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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 dental chews 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.
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 offering cat dental treats.
Dental treats or chews for cats aren't a complete dental routine but are an excellent way to enhance their existing cleaning teeth regiment with breath-freshening capabilities.
Cat dental treats are an easy option, but because of their size, most cats don't bother to chew them enough to get the full effect. Natural chews will provide a more robust chewing experience to help your cat improve her dental health.
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.
5 Best Cat Dental Chews
There are many chewing options for pets. From chicken flavour to salmon flavours, there are many options from which to choose. Try out some of our best-selling cat-friendly chews to see how you can improve your cat's dental health.
1. Noah's Ark Chicken Feet
This treat may seem a little strange, and they are technically marketed to 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Cat Dental Chew Questions
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.
How can dental chews help with bad breath in cats?
Dental chews help reduce bad breath by removing the buildup of bacteria and food particles in your cat's mouth. This can help address the underlying causes of bad breath, leading to fresher breath over time.
What oral health benefits do dental chews provide for cats?
Dental chews can provide several oral health benefits, including reducing plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease, and promoting healthier gums. Regular chewing can also stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth.
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 dental chews?
The frequency of giving dental chews can vary depending on the brand and your cat's individual needs. In general, offering dental chews a few times a week can be beneficial.
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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