No, The Farmer’s Dog is not inherently bad for your dog’s teeth, but—like all non-dental-specific foods—it does not offer special dental benefits either. According to veterinary dental experts and clinical research, regular dog foods, whether fresh (like The Farmer’s Dog), canned, or standard dry kibble, do not significantly differ in their effect on plaque and tartar accumulation compared to each other. The widespread belief that dry kibble “cleans” your dog’s teeth is a myth; typical kibble, just like fresh foods, can leave particles on your dog’s teeth that promote plaque if not properly managed. Only special diets and treats verified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) have been proven to reduce dental disease risk.
What should you know about canine dental health and fresh food?
- Food Form Isn’t a Substitute for Dental Care: Both fresh foods (like The Farmer’s Dog) and kibble can stick to teeth, contributing to plaque. The main cause of dental disease is lack of regular brushing, not the specific form of regular dog food.
- Fresh Food and Dental Risks: There’s no scientific evidence suggesting that The Farmer’s Dog or any fresh-cooked, human-grade dog food increases dental risk beyond what’s seen with other complete diets. On the flip side, it is also not a solution for preventing tartar, plaque, or periodontal disease.
- Kibble Myths: Crunchy kibble does not effectively clean teeth. Studies show it offers no substantial dental advantage over fresh or canned food unless the dry food is specially formulated and certified for dental health.
- Best Dental Practices: The only proven way to prevent canine dental disease is daily tooth brushing, regular veterinary cleanings, and use of VOHC-approved dental diets or chews. Diet can play a secondary role; some raw diets with bones offer abrasion to help reduce tartar, but these come with other risks and considerations.
- Fresh Food Benefits: While fresh foods like The Farmer’s Dog may be more digestible and lack sugar-laden fillers (which can contribute to gum disease), they do not replace the need for dental hygiene.
Fresh food doesn’t clean teeth — but it does support your dog’s overall health.
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Related Questions
Should I supplement The Farmer’s Dog with dental chews?
Yes. For optimal dental health, supplement your dog’s diet with daily tooth brushing and VOHC-approved dental chews or treats. Consult your vet for recommendations based on your dog’s size and health.
Does switching to The Farmer’s Dog improve bad breath?
Feeding a fresh, minimally processed diet can improve overall mouth health and may help with doggy breath if the food is higher quality and less processed. However, bad breath is often a sign of developing dental disease, which should be managed primarily through oral hygiene.
Bottom Line:
The Farmer’s Dog is not bad for your dog’s teeth, but—like any standard fresh, canned, or kibble food—it does not “clean” teeth or replace proper dental care. For healthy teeth, feed a balanced diet, brush your dog’s teeth regularly, and use VOHC-approved dental products.
If you’re looking for a fresh, nutritious meal plan that provides many health benefits and want your dog’s teeth to stay clean, pair The Farmer’s Dog with a solid dental hygiene routine for the best results.
