When it comes to ensuring the health and happiness of our feline friends, oral health is a critical yet often overlooked component. Maintaining the health of your cat’s teeth and gums can go a long way in preventing diseases and ensuring their overall wellbeing. One way to support their oral health is by providing them with dental chews and treats. Not only do these serve as a reward for your pet, but they also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and stimulate healthy gum tissue. This article will guide you through some of the best dental chews and treats available on the market for your cat.
#1 – FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Cat Treats, Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor, 9.75 oz. Tub
The Feline Greenies Adult Dental Cat Treats in Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor is a convenient and tasty treat that helps clean teeth, reduce tartar buildup, and freshen breath in adult cats. Made with natural ingredients and added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, these treats are nutritionally complete and balanced. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, and less than 2 calories per treat, they are a healthy choice for cats.
Best For: Oral hygiene and dental health for adult cats.
#2 – Purina DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Cat Dental Treats, Tasty Chicken Flavor – 19 oz. Pouch
Purina DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Cat Dental Treats are specifically designed to promote dental health in cats. These treats have a porous texture that helps reduce tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth. They are made with wholesome natural ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, without any artificial flavors or colors. Additionally, these treats contain added calcium, taurine, and probiotics to support digestive health in cats.
Best For: Promoting dental health in cats.
#3 – Virbac C.E.T. Intellident Cat Bites Dental Care Cat Treats for Healthy Teeth and Gums, Fresh Breath | Chicken Flavor | 90 per Bag
The Virbac C.E.T. Intellident Cat Bites are dental care treats for cats that promote healthy teeth and gums while freshening breath. These treats feature a 3-in-1 dental support formula, which cleans teeth, freshens breath, and supports gum health. With a great-tasting, crunchy texture, these treats help reduce plaque and tartar buildup with only 3 treats per day.
Best For: Promoting healthy teeth and gums in cats.
#4 – VetriScience Perio Plus Teeth Cleaning Treats for Cats, Chicken, 60 Chews – Plaque Control, Fresh Breath and Gum Health for Cats
The VetriScience Perio Plus Teeth Cleaning Treats for Cats are a crunchy and delicious reward that helps to keep cats’ teeth clean, gums strong, and breath fresh. These treats are specifically formulated to promote dental health without the need for brushing, making it a hassle-free option for cat owners. With only 7 calories per bite, these treats are a nutritious way to support your cat’s dental health.
Best For: Plaque control, fresh breath, and gum health for cats.
#5 – ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews with Natural Kelp – for All Breed Cats – Supports Normal, Healthy Teeth, Gums, and Breath Odor in Cats – 45 Soft Chews
ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews with Natural Kelp is a product specifically designed for all breed cats to promote healthy teeth, gums, and fresh breath. The soft chews contain 100% natural kelp sourced from sustainable harvesting in Scandinavian waters. Clinical trials have shown that these chews can effectively reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath with regular use. Recommended by veterinarians for maintaining good oral health in cats.
Best For: Supporting normal, healthy teeth, gums, and breath odor in cats on a budget.
#6 – AmeizPet Silvervine Cat Teeth Cleaning Dental Sticks, Matatabi Dental Care, Cat Chew Toy 6 Pcs
AmeizPet Silvervine Cat Teeth Cleaning Dental Sticks are a cat chew toy made from silvervine tree twigs. These sticks are known to be great attractants for cats, making them ideal for chewing and playing. The sticks are completely safe and can improve bad breath, provide a delicious treat for cats, boost overall dental health, and act as a toothbrush by cleaning teeth of plaque and tartar.
Best For: Improving cat dental health and hygiene.
#7 – Minties Dental Treats for Cats, (Chicken/Salmon) Flavored Treats for Cats, Freshens Breath and Controls Tartar, 2.5oz
Minties Dental Treats for Cats are flavored treats that freshen breath and control tartar in cats. These treats are an affordable alternative to Feline Greenies and do not contain wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors. They help control plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and are high in protein with a crunchy texture that cats enjoy. Made in the USA, these dental treats are suitable for cats of all sizes.
Best For: Best on a budget.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Dental Chew or Treat for My Cat?
When choosing a dental chew or treat for your cat, there are several factors to consider:
- Size and Hardness: The size of the chew or treat should be appropriate for your cat’s size. A chew that’s too small could be a choking hazard, while one that’s too large might be difficult for your cat to handle. The hardness of the chew should also be taken into account. Too hard can break your cat’s teeth while too soft might not provide the needed teeth cleaning.
