Dental disease is a prevalent issue among cats, with a staggering 90% of felines over the age of three experiencing some form of it. While diet alone cannot prevent or cure dental problems, it plays a crucial role in supporting your cat’s overall health and can be an important factor in managing oral well-being. Recognizing the signs of dental distress and seeking veterinary advice is paramount, as dental disease can be incredibly painful and progressive. For instance, tooth resorption, a common condition, affects even healthy cats and its exact causes remain unknown, though proper nutrition is believed to support oral health.
As many as 90% of cats over the age of three are affected by dental disease. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort, often going unnoticed by owners until advanced stages manifest as bad breath or difficulty eating. While daily brushing and regular veterinary check-ups are the cornerstones of feline dental hygiene, the food your cat consumes also contributes to their oral health.
This guide delves into the connection between feline dental health and nutrition, offering recommendations for cat foods that can support your cat’s oral well-being, especially for those with existing dental concerns.
Understanding Feline Dental Disease and Diet
Dental disease in cats encompasses a range of conditions, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. These issues can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems if left untreated. While the exact causes of some dental conditions are still being researched, factors like genetics, diet, and overall health play significant roles.
The long-standing debate between wet and dry food for dental health has yielded mixed conclusions. Some proponents argue that the abrasive action of kibble can help scrape plaque off teeth. However, many cats tend to swallow their food whole, negating this potential benefit. Scientific evidence supporting dry food as superior for dental health over other diets is limited.
Conversely, wet food can be a more palatable and easier-to-eat option for cats experiencing dental pain or those who have undergone dental extractions. Dr. Amber Carter, DVM, DABVP, emphasizes that the “best diet for any given cat is the one that the owner and veterinarian have chosen for that specific cat and their overall health needs.” Therefore, a balanced diet that promotes overall health is beneficial for dental health as well.
Top Cat Food Recommendations for Dental Health
When selecting food for a cat with dental issues, consider options that are gentle on the mouth and nutritionally sound.
1. Best for Senior Cats: Tiki Cat Silver Mousse + Shreds Chicken, Duck & Duck Liver Recipe in Broth
This dual-texture wet food is ideal for senior cats who may have some chewing ability but benefit from softer food. It features a blend of smooth mousse and shredded meat, making it palatable and easy to eat. The formula is rich in animal-sourced protein and fats, with a good source of omega-3 fatty acids from tuna oil. Its low carbohydrate content and hydrating moisture make it a digestible choice.
Key Features:
- Dual texture: mousse and shreds
- High in protein and fat
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Low in carbohydrates
2. Premium Pick: Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
This freeze-dried raw food is made with a high percentage of rabbit meat, organs, and bone, making it an excellent option for cats with protein sensitivities. It requires rehydration, and the morsels are easy to crush and soak. The meaty texture is generally well-accepted by cats, and its high protein and fat content provide ample energy.
Key Features:
- 98% rabbit meat, organs, and bone
- Easy to rehydrate
- Meaty texture
- High protein and fat content
3. Budget Pick: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
For an economical yet high-quality option, this wet cat food is a great choice. It boasts a high protein content (50% dry matter) and a smooth pate texture that is easy for cats to consume. Rich in hydrating moisture and animal-sourced nutrients, it’s a well-rounded meal. While generally well-tolerated, the inclusion of guar gum may cause loose stools in some sensitive cats, necessitating a slow transition.
Key Features:
- 50% dry matter protein
- Smooth pate texture
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Economically priced
4. Best Prescription: Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
This prescription diet is specifically formulated for dental health and is recognized by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for plaque and tartar control. Its large kibble size encourages chewing, which can help clean teeth, particularly the molars. While not nutritionally ideal as a sole diet due to its high carbohydrate content and low moisture, it can be effective when recommended by a veterinarian.
