Healthy Homemade Treats with Benefits: Dental Health

Healthy Homemade Treats with Benefits: Dental Health

            We all love to give our dogs and cats a little treat now and then. Of course, everything needs to be used in moderation-too much of a good thing can pack on pounds and could lead to digestive issues.  But, while plenty of tasty and healthy commercial treats available, homemade treats can be a good option, too.  Let’s look at what ingredients make good treats for pets and provide benefits for dental health and a link to some recipes!

            Dental health:  Let’s face it, most pets are not getting their teeth brushed every day. While bad breath makes it tough to enjoy doggie licks and kitty kisses, dental disease leads to more serious concerns. Over time, plaque builds up and hardens to a mineral deposit called tartar.  Bacteria can get trapped in the plaque and tartar leading to periodontal disease and tooth loss.  Dental chews and treats are no substitute for proper dental care, and pets need to have periodic professional dental cleanings.  Brushing is still the best way to maintain dental health in our pets, but you may be able to freshen breath and improve gingival health by feeding treats with these safe ingredients.

            1. A great, easy option is feeding carrots or apple slices to pets—the crunchy texture can help remove plaque from teeth and, best of all, no baking required!

            2. Parsley—parsley can aid in fresh breath and has antioxidants that may promote gum health.  A word of caution: use only curly parsley, not Italian parsley which can actually be toxic to pets, and, use in moderation.  Parsley should also not be fed to pets with kidney disease or to pregnant dogs or cats as it can act as a diuretic.  Parsley can cause itching and dermatitis or vomiting and diarrhea in some pets, so be on the lookout for these symptoms if adding parsley to their diet.

            3. Pumpkin—the fiber in pumpkin puree promotes overall good digestive health and is rich in vitamins A and C which can help keep gums healthy and fight bacterial infection.

            4. Yogurt—probiotics in yogurt may reduce bad bacteria in the mouth and gut.

Here’s a link to a great vet approved dental treat recipe:  https://montanapetdentist.com/homemade-dog-treat-recipe/

Here’s another using some dental health ingredients courtesy of Florida based Westmonte Animal Clinic’s website:

Apple and Carrot Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix applesauce, egg, and grated carrots.
3. Slowly add oat flour until a dough forms.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until firm.
6. Cool before serving.

Remember, avoid any foods with artificial sweeteners, feed treats in moderation, and, check with your vet to ensure ingredients and treats are safe for your pet, especially if he or she has any underlying health conditions.  If your pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea, discontinue treats.  Also, homemade treats do not have as long a shelf life as commercial treats—store properly and inspect for mold or other changes before feeding.  Dental treats, whether commercial or homemade, should never replace proper veterinary dental care, but they can be a healthy way to aid in caring for pets’ teeth. 

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.