Last Updated: 24/06/2025
Can Diet Improve Your Pet's Dental Health?
Discover how your dog's diet can keep their teeth clean, improve oral hygiene and make a big difference to their health and wellbeing
Author: Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Reading Time: 15 minutes - medium read
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS in partnership with Hill's Science Diet .
Why Dental Health Matters in Pets
Dental disease is the most common health condition in both dogs and cats, yet it often goes unnoticed. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines state that by age three, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have already developed dental issues, but because pets usually continue eating and behaving normally, many owners miss the early warning signs.
Bad breath, drooling, and difficulty chewing can all indicate dental issues but these signs may not appear until dental problems are advanced. Left untreated dental issues don’t just cause tooth loss and infections, it can have widespread consequences, affecting vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. That's why it's important to be a proactive pet parent and stay on top of your pet's dental care with preventative measures.
And one of the easiest and most effective ways you can make a difference to your pet's dental health is with a specially formulated dental food.
The Role of Diet in Dental Health
The food your pet eats every day can play a powerful role in improving their dental health. Specially formulated dental foods work in several important ways.
Unlike regular kibble, dental kibbles like Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care are specifically designed with unique features that help clean teeth effectively. Dental kibbles are typically larger with a special fibre texture designed to mechanically remove plaque and tartar with every bite. The act of chewing a larger kibble with interlocking fibres physically scrubs the surface of the teeth, removing plaque before it hardens into tartar.
Secondly, dental foods are often designed with unique shapes that encourage proper chewing to help scrape plaque on the teeth. Dental foods may also have powerful nutrients like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to help support both gum health and the immune system.
Please replace me
How Hill's Science Diet Oral Care Supports Dental Health
Hill's Science Diet Oral Care is developed by veterinary scientists and nutrition experts with your pet's dental health in mind. This food is clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar build up through some key features:
- The unique interlocking fibre technology gently scrubs the tooth surface as your pet chews
- The larger kibble size encourages more chewing, not gulping, which helps to mechanically clean teeth more effectively than regular kibble
- The innovative texture of the kibble works like a toothbrush to clean teeth while chewing
- By removing plaque it freshens breath so no more stinky kisses!
This diet has also earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance for control of both plaque and tartar. Products awarded with this seal have been proven to effectively reduce plaque and tartar in pets with regular use.
Not only does Hill's Science Diet Oral Care improve your pet's dental health, it supports your pet's overall wellbeing! Alongside its dental benefits, Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care also includes vitamins C and E to support immune function, and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Hill's Science Diet Oral Care is available in complete and balanced formulas for both dogs and cats.
Hill's Science Diet Oral Care Diets for Dogs and Cats
Adult Oral Care Small And Mini Chicken Rice And Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
The perfect oral care food for toy and small breeds. A customised kibble size is designed for small jaws that still effectively scrapes plaque as they chew.
Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food
A dedicated oral care food for adult dogs. It offers a unique kibble technology that helps to reduce plaque and tartar build-up while freshening breath
Adult Oral Care Dry Cat Food
A premium dry food designed to promote oral health in adult cats using a unique kibble technology that helps reduce plaque buildup during chewing.
Introducing a Dental Diet to Your Pet
Like any dietary change, it's best to introduce a new dental diet, like Hill's Oral Care, gradually over 7 days to avoid digestive upset. Mix it in with your pet's current food and increase the amount of the new food each day. While this food is suitable for most adult pets, it's a good idea to speak with your vet to ensure it's the right fit for your pet's specific needs.
For optimal results, dental diets work best when combined with other oral care strategies like tooth brushing, annual dental checkups, and the use of vet-approved dental chews or toys.
Dental care is a daily commitment-but it doesn't have to be difficult. With a special dental care diet, like Hill's Science Diet Oral Care, keeping your pet's teeth cleaner becomes as simple as feeding them each day.
Further Reading
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Your Dog's Digestive System Explained
What You Need To Know About Your Cat's Digestive System
Scientific Nutrition to Support Health Conditions in Dogs
What is the Best Flea and Tick Treatment for Pets in Australia?
Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Veterinarian
Dr Olivia graduated from Murdoch University in 2015 and worked in Western Australia before moving to Sydney to work in specialist practice as an avian and exotics veterinarian. Olivia has thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of species and interesting cases in her time as an exotics veterinarian. She has a particular soft spot for rabbits and thoroughly enjoys all aspects of rabbit medicine and surgery. She also has many years of experience working with dogs and cats as well as an array of wildlife.
