Through rapidly expanding communication technology, today’s pet lovers have access to more information about their pet’s health than ever before. Consumers with pets are quick to research ways to improve the health and well-being of their companion animal, who truly exists as a full-fledged member of the family. The commitment to their care is evident as more than $39 billion was spent on veterinary care in the US during 2024. This represents about a quarter of all pet-related expenditures, and, like all consumers, pet lovers will look for the best way to stretch their dollars, especially by using wellness and preventive care type of products.
Veterinary experts state that more than 85% of dogs and cats over the age of 2 years have some sort of dental disease. Veterinarians continue to search for ways to improve compliance for at home dental care. It is estimated that only 3 pets in 10 who need a dental cleaning receive one. Various dental chew toys and devices for pets exist on the market, aimed at reducing the need for professional dental care, but various factors, including durability, efficacy, and even the pet’s taste preferences can impact the pet owner’s decision to purchase.
The impact of dental disease and opportunities for establishing a connection with pet owners:
Like their human family members, pets who experience dental disease may have halitosis (bad breath), significant gingivitis, loose or infected teeth, dental pain, and even far-reaching systemic effects. Studies from large veterinary groups show pets with dental disease are more likely to also experience secondary heart and kidney injury. The most effective means of reducing dental disease is using mechanical abrasion, such as toothbrushing, to minimize the amount of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Sadly, less than 10% of pet owners can commit to brushing their pet’s teeth and only 4% of those who do brush attempt it daily. Many will turn to other mechanical methods, including rawhide or natural bones, but veterinarians caution these have many inherent risks.
The use of pet dietary supplements is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 5.6% as pet lovers, especially those of the Millennial and Gen Z generations search for ways to lower veterinary costs. Specific supplements, such as probiotics, are growing even faster and scientific advances in the microbiome of our pets are leading to novel opportunities for providing a level of proactive dental healthcare. Instead of focusing on the selection of specific bacterial strains for oral health, the use of bioactive compounds (postbiotics) excreted by those micro-organisms living in the oral cavity offers a new way to provide functional end products to improve the pet’s health. An additional benefit is that there is no need to cultivate specific bacterial strains which may or may not prove to be medically significant or easy to deliver.
For many years, veterinarians have encouraged the use of specially designed therapeutic diets to help improve the oral health of the pet. Highly effective when used consistently, these diets are often stopped by the pet’s owner due to cost or even hearing misinformation about the diet. A specifically designed nutritional supplement product incorporating postbiotics would allow the pet owner flexibility in diet choice for their dog while still providing essential key benefits for oral health.
Top Dog Chef’s Oral Health Support includes key elements that address all aspects of oral health for pets. The mineral rich bone broth and key amino acids, along with collagen and gelatin, provide needed resources to strengthen teeth and promote gum health. The inclusion of immune-modulating postbiotics helps keep the oral microbiome in balance, preventing rampant inflammation or infection. Most importantly, the pet owner will note a reduction in bad breath in just 7 days.
For busy pet lovers, their pet’s health is important, and so is convenience. Top Dog Chef’s Oral Health Support is available as a shelf stable powder for use as a food topper, as a frozen product to maximize freshness, or as a soft chew.
Conclusion:
Today’s informed pet lover is not only highly bonded to their pet, (delete the “) but is also extremely focused on doing what’s best for them. Knowing that dental disease can significantly shorten their pet’s life or even reduce the quality of life, these consumers are looking to be proactive in protecting their pet’s health. Top Dog Chef’s Oral Health Support product provides a clinically validated means to reduce dental disease in dogs as well as improve the human-animal bond by minimizing bad breath. This product is not only convenient for the client, it provides opportunity for capturing a significant source of on-going income for businesses.
Thomas Dock serves as Director of Communications and Public Information Officer at Noah's Animal Hospitals, where he shares pet care wisdom to help folks bond better with their furry friends. He's also a reporter on PetPalsTV and sits on the board of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists, bringing over thirty years in the vet world-like veterinary assistant and practice manager-to keep things expert-level.