best dog food for older small dogs with no teeth
Best Dog Food for Older Small Dogs with Few Teeth 2024: Soft, Hydrating Meals
Little dogs have different needs from their medium and larger counterparts, in the same way that senior pups have a different set of nutritional requirements from young puppies.
But just like very young pups, older dogs especially small breed ones require foods that are easier to chew. With this in mind, we have reviewed the best dog food for older small dogs with few teeth.
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Senior Small Breed Dogs Dental Health
While dental disease is quite common in older dogs across all breeds and sizes, however, it is more prevalent in small breed dogs.
Many small breed dogs retain their baby teeth which can cause overcrowding in their little mouths once their adult teeth come. This overcrowding causes plaque and tartar to build up more.
Owners often assume that if their dog is eating well, their teeth must be in good condition and do not require much care. However, in many cases, the dog learns to chew differently to avoid pain or will simply tolerate it.
Left untreated, periodontal disease can affect several major organs. For this reason, we highly recommend having your dogs teeth examined at her yearly vet checkup.
Your vet will determine if your dog requires teeth cleaning. If not, there are several ways you can help protect your dogs teeth from dental and periodontal disease.
Daily Dental Care Routine
Establishing a daily dental care routine is one of the best ways to keep periodontal disease at bay. Brushing your pups teeth can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, as well as gingivitis and bad breath.
Consult your vet on the type of tools and products that would suit your dog the best. There are various types of toothbrushes in different sizes, as well as toothpaste and other canine oral health care products designed for various needs.
Toothbrush
There are different types of toothbrushes for dogs. Pick one that is suitable for your dogs size. You can find ones that look quite similar to toothbrushes for humans, as well as dual-headed or 360-degree ones that have bristles on all sides of the head.
There are also soft finger brushes if toothbrushes lead to a wrestling match with your pup, or if they have inflamed gums or require a gentler brushing.
Eco-friendly dog toothbrushes made of bamboo or other sustainable materials are now available in the market. Just like the others, these environmentally-friendly options also come in different sizes to suit every dog breed.
Toothpaste
Never use toothpaste made for humans on your pup as they often contain xylitol an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Dog toothpastes are free from this and are also made to be swallowed instead of rinsed off.
Similar to toothpaste made for children, dog toothpaste come in an array of flavors. From peanut butter to mint, chicken, or beef, you can easily find one in your pups favorite treat flavor.
Some of them come in tubes of gel, small pots of toothpaste, or even foam. These often contain scrubbing ingredients to help clean your dogs teeth.
Enzymatic toothpaste has enzymes that help break down tartar and reduce bacteria in the mouth. They also inhibit the formation of plaque.
Organic, all-natural dog types of toothpaste are now available on the market. They are typically free from not only xylitol but all other chemicals, dyes, and preservatives.
If your pup hates brushing, no-brush tooth gels and foams are also available. You just need to squirt a small amount in your dogs mouth once daily. No need to brush or rinse. These types of products work to help reduce plaque, and tartar and soothe irritated gums.
Water Additives
Another type of oral care product you can use if your dog does not tolerate brushing is a dental water additive. These odorless and flavorless water additives help fight bacteria that cause bad breath and help reduce tartar and plaque as well.
To use, simply pour an appropriate amount (according to package directions) of the additive into your dogs water bowl.
Dental Sticks/ Chews
Dental sticks and chews combine treats time and dental care in one tasty treat. Not only do they keep your pup occupied for a few minutes, but they also help clean the teeth and reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These treats are designed to have a texture that scrapes the teeth. They are formulated to help reduce bad breath as well.
Dental Supplements
There are various supplements for dogs that target oral health. They usually come in the form of chews or powder. Powders are usually administered by mixing with your dogs food. While chews can be given like treats or hidden in other foods if your pup does not like them on their own.
These products are meant to be ingested and work systemically. Some products contain compounds that come out through the saliva and work to break down the bacterial biofilm that forms on the teeth and gums. Many of these supplements are made with kelp, which has calcium, potassium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and iodine.
Dog Food for Dental Health
Numerous brands make foods that target oral health in dogs. Dental dry dog food often has larger, dry kibble and a crunchier texture to help scrape the teeth clean. They also
often contain ingredients or minerals that help promote healthier teeth and gums.
While some dogs with no teeth may no longer be able to chew crunchy dry dog food, some wet dog foods contain ingredients that can help freshen their breaths. Some of the ingredients to look for are sodium tripolyphosphate, parsley, and peppermint. Wet foods are a great way to add moisture to your dogs diet.
