Do cat dental treats work? What are the benefits? And can you substitute brushing with dental treats? Here’s the scoop! Dental treats can actually help your cat’s teeth stay clean. But how often should you give them? And what kinds of food promote healthy teeth in cats? Let’s take a closer look! Let’s start with a quick introduction to dental treats for cats. Whether your cat gets dental treats daily or not depends on your cat’s individual needs.
Do Cat Dental Treats help?
Whether you feed your feline friend raw meat dry food or dental treats a healthy mouth is the first step. Cat dental treats can help you prevent gum disease plaque and tartar as well as support gum health. These dental treats are low-calorie and made with natural ingredients. There are no artificial flavors colors or preservatives. And they don’t cause your feline friend any harm.
To help your feline friend maintain a healthy mouth make sure the cat dental treats you purchase are VOHC-certified. These seals of approval indicate the products you purchase have passed rigorous testing and are safe for your cat. Look for treats that are shaped like a dental treat and have a unique texture. Some even have different shapes and textures to encourage your cat to chew them. Check to see if they’re low in calories or have a unique flavor that is appealing to your cat.
How often should I give my cat dental treats?
Some dental chews and treats claim to lightly abrade your cat’s teeth and scrub surface bacteria. However cats rarely fully chew their food and don’t spend sufficient time brushing their teeth. Consequently they rarely benefit from the abrasive effects of dental treats or chews. As a result most dental treats and chews are swallowed whole by cats. Moreover the average dental chew or treat simply coats the teeth with starch.
What are the best dental treats for cats? There are many options on the market. The key is to pick those that are abrasive enough to scrub the cat’s teeth as it chews. Another option is to use raw bones which stimulate the gums and prevent tartar buildup. However remember not to give your cat cooked bones as they may cause a splinter and damage its stomach or intestines. Moreover when selecting dental treats for your cat you should consider its size vitamin content and morsel size. A smaller morsel is more effective.
Can dental treats replace brushing cats?
Veterinary oral health council (VOHC) recommends a daily regimen for your feline friend. Brushing your cat’s teeth should take less than one minute per session. Treats are a good alternative to brushing and you can break your brushing session into several short sessions to ensure that your feline friend gets his daily dose of oral health. VOHC recommends using big crunchy kibble to remove plaque from your cat’s teeth. If your cat does not like chewing on these try giving them mint-flavoured catnip treats.
There are several types of dental treats for your cat to choose from including natural dental chews. VOHC-recognized dental chews contain only natural ingredients. They are low in calories and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. IntelliDent treats are made from real whitefish and each one contains less than two calories. Catsense dental chews are also great for fighting bad breath. They remove food particles and bacteria so your cat’s breath will smell fresh.
What type of food promotes clean teeth for cats?
Choosing a diet that is moist grain-free and high in moisture is the best way to promote a healthy set of teeth for your cat. You can purchase high-quality canned raw or freeze-dried foods for your feline friend. However avoid cheap dental chews which don’t address the root cause of gingivitis or tartar buildup. Instead try raw chicken necks. Make sure not to give cooked bones to your cat as they can cause stomach problems.
Proper nutrition and brushing are essential for your cat’s good dental health. Poor dental hygiene is a risk factor for many common feline illnesses including gingivitis periodontal disease and tooth loss. However proper cat food and care can prevent dental problems and prevent them from developing. By following these guidelines you and your cat can make the process as easy as possible. If you have any concerns consult your veterinarian.
