9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in 2024: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed!

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Best Dental Treats for Cats

Who would have thought that treats can be beneficial for your cat’s teeth? At first, it might sound too good too to be true, so, it’s totally understandable if a lot of pet parents are skeptical even with the best dental treats for cats.

Also, while there are new dental treats designed to promote dental health and keep cat’s teeth stay clean, there are also other dental treats that are simply glorified kibbles.

Hence, before you shop online, feel free to read this guide about the best dental treats for cats, so you won’t end up wasting your money buying a potentially unhealthy dental treat for your feline companion.

Importance of Good Oral Hygiene in Cats

As a cat parent, it’s important that you help promote your cat’s dental health through teeth brushing and cleaning.

However, we know that brushing our cat’s teeth daily can be really challenging, especially if they were not introduced to it when they were still kittens.

And as for dental cleaning, it won’t be an issue if you only have one or two cats. However, for a multi-cat household, the cost of dental cleaning per cat could add up to a hefty price tag.

So, the use of proven and tested dental treats is of great help in keeping your cat’s teeth healthy as much as possible.

Another concern with dental cleaning is that just like brushing, most cats dislike it, and it also involves the use of anesthesia. So, for pet parents who are not that open to having their cats anesthetized, this can be a major issue.

Without a doubt, having good oral hygiene is the most effective way in keeping your cat’s teeth and gums healthy. But in case you can’t, resorting to dental treats is better than not having any feline dental intervention at all.

Also Read: 2024‘s Best Cat Foods for Dental Health

Why Should You Give Dental Treats to Your Cats?

Cat dental treats promise a fun and easy way to keep your cat’s teeth clean, reduce tartar buildup, and prevent periodontal disease in the future.

However, these tasty treats can’t definitely replace the effectiveness of brushing your cat teeth regularly with the use of a cat toothpaste, as well as having a regular checkup with your veterinarian.

As always, prevention is better than cure. Whatever little step or ounce of help that you can offer to prevent tooth decay, broken teeth, and other oral health problems is worth a pound of cure.

Most of us think that dental problems only affect the mouth. However, the truth is, it can also have a systemic effect affecting the different organs of your cat’s body.

Periodontal disease affects more than 85% of cats aged 6 and over. This condition is primarily caused by plaque buildup, which then leads to tartar accumulation, gum inflammation, and other complications.

When left untreated, the oral bacteria and toxins caused by the disease process can travel in the bloodstream thereby spreading throughout the body.

Hence, every cat parent should not undermine the strings of issues that can arise from a simple and preventable dental problem.  And that’s why every help that can be done to promote healthy teeth and gums is better than none at all.

Dental treats boast an easy, painless, and fun way to keep your cat’s mouth healthy while also keeping his breath smelling fresh all day.

But again, these tasty and crunchy treats are not the ultimate solution to promoting good dental health in cats. And sometimes, depending on the products, as well as the cat’s unique situation, these treats can’t be the solution at all.

Additionally, it’s also important to know that dental treats, though larger in size than the regular kibbles are not beneficial for the front teeth or incisor teeth, as well as the canine teeth.

Incisors are primarily used by cats for prehension or grasping, while canine teeth are used for capturing prey. The cheek teeth, also known as premolars or molars, are the ones used for chewing or grinding.

9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 1

Do All Cat Dental Treats Maintain Good Oral Health?

Sad to say, no, not all dental treats work. And there could be different factors to consider in the same way that not all medicines and supplements work.

But to keep it simple and still have a clear understanding of the reasons behind it, it’s helpful that we look into the ingredients that are present or absent in a particular dental treat.

Most dental treats in the market simply rely on the abrasive mechanism of the treats to scrub off dental plaque and surface bacteria from the teeth. This can work for some cats, but it won’t for other felines since many cats don’t really chew their cat food.

Generally, dry food and dental treats also leave carbohydrate residues on a cat’s teeth the same way wet food does. Hence, they can also contribute to the buildup of plaque and tartar, and eventually to periodontal disease if left untreated.

Hence, it’s also not enough to simply buy any dental treat in the market. So, if you are planning to purchase some for your feline buddies, you should definitely check out our list of the best dental treats below.

And of course, it also helps to seek veterinary advice so your cat can have the best treatment regimen that meets his specific needs. 

How to Choose the Best Dental Cat Treat?

Compared with regular kibbles, dental treats are larger in size with a crunchy texture. Hence, cats will really be encouraged to chew, rather than swallow the treats directly.

And once your cat chews the dental treats, his saliva will start to flood inside and rinse his mouth. Your cat’s saliva also promotes certain bacterial activity that is beneficial for his oral health.

