Dental treats for cats are small textured bites with a crunchy texture that help clean a pet's teeth. Along with dry cat food, a few dental treats every day can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up, as well as freshening breath. These tasty treats are a stress-free way of keeping your cat's oral health in tip-top condition. No, they're not Dreamies, dental bites have a harder texture and are sometimes a particular shape that promotes chewing.
In nature, cats are obligate carnivores, which means meat is essential to their diet. In the wild, they would crunch down on bones. This gnawing would build up saliva and help to keep plaque and tartar down. However, with a domesticated diet, felines eat wet cat food and kibble that just doesn't have quite as an intensive cleaning action. As a result, as many as 1 in 8 cats suffer from dental disease.
Best dental treats for cats at a glance
Nobody wants the eye-watering vet bills that come when a cat has a mouth infection or needs a tooth pulled. Sadly, cats can suffer from various dental problems, including periodontal disease, gingivitis and tooth resorption. It may not be immediately apparent that a cat is in pain because of their oral health. But signs such as drooling, bad breath and difficulty eating are giveaways. Also, behaviour such as pawing at the mouth, not grooming and behavioural changes (becoming withdrawn or irritable) can be a sign of a mouth problem. Bleeding gums and visible tartar are clear signs there is an issue. Therefore, it's important to take responsibility with steps to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
Crunchy food is great for your cat's teeth, so it's important to include dry cat food in your pet's diet. Remember, it's essential to have fresh drinking water available at all times. Also, if your cat suffers from a gluten allergy, check the ingredients because a lot of treats contain cereals. There are, however, some grain-free options, such as Scrumbles Gnashers Cat Dental Treats.
Best dental treats for cats
Best value cat dental bites
WHISKASControl tartar build-up and keep feline breath smelling fresh with these small treat biscuits. WHISKAS Dentabites are endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, and there are less than two calories in each treat. The bites have two textures to thoroughly keep tartar and plaque under control. The daily portion size can be up to 17 treats per day, but you should reduce main meals accordingly.
Customer reviews praise Dentabites for keeping their cats' teeth clean. In addition, their pets love these little biscuits. However, you must watch the portion control. Reviews repeatedly say that if you have a cat that doesn't want their teeth brushed, giving them dental treats is an effective and enjoyable way to maintain good oral hygiene.
Pros
- Effective at reducing tartar build-up and improves bad breath
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals for added health benefits
- Good value for money
Cons
- Watch the portion control otherwise greedy kitties will put on weight
| Ingredients: | Cereals, Meat and Animal Derivatives (including Chicken 18%), Vegetable Protein Extracts, Derivatives of Vegetable Origin, Oils and Fats, Minerals, Yeasts |
| Amount per day: | Up to 17 treats per day |
Best bulk buy dental bites for cats
PurinaDentalife Dental Treats have a porous and chewy texture, so they are effective at cleaning teeth. They have a tasty chicken flavour that cats love, and the bites contain taurine and calcium, which are essential to a cat's overall health. This is a US import that is not available in UK shops and supermarkets. Buying in bulk makes this good value for money.
Customer reviews praise these Purina dental treats as their cats enjoy the taste and look forward to their treats. However, a reviewer comments that the treats were too small to be effective in cleaning their Maine Coon cat's teeth. For small and medium breeds, however, this will not be an issue.
Pros
- Good value for money bulk buy
- Contain added calcium and taurine to support a cat's overall health
- Texture is designed to remove tartar build-up from teeth
Cons
- A large breed cat swallowed them without chewing, therefore they were not effective
| Ingredients: | Meat and animal derivatives (20% dehydrated poultry protein of which 4% from chicken), Cereals, Vegetable protein extracts, Oils and fats, Derivatives of vegetable origin, Minerals, Fish and fish derivatives, Glycerol, Yeasts |
| Amount per day: | Up to 17 treats a day |
Best dental treats for large breed cats
AmeizPetAmeizPet Fresh Breath Cat Treats are enriched with chlorophyll (from dried parsley) and yucca schidigera, a natural way to neutralise bad breath. The treats are chicken-flavoured and have a wholesome texture that's crunchy on the outside and soft inside for an enjoyable mouthfeel. AmeizPet pet treats are vet-recommended. They are made from natural ingredients that should not irritate a cat's stomach, but note that they contain wheat.
