Do Greenies Work for Cats (or dogs only)?

Do Greenies work for cats? My dog loves Greenies dental treats, and I wondered if my cat would love them too. So, I did some research to find out if Greenies have the same effect for cats.

So, do Greenies work for cats? Yes. Experts suggest that when used twice a day, Feline Greenies help to remove plaque and tartar. These treats are small in size, which is a good thing if you worry about your cat’s weight. But this can also be a bad thing for bigger cats because they can eat quickly without chewing.

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Business Insider says that Feline Greenies are the best dental treat for cats. They say the flavor and texture of the treat means that cats love to eat them. The shape of the treats means they clean your cat’s teeth as they chew. Many people say that dental treats, such as Greenies are good for cats. Although it is important to remember they are not a complete dental health fix. Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly is also important. Putting dental additives in their food and water should also be part of your pet’s dental routine.

Are Greenies Good for Cats?

Greenies dental treats have the approval of the Veterinary Oral Health Council. This helps to give owners confidence that these treats are effective and safe.

Greenies can be regular treats but should not take the place of your pet’s usual wet or dry food.

Cat’s that have sore teeth or gums may find Greenies difficult to eat. Greenies contain vitamins A, B and D, so they have added health benefits.

If your cat is prone to food allergies, it is a good idea to consult your vet before giving him Greenies. Some cats experience an allergic reaction to Feline Greenies. Symptoms can include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dermatitis
• Hair loss
• Flatulence

The cause of the allergy is a hypersensitivity to one or more of the ingredients. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for food allergies. But ointments and anti-vomiting medication can reduce symptoms.

Just like any food or treat, Greenies are not good for every cat.

Experts say you should not feed Greenies to a kitten or puppy under the age of 6 months. Greenies may not be suitable for a cat with food allergies. But, for a healthy adult cat, the health benefits of Greenies seem to outweigh the health risks. Any health risks found in Feline Greenies are no different than the health risks in  any other treat.

Do Cats Really Need Their Teeth Cleaned? 

Unlike dogs, most cats seem to look after themselves. But this has led to the belief that cats can keep their own teeth clean and they don’t suffer from dental problems.

Some experts say this is simply not true. They say cats need dental care as much as dogs and humans do.

The American Veterinary Dental Society says cats need dental checkups once a year. They say that 70% of cats suffer some sort of dental problem in their first three years of life.

Some people think that eating dry food (kibble) helps to clean a cat’s teeth, but experts say this is not true. This is because dry food breaks into pieces, which are too small to work on the teeth.

Kibble is small so cats can swallow it whole, which means there are no teeth-cleaning benefits at all. Dental treats such as Greenies do not break into pieces so easily. They have oat fiber in them, which provides texture and helps scrub your cat’s teeth clean.

Do Greenies Help Prevent Cat Dental Disease?

Dental disease is a common problem that affects 70-90% of cats. It starts with plaque build-up that leads to bad breath, bleeding and infected gums. These infections can find their way into the bloodstream. This can lead to more serious problems with the liver, heart and kidneys.

Some experts say that Greenies can help with bad breath. Yet some do not believe Greenies can help prevent dental disease. They say that dental treats can actually mask more serious problems.

You should clean your cat’s teeth often from when they are a kitten. This helps your pet to get used to the procedure. If needed, your cat can then have their teeth cleaned by a vet under general anesthetic.

Do Greenies Help Cat’s Breath?

Bad breath (in cats and humans!) is caused by bacteria that builds up on our teeth as we eat. This can eventually cause many problems with the teeth and gums.

Greenies help to remove this smelly bacteria (plaque) from your cat’s teeth. The treats have a unique shape and texture that removes the build-up as the cat chews.

Other hard food may help to clean a cat’s teeth. But Greenies work well because there are ridges and grooves, which work to clean your cat’s teeth and mouth.

As cat owners, when we notice our pet has bad breath, it makes us realize we have been forgetting to clean her teeth! Dental treats are not enough on their own, but they can help.

Treats like Feline Greenies contain chlorophyll. This is a plant nutrient that helps detoxify and freshen your cat’s breath.

There are many dental treats on the market to choose from. Most of these may help to prevent bad breath. But Greenies is the only one with approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (V.O.H.C.).

Are Greenies Safe for Cats?

Greenies have had some bad press from pet owners and vets. This report from CNN suggests that 13 dogs died after a Greenie became stuck in their intestines.

Other reports say that cats and dogs have required surgery after eating Greenies. These reports may seem worrying, but the dangers do not only apply to Greenies. Any treat (Such as bones or rawhide) is equally likely to become stuck if it is not properly chewed.

The healthiest way to treat?

Take some time to find the right size treat for your cat.

If the treat is too big, this will be harder to digest. Also, it is a good idea to get to know the eating habits of your cat. A cat who bolts down his food may be more at risk of choking and other blockages. The conclusion of this report is that Greenies in themselves are not harmful. But your cat’s eating habits need monitoring to reduce any risk.

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