- Ingredients: Look for chews and treats that contain healthy, natural ingredients. Avoid products that are high in sugar or contain artificial additives, as these can negatively affect your cat’s health.
- Dental Health Benefits: The best dental chews and treats for cats are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Some products also contain ingredients that can freshen your cat’s breath.
- Flavor: Your cat’s preference will largely dictate the success of a dental chew or treat. If your cat loves the flavor, they are more likely to accept it.
- Veterinarian Recommendation: Your vet knows your cat’s health best, so it’s always a good idea to seek their advice before introducing a new dental chew or treat into your cat’s diet.
Remember that while dental chews and treats can be a helpful addition, they do not replace the need for regular teeth cleaning and veterinary dental check-ups.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Chews & Treats for Cats?
Dental chews and treats provide several benefits for cats:
- Improved Oral Health: Dental chews and treats are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up on your cat’s teeth, both of which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. By reducing these, dental chews and treats can aid in preventing serious oral health issues.
- Fresher Breath: Many dental chews and treats for cats contain ingredients designed to freshen breath. This is a nice bonus for pet owners, especially those who enjoy close snuggles with their cats!
- Stimulating Activity: Chewing is a natural behavior for cats and provides mental stimulation. Dental chews and treats can keep your cat entertained and help relieve stress and boredom.
- Nutritional Benefits: Some dental chews and treats also offer nutritional benefits, such as added vitamins or minerals.
- Increase Water Intake: Some dental treats may encourage your cat to drink more water, which can be beneficial for urinary health.
Remember, while dental chews and treats can support oral hygiene, they should be used as a complement to, not a substitute for, regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sticks, Chews, and Treats for Cats
- What are dental sticks, chews, and treats for cats? Dental sticks, chews, and treats are specifically designed to promote oral health in cats. They are typically textured or shaped in a way that helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth as they chew.
- Do dental chews actually work for cats? Yes, dental chews can be an effective part of your cat’s oral hygiene routine. They can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, leading to fresher breath and healthier gums. However, they are not a substitute for regular teeth brushing or veterinary dental care.
- How often should I give my cat dental chews or treats? The frequency can vary based on the specific product and your cat’s oral health needs. Some may be designed for daily use, while others may be given a few times a week. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Are there any risks associated with dental chews and treats for cats? Generally, dental chews and treats are safe for cats. However, if your cat has a sensitive stomach or specific dietary needs, it’s essential to choose a product that fits their needs. Additionally, make sure the chew or treat is an appropriate size for your cat to prevent choking.
- Can kittens use dental chews and treats? Most dental chews and treats are designed for adult cats. If you have a kitten, look for products specifically formulated for their smaller size and developmental stage.
- What should I look for when choosing a dental chew or treat for my cat? Look for a product that is vet-recommended and has good customer reviews. The ingredients should be safe and healthy for your cat. Also, consider your cat’s preferences – some may prefer a certain texture or flavor.
- Can I use dental chews as a replacement for brushing my cat’s teeth? While dental chews can help maintain oral health, they should not replace regular brushing. Brushing your cat’s teeth is the most effective way to remove plaque and prevent dental disease.
- Can dental chews help with my cat’s bad breath? Yes, many dental chews and treats are designed to freshen breath by reducing the amount of bacteria in your cat’s mouth. However, persistent bad breath could indicate a more serious oral health issue, so it’s important to consult your vet if you notice this.
- Can my cat have too many dental treats? Yes, like any treat, dental chews should be given in moderation. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Always follow the guidelines on the packaging and consider these treats as part of your cat’s overall caloric intake.
- Do all cats like dental chews and treats? Not necessarily. Each cat has their own preferences. Some may love the taste and texture of dental chews, while others may not show much interest. It might take some trial and error to find a dental treat that your cat enjoys.
Conclusion: Best Dental Chews & Treats for Cats
Your cat’s dental health is just as important as any other aspect of their physical wellbeing. Providing them with dental chews and treats is an easy and effective method to promote oral health, complementing regular brushing and vet check-ups. It’s important to remember that while dental chews and treats can be a helpful addition, they don’t replace the need for regular veterinary dental care. We hope that our list of the best dental chews and treats for cats has given you a good starting point in choosing the right product for your feline friend. Here’s to many more years of healthy, happy purrs and meows!