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The best cat dental treats are those approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Dental treats carrying the seal of acceptance from the VOHC have shown extensive evidence that their products work.
I’ve always been sceptical about whether cat dental treats had any benefit, so I followed the science. After researching the evidence from medical journals, and evaluating the ingredients and composition of the market leaders, I’ve written this guide to help you choose the best cat dental treats for your cat.
I found that Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Crunchy Bites are the overall best dental cat treats.
Of course, all cats are different, and some dental treats may suit your cat better than others. So I’ve included the best cat dental treats for each category.
Read on to find out more.
Best Overall
Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites Cat Treats
Targets plaque and tartar
Low calorie
High protein
Best Budget
Greenies Feline Oven Roasted Dental Treats
Affordable
Nutritionally balanced
Unique shape targets tartar
Best For Picky Eaters
Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats
Highly palatable
Shaped to encourage chewing
Made with added probiotics
Our Best Cat Dental Treats
- Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites (Overall Best Cat Dental Treats)
- Greenies Dental Treats (Best Budget Cat Dental Treats)
- Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats (Best Cat Dental Treats for Picky Eaters)
Best Cat Dental Treats Reviewed
There are many products on the market that claim to help prevent or treat feline dental disease, but not all are scientifically prove. The American Veterinary Dental Collage helped form the Veterinary Oral Health Council in 1997. The VOHC assess manufacturers’ evidence that their treats work, and grant them the VOHC “Seal of Acceptance”. The products reviewed below are the only ones available in the USA that have the VOHC Seal of Acceptance. This means you can be assured that the claims made by the manufacturers of these products can be backed up by substantial scientific evidence.
Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites
(Overall Best Cat Dental Treats)
- Main ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Chicken Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Digest, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Meal, Natural Liver Flavor, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor, Dried Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Tricalcium Phosphate
- Key Feature: Targets tartar and plaque
- Nutritional Analysis: Protein 32%, Fat 10%, Fiber 7%, Moisture 11%
- Calorie Content: 1.5 calories per treat
- Type of Treat: Dental
- Best For: Best Overall
The Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites are the overall best cat dental treat, as they are proven to control both plaque and tartar. They are the only VOHC-approved treat to target both. The treats have a strong smell and a hard crunchy texture, and cats really seem to like them. At only 1.5 calories per treat, they are ideal if your cat has to watch their weight too.
These treats are available without a prescription, and the only downside is they are quite pricey.
Greenies Dental Treats
(Best Budget Cat Dental Treats)
- Main ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Wheat, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oat Fiber, Natural Poultry Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (a Preservative), Fruit Juice Color, Taurine, DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (a Preservative), DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Ferrous Sulfate, Turmeric Color, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Rosemary Extract.
- Key Feature: Affordable, made with natural ingredients
- Nutritional Analysis: Protein 27%, Fat 12%, Fiber 10%, Moisture 10%
- Calorie Content: 1.4 calories per treat
- Type of Treat: Dental
- Best For: Best Budget
Greenies treats are highly popular with cats, and these dental treats have the added benefit of controlling tartar according to their VOHC approval. Their unique shape encourages your cat to chew, and the crunchy texture scrapes away plaque and tartar. They are made from natural ingredients, and have many added vitamins. They also have a high meat content, with chicken meal being the first ingredient.
Greenies dental treats are nutritionally balanced, so you can feed your cat more than their recommended 10% of daily calorie amount without causing nutritional deficiency. Just remember to adjust their food to allow for the extra treats. Overall, Greenies are a great budget alternative to Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites.
Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats
(Best Cat Dental Treats for Picky Eaters)
- Main ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Chicken Meal, Natural Flavor, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Powdered Cellulose, Glycerin, Dried Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Natural Salmon Flavor, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Tricalcium Phosphate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product. B555020.
