ALT-PRO Advantage—formerly HOPE Pet Food
Why does my dog have bad breath?

Why does my dog have bad breath?

Why does my dog have bad breath?

Do you find yourself wrinkling your nose at your pup's less-than-fresh breath? You're not alone. Bad breath, or halitosis, in dogs can be a sign of underlying oral health issues, like periodontal disease. In fact, approximately 80% of dogs over the age of three are affected by this common ailment.

Interestingly, smaller breeds are particularly prone to periodontal disease and its accompanying unpleasant odours. Extra small breeds are nearly five times more likely to develop gum disease compared to large breeds. Other risk factors for gum disease include age, being overweight, and time since the last dental appointment. Here is the average rate of periodontal disease across several different breeds:

Extra small breeds:

  • Papillon 29.7%
  • Toy poodle 28.9%
  • Pomeranian 26.4%
  • Maltese 25.4%
  • Yorkshire terrier 25.4%

Medium-large breeds

  • Basset hound 25.3%
  • Standard poodle 16.9%
  • Border collie 15.4%
  • Australian shepherd 14.3%
  • American husky 10%
  • Boxer 9%
  • English bulldog 7.3%

Small breeds:

  • Dachshund 28.1%
  • Miniature schnauzer 23.7%
  • Jack Russell terrier 22%

Large breeds

  • Greyhound 38.7%
  • Golden retriever 13.8%
  • Labrador retriever 12.6%
  • German shepherd 8.1%
  • American bulldog 6.1%

Medium-small breeds

  • Shetland sheepdog 30.6%
  • Cavalier King Charles spaniel 27.3%
  • American cocker spaniel 25.3%
  • Beagle 23.2%
  • Pug 21.9%
  • Welsh corgi 20.2%
  • French bulldog 8.3%

Giant breeds

  • Bernese mountain dog 15.5%
  • Great Dane 10.5%
  • Newfoundland 8.8%
  • Saint Bernard 7.8%

A recent study revealed a potential solution to combat bad breath and improve overall oral health in dogs: the black soldier fly larvae diet. Yes, you read that right – insect protein could be the key to fresher kisses and healthier mouths for our furry companions.

This study demonstrated the potential of an insect protein diet in reducing volatile sulfur compounds – the culprits behind the odour – in dental plaque. Over a 50-day period, dogs fed the insect protein diet experienced a notable 7% reduction in these compounds, showcasing the diet's ability to tackle bacterial growth associated with bad breath and gum disease. This reduction is especially notable because these bacteria would typically increase with regular food consumption and no plaque prevention measures (like teeth brushing, dental chews, or dental cleaning at the vet).

Moreover, the insect protein diet positively influenced the saliva microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing the harmful ones. This dual action not only freshened breath but also contributed to overall oral health.

Finally, odour was assessed by a blind panel using an organoleptic intensity scale (the examiner sniffed the dog's breath and ranked it on a scale from 1-5). Dogs consuming the insect diet presented a lower score for bad breath, with barely noticeable odour. 

What makes insect protein so effective in combating bad breath? It's all thanks to its antimicrobial peptide complexes, including fatty acid, lauric acid, and polysaccharides like chitin, which target odour-causing compounds in the mouth.

We're excited by the potential of insect protein to revolutionize pet nutrition and oral health. That's one of many reasons for incorporating this innovative ingredient into our products, ensuring that your furry friends receive the best care.

Say goodbye to doggy breath woes and hello to a happier, healthier pup with the power of insect protein. Upgrade your furry friend's diet today and enjoy the potential benefits of fresher kisses and improved oral health. Trust us – your pup (and you) will thank you for it!

 

References 

OLSÉN, L.; BRISSMAN, A.; WIMAN, S.; ERIKSSON, F.; KAJ, C.; BRUNIUS ENLUND, K. Improved oral health and adaptation to treatment in dogs using manual or ultrasonic toothbrush or textile of nylon or microfiber for active dental home care. Animals, v. 11, n. 9, p. 2481, 2021

HENNET, P.; DELILLE, B.; DAVOT, J. L. Oral malodor in dogs: measurement using a sulfide monitor. Journal of veterinary dentistry, v. 12, n. 3, p. 101-103, 1995

ALLAKER, R. P. Investigations into the micro-ecology of oral malodour in man and companion animals. Journal of Breath Research, v. 4, n. 1, p. 017103, 2009.

Wallis C, Saito EK, Salt C, Holcombe LJ, Desforges NG. Association of periodontal disease with breed size, breed, weight, and age in pure-bred client-owned dogs in the United States. Vet J. 2021;275(105717). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2021.105717

Small dog breeds at highest risk for dental disease, largest study confirms. News release. Waltham Petcare Science Institute. February 29, 2024. https://www.waltham.com/news-events/oral-health/small-dog-breeds-highest-risk-dental-disease

Neto, E. S., Cardoso, R. K. N., Santos, L. A. T. A., Sampaio, F. C., Santos, E. M., Restan, W. A. Z., ... & Loureiro, B. A. (2023). Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal based extruded diets: potential to improve canine oral health. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed,1(aop), 1-13.

Greenman, J. et al., 2004. Study on the organoleptic intensity scale for measuring oral malodor. Journal of Dental Research 83: 81-85. https://doi. org/10.1177/1544059104083 00116

Veldkamp, T., Dong, L., Paul, A., & Govers, C. C. F. M. (2022). Bioactive proper- ties of insect products for monogastric animals–a review. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 8(9), 1027-1040.

Geitani, R., Moubareck, C. A., Xu, Z., Karam Sarkis, D., & Touqui, L. (2020). Expression and roles of antimicrobial peptides in innate defense of airway mucosa: potential implication in cystic fibrosis. Frontiers in immunology, 11, 1198.

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