Introduction
Do you ever stare into your cat’s mouth and wonder if their dental health is up to par? Those pointy teeth weren’t made for chomping kibble. Dental disease affects over 70% of cats by age 3, but daily brushing isn’t always an option. Enter dental treats and chews – tasty snacks that promise to clean teeth and freshen breath as your cat nibbles away.
But do cat dental treats really work? Are there any downsides to using them? And how do you choose the right treats for your feline friend? This article will explore the facts around cat dental treats, outlining their effectiveness, benefits, potential risks, and tips for choosing the best option for your cat’s needs.
By the end, you’ll understand whether these popular dental snacks are worth a spot in your cat’s routine and how to pick ones that support their oral and overall health.
Dental Disease in Cats
Dental disease is very common in cats, with studies estimating that 50-90% of cats over 4 years old have some form of dental disease [1]. The most prevalent dental issues in cats are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption.
Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, affects up to 50% of adult cats [2]. It’s caused by plaque buildup on the teeth due to lack of dental care. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis occurs when inflammation spreads further down the tooth roots and damages the tissues and bone. It can lead to loose or lost teeth. Studies show over 60% of cats have varying degrees of periodontitis by age 3 [3].
Tooth resorption, a painful erosion of tooth enamel and dentin, affects up to 60% of adult cats [2]. It can lead to infection or tooth loss if left untreated.
Dental disease is painful and can impact a cat’s quality of life. Bacteria from dental infections can spread through the body, potentially damaging organs like the heart, liver and kidneys. Regular dental care is essential for cats.
Do Dental Treats Clean Teeth?
Companies that sell dental treats often claim they can reduce plaque and tartar buildup on cats’ teeth. Many treats contain ingredients like fiber, enzymes, baking soda, and other abrasives that are meant to scrape the surface of teeth to remove plaque and tartar when chewed.
Studies on the effectiveness of these abrasive ingredients have shown mixed results. A small study by the Veterinary Oral Health Council found a 7% reduction in tartar buildup for cats fed dental treats compared to kibble alone after 28 days. However, other studies have not found a significant difference in plaque or tartar with dental treats.
The quality of ingredients seems to play a role. Treats with higher quality ingredients like green tea extract and delmopinol may be more effective than those relying solely on abrasives. However, more research is still needed, as current studies have been small or funded by treat manufacturers.
While treats may provide some dental benefits, the evidence is still inconclusive on how substantial those benefits are. Most vets recommend treats as a supplement to dental cleanings, not a replacement.
Other Benefits of Dental Treats
In addition to helping clean teeth, dental treats can provide some other benefits for cats:
Possible freshening of breath – The mechanical action of chewing treatscan help scrape away bacteria and plaque residue which contributes to bad breath (source). The ingredients in some dental treats, like green tea extract, can also help neutralize odors.
Some mental stimulation from chewing – Working on a dental treat provides cats some mental enrichment. The chewing action stimulates their mind and provides an activity for them (source). This can be especially beneficial for indoor cats who have fewer activities.
Potential Downsides of Treats
While dental treats can provide some benefits for cats, there are also potential downsides to be aware of. Some of the key risks include:
High calorie – Many dental treats are high in calories compared to regular cat food. Giving too many treats can lead to weight gain and obesity if the rest of the diet is not adjusted accordingly (1).
Choking hazard if not chewed fully – Dental treats designed to scrape tartar can be quite hard in texture. Cats that gulp treats down without proper chewing are at risk for choking or gastrointestinal blockages (2).
Tooth damage if too hard – Treats that are extremely hard in texture can potentially crack teeth if a cat bites down too hard. Cats with sensitive teeth may avoid hard treats. Look for treats with some degree of flexibility and “give” (3).
