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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?

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

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.

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