Dental health care

Looking after your dog's teeth is just as important as caring for your own!

Discover everything about our dental sticks with mint and superfoods, learn how to support oral health with additional products from the Arden Grange range, and gather numerous other dental care hints and tips.

"Prevention is better than cure" is particularly relevant when it comes to dental disease. This is because plaque can transform into tartar in just 4-5 days! While plaque can be eliminated through diligent brushing, the use of appropriate chews, and/or supplements, the hard yellow tartar that forms when plaque is not removed promptly is much harder to address. Symptoms of dental disease may include pain, difficulty eating or loss of appetite, gingivitis (inflamed gums), infection, tooth breakage or loss, and potentially organ damage if bacteria persistently release toxins into the body.

Did you know that plaque is a sticky film made up of food particles, saliva, and bacteria? The mouth is the ideal environment for bacteria to multiply, offering nourishment, moisture, and warmth.

Continue reading to discover how to keep your dog’s teeth pearly white, gums in prime condition, promote fresh breath, and reduce the bacteria in the mouth!

You’ll find the specifications for our Dental Sticks (including ingredients, nutrient levels and suggested daily quantity based on your dog’s size) on our website and on the packaging.

What size is each stick?

130mm x 15mm.

Are the sticks suitable for all breeds/sizes?

Yes, for bigger dogs you can double up, for smaller dogs you can snap the stick in half.

Small dogs (2.5 - 15kg) 0.5 sticks
Medium dogs (15-30kg) 1 stick
Large dogs (30kg - 60kg) 2 sticks

How exactly do dental sticks support oral health?

• Mint oil - Helps freshen breath. Besides its naturally pleasant smell, it also possesses antibacterial properties.
• Blueberry, pomegranate & spirulina - These superfoods provide antioxidants that may help control damaging free radicals in the mouth (as well as other parts of the body).
• Coconut oil – Supplies lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties.
• Cellulose (4%) - Offers fibre and texture that promote the mechanical reduction of plaque through chewing. However, its effectiveness depends on your dog’s eating style and rate of ingestion.
• Sodium hexametaphosphate - This compound binds to calcium in saliva, reducing plaque mineralisation and preventing it from hardening. Soft plaque is easier to remove than hard dental calculus.

Is sodium hexametaphosphate safe?

When included at the appropriate concentration in a professionally formulated product, this ingredient is not harmful. Numerous studies support its efficacy and safety in oral health products for dogs.

Is the product very high in sodium because of the sodium hexametaphosphate inclusion?

No. The measured sodium content is 0.4% (400mg/100g), and in human nutrition, 600mg/100g is considered high. It's important to note that nutrient intake is related to the amount of food consumed. Each stick contains 104mg of sodium. The product provides 148mg of sodium per 100 kcals, indicating it is not suitable for dogs with renal disease who need to consume less than the standard RDA for dogs.

How many calories are supplied by each dental stick?

There are 69 calories per stick (270 kcals/100g).

How can I incorporate dental sticks into my dog’s diet without unwanted weight gain?

Please note that you should not feed more sticks than our guide suggests. As with any addition to the main diet, the kibble should be reduced accordingly to accommodate the extra calories. For every stick consumed, reduce the amount of food at the main mealtime to account for the treats' calories.

Are the sticks high in fat?

No, they are very low-fat, with just 1.5% (1.9% on a dry matter basis).

Why are the dental sticks vegetarian?

The carefully formulated recipe is made from plant-based ingredients with optimal benefits to oral health. This also means that our sticks are broadly suitable for dogs with sensitivities to meat or fish.

My dog has multiple food allergies. Will the dental sticks still be suitable?

Unless your dog is known or suspected to be allergic to potatoes, then yes! A true food allergy is an adverse immune response to one or more dietary protein/s. This product is low in protein, with the only significant contributor being potato flour (potato starch is not a source of protein). The sticks are made according to gluten-free recipes and are entirely grain-free as well, containing no animal proteins.

What are the calcium & phosphorous levels?

Calcium = 0.09%

Phosphorus = 0.25%

Why are the dental sticks unsuitable for puppies?

This product has been specifically designed for adult teeth rather than baby/milk teeth.

What is the purpose of the glycerine and where is it derived from?

The glycerine, derived from vegetable oil (not palm oil) extracted from fibre, is used to ensure the correct texture and density, resulting in a highly palatable product that dogs will love.

What is the purpose of the vinegar?

The small amount of vinegar is a natural preservative, avoiding the need to add artificial stabilizers.

Where are the sticks made?

Germany.

