Introducing Feline Greenies
Feline Greenies are a popular dental treat for cats made by the Greenies company. Greenies was founded in 1996 by Dr. Joseph Roetheli, a dentist, and his wife Judy Roetheli after their dog Ivan developed severe periodontal disease [1]. They developed the original Greenies dental chews as a way to clean dogs’ teeth and freshen breath. In 2005, the company introduced Feline Greenies, a version of their dental treats made specially for cats [2].
Feline Greenies come in a variety of flavors including salmon, tuna, chicken, and turkey. They are made to be crunchy treats that help clean plaque and tartar off cats’ teeth as they chew. The treats are shaped into cylinders or small fish shapes. Greenies states the feline dental treats are veterinarian recommended and help promote healthy teeth and gums in cats.
Ingredients in Feline Greenies
The main ingredients in Feline Greenies dental treats are:
- Flour – Provides structure to the treats
- Glycerin – Binder to hold ingredients together
- Gelatin – Gives chewy texture
- Oat Fiber – Added fiber
- Chicken meal – Provides protein
- Vegetable oil – Provides fat and moisture
- Natural flavors – Enhances palatability
- Minerals – Nutrient supplementation
These ingredients deliver nutritional value while also helping clean cats’ teeth. The flour, glycerin, gelatin and oat fiber give the treats their distinctive texture. Chicken meal supplies protein for a balanced diet. Natural flavors, minerals and other nutrients make the treats appealing to cats while supporting their health. Overall, the ingredients in Feline Greenies are designed to provide a tasty dental treat.
Benefits of Feline Greenies
Feline Greenies dental treats provide several benefits for cats. The main benefit is helping to clean teeth and control tartar buildup. According to the Greenies website, the treats are uniquely shaped with ridges and nubs to help scrape away plaque and tartar as cats chew citation 1. The abrasiveness of the texture helps remove bacteria from the surface of teeth.
Feline Greenies also appeal to cats’ natural instinct to chew and nibble. The treats satisfy this need in a way that is safe and healthy for their teeth and gums. Unlike chewing on household items or plastic, Feline Greenies are designed specifically for chewing and oral health. The chewing action helps massage gums and provide exercise for the jaw muscles according to veterinarian recommendations citation 2. So Feline Greenies provide an appropriate and appealing outlet for cats’ natural chewing behaviors.
Safety Concerns Around Greenies
In the past, there have been some concerns around the safety of Greenies dental treats. This mainly stemmed from reports of choking and intestinal blockages in dogs after eating Greenies treats
According to the FDA, between February 2006 and March 2007, there were reports of at least 13 dogs dying from choking on Greenies treats. The treats would swell after being chewed, getting lodged in the esophagus or intestines if swallowed1. This led to a formal investigation by the FDA into the safety of Greenies.
However, it’s important to note that the vast majority of these cases were in dogs. Cats and dogs have very different digestive systems. Dogs are prone to gulping down treats, while cats tend to nibble on treats slowly. The Greenies formula is also different between dog and cat treats to account for differences in digestibility2.
While Greenies treats have caused choking in some dogs in the past, there are far fewer reported cases of problems in cats. However, some cat owners still have concerns about potential choking hazards when giving Greenies to their cats.
FDA Stance on Feline Greenies
The FDA has approved Feline Greenies as safe for cats to consume. Feline Greenies underwent testing and review by the FDA before being allowed on the market.
Specifically, the FDA reviewed the ingredients, production process, and safety data provided by the manufacturer prior to approving Feline Greenies as fit for sale and consumption. The FDA also periodically audits and inspects the facilities where Feline Greenies are produced to ensure compliance with regulations.
Additionally, the FDA tracks adverse event reports related to pet foods like Feline Greenies. According to FDA records, there have been very few reports of illness or injury potentially linked to Feline Greenies to date.1 This suggests Feline Greenies are generally well tolerated by cats.
In summary, the available evidence indicates the FDA has thoroughly evaluated Feline Greenies and deemed them safe for feline consumption when fed as directed.
Veterinarian Recommendations
Feline Greenies dental treats are highly recommended by veterinarians. According to Greenies, their dental treats are the #1 veterinarian recommended feline dental treat on the market (Greenies). Many vets suggest Feline Greenies as part of dental care routines for cats to help reduce tartar buildup and promote oral health.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has approved Feline Greenies for helping control tartar in cats when fed daily according to package guidelines. VOHC is an organization that evaluates veterinary dental products, so their seal of approval indicates the treats have passed stringent testing and meet effectiveness standards (Cats.com).
