WET OR DRY WHAT'S better for there teeth?

pupskersandhutch · 11-20-2006, 03:24 PM

I just received a puppy and the owner berfore her fed her wet food. I have been working with cats half of my life and my vet told me that with cat's that you should feed them dry food cause it cleans their teeth and that wet food should be only for a treat. Well the thing is my puppies teeth are bleeding cause I switched her to dry food but I noticed only when she plays with her toys and no plays rough to make her teeth bleed. I have to be honest that I'm quite confused what should I do ?

pupskersandhutch · 11-20-2006, 03:36 PM

umm please post a reply I really need help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Curbside Prophet · 11-20-2006, 03:43 PM

I guess the dry food suggestion makes sense, but I would say the difference is negligible. I would instead, recommend getting into the habit of brushing your dogs teeth at least 2-3 times a week. The bleeding could be just normal teething if your dog is under 6 months of age, otherwise, consult with a vet.

pupskersandhutch · 11-20-2006, 03:50 PM

ya she's 4 months old but do bigger dogs bleed when they teethe cause I have had several pekingese dogs and I have NEVER seen this before.

Snowshoe · 11-20-2006, 04:38 PM

How is her breath? Are her teeth covered in plaque?

If so, it may be an oral hygene problem.

Theoretically, people are supposed to brush dogs' teeth every day. I brush my pup's once a week, and then give her Nylabones and beef knuckle bones to chew on (both of which keep her teeth white).

My pup's gums did not bleed while teething. Then again, we've always kept a steady supply of above referenced Nylabones and knuckle bones for her.

As for wet dog food- I was told to be cautious with it. The ONLY kind of wet food that I feed is Solid Gold Green Cow. Depending on the brand, it can contain many preservatives, and is more water then nutrition.

If you are looking to supplement her dry food, you may want to try carrots or knuckle bones from the butcher's.

Dogged · 11-21-2006, 02:02 AM

It is probably more important to stick with the same food the puppy was eating and to not make a drastic food change. It may be too late for that. If you want to continue feeding the dry, then just add some water to it and let it soak for 10-20 minutes before feeding her.

Puppies usually loose their baby teeth around 5 months, and you may see blood in their mouth then. How big are the kibbles? If they are large she may have trouble biting through them. I wouldn't worry about canned or dry right now except that you want to get her used to whatever you will eventually feed her. I do a mixture of both. Yes, the dry food is recommended for their teeth later on, but since she will be losing all her baby teeth next month anyway, it doesn't really matter right now.

Starting her on a routine of brushing her teeth now is a good idea.

If you are seeing blood, and she is only 4 months, then I would soften up the dry food.

pupskersandhutch · 11-21-2006, 09:07 AM

ya I did change her dog food she 's really good at eating her food. I did check her mouth and her teeth are super white I did look in the back and her teeth are coming in so I think that was the problem. Also you know how when you don't floss your teeth some peoples gum's bleed her gums might be have been sensitive to the change. I feed her IAM'S puppy chow and so it's designed just for her. Last night I did soak it in some warm water for about 2 minutes and seemed to be alright with it.

Thanks guys (gals) your great!!!
Love Megs

MomOf7 · 11-21-2006, 09:59 AM

I would feed dry food. A 4 mo old bigger pup might even like it better this way since he/she is probably teething.
Dry food is better for dogs teeth. Keeps the plaque off. I would also get your pup a soup bone to chew on. Do not cook it.

Dogged · 11-22-2006, 01:25 AM

I would not recommend any bones. They can sometimes splinter off little pieces and swallow them and then you have real problems.

pupskersandhutch · 11-24-2006, 02:07 PM

she has quite a collection of toys to chew on. I asked my friend who is a vet and has a lab he said his dog's gum's bled when she was teething and said it's perfectly fine she hasn't done for like 2 days so she's good now. I think!!!! thanks guys for everything!!!

Buddy · 11-24-2006, 02:10 PM

i suggest mixin both dry and wet food or just wet food most big dogs dont eat dry food byitself oh and watkind of dog is it?

pupskersandhutch · 11-24-2006, 02:21 PM

she's a lab and seems to be liking her food. I think she was just being picky cause she wanted attention.

Thanks for the help!!!1

Buddy · 11-24-2006, 02:23 PM

well i got a golden they dont hae much of a difference and my dog doesnt really like dry food

Cheetah · 11-24-2006, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddy

most big dogs dont eat dry food byitself oh and watkind of dog is it?

Most dogs (big dogs too) can eat dry food by itself. Most dogs can also eat wet food by itself. I'm not sure where you're getting your information from.

The whole wet food being bad for the teeth thing is a myth. Get a toothbrush, and give the dog lots of things to chew on and its teeth will be fine.

Also, for a 4-month-old puppy, bleeding gums are normal, because the dog is teething and losing baby teeth. >^^;<

pupskersandhutch · 11-27-2006, 02:18 PM

that's what I thought too but, I just couldn't be too sure with her. I have had to ask you guys and my friend who's a vet . She has stopped so I think it was a faze

cujo3269 · 12-22-2006, 12:48 PM

My dog is almost 2 1/2 yrs. never brushed his teeth, just used mainly milk bones (they work really well). I also mix a can of wet food with a couple cups of dry food, and always give him a milk bone afterward to clean the teeth. plus i always have a big 10 pound bone for him to chew whenever he feels like it.