Feline Greenies cat treats were first introduced to the market in 1998 and were exclusively produced for dogs. They gained popularity quickly due to their unique shape, texture, and dental health claims. The company later launched a cat version of the treats in 2012 to meet demand from cat owners looking for a tasty dental treat for their felines.
Feline Greenies are dental treats specifically designed for cats. They come in a variety of flavors and have a crunchy texture that aims to reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath. The treats are also promoted as being highly palatable and digestible for cats. They have become one of the best-selling cat treats on the market. However, concerns have been raised over their safety and the risk of choking that led to manufacturing changes in recent years.
Nutritional Value
FELINE GREENIES cat treats are made with wholesome ingredients like wheat gluten, glycerin, gelatin, and natural flavors. The top ingredients are chicken, salmon, tuna, or other protein sources depending on the flavor.
According to the nutritional information on Greenies.com, a typical analysis of FELINE GREENIES treats shows they contain 30% protein, 5% fat, 4% crude fiber, and 50% carbohydrates.
Key nutritional aspects include high protein content from real meat ingredients, low fat, and minimal calories with less than 2 calories per treat. The treats provide cats with a tasty reward that is nutritionally balanced.
Benefits
According to the Greenies website
https://www.greenies.com/pages/feline, Feline Greenies provide important oral health benefits for cats. The treats are designed to help clean teeth and gums by reducing plaque and tartar. The unique texture of the treats works to mechanically scrub away bacteria as the cat chews.
As noted on the Greenies products page at
https://www.greenies.com/collections/clean-teeth-for-cats, the dental treats are made with natural ingredients and veterinarians often recommend them. The cat treats contain nutrients like vitamin C and taurine for overall health.
Feline Greenies come in flavors like salmon, tuna, and catnip to appeal to cats’ taste preferences. The treats are designed to be tasty and tempting for picky cats. Many cats enjoy chewing on the treats, which provides dental benefits.
Choking Hazard Controversy
In the late 2000s, Greenies faced a backlash from pet owners regarding the potential choking hazard of their dental treats. Some owners complained that the original treat shape and size posed a risk of blocking pets’ airways if swallowed whole instead of being adequately chewed.
For example, a 2007 ConsumerAffairs report detailed multiple complaints from owners claiming their dogs had choked on Greenies treats. The treats were described as being “bone-shaped, highly compressed and very hard.” Some vets warned about allowing smaller dogs to have full-size Greenies treats.
The potential choking risk sparked enough concern that Greenies treats were banned for a period of time on some military bases until changes were made. There were calls for the treats to be reformulated and made safer for pets.
Manufacturing Changes
In 2006, Greenies reformulated their recipe and manufacturing process to address concerns about choking hazards. According to the Feline Greenies website, they increased the size and changed the texture to be softer with a “fibrous interior.” This was designed to increase solubility and promote the treat breaking down in digestive fluids (Unbiased Feline Greenies Cat Treats Review In 2024). The new treats aimed to dissolve quickly and pass easily through the digestive tract.
Greenies also started a voluntary testing program in 2007 to ensure all batches of the reformulated Greenies would dissolve in digestive juices within hours. They test both the treats and the ingredients. Under this program, samples must dissolve to 60% or more within 5 hours and 90% or more within 8 hours (Unbiased Feline Greenies Cat Treats Review In 2024). This addressed prior concerns about treats getting lodged in cats’ throats or digestive tracts.
Veterinary Guidance
Many veterinarians recommend Feline Greenies as a beneficial dental treat for cats. Greenies states that their dental treats are the “#1 Vet Recommended Feline Dental Treat”. They are made with natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals. The texture and shape of the treats are designed to clean teeth and control tartar and plaque as cats chew on them.
In an article reviewing the best cat treats, NBC News consulted with two veterinarians who both recommended Feline Greenies as a good dental treat option. One vet said “The unique shape and texture of Greenies scrapes away plaque and tartar for better oral health.” She advised giving one dental treat per day. The other vet liked that Greenies are highly palatable and contain added vitamins, minerals, and taurine. He noted that the treats are rigid enough to break tartar loose but not so hard that they’re a choking hazard.
So most vets approve of Feline Greenies dental treats as part of a cat’s routine oral care and dental health regimen. They cite the product’s dental health benefits from the texture, as well as its appealing taste and added nutritional value.
Owners’ Experiences
Many cat owners who give their cats Greenies report positive experiences. According to reviews on Amazon, Feline Greenies are many cats’ favorite treat. One customer said, “This is my cats favorite flavor! He begs to get the clean-teeth treat kind too, so this is always a go-to. The price is always reasonable, and go pretty fast in my house of five fur balls.”
Reviews on ConsumerAffairs are also largely positive. One owner said, “My cats love them and they are a good treat for their teeth and gums. One of my cats doesn’t care for hard treats or chews but he loves the Greenies treats.” Other owners report increased dental health, fresh breath, and healthy skin and coats after using Feline Greenies.
According to Cats.com, “Most Feline Greenies recipes are rated over 4.5/5 stars with some as high as 4.8 stars.” Many customers noticed visible improvements in their cats’ oral health and felt the treats provided nutritional value.
Precautions
Like any treat, it’s important to take precautions when feeding Feline Greenies to your cat. Here are some tips:
- Supervise your cat when giving Greenies treats. Don’t free-feed throughout the day.
- Only feed appropriate sizes for your cat. Follow package guidelines based on your cat’s weight.
- Monitor your cat while chewing to ensure they do not try to swallow large pieces whole.
- Consider cutting or breaking treats into smaller pieces if your cat is a fast eater.
- Stop feeding immediately if your cat has any trouble chewing or swallowing the treats.
- Do not exceed recommended daily treat amounts.
Taking precautions allows your cat to safely enjoy the dental and health benefits of Greenies treats.
Alternatives
While Greenies are generally considered to be safe for cats to chew on, there are some vet-recommended cat dental treats available for pet owners who are concerned about any potential choking hazards or other issues. According to Chewy.com, some top alternatives to Greenies include Purina Dentalife Daily Oral Care Cat Treats, Whiskas Dentabites, and VetriScience Perio Plus Feline Bites. These chews are designed to clean teeth and freshen breath while being easy for cats to chew and digest.
Vets recommend looking for treats formulated specifically for dental health, with ingredients like delmopinol, an anti-plaque agent. Treats that are larger in size can help scrape tartar off teeth. It’s important to follow package instructions and monitor your cat while they enjoy any treat.
Conclusion
Feline Greenies are dental treats marketed as an enjoyable way to support your cat’s oral health. However, Greenies previously posed a choking risk, prompting a formula change in 2006. While many cats can safely consume the re-formulated Greenies, some veterinarians still recommend caution. It’s important to supervise your cat while feeding Greenies to ensure they are chewing thoroughly. Additionally, Greenies may not be ideal for cats with dental issues or swallowing difficulties. In moderation under supervision, Greenies can provide a convenient way to support your cat’s dental health. But alternatives like dental kibble, raw bones, or brushing may be safer options. Overall, use your best judgment based on your cat’s needs and your own comfort level.