Your pet is as reliant on her teeth as you are on yours. If you have a cat, she is undoubtedly used to hunting when she is outside the house and she will use her teeth to grab hold of objects or prey, restrain them, kill them and eat them. While domestic dogs don’t go out hunting for their next meal, they still need their teeth to bite and chew their food. And let’s not forget, virtually all animals still view their teeth as a line of defense, even when they live in an environment where they shouldn’t need to defend themselves.
The giving of treats is a fairly standard part of pet ownership. However, not all treats are created equal and there are some that are infinitely better for your pet than others. In fact, there are some varieties of treats that are designed specifically to benefit your pet’s dental health. This is because they either contain ingredients that have been proven to be great for your pet’s oral health or because they are abrasive and stimulate saliva production, both of which are great at cleaning her teeth and ridding them of food particles and bacteria that can cause plaque and the plaque itself.
With so many different types of treats marketing themselves as being ‘dental’ in nature, it can be a little overwhelming trying to find the best one for your furbaby. That’s where we come in. We have sourced four of the best dental treats for cats and dogs and are pleased to be able to share these with you now.
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
With the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval, this product, manufactured in the U.S. is very popular with many owners (and their pets) thanks to the combination of a great taste, abrasive design, and ingredients that are great for oral health. These chicken-flavored bone-shaped treats have many grooves and ridges that mean that your dog is cleaning his teeth as he chews!
Greenies Original
When you ask an experienced pet owner what dental treats they give their pet, you will probably hear the answer ‘Greenies’. This extremely popular brand of pet treat is also approved by the VOHC and is famed for its 100% natural ingredients that make it easy for your pet to digest. They also contain all of the minerals and vitamins needed to ensure that your dog’s teeth are as healthy as they can possibly be. Choose from an array of sizes to suit your pet, sit back and watch them enjoy a delicious treat that keeps boredom and dental decay at bay!
Greenies Roasted Chicken Dental Treats
Designed specifically for felines, Greenies roasted chicken dental treats meet the strict recommendations of AAFCO cat nutrient profiles. This means that they are good for your cat’s body as wellbeing as well as her teeth since they contain ingredients that are great for her oral health. There are other flavors to choose from too, so if the chicken isn’t appealing to her, consider either the salmon on tuna alternatives.
Purina DentaLife
Also for our cat friends, these kibble-sized chunks are the perfect treat for your purrrfect feline since they are super-abrasive and can help remove debris and bacteria from your kitty’s teeth. They are free from artificial colors and flavors too, making them ideal for all cats, even those with a sensitive stomach. Choose from salmon or chicken – whatever tempts your cat’s taste buds.
If you still aren’t sure which dental treat is best for your pet, don’t hesitate to contact our veterinary team at the Madison Animal Care Hospital in Madison, AL who will be delighted to make a recommendation for you (256) 461-7575.
