Best Cat Dental Treats: 6 Picks That Reduce Tartar and Freshen Breath
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The best cat dental treats use a crunchy texture and specific shape to scrub teeth mechanically as your cat chews, reducing tartar buildup and bad breath between brushings. For most cats, FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Cat Treats are the best first choice because they are the number one vet recommended feline dental treat, are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to reduce tartar, and come in flavors most cats love.
About 70 percent of cats show signs of dental disease by age three, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dental treats are not a replacement for brushing or vet dental cleanings, but they are a simple daily addition that can meaningfully reduce tartar between cleanings. We picked these treats from Amazon best seller data, vet recommendations and VOHC accepted products, then sorted them by how well they actually reduce tartar.
| Product Name | Best For | Key Feature | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Cat Treats | Most cats | Number one vet recommended, VOHC accepted | Check Price |
| Purina DentaLife Cat Dental Treats | Chicken lovers | Porous crunchy texture, no artificial flavors | Check Price |
| Wellness WHIMZEES Cat Dental Treats | Natural option | Supports plaque, tartar, gums and breath | Check Price |
| Tartar Shield Soft Cat Dental Treats | Soft chewers | Clinically proven 42 percent plaque reduction | Check Price |
| ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews for Cats | Kelp formula | Natural kelp powder supports gum health | Check Price |
| Inaba Churu Dental Cat Treats | Lickable treats | Toothpaste free paste in a tube | Check Price |
📋 In This Guide
- Best Cat Dental Treats: Our 6 Picks
- Do dental treats actually clean cat teeth?
- How many dental treats can I give my cat per day?
- What if my cat will not eat crunchy treats?
- Quick Buying Guide: How to Choose Cat Dental Treats
- FAQ: Best Cat Dental Treats
- Final Verdict: Which Cat Dental Treats Should You Buy?
Best Cat Dental Treats: Our 6 Picks
FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Cat Treats
FELINE GREENIES are the number one vet recommended dental treat for cats and are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to help control tartar. Their unique shape and crunchy texture clean down to the gumline as cats bite, reducing tartar by an average of 36 percent in feeding trials.
They are made with natural ingredients plus added vitamins, minerals and taurine, and they are nutritionally complete for adult cats. Each treat is under two calories, so they do not ruin meals. They come in chicken, salmon, tuna and catnip flavors. They held a 4.8 star rating from over 80,000 ratings when we checked.
✅ Why we picked it
- They are the most researched and vet accepted dental treat on the market, with proven tartar reduction and flavors most cats eat willingly.
👍 Pros
- VOHC accepted for tartar control
- Number one vet recommended
- Under two calories per treat
- Natural ingredients
👎 Cons
- Crunchy texture is not for cats with very poor teeth
Purina DentaLife Cat Dental Treats
Purina DentaLife treats use a porous crunchy texture with added calcium and taurine. They are scientifically tested to reduce tartar buildup and contain no artificial flavors or colors. The porous texture lets teeth sink in, scrubbing more surface than a solid hard treat.
They are made in USA facilities and come in a tasty chicken flavor most cats enjoy. They held a 4.7 star rating when we checked. They are a good alternative if your cat refuses Greenies.
✅ Why we picked it
- The porous crunch scrubs more tooth surface than dense hard treats, and there are no artificial flavors.
👍 Pros
- Porous texture for cleaning
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Made in USA
- Tasty chicken flavor
👎 Cons
- Not VOHC listed in all regions
Wellness WHIMZEES Cat Dental Treats
WHIMZEES from Wellness are natural dental treats that support the four main areas vets check: breath, plaque, tartar and gum health. They have a distinctive textured shape that acts like a toothbrush during chewing, and they use natural chicken flavor with no artificial colors or preservatives.
They provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats and come in a 4.5 oz bag. They held a 4.4 star rating when we checked. They are slightly softer than Greenies, which can work for older cats.
✅ Why we picked it
- The natural formula and softer texture suit cats that are sensitive to ingredients or harder crunch.
👍 Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Supports plaque, tartar, gums and breath
- No artificial colors
- Slightly softer crunch
👎 Cons
- Stronger chicken smell when opening the bag
Tartar Shield Soft Cat Dental Treats
Tartar Shield soft treats are clinically proven to reduce plaque, tartar and gingivitis by more than 42 percent in feeding studies. They are a softer chew, which makes them suitable for older cats or cats with dental sensitivity that cannot bite crunchy treats.
Each treat is about one calorie. They are made in the USA with all natural ingredients and are accepted by the VOHC. They held a 4.4 star rating when we checked. They are more expensive per treat than Greenies.
✅ Why we picked it
- They are the best soft dental treat for cats that cannot handle crunchy textures.
👍 Pros
- Soft chew for sensitive teeth
- Clinically proven plaque reduction
- One calorie per treat
- VOHC accepted
👎 Cons
- Higher price per treat
ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews for Cats
ProDen PlaqueOff uses 100 percent natural kelp sustainably harvested from Scandinavian waters. The kelp contains natural compounds that support normal healthy teeth and gums and reduce bad breath when fed daily. It works systemically rather than just mechanically.
The soft chews are easy to give as a treat and can be crumbled over food. They held a 4.2 star rating when we checked. They are a good addition to crunchy treats for cats prone to heavy tartar.
✅ Why we picked it
- Natural kelp works through the diet to complement mechanical cleaning from crunchy treats.