Key Features:
- VOHC-accepted for plaque and tartar control
- Large kibbles promote chewing
- Veterinarian recommended for dental health
5. Best Dry Food: Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel and Lamb Recipe Cat Food
For cat owners who prefer dry food, this air-dried option offers a species-appropriate nutritional profile. Unlike traditional kibble, it’s processed at lower temperatures and made from a high percentage of whole mackerel, lamb, and organs. It provides over 50% dry matter protein and includes nutrients beneficial for joint health. The jerky-like texture may encourage chewing.
Key Features:
- Made with 96% whole seafood, lamb, and organs
- High dry matter protein content
- Novel protein formula
- Air-dried processing
6. Best Fresh Food: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
Delivered directly to your door, Smalls offers a convenient subscription service for fresh cat food. The Ground Bird formula features a smooth, pate-like texture that is easy for cats to eat, making it suitable for those with dental issues. It’s protein-rich, low in carbohydrates, and made with quality ingredients like chicken muscle meat and liver.
Key Features:
- Single-protein fresh food
- Smooth pate texture
- Low carbohydrate content
- Convenient delivery
7. Best for Cats with Bad Teeth: Tiki Cat Luau Velvet Mousse with Chicken in Broth Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
This mousse-style wet food is exceptionally easy to eat, requiring no chewing, making it perfect for cats with severe dental disease or pain. It is formulated with chicken and chicken broth, providing essential protein and hydration. Its smooth texture and high moisture content are beneficial for cats struggling to eat.
Key Features:
- Smooth mousse texture, no chewing required
- High in hydrating moisture
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
8. Best for Picky Cats: Caru Classics Turkey Stew Wet Cat Food
This turkey-based stew offers a smooth, gravy-like texture that often appeals to picky eaters. Its consistency makes it easy to consume, even for cats with dental problems. The recipe is high in protein and fat, with a very low carbohydrate content and free from hard-to-digest legumes.
Key Features:
- Appealing flavor and texture for picky cats
- Very smooth texture, easy to eat
- High protein and fat content
- Low carbohydrate content
9. Best for Kittens: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Recipe Canned Cat Food
Even kittens can benefit from early attention to dental health. This kitten food is energy-dense, rich in protein and DHA for development, and has a smooth, easy-to-chew texture. Its high moisture content and calorie density make it suitable for kittens and even underweight senior cats with dental issues.
Key Features:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- High in DHA for development
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Energy-dense and easy to chew
10. Overall Best: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
This freeze-dried raw food stands out for its high-quality, humanely raised ingredients. It features a carnivore-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone, with minimal carbohydrates. The pellets rehydrate quickly and result in a shredded meat-like texture that is easy to chew.
Key Features:
- Carnivore-appropriate blend
- Quickly rehydrates to a shredded texture
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
What to Look for in Dental Cat Food
When selecting food for a cat with dental concerns, consider the following:
- Low Carbohydrate Content: Cats are obligate carnivores, and a diet low in carbohydrates (ideally under 10% on a dry matter basis) is best.
- High-Moisture Recipes: Wet foods and rehydrated raw foods provide essential hydration and are easier for cats with dental pain to eat. Look for smooth pâtés or mousses.
- Veterinary Consultation: Always consult your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before switching your cat’s diet, especially if they have specific health conditions. Prescription diets may be beneficial, but they are most effective on a clean mouth, often after a professional dental cleaning. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal can indicate scientifically proven dental benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dental foods work for cats?
The effectiveness of dry dental foods in cats is debated, as many cats swallow kibble whole rather than chewing, limiting the abrasive action on teeth. Diets with larger kibble pieces may encourage more chewing. Prescription diets with VOHC approval, especially when used after professional cleaning, are considered more effective.
How can I improve my cat’s dental hygiene?
The most effective method for improving your cat’s dental hygiene is daily toothbrushing. For cats resistant to brushing, oral rinses, water additives, and VOHC-approved dental treats can be alternatives. Despite home care, professional dental cleanings are often necessary.
Why Trust Cats.com
Cats.com is committed to providing reliable and well-researched information on cat care. Our team consulted veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists, utilized professional resources like the Merck Veterinary Manual, and conducted in-depth testing with our own cats. We analyzed nutritional information, brand history, and customer reviews to offer unbiased recommendations.