Sodium tripolyphosphate promotes dental health by binding to minerals in the saliva, reducing tartar formation. Parsley, green tea, and peppermint are natural ingredients that can help freshen dogs breaths. These ingredients can help maintain the oral health of dogs with few or no teeth even without the help of dry kibble.
Best Dog Food for Older Small Dogs with Few Teeth
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Best Overall |
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Now Fresh Small Breed Shredded Turkey Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Tiki Dog Aloha Petites Senior Mousse
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Natural Balance L.I.D. Buffalo & Sweet Potatoes Formula
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Nutro Ultra Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish Pate
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
K9 Natural Chicken Feast Raw Food
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon |
If your little senior pup who has few or no teeth left is having trouble chewing her dry dog food, it may be time to switch to softer foods.
We have reviewed the best dog foods in the market that are not only nutritious but are also easy to chew and wont give your pup a toothache.
- Nom Nom Beef Mash
- Now Fresh Small Breed Shredded Turkey Recipe
- Tiki Dog Aloha Petites Senior Mousse
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Buffalo & Sweet Potatoes Formula
- Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe
- Nutro Ultra Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish Pate
- K9 Natural Chicken Feast Raw Food
1. Nom Nom Beef Mash Fresh Dog Food
First 5 ingredients: Ground Beef, Russet Potatoes, Eggs, Carrots, Peas
Nom Nom Beef Mash is a fresh-cooked dog food that combines the warm, yummy goodness of a homecooked meal with the precise nutrition of vet-formulated commercial dog food.
The meals are crafted according to your dogs specific weight loss or weight gain goals. They also take into account their age, weight, and activity level to determine their approximate metabolism and caloric needs.
Because this fresh food is high in moisture, it is much easier to chew compared to dry food or dry kibble. By gently cooking the ingredients, they are able to ensure that the flavors are retained as well as their high nutritional value.
Made with real ground beef, this recipe is packed with the red meat flavor that dogs love. Its rich protein content helps increase older dogs energy levels as well as build a lean muscle mass. This fresh food contains no plant-derived proteins such as pea protein, wheat gluten, or potato protein.
This recipe has eggs as an additional source of protein. It has russet potatoes, carrots, and peas as its main sources of fiber and carbs. These vitamin-rich veggies also help your pup feel fuller for much longer compared to cheap fillers commonly found in commercial dog food products.
Well, Nom Nom has come out with a Variety Pack that contains all of its recipes. This pack includes 200g each of the Pork Potluck, Turkey Fare, and Beef Mash.. With this convenient pack, you can easily sample each recipe and find out which one your pup loves best. And as bonus, theres no need to subscribe first to buy this.
Feedback from subscribers to NomNom dog meal plans has been excellent. The majority of dog owners credit NomNom for the significant improvement in their pooches health. The dogs have brighter eyes, shiny coats, and renewed energy levels.
Fresh-cooked foods are definitely one of the best foods you can feed your pup. They are minimally processed and more natural compared to highly processed dry dog food. They are also pre-portioned according to the ideal calorie intake of your dog.
Make sure that gradual transition is done whenever introducing new food to your dog, especially if your pup is used to dry foods.
Pros
- High in moisture, easy to chew
- Gently cooked for flavor, nutrient retention
- No preservatives
- Carefully selected natural ingredients
- High-quality protein source: ground beef
- Complete and balanced diet with essential nutrients
- Crafted according to the dogs age, weight, activity level
- Conveniently pre-portioned
2. Now Fresh Small Breed Shredded Turkey Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Chicken Bone Broth, Peas, Carrots
Now Fresh Shredded Turkey Recipe Stew is a wet food formulated specifically for small breed dogs in all life stages. Instead of cans, the perfectly portioned food comes in a tetra pak carton which is reclosable and recyclable. According to the brand, they are made from sustainable materials from suppliers who manage forests responsibly.
To help improve dogs dental health, this recipe has sodium tripolyphosphate. According to the brand, this is added to the food to bind calcium, which makes it unavailable for tartar formation. To promote fresher breath, this wet dog food also has peppermint and parsley.
To make it easier for little dogs to chew, the food is shredded into small bits and soaked in flavorful turkey and chicken bone broths. This hydrating meal is a good way to add more moisture to your small dogs diet.
The main source of protein in this recipe is real turkey. To add more high-quality sources of amino acids as well as flavor and texture, cod liver is added to the recipe. It is also high in omega fatty acids that help improve heart and cognitive function in dogs both young and old.
This meal with complete and balanced nutrition also has pork plasma which is packed with vitamins and minerals. Not only does it improve dogs digestive health, but it is also a good source of functional proteins, nucleotides, and antibodies that provide multiple health benefits.
