Are Greenies Good for Cats?

When plaque and tartar develop on the teeth of dogs and cats, the result is bad breath and, ultimately, gum problems. In order to prevent these unpleasant and potentially severe problems, veterinarians recommend regular checkups and tooth cleaning with specially designed feline brushes and toothpaste. Brushing a cat's teeth, though, requires practice and time. Some cat owners prefer to have brushing done by a vet, meaning that another method of maintaining oral health between visits is necessary. Greenies are one alternative.

As the Greenies website, greenies,com, points out, Greenies Dental Treats were created in order to help reduce harmful tartar and plaque buildup, thereby promoting good oral health. The fiber found in Feline Greenies Dental Treats helps to "scrub" a cat's teeth, acting as a kind of "natural" toothbrush—not a substitute for actual brushing, but a healthy accompaniment. Greenies Dental Treats are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, meaning that there is some professional support for their effectiveness and safety.

Pet Product Advisor states that many vets recommend Greenies and that the products do help reduce plaque and tartar, as well as the risk of gingivitis. It is always important, however, to consult your own vet and get as much information as possible from reliable sources such as the ASPCA and Cat Fanciers' Association before introducing any new food item to your cat's diet.

Greenies are "not intended to replace your cat's maintenance diet of dry or wet food." They are treats for adult cats only and specific directions are provided for sharing them safely with your pet. You also need to consider the present state of your cat's teeth—if teeth are damaged and gums are sensitive, a dry treat such as Greenies may be difficult to chew or swallow.

It is also important to examine ingredients listed on labels. Greenies Pill Pockets, for example, contain the artificial preservative potassium sorbate, and the texture enhancer methylcellulose. Some cats may be allergic to such synthetics. If your cat has no allergies to any Greenies ingredients, Greenies should present no problems and might prove to be beneficial to the health of your feline friend.