Is dry cat food really the best way to keep my cat's teeth healthy?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Is it true that dry food is better for my cat's teeth?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 5th, 2018
It is a common misconception that dry food is better for teeth than wet foods. Once a cat takes a bite of the kibble and crunches it, there is no advantage in mechanically or abrasively cleaning the teeth. Exceptions come into play with certain prescription diets, such as Hill’s t/d, which have been proven to mechanically clean the teeth. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org) rates the variety of dental diets and treats on the market with respect to their efficacy in controlling plaque and/or tartar. At the end of the day, daily tooth brushing is the best preventative measure for keeping a cat’s teeth healthy.
143Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 2nd, 2019
If they both drink a lot of water, then you can feed them dry food and mix in wet food occasionally as well as give it with treats. I only feed my cats dry food, and they are fine. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 24th, 2017
The best is all wet, if you also focus on brushing your cats teeth regularly to prevent dental disease. But if you cannot brush your cats teeth, then consider doing half and half so that you get the best of both: friction of the dry to keep the teeth cleaner and also added water to promote healthy kidneys and bladder.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 22nd, 2019
Hello, For a young and healthy cat, I would recommend feeding a combination of both wet and dry foods. Cats can become averse to food textures they are unfamiliar with, so keeping Mia familiar with multiple food textures will help if she ever needs to eat a specific prescription diet in the future. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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