Top Cat Dental Treats and Benefits You Can’t Miss
It’s not just your cat that does not like the trip to the veterinarian for a dental checkup, as a cat parent, you know that it’s going to be expensive, and may involve anaesthesia and your cat would dread the whole procedure as well. Cat dental treats are an excellent way to keep the doctor away as these dental treats are specially formulated to clean up plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth. Since the taste of those treats is according to the cat’s general liking, you use those treats to reward your cat for good behaviour and while your cat chews on it, it also clears the plaque and tartar from its teeth.
Many cat parents question if the dental treats work as these are intended. Our experts have done the due diligence in this matter and not only have found the answer to that question in this blog post but have scoured the best dental treats available in the market that not only help remove plaque and tartar but also help your cat’s overall dental wellbeing.
What are the Best Cat Dental Treats
Selecting the best cat dental treats involves finding products that effectively promote oral health while being irresistible to your feline friend. While the ideal choice can vary based on your cat’s specific preferences and dietary needs, here’s a list of widely recognized and recommended dental treats known for their quality and effectiveness:
- Greenies Feline Dental Treats
Greenies are one of the most popular dental treats on the market, praised for their ability to reduce tartar buildup. They come in various flavors, ensuring an option for even the pickiest cats. Their unique shape and texture are designed to clean teeth as cats chew.
- Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats
Purina DentaLife treats are vet-recommended and have a porous texture that allows teeth to penetrate for a deeper clean, helping to reduce tartar buildup. They’re also crafted with wholesome ingredients and added calcium and taurine.
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews
These chews combine a natural antiseptic with an abrasive texture that works with your cat’s chewing action to clean teeth and freshen breath. They’re great for cats who prefer a meatier treat.
- Feline Greenies SmartBites Healthy Skin & Fur
While not exclusively marketed as dental treats, SmartBites offers dual benefits. They help with hairball control and skin health, and their crunchy texture helps reduce tartar buildup.
- Hartz Dentist’s Best Dental Chews
These treats contain DentaShield technology, proven to reduce tartar formation. They’re a good option for cats who enjoy a chewier texture.
- OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews
OraVet chews are designed to release a substance that bonds to the teeth and creates a protective barrier against bacteria, helping to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dental Chews Cat Treats
These treats are grain-free and blend natural ingredients that help clean teeth. Their crunchy texture and unique shape help massage gums and scrape away tartar.
- Whiskas Dentabites
Specifically designed to reduce the buildup of tartar, Dentabites are scientifically proven to do so when fed daily. They’re also infused with delicious flavors that cats love.
Choosing the Best for Your Cat
When selecting the best dental treat for your cat, consider their dietary restrictions, preferences for certain textures or flavors, and any specific oral health needs they may have. Always introduce new treats gradually and monitor your cat’s reaction. Combining these treats with regular dental care practices, such as brushing and vet check-ups, will help ensure your cat maintains a healthy mouth. Remember, while dental treats are beneficial, they should not replace professional dental care advised by your veterinarian.
How to Choose a Cat Dental Treat
Choosing the proper dental treatment for your cat is crucial for their oral health and overall well-being. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the best choice:
Look for Vet-Recommended Brands
Start with dental treats that are recommended by veterinarians. Vet-recommended cat dental treats are often formulated based on scientific research and are proven effective in reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Consider the Ingredients
Opt for treats that contain high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach. If your cat has specific dietary restrictions, look for treats that cater to those needs, such as grain-free or chicken-free options.
Check the Treat’s Purpose
Ensure the dental treatment is designed to improve dental health. Look for treats that mention they reduce plaque and tartar, freshen your breath, or clean your teeth. Some treats have added benefits, such as being packed with vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Size and Hardness Matter
The size and hardness of the treat should be appropriate for your cat’s age, size, and dental health status. Some treats are specifically designed for older cats or cats with dental issues and maybe softer. Ensure the treat is manageable, as it could damage your cat’s teeth.
