Cat dental health is crucial for all cats. But is wet food bad for cats’ teeth?
Many people believe that kibble is good for cat teeth because it’s crunchy.
This could not be farther from the truth.
So what about wet food?
Is wet food bad for cats’ teeth?
The moisture content in wet food is much better for cats than kibble. However, you cannot rely on wet or dry food to clean your cat’s teeth. Raw meaty bones are YAHUAH’s natural-made toothbrush. If you aren’t feeding whole prey or raw meaty bones you must brush your cat’s teeth.
Disclaimer: You (and only you) are responsible for your cats. I earn a commission through affiliate links below. No additional cost to you.
Dry kibble cat food does not clean teeth
Most believe that dry food cleans cat teeth because it’s crunchy. Dr. Karen Becker labels this as the myth that won’t die.
Imagine your dentist told you to eat crunchy granola instead of brushing your teeth. You’d probably go find a new dentist, right?
Also, if kibble cleaned teeth, why would kibble companies have to produce special “oral care” diets?
That’s some common sense. But what about science?
Dry cat food is very high in carbohydrates. It ranges from 25-50% on a dry matter basis.
These starchy ingredients are required in dry food to hold the kibble shape.
Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. Cats do not produce amylase in their saliva.
So if cats can’t break down carbs in their mouth, how can a high-carb food be good for their teeth?
What food cleans cat teeth?
As mentioned above, raw meaty bones and whole prey are mother nature’s toothbrush.
The Cat Doctor explains this on their feline dental disease PDF.
Cats that hunt for food have to chew through feathers/fur, skin, tendons, flesh, and bones.
This constant chewing action does scrape the teeth. And can keep the teeth clean over time.
There are so many benefits of raw meaty bones that go beyond teeth cleaning!
Additionally, a study comparing feral cats eating whole prey and domestic cats eating commercial dry and canned diets showed that the commercial diets presented higher dental calculus scores.
Where to buy whole prey
I buy whole prey quail and baby chicks from Raw Feeding Miami (get 10% off with that link) and Real Meal Pet Food (get $10 off with that link).
Where to buy raw meaty bones
Hare Today sells raw meaty bones.
Raw meaty bones should only be fed as part of a balanced raw diet.
Natural dental care products
Kelp
Kelp can help reduce plaque accumulation on your cat’s teeth.
All you have to do is sprinkle a bit on your cat’s food once per day.
I use Bio Brilliant which contains kelp and a few other whole food ingredients. YOu can buy it on Amazon.
Or you can buy NOW kelp on Amazon
If you prefer a vet-recommended brand, try Proden PlaqueOff (also kelp). It’s available on Amazon, Chewy, and Only Natural Pet.
Some plaque and tarter chipped off Jericho’s teeth a few weeks after I started using kelp and feeding raw meaty bones.
Brushing your cat’s teeth
Brushing your cat’s teeth will take time and patience. But it is worth it in the long run.
Cats thrive on routine. So make teeth brushing a routine. And your cat will accept it.
You don’t even have to use a toothbrush.
You can use sterile gauze (this is what I do). Make sure it says sterile on the box because not all gauze is sterile.
Your local pharmacy is probably the best place to buy sterile gauze.
Start slowly and let your cat get used to you touching his face around his mouth.
Gradually, you would let him get used to you rubbing his teeth with your finger.
Then you would progress to the sterile gauze or a cat toothbrush.
Final thoughts on food and cat teeth
Kibble does not clean teeth. It’s full of carbohydrates, and cats cannot break down carbs in their mouth.
Instead, it forms a residue that can harden into plaque.
Wet food is not better for the cat’s teeth, but it is better for overall health. When compared to kibble.
The best food for dental health is a balanced raw diet that includes raw meaty bones and/or whole prey for chewing.
If you cannot feed raw meaty bones or whole prey you must brush your cat’s teeth regularly to avoid dental plaque and tartar buildup.
Need help feeding your picky cat better? My switch your cat to raw course is for you!