Moreover, dental treats also come in a few different flavors – from catnip, chicken and salmon flavors, and a lot more.

Your cats will certainly purr with delight each time he sees you holding his jar of treats. And of course, as a cat parent, it’s also a joy to see your cat enjoying his treats that can help prevent future dental problems.

IMAGE PRODUCT  
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 2
DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor
  • Prevents tartar build up on cat's teeth
  • Packed with wholesome ingredients
  • Pouches are resealable for longer shelf life
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9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 3
Greenies Feline Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor
  • Only 2 calories for each treat
  • Contains no preservatives or artificial flavors
  • Keeps cat's breath fresh
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9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 4
VetriScience Perio Plus Everyday Health Feline Bites
  • Helps clean a cat's mouth
  • Prevents the growth of harmful bacteria
  • Contains zinc and taurine for gum health
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9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 5
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Crunchy Bites
  • Cleanses kitty's teeth while munching this treat
  • Drool-worthy flavor of chicken
  • Scrapes plaque and tartar away
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9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 6
C.E.T. Intellident Cat Bites by Virbac
  • Contains no artificial preservatives
  • Help reduce tartar and plaque buildup
  • Cleans teeth, freshens breath and supports gums
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9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 7
Hartz Dentist's Best Chicken Flavor
  • Lovely heart-shaped dental treats
  • Crunchy texture that cats love
  • Reduces tartar formation by up to 80%
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9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 8
Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats
  • Savory flavor from real chicken
  • Perfect for food-sensitive cats
  • Made without grain, gluten, soy or dairy
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9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 9
WholeHearted Smart Smiles Chicken Flavor
  • Deliciously made with chicken flavor
  • Designed to minimize tartar and plaque
  • Contains peppermint to freshen a cat's breath
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9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 10
WoLover Natural Silvervine Sticks
  • 100% organic product
  • Chewable stick for all breeds and sizes
  • Satisfies a cat's urge to chew and munch
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Reviewed Dental Cat Treats

  1. DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor
  2. Greenies Feline Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor
  3. VetriScience Perio Plus Everyday Health Feline Bites
  4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Crunchy Bites
  5. Virbac C.E.T. Intellident Cat Bites by Virbac
  6. Hartz Dentist's Best Chicken Flavor
  7. Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats
  8. WholeHearted Smart Smiles Chicken Flavor
  9. WoLover Natural Silvervine Sticks

Also, in choosing the best dental treat in the market, you should go beyond the flavors and look past the positive reputation of mint in promoting oral health.

More than anything else, the dental treat should be low in residue-building carbohydrates, and they should be packed with enzymes that can kill the bacteria lurking inside your cat’s mouth.

These two features together with the treat’s size and texture all help in reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar, and in ensuring that your cat thrives each day with clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresher breath.

For astute pet owners, the search for the Veterinary Oral Health Council stamp of approval can be a great starting point in choosing a treat that promotes good oral health.

With the delicious flavor and meaty ingredients of the following dental treats, every bite is sure to satisfy the personal preference and nutritional requirement of your carnivorous cat.

9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 11

Best Dental Treats for Cats

1. DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 12
A crunchy, porous texture allowing teeth to penetrate into the treat for an effective clean and prevention of tartar buildup.

Please your cat’s cravings for real chicken meat while cleaning his teeth at the same time with DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Treats.

These tasty and crunchy treats feature a porous texture, which allows your cat’s teeth to penetrate each treat for a thorough clean.

Purina’s DentaLife is also just one of the three products in this list with a VOHC seal of acceptance for the prevention of tartar.

Apart from its chewy, and porous texture that is helpful in delivering more effective teeth cleaning action, each treat is also packed with calcium, taurine, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.

Along with all these wholesome ingredients, the treats are also loaded with probiotics to support your cat’s digestive health.

What’s more, the treats come in a resealable pouch for easy access whilst keeping the crunch of the treats as strong as when the pack was freshly opened.

2. Greenies Feline Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 13
Made with natural ingredients plus added vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Its crunchy texture helps clean teeth, freshen breath and minimize tartar buildup.

With Feline Greenies’ long-standing good reputation in the cat treats industry, it’s not surprising why their dental treat is also the most popular choice among cat parents.

And not only that, but their packaging also boasts about being the #1 veterinary-recommended dental treat for cats.

This treat from Greenies is another VOHC-accepted cat treat that helps control tartar. And they also come in fun shapes and irresistibly tasty flavors.

What’s more, these dental treats are made with natural ingredients and fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, which make them a nutritionally complete and balanced snack for adult cats.

You can also drop your worries away as far as your cat’s weight is concerned because each piece of this tasty treat only contains fewer than two calories.

