Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How diet affects gum disease in dogs and cats
By Watson, A D·Published in Australian veterinary journal·1994·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diet and periodontal disease in dogs and cats.
Plain-English summary
A review found that many dogs and cats are suffering from periodontal disease, which is often linked to their diet. Soft foods can increase the risk and severity of this dental issue, while harder foods that require chewing are better for oral health. Although there is some concern that periodontal disease could lead to other health problems, more research is needed to confirm this. Pet owners should focus on the texture and abrasiveness of their pets' food and consider additional ways to manage plaque and prevent dental disease.
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Abstract
A review of relevant literature was undertaken because of concerns about a possible relationship between pet foods, development of periodontal disease, and secondary adverse effects on general health. It was concluded that, while changes in feeding methods in recent decades have arguably improved pet health by reducing or preventing diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies and excesses, periodontal disease remains a serious, diet-related problem. There is reasonable evidence that soft diets are associated with increased frequency and severity of periodontal disease, and that harder foods requiring vigorous prehension and mastication are preferable for dogs and cats. While it is plausible that periodontal disease could cause diseases in other organs and tissues, the evidence for this is limited at present. Further research is needed to better define the relationship between diet types and oral health. In the meantime, veterinarians and pet owners should pay attention to the physical qualities (textures, abrasiveness, 'chewiness') of foods they provide for dogs and cats, as well as to their nutrient content, and should consider additional methods to control plaque and prevent periodontal disease where necessary.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7848177/