyanate - a toxin that is a very potent gastrointestinal irritant. As long as the percentage of broccoli in the dog's diet does not exceed 10% of the dog's daily diet.