Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ - Ted's Q&A

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ACV Impact on Animal Teeth?

Posted by Alexandra (Cazenovia, NY)

I would like to know the impact of ACV on dog, horse and cat teeth. As expressed elsewhere on this site, vinegar can be harmful to tooth enamel. What about cats, dogs and horses. Won't ACV in their food or water cause dental problems? Thank you.

Replied by Ted
Bangkok, Thailand
391 posts

People are giving a bad name to apple cider vinegar because most are taking them STRAIGHT. Apple cider vinegar should be taken with baking soda. Yes, the apple cider vinegar pH is below 5 and this dissolves the enamel.

In practice, any food with pH below 6 is not good for you anyway. Therefore, if you were planning to give ACV to children, cats and dogs, it is best to add baking soda until the fizz stops. At that pH, it is usually between 7.5 - 8.0 which is alkaline and doesn't dissolve the enamel. The minimum is 7 pH and the formula is usually 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1/4 teaspoon. Someone disagrees with me saying that it is not even 7. However, if you give enough time for the reaction, like 5-10 minutes, the pH is approximately 7. Still, when in doubt add baking soda until no more fizz. It is impossible to get it below 7 under this rule of thumb. If you really care about the tooth enamel, there is a pH that you can stick on to the food and measure it. Ideally all foods should not even have pH below 6 to be on the safe side, especially not below 5 at least. They don't help the enamel and may further the problems of cavities. Try to at least add a very small amount of baking soda solution if need be, but not too much to cause a diarrhea. However if food pH is about 7 to 7.35 it should not be a cause for concern, with possible exception that you want to flush out the the bowels, from too much toxic buildup due to excess pus, acne, and bloated stomach.


EC: We would be very careful (in fact, DON'T DO IT) about adding baking soda to any drink or food for your horse unless you know for sure it is safe, since their systems are so delicate. CHECK WITH YOUR VET FIRST! Apple cider vinegar is fine on its own for horses, that we know from the feedback we have received.