Dental health is crucial for your cat's overall wellbeing. Dental treats can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and promote healthy gums. While they shouldn't replace regular veterinary dental care, dental treats are a convenient way to support your cat's oral health between cleanings.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compared the best dental treats for cats available on Amazon. We've evaluated each product based on effectiveness, ingredients, palatability, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Our Top Picks
If you're in a hurry, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Greenies Dental Treats - VOHC approved, effective plaque reduction, cats love them
- Best Natural: Natural Dental Treats - All-natural ingredients, no artificial additives
- Best Budget: Budget-Friendly Option - Good value, effective cleaning
- Best for Fresh Breath: Breath Freshener Treats - Specifically formulated for bad breath
What to Look For in Dental Treats for Cats
When choosing dental treats for your cat, consider these important factors:
VOHC Approval
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal indicates that a product has been proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar. Look for this seal when choosing dental treats for maximum effectiveness.
Texture and Design
Dental treats should have a texture that helps scrape plaque from teeth as your cat chews. Some treats have ridges or special shapes designed to clean teeth more effectively.
Ingredients
Look for treats with quality ingredients and avoid those with excessive fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. Some treats include enzymes or other ingredients specifically designed to support oral health.
Calorie Content
Dental treats add calories to your cat's diet, so consider the calorie content, especially if your cat is on a weight management plan. Some treats are lower in calories than others.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | VOHC Approved | Calories | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies | Yes | 1.3 per treat | All-around use | $$ |
| Natural Treats | Some | Varies | Natural option | $$ |
| Budget Option | No | Varies | Value | $ |
| Breath Freshener | Some | Varies | Bad breath | $$ |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Greenies Dental Treats - Best Overall
Greenies Dental Treats are one of the most popular and effective dental treats for cats. They carry the VOHC seal, meaning they've been proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup when used as directed.
These treats have a unique texture and shape that helps clean teeth as cats chew. They're made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Each treat contains only 1.3 calories, making them suitable for cats on calorie-controlled diets.
Greenies come in various flavors that cats love, including chicken, salmon, and tuna. They're easy to break into smaller pieces for smaller cats and are highly palatable, making them easy to incorporate into your cat's routine.
Key Features: VOHC approved, low calorie, natural ingredients, multiple flavors, effective cleaning
2. Natural Dental Treats - Best Natural
For cat owners who prefer all-natural products, there are several natural dental treats available that use simple, wholesome ingredients. These treats often avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Natural dental treats may use ingredients like parsley for fresh breath, enzymes for plaque reduction, and natural abrasives for mechanical cleaning. While not all natural treats have VOHC approval, many are still effective when used regularly.
These treats are often made with limited ingredients, making them suitable for cats with food sensitivities. They provide a natural way to support dental health while avoiding synthetic additives.
Key Features: All-natural ingredients, no artificial additives, limited ingredients, natural cleaning action
3. Budget-Friendly Dental Treats - Best Value
There are several affordable dental treat options that still provide effective cleaning action. These treats offer good value while helping to maintain your cat's oral health.
Budget options may not always have VOHC approval, but they can still help reduce plaque through mechanical action when your cat chews them. They're a good option for multi-cat households or for pet owners on a budget.
When choosing budget treats, look for those with quality ingredients and an appropriate texture for cleaning. Even affordable treats should be made with safe, digestible ingredients.
Key Features: Affordable, good value, effective cleaning, suitable for multiple cats
4. Breath Freshener Treats - Best for Fresh Breath
Some dental treats are specifically formulated to address bad breath in addition to cleaning teeth. These treats often contain ingredients like parsley, mint, or chlorophyll that help neutralize odors.
Breath freshener treats combine the mechanical cleaning action of dental treats with ingredients designed to improve breath. They're particularly useful for cats with persistent bad breath issues.
While these treats help with breath, they should still be used as part of a comprehensive dental care routine that includes regular veterinary checkups. Persistent bad breath can indicate underlying health issues that need veterinary attention.
Key Features: Breath freshening, dental cleaning, odor neutralization, dual action
Final Verdict
Greenies Dental Treats are our top choice for most cats, offering proven effectiveness with VOHC approval, low calories, and high palatability. For those preferring natural options, there are several good choices available. Remember that dental treats are a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular veterinary dental care and professional cleanings when needed.
Always follow feeding guidelines and adjust your cat's regular meals to account for treat calories. If your cat has existing dental issues, consult with your veterinarian before starting any new dental treat regimen.