Sources of carbs and fiber in this recipe are peas, carrots, tapioca, and sweet potato. These are highly digestible veggies that are loaded with vitamins. Cranberries also give this shredded recipe a boost of antioxidants to help fight free radicals and strengthen the immune system.
Dog owners who purchased this grain-free dog food love the high-quality ingredients. They also love the visibly real, natural ingredients. You can see bits of carrots and peas along with the turkey shreds.
Pros
- Contains sodium tripolyphosphate that helps reduce tartar formation
- Parsley and peppermint for fresher breath
- Formulated for small breed dogs of all ages
- Soft, easy to chew small shreds of meat and veggies
- High-quality protein sources: turkey, cod liver
- No meat by-products
- Contains pork plasma for better digestion
- Complete and balanced diet with essential nutrients
- Calcium for improved bone health
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs allergic to chicken (contains chicken bone broth)
3. Tiki Dog Aloha Petites Senior Mousse Chicken, Beef & Pumpkin in Broth
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Mung Bean, Beef, Pumpkin
If your older pup requires food much softer than the usual minced, shredded, or morsels type of wet dog food, then a soft mousse may be the one for her.
Tiki Dog Aloha Petites Senior Mousse Chicken, Beef & Pumpkin in Broth is a wet food formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of mature small breed dogs.
This mousse is much smoother and softer than the regular pate types of dog food. It has more liquid in it to make chewing effortless for senior dogs with no teeth. You may need to squish it a bit before opening the pouch to get the chicken broth and mousse to combine a bit more, or squeeze it all into your dogs bowl and mix with a spoon.
This Tiki Dog mousse for petite seniors contains green tea extract. According to Dr. Julie Schell of Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, green tea has dental benefits of decreasing painful inflammations in addition to helping prevent arthritis and gingivitis, inhibition of cancer cell growth, tumor prevention, and treatment of several diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, and diarrhea.
Chicken is the first ingredient, making this a protein-rich, highly digestible soft food that is full of savory flavors. It is quite common to find chicken as the main ingredient in senior dog or puppy food. This is due to its high digestibility and palatability. Beef is also included as an additional source of amino acids.
Pumpkin is also included in this recipe for its many digestive health benefits. This superfood has soluble and insoluble fibers that help food move through the digestive tract. They also improve dogs stool quality.
Feedback for this senior dog food has been stellar. The majority of buyers had dogs with no teeth left or had very few. Some of them had recently undergone teeth extractions and were put on a soft diet.
Not only do dogs and toothless dogs alike love the rich and meaty mousse, but they are able to lick their bowls clean without much effort or discomfort.
Pros
- Extra soft mousse is easy to chew and digest
- Contains green tea extract which has antibacterial properties, dental health benefits
- Specifically formulated for older small breed dogs
- Low-fat
- Perfectly portioned for little dogs
- High-quality natural ingredients
- Highly digestible
- Highly palatable
Cons
- May require mixing to recombine the broth and mousse
4. Natural Balance L.I.D. Buffalo & Sweet Potatoes Formula
First 5 ingredients: Water (Sufficient For Processing), Buffalo, Sweet Potatoes, Dehydrated Potatoes, Potatoes
Natural Balance L.I.D. Buffalo & Sweet Potatoes Formula (now known as Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Bison & Sweet Potato) is a pate that is formulated to provide the nutrients that adult dogs of all breeds and sizes need.
Made of a novel protein source and a few carefully selected ingredients, this pate is suitable for sensitive dogs with allergies or digestive issues.
This canned dog food is high in moisture which makes it soft and easy to chew. It adds a healthy amount of hydration to your dogs diet.
Made with real buffalo/ bison meat, this recipe has a rich red meat flavor that many dogs naturally crave. Buffalo or bison is high in vitamin B2 and niacin which support dogs metabolic function and overall brain health.
Sweet potatoes and potatoes are included in this adult dog food as the carb and fiber sources instead of corn, wheat, or soy. Both are easy to digest and provide fiber, vitamins, and even protein. Canola oil and salmon oil provide omega 6 and 3 fatty acids that promote good heart, brain, skin, and coat health in dogs.
Based on comments from dog parents, it appears that many of them purchased this canned food for dogs suffering from allergies.
A good amount of the comments state that this soft pate is gentle on their sensitive pups tummies. The dogs skin health also improved since being switched to this limited ingredient recipe.
The soft texture of the pate makes it a hit among senior pups. Unlike some pates that need a bit of warm water to soften, this recipe is soft, smooth, and ready to serve.