Veterinarians typically recommend adjusting serving sizes based on your cat’s weight, starting with 1 dental treat per day and increasing to the suggested daily amount on the package. Cats under 5 lbs should be monitored closely when eating dental treats. As with any new treat or food, it’s smart to introduce slowly and watch for any signs of gastrointestinal upset.
Owner Experiences with Greenies
Overall, most cat owners seem to have positive experiences with Feline Greenies. On Amazon, the dental treats have over 1,300 reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 star rating[1]. Many owners mention their cats absolutely love the taste and get excited when it’s Greenies time. The treats seem effective for improving dental health as well, with owners noting cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and less plaque build up after using Greenies.
However, there are some negative reviews from owners who claim Greenies caused vomiting or diarrhea in their cats[2]. This may be due to the high carbohydrate content, which doesn’t agree with all cats. Some owners say their cats lost interest after a while or got tired of the flavor options. There are also rare cases of cats choking on the treats if they gulp them down too quickly.
Overall, most cat owners find Feline Greenies to be a safe and effective dental treat when fed in moderation. However, as with any treat, it’s important to monitor your cat’s reaction and adjust serving sizes accordingly.
Dosage and Serving Sizes
According to the Feline Greenies website, the recommended feeding guidelines based on a cat’s weight are:
- 5 lbs: 11 treats per day
- 8 lbs: 16 treats per day
- 10 lbs: 19 treats per day
The packaging also provides a feeding chart with recommended daily treat amounts. Generally, the guidelines suggest feeding 1-2 dental treats per day for a 5 lb cat, increasing up to 2-3 per day for a 10 lb cat.
Veterinarians advise starting with the lowest recommended serving size to monitor your cat’s tolerance. It’s best to break up the daily treats into multiple smaller servings instead of one large serving. Vets also recommend discontinuing use if you notice any gastrointestinal upset or other adverse effects.
For optimal dental health benefits, vets suggest consistent daily use along with regular dental exams and professional cleanings. Greenies treats should not replace other components of your cat’s dental care routine.
Alternatives to Consider
There are a few different alternatives to Feline Greenies that cat owners may want to consider for their feline’s dental health:
Other dental chews and treats like C.E.T. IntelliDent Cat Dental Treats, Purina DentaLife Cat Treats, and VetriScience Perio Plus Feline Bites can help clean cats’ teeth and control plaque and tartar. These chews contain ingredients like kelp, zinc sulfate, and delmopinol hydrochloride which are promoted to reduce plaque and freshen breath. Consult your vet on the best dental chew options for your cat.
Brushing your cat’s teeth daily or several times a week is considered the gold standard for feline dental care. Get your cat comfortable with having their mouth handled and invest in a special pet toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste. Brushing regularly can significantly reduce plaque buildup and improve dental health. Ask your vet to demonstrate proper brushing technique.
Professional dental cleanings by your vet every 6-12 months are also very effective for cleaning below the gumline and removing tartar. Your vet will scale and polish your cat’s teeth while under anesthesia. This is the deepest cleaning possible but also carries risks of sedation, so discuss options with your vet.
The Verdict on Feline Greenies
Based on the available evidence, Feline Greenies dental treats appear to be generally safe for cats when fed in moderation. The main ingredients are natural and digestible, and no serious side effects have been consistently reported. While isolated incidents of choking or GI issues have occurred, this risk seems quite low overall and comparable to other treats or chews (1).
Both veterinarians and pet owners tend to recommend Greenies, citing dental health benefits when used as directed. They provide mechanical abrasion to reduce tartar, without requiring brushing. The texture and shape work well for cats’ chewing habits (2,3). However, relying solely on Greenies for dental care is not enough.
The FDA has not issued any warnings about Feline Greenies or their ingredients. And both the original and grain-free versions have received their seal as safe and nutritionally balanced. Still, it’s important to supervise your cat while treating, monitor for any signs of problems, and ask your vet about appropriate options for your pet’s needs (4).
Overall, evidence suggests Feline Greenies are a beneficial supplement to your cat’s care when used properly. Focus on moderation, supervision, and integrating treats into a balanced, healthy routine.
(1) https://cats.com/feline-greenies-cat-treats-review
(2) https://www.greenies.com/products/feline-greenies-smartbites-natural-treats-for-kittens-chicken-flavor-2-oz-pouch
(3) https://www.greenies.com/products/feline-greenies-adult-natural-dental-care-cat-treats-oven-roasted-chicken-flavor-46-oz-pouch
(4) https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/questions-answers-fda-center-veterinary-medicines-investigation-possible-connection-between-diet-and