Debunking cat diet myths: Does dental prescription dry food really help solve your cat’s dental problems?

Dental and oral disease are common health issues for cats, and most cats experience some degree of dental and oral disease. If left untreated, the inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease can spread through the bloodstream to other organs, causing heart, kidney, and liver problems. There are increasingly more prescription dry foods on the market that promote dental hygiene for cats. These are made with a coarser grind, encouraging cats to chew and reducing oral plaque, staining, and tartar. But can prescription dry foods alone truly solve your cat's dental problems? Pettington debunks these myths about cat food!

Does tooth-cleaning prescription dry food really clean teeth?

Many people believe that dentally friendly dry food helps maintain cats' dental health because chewing it helps clean food particles from their teeth and reduces plaque buildup. However, cats' teeth, like those of other large cats, are designed to tear and crush meat. Dry food, on the other hand, is brittle and hard, breaking easily when chewed, making it less likely to wear away plaque and tartar. While dentally friendly dry food can help alleviate problems like gingivitis, relying solely on it can also lead to other health problems in cats.

[How to effectively solve cats' dental and oral problems? ]

The most effective way to prevent dental disease in cats is to cultivate a habit of brushing their teeth from a young age, with daily brushing recommended. Of course, many cats resist brushing, so cat owners can also improve their cat's diet by providing them with small, soft raw bones, such as chicken necks and wings. Raw bones contain marrow, which is primarily composed of fat and blood. They also allow cats to gnaw on the bones of their prey, creating a natural grinding effect. However, cats should be aware that cooked bones cannot be fed to them, as they can break and cause intestinal damage. When feeding, monitor your cat's chewing behavior to prevent them from swallowing bones whole.

Before implementing any of the above methods, it's best to consult your veterinarian. Annual physical exams are recommended for cats. Cats over seven years old and with existing dental and oral health issues may need biannual exams to assess the need for teeth cleaning. Please note that teeth cleaning requires general anesthesia, and blood tests can be performed to assess kidney and liver function to ensure your cat's health.

Caring for cats is a lifelong commitment. Before making any decision, big or small, remember to consult a professional to ensure your cat grows up healthy and happy!