Sources:
(1) https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/do-cat-dental-treats-work
(2) https://www.lakecross.com/site/blog-huntersville-vet/2020/08/12/are-cat-dental-treats-worth-it
(3) https://caticles.com/cat-treats-for-teeth-dental-treats-myths/
Alternatives for Dental Health
There are several alternatives to dental treats that can help maintain good dental health for cats:
Brushing Teeth
Brushing your cat’s teeth daily is considered the gold standard for preventative oral care. Using a soft bristled brush and pet-safe toothpaste can remove plaque and tartar to prevent periodontal disease (Source). However, many cats strongly dislike having their teeth brushed.
Dental Chews
Some cats enjoy chewing on treats and toys designed to scrape plaque and tartar off teeth. Offering edible dental chews on occasion provides an enjoyable alternative to brushing for some cats (Source).
Dental Diets
There are specialized veterinary diets made with kibble and textures that mechanically scrub teeth during eating. Prescription dental diets can reduce plaque and tartar when fed exclusively (Source). However, some cats dislike the texture and may require transitioning slowly.
Professional Cleanings
Cats often require full dental cleanings under anesthesia periodically. Veterinarians scale tartar from teeth and polish them smooth, which is the most thorough way to remove built-up plaque and tartar (Source). However, cleanings can be expensive and require anesthesia.
Tips for Choosing Dental Treats
When selecting dental treats for your cat, there are a few key factors to consider:
Look for treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). The VOHC is an organization that evaluates dental treats and awards its Seal of Acceptance to products shown to be effective in plaque and tartar reduction. According to the VOHC website, approved cat dental treats include Greenies Feline Dental Treats and Iams ProActive Health Dental Treats for Cats [1].
Pay attention to the size and texture of treats. Opt for treats that are small enough for your cat to comfortably chew and digest but large enough that your cat has to chew them thoroughly rather than just swallowing them whole. The treat’s texture should help clean teeth by scraping away plaque and tartar as your cat chews [2].
Choose treats with limited calories to avoid excess weight gain. Dental treats are often meant to be fed daily, so low-calorie options are ideal. Compare calorie counts among different dental treats and aim for options under 5 calories per treat [3].
Dosage Recommendations
According to veterinarians, the generally recommended frequency for dental treats is 1-2 treats per day or a few treats 2-3 times per week for the average sized cat weighing 8-12 pounds [1]. It’s important to follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging, as overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset. The treats are designed to supplement daily dental care, not replace it.
Look out for signs that your cat is consuming too many treats, like diarrhea, vomiting, or lack of appetite for their regular food. It’s best to introduce dental treats gradually and monitor your cat’s reaction. Consider choosing a size appropriate for your cat and break larger treats into pieces if needed. The key is moderation. While dental treats can provide benefits, relying too heavily on them or overfeeding can create problems.
The Bottom Line
Based on the available evidence, dental treats can provide some benefit for cats’ teeth, but are not a complete solution for dental health. Studies have shown that treats may help reduce tartar buildup to a degree, especially on the rear teeth where cats tend to chew treats. The mechanical chewing action also stimulates gums. However, treats only clean the portions of teeth they directly contact. Professional dental cleanings and daily toothbrushing are still required to fully remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces.
The main benefits of dental treats include:
- Some reduction in tartar, particularly on rear teeth
- Stimulation of gums
- Enjoyment from chewing treats
While treats can provide ancillary dental care, they are not a substitute for professional veterinary cleanings and daily brushing which are essential for optimal feline dental health. Treats should be viewed as just one component of a complete dental care routine for cats.
The Takeaway
In summary, dental treats can provide some benefits for cats but have limitations in their ability to clean teeth thoroughly. The mechanical action of chewing treats helps scrub away plaque and tartar, but is not usually enough on its own to fully prevent or treat dental disease. Therefore, treats are best used as part of a broader dental care routine including brushing, veterinary cleanings, prescription dental diets, and other steps.
For pet owners, the key is to choose a reputable treat brand that is specifically formulated for dental health. Look for treats with the VOHC seal and veterinary recommendations. Follow dosage guidelines carefully and monitor your cat’s oral health. Treats should complement but not replace professional veterinary dental cleanings and other steps advised by your vet. With a comprehensive approach, dental treats can be a handy supplement to support your cat’s oral hygiene and fresh breath.