Nature's Toothbrush: The Case for Natural Chews
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Dental disease is one of the most common — and most overlooked — health problems in dogs. By the time many kibble fed pups reach age three, there's already tartar buildup and the early stages of gum disease. And dental health isn't just about fresh breath; chronic mouth inflammation can ripple out to affect the heart, kidneys, and overall wellbeing.
For poor Frank, his dental health was neglected for too long and now due to his heart issues there's nothing that can be done to help him. We asked about light sedation and a local anesthetic so the really bad ones could be pulled, but he's not a candidate for any type of sedation or anesthesia. Chewing on a bone of any kind even once a week could have saved him a lot of discomfort in his advanced years.
You can brush your dog's teeth (and brushing is great), but dogs were also designed to maintain their own teeth the way their ancestors did: by chewing. The mechanical action of gnawing on natural, edible material scrapes away soft plaque before it hardens into tartar.
That's the quiet magic of something as humble as chicken and duck feet. They're crunchy, fully edible, and single-ingredient — no mystery additives, no rawhide, easy to digest. As your dog works through one, the texture helps clean the teeth. The bonus? Chicken and duck feet are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, so your dog gets a little joint support while they chew. Teeth and hips, one snack.
A few things pet parents appreciate about natural chews like these:
• Single ingredient. You know exactly what your dog is getting.
• Mentally satisfying. Chewing is genuinely enriching and helps relieve boredom and stress.
• Functional. Dental and joint benefits in one go.
As with any chew, supervise your dog, choose a size appropriate to their chewing style, and introduce new items gradually. If your dog is brand-new to natural chews, watch the first few sessions to see how they handle it. We have a gulper, so we try to keep turkey necks off of her menu.
Looking for simple, whole-food ways to support your dog's teeth? We carry a rotating lineup of natural chews. Chicken and duck feet are usually in stock during the whole month so there's no need to wait to order them during order week. Pick up today!!
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