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Does your cat have bad breath? Are you starting to see plaque build up on her teeth? A great way to boost your cat's dental care routine is to offer safe and effective dental treats for cats.
Chews for cats?!? Not all cats are prone to chewing the same way that dogs are, but that doesn't mean that they can't. Like most carnivores, their scissor-like teeth are designed for tearing meat off the bone and swallowing large chunks, so gnawing on a cat dental chew stick might not be their first instinct.
That being said, chewing has plenty of dental health benefits for cats. Including a tasty and healthy natural chew into your cat's dental care routine can help remove bad breath-causing bacteria.
Do Cats Need Dental Chews?
Dental treats for cats aren't a complete dental routine, but are an excellent way to enhance their existing teeth cleaning regimen.
Nasty cat breath is not just unpleasant; it could lead to more serious oral health issues. The Veterinary Oral Health Council recommends that you stay on top of your cat's dental routine by brushing their teeth regularly and offering cat dental treats.
Cat dental treats and chews are an easy option that can be incorporated into your cat's daily routine. Crunchy cat dental treats are a popular choice because they can be used as a quick reward, but don't forget to provide other chewing options like natural chews.
10 Best Cat Dental Treats and Chews
Dental cat treats can be a fun, tasty, and effective part of your cats dental care routine. By offering your cat a variety of chewing options, you can help them reduce oral bacteria and keep their teeth and gums healthier.
Cats can be picky about treats, so it's important to find a few options that they really enjoy so that this part of their dental health is fun, enriching, and simple.
Check out our best cat dental treats and chews:
1. Feline Greenies Dental Treats
These are not only our most popular dental cat treats, but probably one of the best-selling options in Canada. Feline Greenies has been a trusted brand for pet dental health for years, and that's largely because they help make cat dental care simpler for both pets and owners.
These crunchy biscuits are the perfect texture to help scrape away bacteria and debris from the teeth. The delicious taste and low calories make them the best cat dental treat for daily use for cats of all ages.
2. Whimzees Natural Dental Treats for Cats
Another popular biscuit-style dental treat for cats comes from Whimzees Cat Treats. These porous treats allow the tooth to sink right into the treat, allowing the dental treat to scrape all the way up to the gum line while your cat chews.
They come in 3 mouth-watering, protein-rich flavours that cats love, like chicken, salmon, and tuna. Feed daily as a treat or reward for best results.
3. Noah's Ark Chicken Feet
This treat may seem a little strange, and they are technically marketed more towards dogs, but Noah's Ark Chicken Feet are a great natural chew for cats. It’s very crunchy but not as hard as a solid bone. It’s the perfect treat for any age or size of cat.
Chicken feet don't contain a lot of meat or fat, so they are a nice lean chew for cats watching their waistline. With any hard, natural chew like this, it's vital to always monitor your cat while chewing.
4. Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats
For cats with allergies or sensitive digestion, a limited ingredient and natural cat dental treat like Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats are a great choice. They may look like a boring biscuit, but they are made with real food ingredients and natural preservatives that are easier for cats to digest.
These crunchy cookies are grain-free and nutritious. The most popular flavour is the catnip flavour. The irresistible taste can make treating and dental care more exciting and easier for even the pickiest of cats.
5. Purebites Chicken Jerky Treats
Another one on our list that is marketed towards dogs, Purebites Chicken Jerky Treats, are crunchy dry strips of 100% chicken breast that will encourage your cat to chew to her heart's content.
The strips are a bit big for cats, so be prepared to break or cut them into more manageable sizes. These will be long-lasting cat chews, even compared to most on this list. They will arguably have the most dental benefit for cats that like to chew and will provide a fun activity during downtime.
6. Yappetizers Sardines
Whole dried sardines are a smaller, delicious treat for dainty chewers and young kittens. Rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, this treat boosts skin and coat health while cleaning your cat's teeth.
Yappetizers Sardines are small and crunchy, so they won't be a long-lasting chew. Because of the size of this treat, we recommend monitoring your cat while eating to prevent choking or digestive upsets if swallowed whole.
7. Icelandic+ Beef Collagen Puffs
Another odd but popular option on our list is Icelandic+ Collagen Puffs. These crispy and crunchy bites are a light and flavourful snack that encourages chewing, especially for picky cats.
They are made of baked beef collagen and lamb marrow, making them not only delicious but packed with nutrients. These biscuit-like natural chews are sure to help your cat enjoy this part of their dental care routine. 
8. Puppy Love Chicken Heart
One of the many Puppy Love products suitable for both dogs and cats, Puppy Love Chicken Heart is an excellent option for pickier cats. Heart muscle is very rich in taurine, an essential amino acid required by cats to maintain optimal eye and heart health.
Hearts are suitable for cats of any age, so they make a great teething chew for younger cats. They are a smaller chew compared to others on our list, so always monitor your cat to ensure that they are not trying to swallow larger pieces. 