Pros
- Limited-ingredient formula
- Novel-protein source: buffalo/ bison
- Soft, easy to chew even for dogs missing teeth
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- No meat by-products
- Highly digestible
Cons
- Requires a can opener
- Contains carrageenan a thickener made from seaweed (Irish moss) that some experts claim may potentially contribute to certain conditions
5. Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver
Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe Canned Dog Food is a grain-inclusive wet dog food crafted for senior pups of all breeds and sizes. This multi-protein wet food has chicken, turkey, ocean white fish, salmon, and duck all in one meal.
Aside from all the super tasty flavors from the high-quality protein sources, this is also a fiber-rich brown rice, oats, and barley wet dog food. It contains only wholesome grains without wheat, corn, or soy. This recipe is also free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.
The healthy grains in this canned food are great for dogs with digestive issues. They are easy to digest and help improve stool quality.
Superfoods like flaxseed, carrots, cranberries, and others provide antioxidants and vitamins that strengthen mature dogs immune systems. Flaxseeds are naturally high in omega fatty acids, while cranberries are high in vitamin C and have antibacterial properties.
Kelp is also included in this senior wet dog food. It not only supports good gut health but also helps reduce plaque and tartar in older dogs. This recipe also has parsley which can help freshen dogs breaths.
Dogs seem to enjoy this super flavorful wet food. They find the chicken, turkey, salmon, ocean white fish, duck, and liver canned dog food irresistible. Palatability is very important in foods for senior dogs as they tend to be pickier with food as they get older. An appetizing meal helps ensure your dog gets all the nutrients she needs to stay healthy.
The meat and vegetables canned dog food is soft and easy to chew even for old dogs who have very few teeth left. This recipe with wholesome grains has also proven itself to be good for sensitive gastrointestinal tracts.
Pros
- Soft, easy to chew pate
- High-quality natural ingredients
- High-quality animal proteins: chicken, turkey, ocean white fish, salmon, and duck
- Wholesome grains: whole grain brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Antioxidants from superfoods
- Kelp
- L-carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight
- Highly digestible
- Highly palatable
6. Nutro Ultra Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish Pate
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Spinach, Tomatoes
Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish Pate with Superfoods Senior Wet Dog Food is a multi-protein wet food formulated for senior pooches of all breeds and sizes.
The conveniently pre-portioned trays make it a great meal on the go for small breed dogs. This wet food has a soft consistency making it easy to chew for dogs with no teeth.
This food has the rich and meaty goodness of real chicken and liver; lamb; and whitefish. All of these meat sources are popular with picky dogs and are easy to digest for sensitive senior tummies.
They are packed with amino acids that dogs need for good overall health. Whitefish is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids that support brain, heart, skin, and coat health.
Packed with garden vegetables like carrots, spinach, and tomatoes, as well as superfoods like blueberries, coconut, chia seeds, etc, this food is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that boost the immune system and help protect the body from free radicals.
It is free from corn, wheat, or soy. It also has no artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives. Only non-GMO natural ingredients are used in this recipe.
However, it does contain carrageenan. Carrageenan is a thickening agent made from a seaweed called Irish Moss. This thickener is commonly used in wet pet foods. Some experts claim that it may potentially contribute to certain conditions in pets.
Reviews from buyers of this Nutro pate are quite stellar, with some even crediting it for improving their senior pups health. One buyer states that this wet dog food helped extend the life of her senior pup who passed at 17 years of age. According to the owner, she believes that if not for this pate, her dog would have stopped eating many years ago because of the dogs bad teeth or poor oral health.
Picky eaters seem to love this soft dog food as well. They get excited whenever a tray is opened and gobble up the food as soon as it is served.
Pros
- Soft, easy to chew pate
- High-quality non-GMO natural ingredients
- High-quality protein sources: chicken, lamb, whitefish
- Packed with antioxidants from superfoods
- Easy to digest
- Highly palatable
- Convenient, pre-portioned trays
7. K9 Natural Chicken Feast Raw Food
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Eggs, Flaxseed Flakes, Hoki Oil, Brown Kelp
If your senior pooch loves dry food but can no longer chew hard, dry kibble, K9 Natural Chicken Feast Raw dog food is a highly recommended alternative to dry dog food.
This nutrient-dense freeze-dried raw dog food comes in soft, dry morsels that are easy to chew. You can easily crumble them if you wish to use them as a meal-topper. The texture makes it one of the best dog foods for dogs with few teeth or even toothless dogs.
