February is National Pet Dental Health Month.

Many years ago, not long after Fido-Vite was first introduced, we had a customer come to us and report that she had a dental done on her dog and the teeth were so much cleaner than the previous dental. The pet owner wanted to know what was in Fido-Vite that kept the teeth so much cleaner as it was the only change that she had made to the dog’s diet. At the time, we had not planned on doing anything with the product to improve dental health, so we didn’t know! After looking for research to follow up with the customer’s question, we were able to find 2 ingredients that make the difference, coconut oil and brown kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum).

Ascophyllum nodosum (brown kelp) plays a positive role in the dental home care strategy in dogs and cats. It is found to significantly reduce plaque formation and calculus deposition. Daily use of products containing Ascophyllum nodosum help to keep the pet’s teeth clean and the gum tissues as well as alveolar bone healthier.

Study: Ascophyllum nodosum as a nutrient supporting oral health in dogs.

Oil pulling has been proven to be an effective method in reducing plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis. Coconut oil is an easily usable, safe and cost-effective agent which can be used as an adjuvant in oral hygiene maintenance.

Study on Coconut Oil and oral health:

Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis.

We are definitely not saying if you use a Fido-Vite supplement that your dog will not need a dental, but your dog will maintain better oral health between dentals. There is a clear link between heart health and oral health (Takahashi, Genco, et al), so oral health is very important to the overall health of your dog.

We just want to make sure your dog has a happy National Pet Dental Health Month!