Customers note that these treats are large and hard, so if you have a cat that's bigger than average, they will be a better fit for their mouths. There is mixed opinion on cats' liking them, but for most, they have freshened breath and given cats a substantial treat to chew on.
Pros
- Zip-lock bag keeps the treats crispy
- Crunchy outer shell with a soft centre for an enjoyable mouthfeel
Cons
- Large size and quite hard, so best suited to bigger cats
| Ingredients: | Maize flour, wheat flour, yeast, animal fats, bran, processed animal protein, chlorophyll (source: dried parsley), Yucca Schidigera |
| Amount per day: | Up to 10 bites every 24 hours |
Best dental bites for kittens
VETIQVETIQ Healthy Bites Denti-Care Treats have a crispy cereal shell that massages gums and scrapes the surface of teeth. It helps prevent the formation of plaque and reduce tartar build-up. The soft centre contains parsley seed and clove oils which have anti-microbial properties. The natural ingredients freshen a cat's breath and help to keep teeth and gums healthy. These are healthy and calorie-controlled treats that can be used as part of weight management. They contain duck as a nourishing source of protein.
Customer reviews praise the treats for being enjoyed by their cats and kittens. Reviews comment that their pet's breath was notably fresher due to these dental bites. However, a customer was surprised at the size of the 65g bag as it was smaller than expected. Currently, eight packs are supplied for the price.
Pros
- Dental bites that are suitable for kittens 12+ weeks
- It's a high-protein treat with duck so it's nutritious
Cons
- Pack size is quite small
| Ingredients: | Poultry Meal, Rye Flour, Canola Oil, Maize, Milk Derivatives, Flavouring, Sodium Chloride, Glycerine, Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Monophosphate Calcium Sodium Salt), 6-Palmityl-L-Ascorbic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E (RRR alpha tocopherol), Chlorophyll Copper Complex, Parsley Seed Oil, Clove Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 |
| Amount per day: | Kittens/small cats <2.5kg 6 bites; Large cats >2.5kg 12 bites |
Best dental treats for cats with added health benefits
ItchItch is well-known for its flea treatments, but did you know it makes dental treats, too? These tasty treats contain freshly prepared ingredients, such as steam-cooked turkey, to lock in the flavour. The bites are grain-free and have a crunchy outer shell that removes plaque and tartar build-up from teeth, with a soft filling of green tea extract and parsley to freshen breath. Additionally, the treats are enriched with added vitamins A, E, D3 and omega 3 and 6.
Customer reviews across the web indicate that cats enjoy these treats. They are quite large bites and effectively clean a cat's teeth and improve their breath. Reviewers say they've made these bites a part of their cat's daily routine, with treats first thing in the morning and before bed.
Pros
- Contain responsibly sourced, freshly prepared and wholesome ingredients
- Enjoyable and effective dental bites that cats look forward to as a treat
Cons
- May be a bit too small for large breed cats
| Ingredients: | Freshly Prepared Turkey 46%, Sweet Potato 21%, Dried Turkey 14%, Potato, Freshly Prepared Wild Boar 4%, Cellulose, Turkey Gravy 1%, Sodium Hexametaphosphate (4,530 mg/kg), Activated Charcoal (4,230 mg/kg), Peppermint 0.3%, Minerals, Vitamins, Green Tea Extract 0.1%, Parsley 0.1% |
| Amount per day: | An average of 6 bites per day. Kittens or small cats (up to 2.5kg): 6 bites per day; Large cats (over 2.5kg): 12 bites per day |
Best dental bites for sensitive stomachs
Scrumbleswww.viovet.co.uk
Scrumbles Gnashers Cat Dental Treats are baked bites with a crunchy texture that help reduce plaque build-up by up to 80 per cent. The bites also contain Slippery Elm to promote good gut health. Scrumbles dental treats contain natural, wholesome ingredients and are grain-free, making them a good option for cats with sensitive digestion. The main ingredient is chicken, which is a source of taurine that is essential to a cat's health. These are also a weight management friendly treat, as long as you don't give your cat more than the daily portion size.