👍 Pros
- Natural kelp formula
- Soft easy chews
- Can be crumbled over food
- Supports gum health
👎 Cons
- Slower to show results than crunchy treats
Inaba Churu Dental Cat Treats
Inaba Churu Dental treats are lickable puree tubes that help clean teeth by encouraging saliva flow and scraping the tongue against teeth during licking. They include chlorophyll and green tea extract to freshen breath, plus added moisture from chicken or tuna puree.
They are very popular with cats that refuse crunchy treats. Each tube is low calorie and grain free. They held a 4.7 star rating when we checked. They are best as a complement to crunchy dental treats rather than a standalone.
✅ Why we picked it
- Lickable puree is the only option for cats that refuse all crunchy treats.
👍 Pros
- Very palatable, cats love them
- Moisture rich
- Freshens breath
- Works for cats that reject crunch
👎 Cons
- Less mechanical tartar removal than crunchy treats
Do dental treats actually clean cat teeth?
Dental treats reduce tartar and plaque mechanically through abrasive chewing, but they cannot replace brushing or professional vet cleanings. VOHC accepted products have been independently tested to show a measurable reduction in tartar compared to no treat.
| Option | How it cleans teeth | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Daily tooth brushing | Removes plaque at the gumline | Best possible home care |
| VOHC accepted dental treats | Mechanical crunch scrubs tartar | Daily addition for all cats |
| Dental water additives | Reduces bacteria in the mouth | Supplement for cats that reject treats |
| Prescription dental diets | Abrasive kibble plus additives | Cats with confirmed dental disease |
| Vet dental cleaning | Removes tartar below the gumline | Needed annually for most cats |
Daily treats are the easiest layer to add to a dental routine. For more cat care guidance, see our list of how to keep an indoor cat happy.
How many dental treats can I give my cat per day?
Follow the package directions for your cat’s weight. For most brands, that is about 6 to 12 treats per day for an average adult cat, split into two servings. Dental treats still contain calories, so reduce regular food slightly if you give treats every day.
- Count treats into the daily calorie total.
- Offer after meals rather than before.
- Provide fresh water alongside treats.
- Watch for weight gain or soft stools.
- Do not give dental treats to kittens under one year unless the label says so.
What if my cat will not eat crunchy treats?
If your cat refuses crunchy dental treats, try a soft treat like Tartar Shield, a lickable option like Churu Dental, or a dental water additive. Some cats prefer softer chews because dental pain can make hard crunching uncomfortable. Refusing crunchy food can itself be a sign of dental pain worth mentioning to a vet.
For cats that will not eat treats at all, dental diets and water additives can still help. If your cat has very bad breath or visible tartar, schedule a vet dental exam rather than relying on treats alone.
Quick Buying Guide: How to Choose Cat Dental Treats
- VOHC acceptance: Look for the VOHC accepted seal. It means the product has been independently tested and proven to reduce tartar or plaque.
- Texture: Crunchy treats provide mechanical scrubbing. Soft treats work for cats with tooth pain or older cats.
- Calories per treat: Aim for two calories or less per treat so daily feeding does not cause weight gain.
- Ingredients: Avoid artificial colors and unnecessary fillers. Added vitamins, minerals and taurine are a plus.
- Flavor: Chicken and seafood flavors are most popular with cats. Try two flavors if your cat refuses one.
- Safety: Always supervise first servings in case of choking on very hard treats. Not for kittens under one year.
- Brand reputation: Stick to brands with feeding trials and vet backing.
FAQ: Best Cat Dental Treats
What is the best cat dental treat for tartar?
FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Treats are the best overall dental treat for tartar because they are VOHC accepted, vet recommended and proven to reduce tartar by 36 percent in feeding trials.
Do vet recommended cat dental treats really work?
Yes, VOHC accepted dental treats do reduce tartar buildup when fed daily as directed. They do not replace brushing or vet cleanings, but they make a measurable difference.
How often should I give my cat dental treats?
Give dental treats daily at the amount on the package, usually split into two small servings a day. Daily feeding is required for tartar reduction.
Can dental treats replace brushing?
No. Brushing is still the gold standard for removing plaque at the gumline. Dental treats are an addition, not a replacement.
Final Verdict: Which Cat Dental Treats Should You Buy?
- Best overall: FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Treats. Vet recommended, VOHC accepted and loved by most cats.
- Best chicken flavor: Purina DentaLife. Porous crunch with no artificial flavors.
- Best natural option: Wellness WHIMZEES. Natural formula supporting all four dental health areas.
- Best soft treat: Tartar Shield Soft Chews. Forty two percent plaque reduction for cats that cannot crunch.
- Best kelp supplement: ProDen PlaqueOff. Natural system wide support to pair with crunchy treats.
- Best lickable: Inaba Churu Dental. For cats that refuse all crunchy treats.
Dental treats are a simple daily addition that can extend the time between expensive vet cleanings. Pair them with annual dental checkups and a good diet for the best long term dental health. For everyday nutrition, see our picks for the best elevated cat bowls and best slow feeder for cats.
Product details are based on manufacturer information, Amazon listings and published reviews at the time of writing and may change. Always check the current product listing before buying. This article isn’t veterinary advice.
Written by Jason
IndoorCatGear helps cat owners choose products with confidence. We compare specifications, study independent testing and read through large numbers of verified owner reviews, so you don't have to. Brands can't pay for placement in our guides.
