Best Dog Foods for Dogs with No Teeth

There is an age range when a puppy will lose baby teeth, as that’s a natural part of their growth and development. Old dogs lose their teeth due to poor oral hygiene and dental disease, so it will happen whenever the situation gets bad enough, not when he reaches a certain age. When this happens, pet owners find themselves looking for the best dog foods for dogs with no teeth.

Small and toy breeds like Yorkies, Poodles, Maltese, and Pomeranians, commonly have persistent deciduous teeth. Food and debris easily collect in these hard-to-maintain areas, predisposing the dog to periodontal disease. 

Why is my older dog losing teeth?

If you’ve noticed your senior dog losing teeth, and you can’t link it to a fall, slip, or another form of trauma, it’s quite possible your dog has some degree of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is inflammation or infection of the tissues around the teeth. It is one of the most common health problems diagnosed by veterinarians. It is estimated that over 80% of adult dogs will develop some degree of periodontal disease by the time they are three years old.

This disease starts when plaque, a sticky substance made from saliva mixed with food particles, builds up on the teeth. Bacteria in the plaque can cause an inflamed gum line, such as gingivitis, and infect the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth.

Plaque can be removed from the teeth by consistent routine brushing, but if allowed to remain, it will harden into tartar over time. This tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone. It’s like cement on the teeth. As tartar accumulates, inflammation increases, and bone loss occurs. When alveolar bone loss exceeds 50%, teeth loosen and fall out on their own.

What Are The Telltale Signs Of Dental Disease?

Examine your dog’s teeth to determine if your dog is showing any signs of these dental problems. Report any red flags and missing teeth to your veterinarian.

• Bad breath.
• Pain when chewing, especially if it is crunchy food.
• Bleeding gums.
• Dropping food or drooling when eating.
• Chewing only on one side of his mouth.
• Showing a preference for soft foods or refusing to eat hard foods.

Can Dental Disease Affect Your Dog’s Overall Health?

It may appear that your aging dog’s oral health is separate from the rest of her body, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems diagnosed by veterinarians.

Here are the ways your dog’s periodontal disease may affect its overall health and well-being.

• Gradual weight loss: Periodontal disease is a painful condition worsened by eating and chewing. Your canine companion will likely eat less and less to avoid the pain, and significant weight loss will follow.
• Lack of nutrients: If your pooch avoids mealtimes, the lack of nutrient ingestion will soon impact all aspects of its health. Providing essential nutrients to meet your dog’s needs is crucial.
• Lower quality of life: The constant pain in your furry friend’s mouth may cause a lack of energy. Furthermore, chronic inflammation has an adverse effect on the mind and body, which could cause your dog to lose interest in playing and going for walks.
• Increased risk of heart disease: If your dog’s gums bleed due to gingivitis, bacteria from the mouth can enter her bloodstream and migrate to the heart. There it attaches to the heart valves, causing inflammation (i.e., endocarditis). In its early stages, endocarditis causes lethargy and weight loss. As it progresses, it leads to signs of heart failure such as coughing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and sudden collapse.

Best Dog Foods For Dogs With No Teeth

If your dog has dental issues, you will have to find dog food soft enough for your precious pooch to eat without pain while receiving veterinary dental care. Furthermore, you’ll have to ensure the food you choose is high-quality to ensure your dog’s diet provides all the essential nutrients without causing pain.

Most importantly, always make a change to new food for your dog a gradual process. Your pooch’s digestive systems might not cope with a sudden change. Start with a small portion, and increase it gradually over several days.

Dog Food Care researched the available dog food options for dogs with no teeth. We selected various highly rated products, both wet and dry. You can give your toothless pooch dry kibble after adding moisture to soften them. Pour warm water over the kibble, or, better yet, make bone or chicken broth as softening moisture.

Note: Average Prices Quoted are as of July 15, 2022

Best Dry Dog Food (2 Options)

Overall Best – ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

https://prf.hn/l/9vlYp8W 

https://amzn.to/3ATYtEN 

First 6 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard)

Nutritional Analysis: Crude Protein 38% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 8.0% max, Moisture 12.0% max

Dry Matter Analysis: Protein 43%, Fat 10%, Fiber 10%, Carbs 31%

Caloric Content: 417 kcal/8-oz cup

Key Benefits:

• Crafted with 85% premium animal ingredients, including poultry and fish, for a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• The first 5 ingredients are always fresh or raw animal protein.
• Packed with WholePrey nutrition featuring nutrient-rich organs.
• Made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients.
• Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor.

