Dental Health Without the Wrestling Match
If you’ve ever attempted to brush your pet’s teeth and found yourself in a full Olympic‑level wrestling match, you’re in good company. Most pets would rather eat the toothbrush than let you use it. Even though brushing can be tricky, good oral care is essential for their long‑term health.
Dental disease is common—studies show that up to 80% of dogs will have some form of dental issue by age two. Because plaque regrows every 24 hours, daily brushing is ideal. But if your pet has other plans, you’re far from alone. The good news? You can still support dental health without turning every evening into a wrestling match.
Nature gave our pets the perfect tools to keep their teeth clean, and when we use them the way they were intended, the results can be amazing.
Raw Bones: Nature’s Toothbrush
Raw meaty bones are one of the most effective natural ways to clean your pet’s teeth—and yes, that includes cats. Their mouths are built for chewing bones just like dogs. As pets chew, the bone scrapes against plaque, massages the gums, and provides minerals like calcium and phosphorus. It’s basically a dental cleaning that they actually enjoy.
Some pet parents worry about resource guarding, but when bones are offered regularly and predictably, most pets relax. For dental maintenance, raw‑fed pets typically do well with one raw meaty bone per week, while dry‑fed pets benefit from two.
Natural Chews That Do the Work for You
Chewing is one of the most natural behaviours for our pets—and one of the easiest ways to support oral health. Natural chews help scrape away plaque, strengthen the jaw, keep gums healthy, and provide mental enrichment. While they don’t outperform raw meaty bones, they’re still a great option for daily or weekly maintenance.
Raw Diets and Oral Health
Raw meat naturally contains enzymes that help break down plaque and debris on the teeth. When combined with the mechanical action of chewing raw meaty bones, these enzymes support cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and fresher breath. It’s one of the reasons raw‑fed pets often have noticeably
better dental health.
Choosing the Right Size
Selecting the right size chew is essential for safety. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bone or chew that cannot fit entirely in your pet’s mouth—ideally something close to the size of their head. Once your pet learns how to chew properly, supervised chewing becomes both safe and beneficial.
Size by Weight
Under 15 lbs
Thin bully sticks, small esophagus chews, small collagen sticks, marrow bones for tiny breeds.
15 to 30 lbs
Standard bully sticks, medium esophagus, medium collagen chews, chicken necks, duck necks, or duck feet.
30 to 60 lbs
Thick bully sticks, large collagen sticks, beef ribs, lamb necks.
Over 60 lbs
Jumbo bully sticks, extra‑large collagen chews, turkey necks, beef knuckles, or large marrow bones.
Here’s to happy teeth, fresh breath, and a future with zero brush battles
Associate Links
Benebone Bacon Stick Durable Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers, Real Bacon
Caledon Farms Value Pack Sweet Potato Chews 28oz/795G
Crumps Naturals Plaque Busters Advanced – Double Fresh Dental Sticks 9.5oz
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