This versatile dog food is so tasty that many use it as a high-value treat for their pups. The morsels can also be rehydrated with a bit of warm water if your pup prefers a wet meal. Make sure that you transition your dog to her new food gradually, especially if she is not used to a raw diet.
A meat-rich formula, this recipe is a whopping 48% protein. Chicken is the main source of animal protein, with eggs as a bioavailable supplementary protein source.
Because it is freeze-dried raw, this recipe does not contain chicken meal which is rendered chicken meat that is commonly used in dry food or dry kibble.
New Zealand green mussels are also included in this freeze-dried/ dehydrated food. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these green mussels are high in omega 3 and other fatty acids, as well as other naturally occurring compounds that can improve joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain. This can help improve mobility and range of motion in mature dogs.
This tasty meal/ topper/ treat also has brown kelp and dried kelp which have multiple health benefits. From helping dogs recover faster from injuries to supporting healthy glandular functions and promoting good dental health, kelp is definitely a superfood for dogs.
Other superfoods included in this low-carb, high-protein recipe are flaxseed flakes, hoki oil, pumpkin, broccoli, etc. Loaded with nutrients, these superfoods support many aspects of dogs health.
K9 Natural makes some of the healthiest, most palatable canine foods on the market. Because it has a very high meat content, dogs love the flavor of these soft morsels.
As it is packed with nutrients and contains no fillers, a little goes a long way with this freeze-dried raw food. Your dog will need a smaller serving of this food compared to servings of dry dog food.
Pros
- Soft, dry morsels that are easy to chew
- Shelf-stable freeze-dried raw food
- Can be rehydrated if preferred
- Very high in protein at 48%
- Suitable for dogs of all life stages and sizes
- High-quality natural ingredients
- High-quality protein source: chicken
- New Zealand green-lipped mussels for joint health support
- Kelp for digestive, dental health support
- Antioxidants from superfoods
- Can be served as a meal, topper, or treat
Cons
- Crumbles easily
- Expensive
Best Supplement & Treats
1. LICKS Littles Elder Dog Chicken Flavored Supplement
LICKS Littles ElderDog Chicken Flavored Supplement is a soft, lickable supplement formulated specifically for older toy and small breed dogs.
Its liquid formulation makes it easy to administer to dogs with no teeth. No need to struggle with chews to provide joint and metabolic supplements to your senior pooch. It is a delicious way to keep your dog healthy.
This chicken-flavored, human-grade supplement is made to be super tasty that your little dog would think that it is treats time instead of treatment time. You can let your pup lick the liquid directly from the sachet, or you can squeeze the contents into your dogs bowl for her to enjoy.
According to the brand, the absorption rate for their liquid supplements are much higher compared to tablets and chews. The pets are able to absorb up to 98% of the active ingredients with this highly effective form.
LICKS Littles ElderDog helps support mobility and new cell generation in older dogs. It not only boosts their immune system health, but also helps them walk, run, and play with ease.
According to dog owners, this lickable multivitamins for dogs have rejuvenated their older dogs. They are significantly more active and are able to move better within several days of taking this supplement.
They also love the smaller packets made just for little dogs. No more splitting the regular ElderDog supplements in half as this liquid supplement come in a box of 10-single serve sachets that contain the right amount of supplements for small senior pups.
Pros
- Lickable liquid supplement
- Easy to administer to dogs with little or no teeth
- Formulated for small breed senior dogs
- Provides joint, immune, metabolic support
- Highly palatable chicken-flavored liquid
- Comes pre-portioned in single-serve sachets
2. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Savory Salmon Recipe
They may be past the training stage, but they still deserve rewards. Your little older dog can still enjoy training treats with Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Savory Salmon Recipe Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats. These soft treats can be enjoyed even by dogs with little or no teeth.
With salmon as the most plentiful ingredient, opening a bag of these treats can have your little pooch come running for tasty rewards. Salmon is naturally high in omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA, which help maintain good brain function in puppies and senior dogs.
To ensure that they get plenty of DHA, fish oil is also added to the recipe. These essential fatty acids also promote healthy skin and glossy coats in dogs. Brown rice, oatmeal, and flaxseed give these treats fiber that aids the digestion of dogs.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes love these savory salmon recipe soft treats. Because they are small, they make great training treats even for small breed dogs. The small size and the soft, moist texture makes it easy to chew.
Pros
- Soft, moist, easy to chew training treats
- Small-sized bits
- Salmon is the first ingredient
- High in omega fatty acids for brain, skin, coat health
- Highly palatable
- Free from whole grain corn, wheat, soy
- No meat by-products or chicken by-product meal
Cons
- May not be suitable for diabetic dogs as it contains cane sugar