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Bite into Health: Minerals for Your Dog's Dental Hygiene
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Read Time 3 min
A lot of dogs develop tooth problems as they age. Cavities, worn enamel, cracked teeth, and gum disease are all common issues that can impair your pup’s quality of life, especially in its later years.
Mineral deficiency is a common cause of tooth problems in dogs. A 2017 study found that more than 90% of commercial pet food does not meet complete nutritional requirements, even if it claims to do so on the label. [ * ] As a result, a lot of dogs aren’t getting the minerals they need to keep their teeth strong.
The good news is that it’s easy to supplement your dog’s diet and help protect its teeth. Here’s a look at common symptoms of tooth problems in dogs and how minerals can help.
Signs Your Dog Has Dental Health Problems
There are several indications that your dog may have dental problems. Watch out for the following symptoms and behaviors:
Pawing at the mouth/face
Slow eating
Preferring soft food to kibble
Chewing on one side of the mouth
Weight loss
Bad breath
Inflamed or bleeding gums
Chipped, wobbly, or dark-colored teeth
Blood-stained saliva
If you notice any of the above, there’s a good chance your dog has an issue with its teeth. Tooth problems become more common as a dog ages, particularly after about age five.
Certain breeds are also more prone to dental issues. Dogs that are bred to have narrow muzzles often develop problems with their teeth. Smaller dogs are also at higher risk of dental disease.
Breeds at the highest risk of dental issues include:
Dachshunds
Yorkshire terriers
Shih Tzus
Pugs
Border collies
Chihuahuas
If your dog is one of the above breeds, be especially vigilant in checking for symptoms of tooth problems.
How Minerals Can Help
Minerals play an essential role in keeping your dog’s teeth healthy. A 2009 study noted that essential minerals are especially important for preventing cavities. The bacteria in dogs’ mouths are constantly pulling a variety of minerals from tooth enamel, and if those minerals aren’t replaced through diet, the surface will gradually wear away in places, causing cavities. [ * ] The authors note that the best way to maintain a dog’s dental health is to continually replenish essential minerals to prevent tooth decay.
In addition to the variety of minerals that help maintain enamel, there are a few specific minerals that are particularly important for tooth health:
Calcium and phosphorus maintain the dentin underneath enamel, protecting the tooth’s physical structure. [ * ]
Magnesium is important for cellular metabolism in dental pulp, the soft part at the center of the tooth. Research shows that magnesium deficiency impairs dental pulp cell activity in dogs, which can lead to interior tooth damage, pain, and eventual tooth loss. [ * ]
In total, dogs need 13 essential minerals, and most of them are involved in maintaining dental health. [ * ] It’s important that your dog gets a varied and mineral-rich diet, especially as it ages—mineral needs increase in older dogs.
Remineralize Your Dog’s Teeth
Unfortunately, you can’t rely on “nutritionally complete” pet food to meet your dog’s mineral needs. Veterinary research done in 2017 found that more than 90% of wet food and more than 60% of dry food is nutritionally incomplete , even if producers labeled it otherwise. [ * ]
The best way to be sure your dog is getting the minerals it needs is to give it a full-spectrum mineral supplement.
The good news is we can help. Our Complete Canine Minerals contain every essential mineral your dog needs to thrive. It’s human-quality, too—in fact, it’s the same mineral solution we make for people, but mixed to contain the right ratio of minerals dogs need for optimal health. It’s also a flavorless liquid, which makes it easy to mix into your dog’s food.
If you’re worried about your dog’s dental health (or you just want to make sure it has all the nutrients it needs), give our Complete Canine Minerals a try. It’s made by pet lovers, for pet lovers, and it’s a great way to ensure that your pup feels good as it ages.
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FAQs
Are the Pet products the same as the human products?
The Canine and Feline Complete Electrolytes are very close to the human version. The Canine and Feline Complete Minerals have a different formulation so that they can be administered via droppers, ensuring your pet is receiving ALL of the minerals they need by adding it to their daily food allotment.
How much BEAM Minerals should I give my dog?
Refer to this table for proper usage based on your pets weight.
How much BEAM Minerals should I give my cat?
Refer to this table for proper usage based on your pets weight.
