Your pet loves treats. You love your pet. And with periodontal disease being the most common disease affecting cats and dogs—more than 80% of dogs and cats over age three show signs of the disease—it’s easy to feel good about rewarding your pet with treats that promise to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy.
How do these treats work? And are they really enough to keep your pet's teeth clean and healthy? Let's take a look at what you need to know about using pet treats for dental care.
Are dental treats
Dental treats are a great way to fight bad breath, combat plaque and tartar buildup, and help prevent periodontal disease and promote dental health in your pet. However, treats are just one tool in your tartar-fighting toolbox—which should also include scheduling regular professional teeth cleanings as well as brushing your pet’s teeth at home at least three times a week. While all of these tools are important in keeping your dog or cat’s dental health in tip-top shape, dental treats are sure to be your pet’s favorite part of their oral healthcare routine!
How do dental treats work?
Dental treats and chews work in two different ways: mechanical action and enzymatic reaction. Mechanical action simply refers to the scraping action on the teeth and gums when your pet chews on a treat. The treat rubs against the teeth during chewing, which helps remove plaque and tartar, similar to how a toothbrush works.
Enzymatic reactions are ingredients that work to combat plaque and tartar buildup, similar to toothpaste or mouthwash for humans. Many types of ingredients can be used to prevent dental problems and can range from all-material to man-made ingredients.
It is important to remember that pet dental care treats help prevent oral health problems and are most effective when combined with brushing and veterinarian cleaning. However, if your dog or cat won't let you brush their teeth, dental products are an excellent solution for cleaner, healthier teeth.
Are all dental treats the same?
When it comes to maintaining the dental health of your dog or cat, no two treats are created equal. In fact, there are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right dental treat for your four-legged friend. Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved products can provide plaque and tartar control that helps reduce bad breath, tooth decay and other oral hygiene problems. So how do you know which treat is best for your pet?
Unlike some products, Tartar Shield Pet Products have all been clinically proven to clean teeth, freshen breath, reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and help prevent periodontal disease. And, while some brands of treats may contain lots of questionable or artificial ingredients, Tartar Shield treats are proudly made in the USA with USA-sourced ingredients. Our Soft Rawhide Chews are the only VOHC approved extruded rawhide on the market!
Which dental treats are best for my pet?
There are many kinds of dental chews and treats on the market for both dog and cat parents, making it easy to find the purr-fect product for your furry friend!
Veterinarian Recommended for Dogs and Cats
- Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews for dogs are made with a patented formula proven to prevent plaque and tartar buildup by more than 54%, and have been awarded the prestigious VOHC seal of acceptance (Veterinary Oral Health Council). Unlike conventional rawhides, which can pose a choking hazard, they are fully digestible, and they come in three sizes, making them safe for any size dog.
- Tartar Shield Dog Biscuits contain essential vitamins and minerals as well as Malic Acid, a natural ingredient found in citrus fruits, which combines with calcium in the mouth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
- Tartar Shield Cat Treats also contain Malic Acid and are clinically proven to clean teeth, freshen breath, and prevent plaque and tartar buildup by more than 40%. Fortified with vitamins and minerals, and with only one calorie per treat, these treats are a reward you can feel good about giving your cat.
What if my pet can’t have treats?
For pets that have allergies, need to watch their calorie intake, or otherwise need to avoid treats, Tartar Shield has other great options. Try Tartar Shield DentaTabs, a water additive that dissolves in your pet’s drinking water and is proven to prevent tartar by as much as 50%. DentaTabs powder has no taste or odor, and is calorie-free, making it a great choice for any dog or cat. Or, add some Tartar Shield Sprinkles to your dog or cat’s regular food as a simple way to clean your pet’s teeth at mealtime.
