A reader just asked me if I had any specific recommendations for her 17 year old dog with tender gums and sensitive teeth. As dogs get older their teeth will often become sensitive. To care for their teeth earlier in life it's always best to get them regular dental care, especially if you don't brush their teeth. For older dogs, and many small breeds which are prone to dental issues it can be difficult to get them to eat. A willing cook can find a way to feed and care for their pet:
Homemade stocks are an easy way to soften food, sneak in extra nutrition and soothe a sore mouth. A small amount of calcium and other minerals will also leach into the broth to nourish teeth & gums. My favorite stock recipe in Feed Your Best Friend Better uses beef neck bones and whatever extra produce you have to make a rich broth. For dogs who are a little on the heavy side, a diluted broth using 2-3 times as much water will help reduce calories but still have plenty of flavor.
Often when a dog refuses to eat he will often still drink and a rich broth will help keep him nourished. Warming the broth slightly to 80-90°F so it is warm but not hot will help soothe gums and release the broth's scent making mealtime more appealing.
Broths can be used to soften commercial food or to loosen up the texture of homemade meals that have been refrigerated and tend to congeal a bit. The objective would be to eliminate the need to chew as much as possible, so add enough broth to make food easy for your pup to eat.
For dogs who really don't eat much, try a scrambled egg, chopped up finely after cooking and add a little broth. The egg is a powerful source of protein and the texture when chopped finely can be easy to eat.
Throughout your dog's life always be sure to supplement homemade meals with calcium. (Eggshell powder is the easiest and most economical method.) A little eggshell powder prevention will help not only your dog's teeth, but also his bones and vital body functions.
If you're cooking homemade meals, I'd suggest adapting recipes to make them easier to eat with the following modifications:
•Use ground meat or grind it yourself in a food processor.
•Purée any fruits and vegetables being used or run them through the food processor prior to cooking.
•Cook all grains with 2-3 times the amount of water, almost making them into a soup rather than just a fluffy grain. You will also need to extend cooking time over low heat - try using a slow cooker so you don't have to stir the pot as much.
Although a dog may have sensitive teeth a little home cooking will certainly give him a reason to smile.
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