And of course, they are free from artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers. So, every crunchy bite is packed with nutrients and is incredibly powerful to keep your cat’s teeth clean even after munching on his favorite canned food.

3. VetriScience Perio Plus Everyday Health Feline Bites

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 14
These tiny bites boasts dual action action system that not only cleans teeth and freshens breath but also supports better gum health.

VetriScience Perio Plus Feline Bites Dental Treats are specially formulated by veterinarians to control plaque, freshen breath, and support healthy gum through its dual-action mechanism that comes with every bite.

Crunchy from the outside, yet soft and chewy from the inside – every piece of this chicken-flavored tasty treat is sure to satisfy even the pickiest cats.

And for cat parents, this is music to the ear considering how difficult it can be to find something that their feline buddies would purr over with satisfaction.

The outer layer of these treats contains natural ingredients such as champignon mushroom extract, cinnamon, spirulina, yucca schidigera extract, and parsley.

These ingredients work together to clean your cat’s teeth, freshen his breath, and control the buildup of plaque and tartar.

The soft inner layer of these dental treats is packed with important minerals such as zinc and taurine to promote gum tissue integrity, and overall dental health.

The size and texture of the treats, together with their scientifically-proven wholesome ingredients encourage chewing, teeth cleansing, and help reduce plaque buildup and tartar formation with no toothbrush required.

4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Crunchy Bites Real Chicken

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 15
Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, these bites help control plaque and tartar, clean teeth and freshen breath.

Drop your hesitations, and just let your cat nibble on these crunchy kibbles (or should we say dental treats).

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Crunchy Bites Dental Cat Treats feature high-quality real chicken with every flavorful bite, and each treat only contains less than two calories. So, now, you can reward your cat while cleaning his teeth without overindulging.

These tasty and crunchy treats are also accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to help control plaque and tartar, and consequently, clean your cat’s teeth and promote fresh breath.

However, since this is a veterinary diet, you need authorization from your vet before you can purchase this online or in stores.

5. C.E.T. Intellident Cat Bites by Virbac

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 16
These delicious, chicken-flavored crunchy bites work with a cat’s natural chewing action to aid minimize plaque and tartar buildup plus keeps gums in tip top shape.

With C.E.T. Intellident Cat Bites by Virbac, you can now keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy, and his breath smelling good all the time.

And all of these are possible with only three treats per day. This crunchy and delicious dental treat works with your cat’s natural chewing action to help reduce plaque buildup and tartar formation.

This great-tasting treat comes in chicken liver flavor, and it is free from artificial preservatives, low in fat, and features natural flavoring that cats of all sizes and ages will love.

6. Hartz Dentist's Best Chicken Flavor Treats

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 17
Featuring a crunchy texture that scrubs away debris while massaging your cat’s gums to loosen plaque and tartar. The DentaShield center acts like a toothpaste for stronger teeth, jaws and gums.

Safe and effective dental treats don’t need to be expensive. With Hartz Dental Treats, you can keep your cat’s teeth healthy and smelling fresh all day, every day, at a more budget-friendly price.

And this treat’s cheaper price tag doesn’t mean that it is of inferior quality to other dental treats in the market.

Hartz Dentist’s Dental Treats is the only product of its kind that uses DentaShield technology, which only strengthens its effectiveness in reducing tartar formation by up to 80%.

Each treat also features a crunchy texture that is known to be helpful in scrubbing away debris from cat’s teeth, and at the same time massaging the gums to loosen plaque and tartar.

What’s more, the heart-shaped treats feature a tasty chicken flavor every cat will surely love. And they are also low in calories, which makes them safe for daily feeding.

Hartz Dental Treat is also only one of the few dental treats in the market that is designed to promote good dental health in kittens.

7. Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 18
This limited-ingredient treat is made without gluten, soy, grain or dairy so they’re easy on your cat's tummy. It helps keep your cat's breath fresh and teeth clean.

If you are looking for grain-free and gluten-free dental cat treats for your feline companion, then, Emerald Feline Dental Treats with Chicken should be at the top of your list. This all-natural, crunchy dental treat promotes clean teeth and fresher breath.

The fun fish shape of the treats also comes at the right size to encourage chewing, rather than swallowing. Each of the low-calorie tasty treats helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup through natural chewing action.

Additionally, its nutritious recipe is free from dairy, soy, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, which makes it an ideal dental treat for felines with allergies or sensitivities.

What’s more, it comes in six delicious flavors – chicken, tuna, salmon, turkey and duck, ocean fish, and catnip.

