The Importance of Dental Health for Pets: Recipes Included!

22 Feb The Importance of Dental Health for Pets: Recipes Included!

Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month? At DP5th, we only work on human teeth, but we know the importance of dental health for all members of the family. Pets have a special place within the home, so you want to give your pet the same type of treatment and care that you give yourself and the rest of your family. Pet Dental Health Awareness Month is sponsored every February by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in order to address the importance of oral health care for pets.

Now is the perfect time to call and make an appointment with your veterinarian and schedule a dental check-up and cleaning for your pet. Neglecting the care of your pet’s teeth can lead to serious health and behavioral problems, so don’t let their teeth go untreated. In fact, the AVMA reported that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some kind of oral disease by the age of 3, so dental care should be administered regularly. In between your veterinary examinations, be sure to look out for the warning signs of dental disease:

• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pain or bleeding when the gums or mouth are touched
• Yellow-brown crusts of tarter along the gum lines
• Red and swollen gums
• Abnormal chewing
• Frequently pawing at face or mouth
• Excessively drooling
• Will not eat hard foods
• Often drops food from mouth
• Loss of appetite/Loss of weight

Studies has shown that staying on top of your pet’s oral health can add up to five years to your beloved pet’s life, so it is important to stay on schedule. Prevention is the best medicine, so make sure you have a toothbrush for your pet, plan for annual teeth cleanings, and makes sure that they are eating a healthy diet. All pets love treats, and luckily there are dental treats available that you can give your pet to help promote clean teeth, fresh breath, and a healthy mouth.

There’s nothing better than a homemade treat that’s filled with love and healthy ingredients. Here are some easy homemade pet dental treat recipes that you can make at home that your pet is sure to love and thank you for!

DOGS

(Recipe curiosity of Swanson Vitamins)

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 brown rice flour
• 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal (estimated 12 capsules)
• 4Tbsp. Coconut Oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup packed fresh mint
• 1/2 cup packed fresh Italian parsley
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• Liquid chlorophyll (can purchase from health food store)

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 400F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
2. Combine charcoal with brown rice flour and set aside.
3. Place parsley, mint oil and broth or water into food processor. Process until finely chopped.
4. Add 3-4 droppers full of chlorophyll. Pulse a few more times to mix.
5. Add this green paste to flour mixture and mix well.
6. Beat egg lightly and mix in.
7. Knead while adding in remainder of water/broth. You should have a very sticky dough ball.
8. Heavily flour your work surface and knead dough until you get an even green color.
9. Divide dough into workable portions, and roll out to about 1/4 inch thick, or whatever thickness you prefer.
10. Be sure to add flour to the surface as needed to take away the stickiness as you work.
11. Cutout with your favorite cookie cutter(s), and ‘dock’ the dough with a fork to keep puffiness down.
12. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
13. Cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

CATS

(Recipe curiosity of Hubpages)

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup of chopped parsley
• 4 oz. of wet cat food (make sure you use your cat’s favorite!)
• 2 tbsp. of water
• 2 tsp. of olive oil
• 1 cup of brown rice flour
• ⅓ cup of cooked rice (white or brown)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 ºF
2. Mix the cat food, egg, chopped parsley, water and olive oil together in a medium bowl.
3. Add in the cooked rice and flour, and mix until well blended.
4. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. Roll out to about ⅓ in. thickness.
5. Bake 11 to 15 minutes on middle oven rack.
6. Remove from oven and let the pan cool for long enough to handle it.
7. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the spread into pieces of desired shape; it will be soft and doughy.
8. Bake for another 7 to 8 minutes.
9. Let cool. Store in fridge in an airtight jar or container.