Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Cat Feline Dental Diet Advanced

Advanced dental diet formulations for cats use a combination of physical structure, enzymatic activity, and mineral chemistry to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation and support periodontal health.

Key Facts

VOHC-approved dental diets have demonstrated reductions in plaque accumulation of 20-30%
Dental diet kibble structure requires increased chewing time, providing mechanical cleaning
Polyphosphate coatings inhibit calculus mineralisation by chelating calcium
Enzymatic additives including glucose oxidase target oral bacterial metabolism
Dental diets alone cannot replace daily brushing but provide meaningful adjunct benefit

Welfare Considerations

Dental diet use as an adjunct to brushing or primary care for cats who cannot be brushed provides meaningful reduction in plaque accumulation and calculus formation. VOHC-approved diets with demonstrated efficacy represent the most evidence-based dietary approach to feline dental health. When dental diets are the primary tool, monitoring for dental disease progression through regular professional assessment remains important.

What You Can Do

Choose VOHC-approved dental diets rather than unvalidated products when using dietary approaches
Use dental diets as an adjunct to rather than replacement for daily brushing
Continue regular professional dental assessment even when using dental diet management