Dental Diets for Cats

Holly Nash, DVM, MS, reports on PetEducation.com that dental disease is one of the most severe medical problems seen in cats. Cats are prone to three different dental diseases: plaque, a build-up of food and bacteria along the gum line; tartar, the result of plaque mixed with saliva causing gingivitis; and periodontal disease, a separation of the gums from the teeth, increasing bacterial growth and causing serious illness. Fortunately, regular teeth cleaning along with a special dental diet help keep the cat's teeth in optimal health.

Friskies Feline Dental Diet

Chewing is key in removing plaque and tartar build-up.

Available over the counter, Friskies Feline Dental Diet is specially formulated, its website claims, to maintain dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. This dry food has larger chunks, forcing the cat to chew it longer to clean off plaque and tartar. The food also contains calcium carbonate for stronger teeth and bones and has a poultry and fish flavor appealing to the cat.

Hill's Prescription Diet Feline t/d

Freshen a cat's yawn breath with Prescription Diet t/d.

Available by prescription from a veterinarian, Hill's Prescription Diet Feline t/d reduces bacteria in the cat's mouth, aiding in the reduction of plaque and tartar buildup. Hill's lists the additional benefits of t/d as reducing bad breath and containing antioxidants that "control cell oxidation and promote a healthy immune system." The Prescription t/d diet was awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance.

Purina Veterinary Diets DH

Purina declares that its DH formula is tasty to a feline.

This diet must also be prescribed by a vet and has a kibble texture that Purina has patented. Purina's DH diet contains the antioxidant vitamins A and E, and natural forms of glucosamine. Although many prescribed diets are unappealing to finicky felines, Purina assures cat owners on its website that the Veterinary Diet Feline DH has "exceptional palatability." This diet also contains poultry and fish flavorings and is considered completely balanced in its nutritional provision.

Science Diet Adult Oral Care

Nursing cats should not eat Science Diet Adult Oral Care formula.

Science Diet Adult Oral Care, also manufactured by Hill's, is available for purchase over the counter. This food contains vitamins C and E, has what Hill's calls "interlocking fiber technology" to scrub teeth like a toothbrush and has the added benefit of teeth-strengthening calcium and minerals. This cat food is recommended by Hill's for adult cats that are 1 to 6 years of age. Hill's does caution that pregnant or nursing cats should not be fed the Adult Oral Care formula.