Plus, the crunchy texture was thought to lightly abrade away plaque. This myth has been largely debunked, revealing that dry food has little to no ability to clean cat teeth.

In addition to regular brushing, professional cleanings, and commercial dental treats, homemade dental treats can help keep your cat’s teeth healthy. Some people will occasionally feed raw bones to help break up tartar, though there are some risks with this. Bones can also pose a choking risk to cats who try to swallow large pieces. Uncooked meat can be a source for pathogenic bacteria, so do not use this in homes with immunocompromised people or pets. Before we jump into the details about this treat and the rest of our top recommendations, let’s talk about the benefits of dental treats for cats and what to look for. Here’s Why Cat Dental Treats Are a Good IdeaThe size of the treats is essential. They can’t be too small, or your cat might not chew them and just swallow them whole, but they can’t be too large, as your cat might not want to chew them and will reject them. According to the marketing, these treats lightly abrade your cat’s teeth, scrubbing off plaque and surface bacteria. But there’s a problem with this theory. Cats don’t thoroughly chew their food. Their teeth seldom spend enough time touching the rough food to benefit from any abrasive effects. If your cat has ever vomited after eating dry food, you’ve probably seen graphic evidence of this fact.

An estimated 85% of cats over age 6 have some form of periodontal disease—a condition occurring when tartar builds up on your cat’s teeth, causing gum inflammation and a string of other conditions.The best cat dental treats are low in residue-building ingredients and contain enzymes that can consume the bacteria remaining in your cat’s mouth, reducing the likelihood of plaque and eventual tartar buildup. Top 6 Dental Treats for Cats Reviewed