Does Eating only kibble cause tartar buildup in Dog or Cat ?

The answer is generally yes, dogs and cats who eat only kibble can still develop plaque and tartar on their teeth.

Here’s a breakdown of the common misconceptions and facts:

• The Myth: Many people believe that the crunchy nature of regular kibble acts like a toothbrush to clean the teeth.

• The Reality: Most standard kibble shatters or crumbles when an animal bites into it, providing very little mechanical scrubbing action, especially near the gumline where tartar builds up. Some sources even suggest that the refined carbohydrates in many kibbles can contribute to plaque and tartar formation, similar to how starchy foods affect human teeth.

Key Points:

• Specialized Dental Diets: There are specific dry kibbles and treats that are scientifically formulated and have a unique texture (often a larger size and/or a fiber matrix) that forces the tooth to penetrate deeply before breaking, providing a gentle scraping action. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance as they have been proven to help reduce plaque and/or tartar.

• Other Factors: The most effective way to prevent tartar buildup remains daily tooth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste, along with regular professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian.

• Comparison to Wet/Homemade Food: While regular kibble isn’t a dental cure, some studies have shown that feeding only a home-prepared or soft/wet food diet can sometimes lead to an increase in oral health problems compared to a commercial dry or mixed diet, though findings can be mixed and are often dependent on the specific formulation.