Question:
I was wondering if you could offer some information on dental treats for both cats and dogs. They are becoming rather popular. I picked up some Greenies for my cat to stave off a $200 dental cleaning at the vet. My cat loves these treats, and they certainly hit my pocketbook a little easier at $3 a crack. However, in these tight economic times, I was wondering what the actual value of these might be. What is in them as far as a cleaning ingredient? Is there anything fizzy that will affect her stomach as well? How important or beneficial is it to continue? Or is it simply something of no particular value that someone can make a living off the wellspring of our good intentions?
L.M.L., Fargo, ND May 10, 2009
Answer:
Dental problems in cats and dogs are primarily tied to diet, particularly high starch and highly processed fine-particle ingredients with gummy additives. This means that most dry cat foods are out -- it is a myth that they help keep cats' teeth clean. (See my Web site for a list of preferred dry cat and dog foods.) So after a good dental cleaning, change your cat's diet. This will benefit not only your cat's teeth but also her immune system, heart, liver, kidney and pancreatic functions. Expensive teeth-cleaning snack treats are no solution, and I advise against them. After the dental exam and professional teeth cleaning (I must declare that neglected dental problems in pets is the equivalent of oral AIDS, widespread and serious), use dental products like Petzlife Oral Care to help stop tartar accumulation and keep gums healthy.
Natural chewing and salivation help keep the oral cavity healthy. For dogs, I advise a 3-inch piece of raw beef shank marrowbone for chewing for no more than 10 to 15 minutes a day or an organically certified U.S.-made rawhide chew. For cats and small dogs, raw chicken-wing tips/feet, sliced strips of turkey gizzards and raw beef heart are excellent teeth-cleaning treats.
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