The Best Cat Dental Treats
Have you ever leaned in for a nuzzle with your cat only to draw back in disgust? Just like people, cats can get stinky breath. But unlike people, cats can't seem to figure out how to use a toothbrush. Enter the dental chew. These tasty treats are loved by our furry friends for their flavor and appreciated by cat owners for their odor-fighting properties. That being said, there are tons of options out there, and some are better than others. Thus, we've whittled down the list to the best of the best. Read on to discover our favorite cat dental treats.
What to Look For
We kept a few factors in mind during our search for the best dental treats for our feline friends. First and foremost, they needed to be effective at freshening breath and cleaning cats’ chompers. We also kept our eyes peeled for healthy, high-quality ingredients and delicious flavors — after all, the treats won’t do your cat any good if they won’t eat them in the first place. Our favorite option overall was Greenies’ Natural Dental Care Treats since they’re (apparently) as delicious as they are effective. But if your cat has any food sensitivities, Emerald Pet offers a grain-free option. Check out our in-depth reviews below to find your cat’s new favorite treat.
Greenies Feline Natural Dental Care Treats
For those pearly whites
For those out there who don’t already know, Greenies has been crushing it in the dental treat game for years. Indeed, this company is a pioneer in developing treats that freshen breath and taste good. The odor-fighting properties of their treats derive from the special ingredients and chewy texture that help remove plaque and tartar. And the proof is in the pudding: cats love Greenies, and they work wonders.
Pros:
- Considering the natural ingredients, the excellent cost value, and the company’s strong reputation, it’s hard to argue against Greenies treats.
- This 2.1-ounce package is small enough to serve as a test run, so if your cat loves them, you can buy a bigger one from the other sizes on offer here.
Cons:
- If you’re trying to find treats that don’t contain wheat, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Purina DentaLife Adult Dental Cat Treats
The cat's meow
Available in delicious chicken and salmon flavors, these treats boast a flavor profile that even the most mature and independent felines can’t resist. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a dental treat based on flavor alone. This treat cleans teeth effectively and sports a price tag that’s hard to beat. You can choose between chicken and salmon flavors, and there are various sizes to pick from, too. Don’t be surprised if even the most reclusive of cats suddenly appear when this bag is opened.
Pros:
- These treats are fortified with taurine, which some believe may help prevent an enlarged heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) that some cats are prone to.
- We appreciate that these contain no artificial flavors or colors.
Cons:
- Because of the delicious flavor, some cats may swallow these without chewing, rendering them ineffective.
Emerald Pet Crunchy Natural Cat Dental Treats
Nothing to sneeze at
While every cat can benefit from dental treats, not every cat suffers from allergies, and as such, few products accommodate our allergy-prone cats. If your feline friend is sensitive to gluten, grains, soy, or dairy, then this is the pick for you. Free of all those potential allergens, this treat is not only good for allergy-prone felines, but it’s also nearly as good at teeth-cleaning as the best treats on the market. It’s available in an impressive six different flavors, too, including catnip, tuna, chicken, and salmon.
Pros:
- Despite the high-quality ingredients, these treats are still affordable.
- Family-owned, Emerald Pet produces all these treats in the USA.
Cons:
- The flavors may not be as appealing as the competitors’ treats.
Greenies Feline Natural Dental Care Treats
Bang for your buck
Is it any surprise that Greenies has made it onto our list more than once? Their natural formulas have boosted feline dental health for years and pleased countless cat owners. Tried-and-true, this value-sized tub of Greenies holds a whopping 21 ounces of the little treats. That’s enough quantity to secure healthy mouths for many months. Nutritionally complete, delicious, and highly effective at boosting dental health, this pick is well worth the investment.
Pros:
- The huge 21-ounce quantity offers enough treats to last through an apocalypse.
- The Greenies dental treat formula is renowned for good reason: it works. If you’re unsure of what kind of treat your cat might like, this is a pretty safe bet.
Cons:
- Senior cats may struggle to chew them, so these are best for younger cats with healthy teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dental treats really improve cat breath?
Stinky cat breath can stem from a wide range of origins. That being said, the most common cause of stinky breath in cats is the buildup of tartar and plaque between their teeth. These residues encourage bacterial growth in their mouths and can cause nasty breath as a consequence. Because these treats help remove such maladies, your cat’s breath should improve noticeably after a week of using them.
Another common cause of bad breath among cats is an unbalanced microbiome in their guts. This is a complex issue and may originate from the cat’s diet. Dental treats may also help in this arena since they contain vitamins and minerals that your cat may be lacking.
How do dental treats work?
The texture of cat dental treats is specially formulated to be slightly crunchy and slightly chewy. As your cat chews the treat, it scrapes off plaque and tartar on and between the teeth. Because the dental benefits come from the chewing action, you’ll want to make sure that your cat isn’t just swallowing the treats whole. In such a scenario, your cat won’t reap the dental benefits of the treats (though they’ll still probably enjoy the flavor).
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.