Read Reviews and Feedback
Check out reviews from other cat owners. Personal experiences can give you insight into how effective the treats are, how well cats like them, and if they cause digestive issues.
Consider Your Cat’s Preferences
Your cat’s preference is essential. If your cat enjoys the treat’s taste, they are more likely to accept it as part of their routine. Finding a flavor and texture that your cat loves may take some trial and error.
Look for Approval Seals
Treats that carry approval seals from veterinary dental associations, like the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), have been tested and proven to meet specific standards in dental care effectiveness.
Who Knew Cats’ Teeth Needed Cleaning?
It might come as a surprise to many pet owners, but yes, cats’ teeth need regular cleaning, too! Just like humans, cats can suffer from dental problems such as plaque buildup, tartar, gum disease, and even tooth decay. Without proper dental care, these issues can lead to discomfort and pain and affect your cat’s overall health, including their heart, liver, and kidneys.
Cats are notorious for hiding pain and discomfort, so dental issues can often go unnoticed until they become severe. That’s why taking proactive steps in caring for your feline friend’s teeth is essential. Regular brushing, dental treats, and check-ups with the vet can make a big difference in preventing dental diseases.
Brushing your cat’s teeth might sound daunting, but it can become a manageable part of your routine with patience and the right approach. There are also a variety of dental treats and toys designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These can supplement your cat’s dental care routine, making maintaining oral health easier.
Vet-Recommended Cat Dental Treats
Vet-recommended cat dental treats are designed with your cat’s health in mind. These treats often contain specific ingredients that reduce plaque and tartar buildup, making them an excellent addition to your cat’s dental care routine. Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats stand out in this category for their proven effectiveness in cleaning hard-to-reach areas in your cat’s mouth, ensuring a thorough clean with every bite.
Cat Treats for Dental Health
Cat treats for dental health, such as Hartz Dental Treat for Cats, offer a dual-purpose solution. Not only do they provide the enjoyment and satisfaction of a treat, but they also work hard to improve oral health. These treats are formulated to clean teeth and freshen breath, making them great for maintaining your cat’s oral hygiene.
Natural Cat Dental Treats
For pet parents interested in natural options, natural cat dental treats are fantastic. These treats are made with wholesome, natural ingredients and free from artificial additives, making them a safe and healthy option for your cat. They are especially ideal for felines with food sensitivities or those on a restricted diet.
Best Cat Dental Treats Without Chicken
Cats with specific dietary restrictions, such as allergies to chicken, need to take advantage of the benefits of dental treats. Excellent cat dental treats without chicken cater to these needs, ensuring that all cats can enjoy the oral health benefits of a perfect dental treat.
Cat Dental Treats for Bad Breath
Bad breath can often be a sign of underlying dental issues. Cat dental treatments for bad breath not only tackle the symptom by freshening your cat’s breath but also address the root cause by cleaning the teeth and reducing the bacteria contributing to bad breath.
Cat Food Dental Care
In addition to treats, incorporating cat food designed for dental care into your pet’s diet can provide ongoing protection against dental issues. These foods are formulated to mechanically and chemically clean your cat’s teeth as they eat, complementing the action of dental treats.
Conclusion
As long as you can give those cat dental treats to your cat in moderation and do not overdo it, we can assure you that those dental treats are worth spending your hard-earned money. You can use those cat treats to reward your cat while training thus improving its behaviour. This practice would improve your bonding and affection for your cat as well. Buying treats that are designed to be interactive tools can increase the mental enrichment of your cat.
There is no denying that those cat dental treats can be an excellent source of dental health and can prevent tooth decay and gum disease thus saving you a trip to the vet. Another surprising benefit is that you can administer medication through those treats. Some cat dental treats now offer weight management properties. We strongly recommend that despite all those positive signs, you must consult the veterinarian before putting your cat on dental cat treats for your own cat’s dental wellbeing.