Average Price: $99.99 per 25-lb bag = $4.00-lb

Dog Food Care Rating: 5 Stars

Best for Budget – Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Senior 7+ Formula Dog Food

https://prf.hn/l/pRzeGwv 

https://amzn.to/3z7ActE 

First 6 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal

Nutritional Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 4.5% max, Moisture 12.0% max

Dry Matter Analysis: Protein 48%, Fat 15%, Fiber 11%, Carbs 31%

Caloric Content: 363 kcal/8-oz cup

Key Benefits:

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient in this senior dry dog food. Plus, every serving is loaded with protein to help support your furry pal’s strong muscles as he gets older, including his healthy heart.
• This chicken meal is ideal for senior dogs ages 7 and up with no teeth. The high-protein dry dog food blends purposeful ingredients that naturally work together to help your senior friend stay sharp and maintain his energy.
• Every serving has natural sources of glucosamine to promote joint health, an antioxidant blend to support his immune system, and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to keep up his healthy skin and coat.
• Each ingredient in this dog food diet is chosen for the purpose of giving your best buddy 100% nutrition and 0% fillers. Plus, this wholesome recipe is highly digestible, meaning more nutrition goes to work inside your dog.
• Purina ONE is veterinarian recommended. They manufacture this kibble dog food in Purina-owned, U.S. facilities, where regular checks for quality and safety ensure a pet food that meets your high standards.

Average Price: $44.38 31.1-lb = 1.42-lb

Dog Food Care Rating: 5 Stars

Best Nuggets

Primal – Lamb Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

https://prf.hn/l/nPyL8Ol 

https://amzn.to/3PyOeKg 

First 6 Ingredients: Lamb Hearts, Ground Lamb Bones, Lamb Liver, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash

Nutritional Analysis: Crude Protein 34% min, Crude Fat 30% min, Crude Fiber 4.0% max, Moisture 7.0% max

Dry Matter Analysis: Protein 36%, Fat 9%, Fiber 9.5%, Carbs 27%

Caloric Content: 148 kcal/ounce

Key Benefits:

• Made with antibiotic-, hormone-, steroid-free lamb organs, and fresh ground bone for calcium supplementation.
• Incorporates certified organic produce, certified organic minerals and unrefined vitamins to fortify the complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages.
• All the benefits of a raw ancestral diet in a highly palatable, freeze-dried form that’s fast and easy to serve.
• Optimum levels of amino acids (protein), essential fatty acids, natural-occurring enzymes and necessary vitamins and minerals supply the building blocks for healthy biological functions.
• Crafted in the USA with sustainably sourced ingredients and contains no grain, gluten, corn, wheat, or soy.

Average Price: $33.98 14-oz bag = $2.42-oz

Dog Food Care Rating: 5 Stars

The following wet dog foods can be served on their own or as toppers on the dry kibble.

Canned Food For Senior Dogs With No Teeth (2 Options)

Best Canned Food – Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables Canned Dog Food

https://prf.hn/l/VXDbgYk 

https://amzn.to/3uSWQDw 

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas

Nutritional Analysis: Crude Protein 7.5% min, Crude Fat 4.5% min, Crude Fiber 2.0% max, Moisture 78.0% max

Dry Matter Analysis: Protein 34%, Fat 20%, Fiber 10% Carbs 22%

Caloric Content: 396 kcal/8-oz cup

Key Benefits:

• Starts with real chicken to help support healthy muscle maintenance.
• Serve as a special treat, mixed with dry food or all on its own as an entrée.
• Formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility.
• It does not contain any by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.

Average Price: $33.00 per case of 12 × 12.5-oz = $2.75 per can

Dog Food Care Rating: 4.5 Stars

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Canned Dog Food

https://prf.hn/l/2YGxkaO 

https://amzn.to/3o6vWUK 

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Pork Liver, Brown Rice, Carrots, Rice Starch

Nutritional Analysis: Crude Protein 3.5% min, Crude Fat 2.2% min, Crude Fiber 2.0% max, Moisture 82.0% max

Dry Matter Analysis: Protein 19%, Fat 12%, Fiber 11% Carbs 40%

Caloric Content: 327 kcal/12.8 oz can

Key Benefits:

• Made with real meat, brown rice and a medley of delectable vegetables, including peas and carrots, all smothered in a delicious gravy
• High-quality, lean protein promotes lean muscle and ideal body weight
• Gentle fibers and whole grains promote healthy digestion of this meaty dog food
• Vitamins and minerals are added for optimal health benefits
• Good for adult dogs 7+ years of age