Online reviews praise these treats for being the ideal size for kittens and small cats. Opinion is a bit divided over the taste, but Scrumbles advise slowly introducing them to your cat's diet. Additionally, the treats are all-natural, with no sugars or artificial flavours, which may also take some time for a cat to get used to if it has been fed lower-quality treats.
Pros
- Grain-free and contain gut healthy ingredients so it's a good choice for cats with sensitive digestion
- A good size for kittens and small cats
Cons
- Some cats turned their noses up; if that happens try gradually introducing the treats
| Ingredients: | Chicken 50% (Dehydrated chicken 40%, Chicken Liver 5%, Chicken Fat 5%), Peas, Sweet Potato, Slippery Elm (0.1%), Sodium Hexametaphosphate (0.1%) |
| Amount per day: | 10 daily |
Best cat dental bites for bad breath
Beapharwww.viovet.co.uk
With around 75 treats in a bag, Beaphar Dental Easy Treat for Cats is good value for money. These greenish-coloured bites contain chlorophyll, a natural plant extract that helps freshen breath by absorbing odour. Chewing the bite is a cleaning action that removes plaque and tartar and effectively polishes a cat's teeth.
For the best oral hygiene practice, Beaphar recommends brushing your cat's teeth twice a week using Beaphar Toothbrush and Beaphar Toothpaste. If your cat doesn't like having its teeth brushed, use Beaphar Tooth Gel.
Overall, customer reviews say that their cats enjoy the taste, but some comment on the quality of the ingredients.
Pros
- An easy way to clean a cat's teeth through natural ingredients and chewing action
- Chlorophyll helps to freshen a cat's breath
- Range of Beaphar cat and dog oral hygiene products also available
Cons
- A review comments that their cat wolfs them down rather than chewing
| Ingredients: | Cereals, Derivatives of Vegetable Origin, Minerals, Meat and Animal Derivatives |
| Amount per day: | Up to 10 per day |
Best dental treats for added antioxidants
Smillawww.bitiba.co.uk
Smilla Toothies Dental Care Snacks have a particular texture that cleans the surface of a cat's teeth. The bites are slightly larger than kibble, and the tooth shape encourages cats to chew. Smilla Toothies also contain digestible fibre, omega fatty acids, taurine, vitamins, and antioxidants derived from natural ingredients. Pet nutritionists developed Smilla Toothies, so they are tasty, effective, and healthy treats. The snacks come in a resealable tub to keep the contents fresh.
If your cat has a food intolerance, it's worth checking the label to see if it is allergic to a particular ingredient.
Many customers have commented that their cats love these treats. However, while some reviewers say that their cats wolf them down without properly chewing, other people say they are a bit too large for their cats' mouths. The bites are effective in cleaning a cat's teeth, and reviews are largely positive.
Pros
- Texture that's specifically designed to shear tartar build-up off teeth
- Contains extra fatty acids, vitamins, mineral and antioxidants for your cat's overall health
- Unique shape of the bites encourages a cat to chew
Cons
- Mixed opinion about the size of these treats so may be a bit much for kittens and small cats
| Ingredients: | Fresh poultry 19%, rice, animal fat, sorghum (milo), potato protein, meat greaves meal, animal fat, poultry meal, liver meal, cellulose fibres, protein hydrolyzate, calcium carbonate, linseed, sodium phosphate, yeast (dried), potassium chloride, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, mussel meat meal, chicory (dried), calendula flowers (dried), yucca (dried) |
| Amount per day: | No more than 10% of your cat's daily diet |
Best organic seaweed dental bites
ProDenThese ProDen PlaqueOff dental bites have an active ingredient derived from organic seaweed, which stimulates saliva. The production of saliva softens existing tartar and prevents new plaque from forming. Teeth will look whiter within three to eight weeks. It also promotes fresher breath. The bites are slightly larger than kibble, so they take longer to chew. This action helps to clean teeth.