9. Earth Animal No-Hide Stix
For cats that love to chew, these Earth Animal No-Hide Chews are one of the best options to support your cats dental health. Each naturally flavoured stick is long-lasting and easily digestible.
These are a great choice for experienced chewers, but the strong flavour can also make them a good option for cats that are just learning to chew. Though salmon is the undeniable best seller, you can give them some variety with proteins like chicken, pork, beef, and even cheese.
10. The Granville Island Pet Treatery - The Happy Moo'd Food
This is one meaty treat that your cat won't mind gnawing on. The Granville Island Happy Moo'd Food treats are light, crunchy, dehydrated liver pieces that can easily be broken into cat-friendly sizes.
The liver is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help promote healthier skin and coat in your fluffy feline friend. And best of all, they are Canadian-sourced and made!
Can Cats Eat Dog Dental Treats?
Over time, cat dental chews will help reduce bad breath by removing bacteria and food particles that settle around the gum line, especially for cats that are kibble-fed. By feeding natural chews regularly to your cat, you will successfully prevent further plaque and tartar buildup.
If you can’t find the perfect chew for your cat, check out some natural dog chews. Some dog chews are safe for cats, too, just a bit larger and harder.
Always look for single-ingredient animal materials instead of biscuits and dental sticks. They are often filled with grains or starches, which are harder for your cat to digest.
Choosing the right natural chews for cats can seem confusing, especially if your cat isn’t a typical chewer, so try a couple of different types and textures to see which kind of natural chews are going to keep your cat engaged.
More Cat Dental Care Options
Dental health issues in cats have become more common than ever, and it's time we explore all the ways that you can care for your pet's teeth. From periodontal disease to tartar build-up, dental chews reduce plaque and tartar. The typical breath-freshening fixes that we use for our dogs are much more challenging to implement for our cats due to their small and unique jaw shape.
Even though cats are attentive groomers, dental cleanliness is beyond their abilities and based on personal experience, cats are a little less willing to participate in the standard dental care options, like tooth brushing.
Total oral care for cats is multi-faceted, and while toothbrushing will always be the gold standard, a robust dental routine is the best way to prevent issues as your cat ages.
A great and often overlooked method to improve your cat's dental health is to feed natural dental chews. By themselves, dental chews are not a complete dental solution, but can be an excellent tool to complement your cat's existing dental routine.
Here is a quick breakdown of the different dental care methods you should consider:
Brush Your Cat's Teeth
First and foremost, brushing your cat's teeth should be the foundation of her dental health routine. Brushing your cat's teeth is definitely not the easiest method, but don't let that stop you from trying.
An appropriately sized and shaped cat toothbrush is going to make your brushing sessions more effective. Other tools, like a finger toothbrush or dental wipes, can also be used if your cat finds the toothbrush too intimidating.
Try Water or Food Additives
Food or water additives can help eliminate bad breath and provide long-term dental benefits. Choose an option that is safe for cats, and always encourage them to drink plenty of water by providing multiple freshwater sources.
Here are some of our top picks:
Cat Dental Food
Another tool to improve dental health is dental cat food. These dry foods typically combine breath-freshening ingredients with a larger and denser kibble that can help to scrape away bacteria and food debris from your cat's teeth.
While this sounds like a great solution, dental formulas will not replace the need for regular cat toothbrushing. Most cats don't chew dry foods as well as they should, so the actual dental benefits of a dental food for cats are pretty minimal if not paired with a complete dental care routine.
Here are a few of our best selling cat dental foods:
Cat Dental Chew FAQs
What are cat dental chews?
Cat dental chews are specially designed treats that promote oral health. They usually have a textured surface that helps remove plaque and tartar from your cat's teeth as they chew, supporting better dental hygiene.
Do dental cat treats work effectively?
Dental chews help reduce bad breath by removing the buildup of bacteria and food particles in your cat's mouth. When combined with regular dental care like toothbrushing, a healthy diet, and routine vet visits, cat dental treats are effective in improving oral health.
How do dental cat treats work?
Dental treats work by encouraging regular chewing to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and reduces plaque and tartar buildup. Specific bacteria-fighting ingredients help to combat bad-breath-causing bacteria and improve overall oral health in cats.
Are dental chews a substitute for regular brushing?
While dental chews can contribute to your cat's oral health, they are not a substitute for regular brushing. Brushing your cat's teeth is still the most effective way to remove plaque.
How often should I give my cat a dental treat?
The frequency of giving dental treats can vary depending on the brand and your cat's individual needs. In general, offering dental treats for cats daily is fine for many biscuit-style treats. Larger and more calorie-dense chews may need to be fed less often, like 1-2 times per week.
Can kittens also benefit from dental chews?
Yes, dental chews designed for kittens can help establish good oral hygiene habits from a young age. Always choose dental chews that are appropriate for your kitten's age and size.
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