Average Price: $34.49 for 12 × 12.8-oz cans = $2.87 per can

Dog Food Care Rating: 4.5 Stars

Best Wet Food and Pate in Trays (2 Options)

Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken Paw Pie Natural Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

https://prf.hn/l/PkjYnzx 

https://amzn.to/3PbGbmI 

First 6 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Egg White, Pea Protein, Sweet Potatoes

Nutritional Analysis: Crude Protein 9% min, Crude Fat 2% min, Crude Fiber 2% max, Moisture 78% max

Dry Matter Analysis: Protein 40%, Fat 9%, Fiber 9.9%, Carbs 27%

Caloric Content: 235 kcal/8 oz tub

Key Benefits:

• Natural food with added vitamins and minerals provides your pup with complete and balanced nutrition.
• Made with real chicken, veggie accents like sweet potatoes, green beans, and pineapple.
• There is no gluten, corn, wheat, or soy, so it’s great for pet parents concerned with allergies, obesity, or digestibility.
• There are no meat by-products or fillers, so you can be confident in feeding your precious pooch.
• There aren’t artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, just natural ingredients.
• Suitable for small breed and large breed dogs.

Average Price: $19.92 per pack of 8 x 8-oz trays = $2.49 per tray

Dog Food Care Rating: 5 Stars

Wellness Petite Entrées Mini-Filets with Tender Turkey, Green Beans & White Sweet Potatoes in Gravy Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

https://prf.hn/l/QqA4ZDE 

https://amzn.to/3ATYZmd 

First 6 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Turkey, Potato Starch, Green Beans, White Sweet Potatoes

Nutritional Analysis: Crude Protein 8% min, Crude Fat 3% min, Crude Fiber 1.0% max, Moisture 82.0% max

Dry Matter Analysis: Protein 36%, Fat 9%, Fiber 4.5%, Carbs 27%

Caloric Content: 83 kcal/tray

Key Benefits:

• Made with real meat, brown rice and a medley of delectable vegetables, including peas and carrots, all smothered in a delicious gravy
• High-quality, lean protein promotes lean muscle and ideal body weight
• Gentle fibers promote healthy digestion
• Vitamins and minerals are added for optimal health benefits
• Good for large dogs and small dogs, 7+ years of age

Average Price: $45.60 per case of 24 x 3-oz = $1.90 per tray

Dog Food Care Rating: 4.5 Stars

Dog owners who want to prevent their dogs from suffering painful dental disease and going through their golden years with no teeth, might want to let the following precautions guide them

Preventing Gum Disease in Dogs

Pets’ teeth should be brushed twice daily, just like humans’ teeth. If we can minimize bacteria and their by-products, a normal body will provide a suitable defense to maintain dental health.

Working with your veterinarian, follow these four steps to prevent or slow painful gum disease in your dog:

Take your dog in for regular oral exams and cleanings

• Oral exams with dental X-rays done under general anesthesia are the only way to identify bad teeth and get a full picture of what’s happening in your dog’s teeth and below the gum line.

Brush your dog’s teeth every day

• Like yours, daily brushing is the best home care for keeping your doggy dude’s pearly whites in top form. While the task may seem a little daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Patience, the right tools, and some guidance from your veterinarian can lead most pet owners to success. As a matter of fact, if you take it slow, most dogs and cats, even senior pets, will allow you to brush their teeth. Your vet can help you pick the best toothpaste and toothbrush for your canine companion.

Feed your dog quality dog food

• Some dogs will benefit from “dental diets” that help scrub their teeth as they chew or from foods that have additives that prevent plaque from hardening. Talk to your vet about what diet is right for your toothless dog.

Offer safe toys and treats for daily chewing.

• Chewing on tooth-friendly goodies daily is another way to help prevent gum disease in dogs. Look for dog treats and toys that aren’t hard, like rubber balls, thin rawhide strips that bend, as well as rubbery toys in which you can hide treats. (Beware that hard rawhide can cause gastrointestinal problems if your dog swallows a large piece.)

To prevent fractures and broken teeth, avoid hard treats of any kind, such as animal bones (raw or cooked), nylon bones, or cow and pig hooves.

Hopefully, we answered your questions about your senior dog’s tooth loss, and the best soft dog food to provide a balanced diet with the required nutrients, but avoid the pain of chewing.