- Key Feature: Highly palatable, contain probiotics
- Nutritional Analysis: Protein 32%, Fat 10%, Fiber 7%, Moisture 11%
- Calorie Content: 1.4 calories per treat
- Type of Treat: Dental
- Best For: Best Cat Dental Treats for Picky Eaters
Cats find these cat treats engaging as well as tasty. The round shape encourages them to play and they find the smell and taste irresistible. The treats have added probiotics so are kind on your cats tummy as well, and ideal if they have sensitive stomachs. The treats are quite large, with a crunchy porous texture. They clean the teeth and reduce tartar build up as the cat chews. Cats spend longer chewing these larger sized treats so get the benefit of the teeth cleaning action. The size of the treat means they are unsuitable for cats weighing less than 5lbs.
These treats are low calorie and reasonably priced, but do contain grains and additives.
What is Feline Dental Disease?
According to the UK’s Royal Veterinary College, periodontal disease (gum disease) is the most commonly occurring disease in cats.
There are two stages to periodontal disease:
- Stage 1 – Gingivitis. This is where the gums become red and inflamed. It is caused by a build up of plaque and tartar. Symptoms include bad breath. While it is normal for cats to have a slight odor to their breath, an unusually foul smell could indicate gum disease. Other signs to look out for include bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating, and a reluctance to have their mouth touched. Gingivitis is reversible with treatment, but if left alone it can progress to Stage 2 of periodontal disease.
- Stage 2 – Periodontitis. This is where the tissues which attach the tooth to the gums and jaw bone are weakened and destroyed. The result is loose teeth and tooth loss. Periodontitis is treatable by vets under anaesthesia, and will involve removing plaque and tartar and possible extraction of teeth.
If you suspect your cat has periodontal disease you should seek advice from your vet.
Neglecting dental care for cats can have serious consequences. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss and damage to the surrounding tissues and bones. Furthermore, dental issues in cats can also affect their overall health. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, potentially leading to infections in the heart, liver, or kidneys. This is especially concerning for older cats or those with pre-existing health conditions. By prioritizing dental care for your cat, you can help prevent these complications and ensure their dental and overall well-being.
The good news is that feline dental disease is largely preventable with appropriate oral hygiene and care.
Why Use Cat Dental Treats?
Cat dental health is often overlooked by pet owners, but it plays a crucial role in their overall well-being. Just like humans, cats can experience dental issues such as plaque buildup, tartar, and gum disease. These problems can lead to pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss for our feline friends. That’s why it’s important to incorporate dental care into their routine, and one effective way to do so is by using cat dental treats. These specially formulated treats not only provide a tasty snack for your cat but also help promote good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems in the long run.
When it comes to maintaining your cat’s oral health, cat dental treats are a convenient and effective solution. These treats are designed to be crunchy and encourage chewing, which helps to scrape off plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth as they chew. By doing so, they can help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, many cat dental treats are formulated with ingredients that help freshen your cat’s breath, making those close cuddle sessions much more enjoyable. So, not only are these treats beneficial for your cat’s dental health, but they also contribute to their overall well-being and comfort.
Do Dental Treats Work?
The best cat treats reviewed in this article are backed by scientific evidence that proves they work. Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites have been proven to reduce tartar build up as well as plaque. Greenies Dental Treats and Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats have been proven to reduce tartar build up.
Dental treats should be chewed to gain any benefit. Discontinue use if your pet bolts the treats without chewing them. Treats should be given under supervision so that you can observe your cat and look out for allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset and choking.
How Many Dental Treats Should a Cat Have?
All of the cat dental treats listed here are low calorie, however the feeding guidelines for each product should be followed when giving your cat dental treats daily.
Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites advise 17 treats per day.
Greenies Dental Treats advise 8 treats twice a day (16 treats in total)
Purina DentaLife Dental Cat Treats advise 17 treats per day.
All cat treats should be low calorie as they should only make up 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Cats’ caloric needs will depend on their size and activity levels, but as a guide, an average cat requires around 200 calories per day.