8. WholeHearted Smart Smiles Chicken Flavor

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 19
It comes in a special texture designed to promote your kitty’s dental health. The peppermint keeps his breath fresh plus the added prebiotic aids in gut health.

Getting your cat to love and enjoy his healthy dental hygiene routine is now made easier – thanks to WholeHearted Smart Smiles Delicious Dental Treats.

Your feline buddy is sure to have fun savoring the tasty chicken flavor of this dental treat, while you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that he is receiving the dental care that he deserves.

These dental treats come in a special texture designed to promote your cat’s oral health, and each treat is formulated to reduce plaque and tartar.

It also contains peppermint to help with your cat’s breath, and it’s packed with prebiotic to promote healthy digestion.

Additionally, the tasty recipe is free from artificial colors, or flavors; and it is free from corn, wheat, or soy of any kind.

And with less than two calories per treat, you won’t feel guilty even if you let your cat indulge in these delicious and crunchy treats (once in a while).

9. WoLover Silvervine Sticks

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 20
Made from unprocessed, organic Silverine, it effectively eliminates dental plaque and tartar, clear off bad breath and protect dental health.

Made with a single ingredient, WoLover Silvervine Sticks can effectively eliminate dental plaque and tartar, remove bad breath, and promote your cat’s overall dental health.

Silvervine is 100% natural, organic, and safe for your feline companion. And just like catnip, cats are strongly attracted to it.

Also, these chew sticks are free from artificial ingredients, flavors, or colors. And it is completely safe for all breeds of cats and kittens.

What’s more, just like catnips and cat toys, chewing on these sticks can relieve stress and help stimulate your cat’s brain while keeping him entertained for hours.

And aside from acting as dental chews, these organic sticks also help remove hairballs, promote good digestion, and soothe mild stomach discomfort. 

9 Best Dental Treats for Cats in [year]: Reasons Why You Should Give Them Revealed! 21

Frequently Asked Questions

Do homemade cat dental treats work?

In addition to regular teeth brushing, professional cleaning, and the use of commercial dental treats, homemade cat dental treats also help promote good dental health.

Raw bones and meats are the best homemade solutions for feline dental problems.

The gnawing action from munching on the meaty bones help strengthen a cat’s jaws while also cleaning his teeth.

However, you should never give cooked bones as these can easily break and potentially injure your cat’s mouth while chewing.

How can I improve my cat’s oral health?

It might be easier said than done, but brushing your cat’s teeth daily and having his dental health checked by a veterinarian are two essential steps that can help improve your cat’s overall oral health.

Adult cats are more resistant to teeth brushing, so, it’s highly encouraged to introduce a healthy oral hygiene regimen while they are still kittens.

What are the signs that your cat may have dental disease?

One of the most common signs of dental disease in cats is the presence of bad breath. Although it is not always indicative of a disease, there’s always the possibility that a cat’s fetid breath is one of the symptoms of a more serious dental health issue that needs immediate care and attention.

Below are other signs that you should watch out for that may indicate dental disease in cats:

  • Presence of tartar or tooth discoloration
  • Difficulty of eating
  • Drooling
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Pawing
  • Red, or swollen gums
  • Weight loss

Are dental problems common in cats?

Yes, diseases of the teeth and gums are common in felines. Based on reports, 50 to 90% of cats older than four years of age suffer from a dental problem.

And sad to say, most of the dental issues that affect them are easily preventable with good dental hygiene and veterinary checkup.

The three most common dental problems in cats are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. While often disregarded, dental disease can cause pain and discomfort in cats, and can highly affect their quality of life.

Sphinx Cat and Treats

How often should your cat’s teeth be cleaned by a dentist?

As mentioned earlier, dental disease is highly common in cats. And the best way to prevent it is through the combination of good oral hygiene, and professional cleaning.

For best results, tooth brushing should start while your cat is younger. Kittens are more adaptive to this practice, while adult cats are more resistant.

When the surfaces of your cat’s teeth are cleaned daily, you don’t have to worry about getting him to the vet as often as possible. In addition to daily teeth brushing, cats should have an annual dental cleaning done by a veterinarian.

And this should start at 1 year of age to prevent the development of periodontal diseases.

Why does my cat’s breath stink?

Your cat’s bad breath is most likely caused by the overabundance of odor-producing bacteria inside his mouth. And this can occur if you fail to clean his teeth daily, which then, encourages the buildup of plaque and tartar.

How can I help with my cat’s bad breath?

Aside from daily brushing and regular professional cleaning, you can also use dental sprays, dental water additives, chew toys, and of course dental treats.

Additionally, you should also keep your cat hydrated by ensuring that he always has access to clean water. Providing him with a high-quality diet can also help fight bad breath.

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