All Arden Grange diets have some supportive elements in respect of oral care. These include:

• Highly bioavailable sources of antioxidant vitamins (C, E, B9 and beta carotene – a precursor of vitamin A). Vitamin C is of note in dentistry, since it helps the lining of the gums to stay healthy despite the large number of bacteria that inhabit the mouth. Healthy gums isolate the bacteria from the roots of the teeth despite their proximity. When bacteria start to penetrate the gums, through tiny lesions or weakened lining, it is within the gums that the immune system fights to eradicate the harmful bacteria and to ensure the health of both the gums and the underlying tooth-supporting ligaments and bone.
• Antioxidant minerals (selenium, zinc, copper and manganese) from sources that are easily absorbed and utilised. Zinc is of particular importance. Even though it is naturally present in saliva, plaque and dental hard tissues, it can help to slow down tartar build-up and has antiseptic properties [Fatima et al., 2016].
• Bioflavonoids. These plant derived compounds with antioxidant properties are thought to significantly enhance the absorption of vitamin C. They also contain active substances that inhibit the enzymes which enable the oral bacteria to stick to the teeth. Cranberry extract and yucca extract are included in every recipe. Check out our Sensitive and Grain Free ranges for products with extra antioxidant superfoods including blueberries, pomegranate, spirulina and coconut oil.
• MSM has well documented anti-inflammatory properties [Butawan et al., 2019], and can also increase the level of naturally occurring glutathione (a potent naturally occurring antioxidant produced within the body).
• No added sugars. Although dogs and cats are not prone to tooth decay in the same way as people (they don’t produce salivary amylase – the enzyme that starts the process of starch digestion in the mouth), it does make sense to avoid sticky, sugary foods because even if they are not directly responsible for problems in our pets, they still act as a food source and growth medium for bacteria.
• Contrary to popular belief, the most common cause of dental disease in dogs is not the consumption of carbohydrates, but the overgrowth of Streptococcus and Actinomyces bacteria. Genetics can play a part too, and an overcrowded mouth or incorrect bite increases susceptibility.

Antioxidants are substances which protect the cells of the body from unstable molecules known as free radicals. Antioxidants interact with and stabilise these free radicals, and thus prevent some of the damage they might cause if allowed to accumulate. Antioxidant enzymes occur naturally in the body, but low levels or inhibition of these enzymes can affect the body’s ability to detoxify and to repair cell / tissue damage. This results in oxidative stress, which in both humans and animals is associated with ill health. Additional antioxidant protection by means of diet is the sensible solution to the free radical problem.  In both species, poor nutrition can cause or exacerbate dental problems, especially diets that are deficient in the minerals and minerals responsible for healthy teeth (including calcium, phosphorous, vitamin A and vitamin D).

The most effective way to keep the teeth clean is with a soft toothbrush or finger stall and a pet-safe paste. Human toothpaste should never be used because it may contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs, and almost always fluoride, which is also dangerous for them to consume. It’s appreciated that not all dogs are amenable to brushing, and unless they have been accustomed from an early age, it can be hard to get them to accept it. For dogs that detest the toothbrush, an enzymatic paste (that stops the soft plaque turning to hard tartar) can be smeared on to a grooved dental toy. The mechanical action of chewing helps to clean the teeth. It can also be applied to knotted rope toys for dogs, and a good game of tug almost has a dental floss type of action.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that the regular use of Ascophyllum nodosum (a type of seaweed) is effective in helping to reduce plaque and calculus [Gawor et al., 2018]. The advantage of a product like this is that it is free from artificial colourings, preservatives and gluten. Because it is only required in small quantities, it is also low calorie. Important Note: Seaweed supplements are generally unsuitable for animals undergoing thyroid treatment or pregnant/lactating bitches due to the high iodine content.

If your dog has required dental treatment, soft food may be easier for them to manage while the gums are healing. You can soak the dry Arden Grange kibble to soften it, and this does not lessen the antioxidant activity or reduce the bioavailability of the other nutrients that are important for oral health. Take a look too at our wet food ranges for exceptionally palatable products with a soft consistency.

The key is to try to stop the accumulation of plaque and ensure it’s removed before the tartar can develop. Please keep in mind that some animals are genetically predisposed to dental disease, and unfortunately may develop problems despite regular home dental care and the use of an excellent quality diet such as Arden Grange which includes nutrients to promote healthy teeth and gums.

As a responsible and ethical company, Arden Grange fully appreciate that caution must be taken when discussing the potential benefits of nutritional supplements and ingredients. Whilst supplements such as the antioxidants included in the Arden Grange range are very safe, and may be beneficial to some of the cats and dogs fed on Arden Grange, we must highlight that their inclusion is not a substitute for veterinary intervention in the case of a sick animal.

Butawan, M., Benjamin, R., and Bloomer, R., 2017. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients, 9(3), p.290.

Fatima, T., Haji Abdul Rahim, Z., Lin, C. and Qamar, Z., 2016. Zinc: A Precious Trace Element For Oral Health Care? - Pubmed - NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: [Accessed 2 April 2020].

Gawor, J., Jank, M., Jodkowska, K., Klim, E. and Svensson, U., 2018. Effects of Edible Treats Containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the Oral Health of Dogs: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5.

Mufeed, A., Reshma, V., Bharadwaj, P. and Kaushik, P., 2014. Role of Antioxidants in Dentistry. Journal of Dental Panacea, 1(2), p.1.

Sechi, S., Fiore, F., Chiavolelli, F., Dimauro, C., Nudda, A., and Cocco, R., 2017. Oxidative Stress And Food Supplementation With Antioxidants In Therapy Dogs. [online] PubMed Central (PMC). Available at: [Accessed 2 April 2020]