If you spend time away from your cat during the day, you could consider an automatic cat treat dispenser to keep them entertained, and deliver their daily allowance of dental cat treats. For more information see our our guide to cat treat dispensers with cameras.
Are There Other Ways to Improve a Cat’s Dental Health?
The VOHC has approved many products which are proven to work in improving your cats oral health. These include oral care diets, water additives, oral gels, wipes, powders and toothbrushes. Some are available by prescription only from your vet, but many can be bought from retailers such as Chewy or Amazon. According to the VOCH, regular use of products approved by them will reduce the severity of dental disease in cats. Oral health is maintained by regular daily hygiene measures such as brushing and chewing products designed to clean the teeth.
Cat dental treats should be just one of a multi-pronged approach to your cat’s oral hygiene. Basically, if you can ensure the surfaces of your cat’s teeth are cleaned, their gums will stay healthy.Other ways include:
Diet
Feeding a diet which is formulated to provide protection from plaque and tartar build up will help with your cat’s oral care. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Cat food is approved by the VOHC and proven to work on reducing both plaque and tartar.
It features extra large kibble to encourage your cat to chew for longer, along with unique interlocking fiber technology to clean teeth and freshen breath. Made from natural ingredients without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, the formula includes an antioxidant blend which supports your cats immunity and keeps them healthy.
Supplements
There are a couple of supplements approved by the VOHC that can be added to your cat’s food to improve their oral health. One of them is ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement.
The supplement is a natural product made from North Atlantic seaweed. It is approved by the VOHC, and proven to reduce both plaque and tartar, as well as freshening breath. It’s not particularly costly, and one pot will last your cat around a year. The product works by permeating the cat’s saliva and breaking down the biofilm that forms on the teeth and gums. An improvement should be seen in around 3-8 weeks.
The product should be sprinkled onto your cat’s food. The texture is not quite a powder, more like finely chopped dried seaweed, so it does not dissolve. Most cats will eat it but some don’t like it, which is unfortunate as it’s an effective product that works really well.
Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
It has been proven that daily brushing of a cat’s teeth reduces dental plaque and tartar, and prevents periodontal disease. However it is acknowledged by the veterinary profession that feline oral care is difficult to manage, and in particular daily teeth brushing. One study found that only 7% of cat owners performed daily or every second day tooth brushing. As any cat parent knows, cats are not particularly cooperative when it comes to stuff like that, unless they’ve been conditioned to accept it as a kitten.
Brushing your cat’s teeth should always be done with a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for cats. Toothbrushes are available as finger brushes or ones with handles. It may be trial and error finding which type suits you and your cat. The handle type such as the H&H Cat Toothbrush will keep your fingers out of the way of your cat if you think they may bite you. On the other hand, some cats tolerate the finger brushes such as the Jasper Finger Dog & Cat Toothbrush more readily.
Toothpastes formulated for humans can be toxic to cats, so a feline one such as Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor should be used. It contains enzymes which inhibit plaque formation, and has no foaming agents so can be swallowed. Cats find the flavor extremely palatable, and it will encourage their compliance when brushing. In fact they might learn to love having their teeth brushed with this delicious paste!
Cat Toothbrush
H&H Cat Toothbrush
Soft bristles
Made for small animals
Use with or without toothpaste
Finger Toothbrush
Jasper Finger Toothbrush
Soft bristles
360° bristles for better reach
Dishwasher safe
Cat Toothpaste
C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste
Safe for cats
Enzymes inhibit plaque
Highly palatable
Our Verdict
The best cat dental treats are are formulated with ingredients that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup and freshen breath. Additionally, they have a unique texture that helps to scrape away plaque and tartar from the teeth as cats chew on them.
All of the treats featured in this article are approved by the VOHC, and have been scientifically proven to improve cat’s dental health. We think that Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites are the best cat dental treats to use a part of an overall dental maintenance plan for your cat.