There is a range of opinions among customers, with the majority praising the bites for being effective and saying that their cats enjoy them. Other reviewers point out that the ingredients are seaweed and cereals, which are wholly atypical to a cat's natural diet. In addition, due to the iron content from seaweed, the bites are unsuitable for cats with hyperthyroidism.
Pros
- Natural ingredients stimulate saliva production that stops plaque forming and softens existing tartar
- See cleaner, whiter teeth in 3-8 weeks
- Certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
Cons
- Unsuitable for cats with hyperthyroidism
| Ingredients: | Dried and milled seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum D1030) |
| Amount per day: | 4-8 bites a day |
How we chose the best dental treats for cats
All of these dental treats have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered ingredients, effectiveness and value for money in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dental treats for cats to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
Best dental treats for cats FAQs
Are plaque and tartar different things?
Yes, plaque and tartar are different. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar (or calculus), a tough, yellowish deposit that can lead to gum disease.
Can dental treats for cats be fattening?
Most cat dental treats are low in calories if you stick to the feeding guide. But, like all treats, calories add up and can cause weight gain if given in excess. Treats should form no more than ten per cent of a cat's daily food intake. Find out more in our guide on how much to feed a cat.
What dental problems can cats suffer from?
Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, the UK’s largest pet rehoming site, explains some of the common dental problems cats can suffer from and how dental treats can help.
Axel says: "As a cat owner, you might not always think about your feline friend’s dental health, but it's just as important for them as it is for humans. Cats can suffer from a range of dental problems. For example, Periodontal disease is a common problem, where inflammation in the gums can worsen if left untreated. Tooth resorption is another issue, where the tooth’s structure breaks down, often leading to pain and tooth loss. Plus, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease, and trauma from hard objects can cause painful broken teeth."
How can dental treats help?
"Fortunately, dental treats can be a helpful tool in maintaining your cat’s oral health. These specially designed treats are more than just a tasty snack; they help reduce plaque and tartar thanks to their unique texture and ingredients. As your cat chews, the treats work to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. Some even include ingredients that support gum health and fight bacteria, making them a handy addition to a good dental routine."
Other steps to maintain good oral health
Axel gives advice, plus do's and don'ts, when it comes to maintaining a cat's oral health: "Regular brushing is ideal if your cat can handle it – using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for cats helps keep plaque at bay. Professional cleanings from your vet are also recommended for a thorough check-up and cleaning that’s hard to achieve at home. And remember, a balanced diet can help reduce plaque, and chew toys can be great for your cat's overall gum health.
Do’s and don’ts
Do’s:
• Do use dental treats, but don’t rely on them for dental care; they should only complement a comprehensive routine.
• Do provide a balanced diet and also consider using dental-specific cat food that is formulated to reduce plaque and tartar.
• Do consider dental supplements; these are designed to support oral health by reducing bacteria.
• Do offer variety in dental toys; cats can be picky, so having a variety of dental toys can help you find one they enjoy. Rotate toys to keep them engaged.
Don’ts:
• Don’t use human toothpaste or toothbrushes on your cat; they can be harmful.
• Don’t ignore signs of dental issues, such as bad breath or changes in eating habits.
• Don’t use hard toys or bones that could damage your cat’s teeth.
• Don’t skip professional dental cleanings; they are essential for maintaining good oral health.
This article contains expert commentary from Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.