If cats only eat soft foods, they don't use their teeth like they're meant to,' says Dr Tessa Jongejans from
The probability of poor oral health is lower in the incisors of young or adult cats, fed a dry diet in comparison to the cheek teeth of older cats fed a wet diet. Diet has a higher contribution to poor oral health than age.
There is no research-based evidence that wet cat food causes any type of dental issues in cats and kittens. Both wet and dry cat food is made of the same type of ingredients; in the case of wet food, the additional element is water.
Dental health concerns: Canned food's smooth texture may help cats with dental difficulties, but it doesn't clean like dry kibble. Dry kibble removes plaque and tartar, improving tooth health. To maintain oral hygiene, canned food may not be enough.
Nutrition can prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. The food's texture and make-up can affect the environment of the mouth. It can help maintain tissue integrity, stimulate saliva production, alter plaque bacteria metabolism, and provide mechanical cleansing of tooth surfaces.
Gingivitis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection from plaque bacteria on the teeth and is usually associated with poor oral hygiene.
The optimal diet for healthy gums and teeth
The chewing of raw meat and bones naturally scrapes away plaque and polishes teeth. Raw meat is also rich in natural digestive enzymes, which are little molecules that help your cat break down their food and utilize it effectively throughout their body.
Another big disadvantage is that wet foods are not as convenient as dry foods. Meals can be messy and require more cleanup. They spoil quickly (within a few hours) if left out, so any uneaten portions must be thrown away. Opened cans or pouches must be refrigerated (and many cats don't care for cold leftovers).
Regular dental cleaning remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of plaque buildup and gingivitis. Your veterinarian will recommend Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved foods that help minimize tartar and plaque in cats.
Cats can and should eat wet food every day because it agrees with the feline digestive system better than dry or semi-moist food. Wild cats hunt and eat bugs, rodents, and small birds.
You can choose to feed your cat a diet that consists solely of canned cat food or wet food pouches, just make sure to know their caloric needs and not overfeed.
If you've wondered which is better when it comes to wet vs. dry cat food, they're both excellent choices. Just make sure the food you select is 100 percent complete and balanced for your cat's age and life stage. While some cats (and cat owners) prefer one over the other, the best option may be to feed your cat both.
Gingivitis is considered the earliest stage of periodontal disease. However, this stage is reversible with proper care. More than 80% of pets 3 years or older develop some form of gingivitis. Here's what you need to know about gingivitis in cats and how you can help protect your cat's dental health.
Mild gingivitis – is very common in cats of all ages. It can occur as quickly as 48 hours after cleaning when plaque formation may have begun. Mild gingivitis does not affect the tooth root and home care of the teeth and may easily reverse most cases.
Alternatives for tooth brushing include dental treats, dental diets, water additives, topical gels, and oral rinses. These items can be used to maximize a healthy oral cavity and can be used for multi-modal oral care.
Oral rinses are another treatment option to keep gingivitis under control. Your vet may also encourage the use of coconut oil for cat gingivitis, which contains compounds that offer antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits to periodontal disease.
The good news is that gingivitis – inflammation of the gums – is the earliest stage of periodontal (gum) disease and is completely reversible with good oral care. Plaque is the starting point for gingivitis. Plaque is filled with bacteria that can irritate and inflame the gums if it isn't removed.
Daily brushing is the absolute BEST way to prevent dental disease. Toothpaste specially designed for cats is readily available in flavors they'll enjoy. Do NOT try to brush your cat's teeth with "people" toothpaste; if fluoride toothpaste is ingested, it can make your cat severely ill.
The Bottom Line. While Fancy Feast can be part of a balanced diet for your cat and provides complete nutrition, it may not be quite as fancy as the name suggests. As with any food, ensure the first few ingredients are high-quality, natural proteins like fish, chicken, or meat.
Wet food is more expensive and less easy to use but can be beneficial in cats prone to lower urinary tract disease, constipation and that are overweight.
You can feed your cat wet food daily. If you're wondering, “how much wet food should I feed my cat?” check the can or consult your veterinarian for feeding recommendations. In general, you can feed an average-sized adult cat one 3-ounce can per 3 to 3½ pounds of body weight daily.
In stage 1 of periodontal disease, more commonly known as gingivitis (pictured below), the gums are inflamed but there is no evidence of support loss. Treatment involves plaque and calculus removal plus daily plaque prevention.
Untreated gingivitis may lead to further inflammation of the other tissues of the periodontium. Progression of the periodontal disease leads to loss of tooth support and loss of the tooth. "Progression of the periodontal disease leads to loss of tooth support and loss of the tooth."
Stage 2 – Known as early periodontitis, this second stage includes symptoms like a minimal bone loss (25% or less) that can be seen on X-rays. This stage might come with bad breath, red gums, and visible plaque and tartar.