As a professional pet product company, we highly recommend that your cat's oral care routine includes brushing their teeth every day, using oral rinses, dental chews for cats, and giving them vet-recommended dental treats. Dental treats are especially important because plaque can start to accumulate quickly after a professional cleaning. If oral hygiene is not maintained regularly, periodontal disease is likely to occur.
The best dental treats for cats aren't just crunchy and minty- they also help keep your cat's teeth clean and gums healthy. That's why we recommend Kwik Pets Cat Dental Chews as the best dental treat for cats on the market. These crunchy cat treats feature a porous texture that allows the tooth to penetrate the dental cat treat, delivering a quick and effective cleaner to remove plaque and reduce tartar buildup.
How Do Dental Treatments Perform?
The removal of plaque accumulation is partially achieved through the mechanical chewing action of food items with a firm texture. Cats have 30 adult teeth in total, which are pointed and lack the flat occlusal surface that our teeth have.
As obligate carnivores, cats survive on a mostly protein diet. In the wild, they may not chew much due to their sharp, pointed teeth, which are primarily for killing and helping propel the prey to the back of the mouth along with the tongue's assistance. In the wild, feathers and fur from ingested prey serve as the natural toothbrush for a cat.
However, a household companion cat's diet is mostly small kibble, which can be swallowed whole. Dental treats are larger than kibble, providing more surface area for cleaning teeth. It is important to understand that dental diets and treats will not help the incisor (front teeth) or canine teeth. Canine teeth are used to pounce on prey, while incisor teeth are used for prehension. The cheek teeth, or premolar and molars, are used more for 'chewing' or 'grinding.'
Veterinary-Approved Cat Dental Treats
When you walk into a pet store, it can be difficult to know which treatment is right for your cat. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) provides a list of recommended cat dental products to help guide owners in choosing the best products for their pet's oral health. The VOHC seal is a helpful tool for pet owners who want to ensure they are giving their cats the best possible care.
Dental health is important for cats, and there are a few different types of cat treats that can help with this. Greenies Cat Dental Treats, Whiskas Dentabites in Chicken and Salmon flavors, and Purina Dentalife Daily Oral Care Cat Treats are all VOHC-approved ( Veterinary Oral Health Council). CET Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews are also highly recommended by the veterinary dentistry community, and our board-certified veterinary dentists at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery recommend them as well. Whenever you have questions about your cat's dietary or dental health, you can always call your local vet dentist. If you live in Loveland, CO, give us a call today!
Feline Greenies Smartbites
Dental disease is prevalent among our feline friends, and the best way to combat it is by brushing your cat's teeth. However, most cats don't want our fingers in their mouths, and getting bitten is definitely less than desirable. Greenies Natural Dental Care Cat Treats can help aid in proper dental care, but of course, they can't replace it.
Temptations Classics Cat Treats
Cats love Temptations because they're tasty and chicken-flavored. Temptations are also a great size for cats, making them perfect as a treat or meal topper. If you're looking for a classic cat treat that your feline friend will love, Temptations are a great option.
Dried Cat Treats
As pet owners, we are always looking for ways to give our pets the best possible life. One way we can do this is by feeding them nutritious, whole foods. Freeze-dried treats are a great option for pet parents who want to give their furry friends the benefits of fresh ingredients without the worry of them going bad. Dried Cat treats are made with only the best, nutrient-rich ingredients and are guaranteed to be fresh and delicious every time.
Vital Essential Cat Treats
If you're looking for a holistic, whole-food option for your cat, then these freeze-dried minnows are a great choice. They're kept whole and raw to preserve all the nutrients, and the one-ingredient list is a favorite among many pet owners.
Conclusion
Depending on the size of the cat and the dental treats themselves, you can give them a certain number of treats.
Certain goodies are meant to be consumed every day, while others should be offered on a regular basis. Always check the feeding instructions on the back of the package to see how often you can give your cat the treat.
Read more: How Much Dry Food to Feed a Cat?
