Dog kibble and dog food
for optimal oral health

Periodontal disease is the most common disorder affecting dogs worldwide.

Informal estimates put the prevalence of this disease as high as 85%. Some risk factors for the development of periodontal disease in dogs that you should be aware of are increasing age, small breed and neutering. With the help of a veterinarian, it is crucial for pet parents to regularly monitor oral hygiene since periodontal disease can affect more than just the mouth of your pet. Periodontal disease has been linked to cardiac disease in dogs and associated with changes in kidney, liver and heart tissues.

How do I know if my dog has periodontal disease?

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Problems picking up food
• Bleeding or red gums (check for blood in the water bowl or chew toys),
• Loose teeth

We recommend working with your veterinarian to develop the best plan for your dog’s health including oral care. Regular dental checkups along with brushing, dental kibble and dental chews can help support a healthy mouth.

Specialized dog kibble

The unique size and shape of kibble in our dental health dog food encourages chewing to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Our formula also contains pea fiber, which creates a brushing-like action to help remove plaque. Additionally, Vetdiet^® dental health dog food is formulated with sodium hexametaphosphate, which has been shown through research to reduce dental calculus formation in dogs¹.

What is sodium hexametaphosphate?

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is an ingredient that can be found in our Vetdiet^® dental health dog food. SHMP binds and holds onto the calcium found in dental plaque. Once it binds to plaque, it forms a complex that is carried away in the dog’s saliva, preventing the formation of calculus.

Is sodium hexametaphosphate safe for my dog?

The simple answer is yes. SHMP is recognized by Health Canada as a safe substance used in food products, including baked goods, nonalcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, jams, jellies, and infant formulas. Many safety studies have been conducted over the years showing the safety of this ingredient. It is used widely in human and pet food. Feeding studies of SHMP in dogs have been conducted which support safe feeding in dogs².