One of the main aims of dental food for dogs is to minimize plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.[1] The oral cavity of dogs can be exposed to a variety of bacteria, parasites and viruses from their environment and it is not surprising that these induce an inflammatory reaction in the periodontium.[3] The accumulation of these bacteria, along with extracellular polysaccharides and salivary glycoproteins, leads to the formation of plaque.[11] This bacteria buildup in plaque causes gingival inflammation and indirectly stimulates activation of the host immune system.[11] Severe gingivitis in dogs can further advance into periodontal disease in which the periodontal tissues begin to degrade and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.[11] Studies have also shown that periodontal disease can negatively affect systemic health which impacts the overall health of the dog, therefore exhibiting the importance of preventing periodontal disease.[11] Using a dental diet may be beneficial towards preventative care in regards to periodontal disease.[2] Dental diets not only try to combat the buildup of plaque physically, but attempt to reduce plaque build up chemically as well.[2] Chemical compounds such as anti-microbial elements are added to some dental diets to directly target the oral cavity in order to prevent gingivitis.[12]