When it comes to keeping your dog’s teeth clean, nature might just be the best dentist. While brushing is helpful and dental chews are popular, raw feeding offers a more natural—and highly effective—way to support your dog’s oral hygiene.
At Poppy’s Picnic, we’re big believers in raw feeding not just for overall health, but for dental wellbeing too. Let’s explore how a raw diet contributes to healthier teeth and gums, and how our products can help keep your dog’s smile sparkling.
Why Dental Health Matters
Dental disease is incredibly common in dogs. In fact, by the age of three, most dogs show signs of gum disease. If left unchecked, poor oral health can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, pain, and even systemic infections affecting the heart, liver or kidneys.
Signs of dental trouble include:
• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Tartar buildup
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Excessive drooling
A key part of preventing dental problems is providing your dog with the right food—and that’s where raw feeding shines.
How Raw Feeding Supports Oral Health
1. Chewing on Raw Bones Naturally Cleans Teeth
Raw, meaty bones act like nature’s toothbrush. As your dog gnaws and crunches, the abrasive action scrapes away plaque and tartar from teeth and along the gumline. This keeps the mouth clean while satisfying their natural instinct to chew.
At Poppy’s Picnic, we offer a selection of safe, appropriate raw bones for dogs of different sizes. These include:
• Chicken wings or necks for smaller breeds
• Lamb ribs or beef knuckle bones for larger dogs
Always supervise bone time and choose bones suitable for your dog’s size and chewing style.
2. No Hidden Sugars or Starches
One of the biggest causes of dental issues in dogs is the inclusion of sugary or starchy fillers in commercial pet food and treats. These ingredients feed the bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.
Poppy’s Picnic meals contain no cereals, grains, fillers or artificial additives—just fresh, raw meat, offal and bone. That means there’s nothing in the bowl that contributes to plaque buildup.
3. Healthier Gums and Better Breath
Raw-fed dogs often have firmer gums and fresher breath. That’s because raw food helps maintain a healthy pH balance in the mouth, which discourages the growth of bad bacteria.
Our MIGHTY MINCE meals also contain natural herbs and oils that can further support oral health, like kelp (which contains enzymes shown to reduce plaque) and flaxseed for anti-inflammatory support.
Tips for a Natural Dental Care Routine
• Introduce raw bones gradually if your dog hasn’t had them before.
• Feed appropriate bones based on your dog’s size and chewing strength.
• Add variety to your dog’s diet to promote chewing and mental stimulation.
• Monitor dental health during regular grooming or vet check-ups.
• Avoid cooked bones—they can splinter and pose serious health risks.
What If My Dog Doesn’t Chew Bones?
No problem! Some dogs, especially seniors or those with sensitive mouths, may not enjoy bones. In that case, focus on feeding a natural, additive-free raw diet and consider dental support supplements or crunchy raw treats that provide mild abrasive action.
Our POWER BALLS are also great for dogs with smaller mouths or dental concerns—they’re soft yet meaty and free from plaque-promoting nasties.
The Poppy’s Picnic Promise
We believe in keeping things simple, natural and delicious. With Poppy’s Picnic, you’re feeding food that not only supports your dog’s internal health, but also contributes to a healthier, cleaner mouth.
No artificial dental sticks. No chemical rinses. Just real food, as nature intended.
Explore Our Full Range of Raw Meals and Bones
Help your dog maintain that pearly white smile. Browse our full range of natural, nutritious raw meals and bones:
👉 Poppy’s Picnic Raw Food Collection
