Expert: Tomay - 1/11/2005

Question
Hi Tomay:
I have a kitten of 7 month old, and I got so confused about what is good for his teeth.

First time when I brought my cat from the shelter, people there told me to give him  ONLY dry food for better teeth.
Then the vet assistant told us to give him some soft food
Then we were told the canned food is the best for teeth health.

Would you please clarify this?

Thank you!  

Answer
Hi,
Thank you for your inquiry. Teeth maintenance is vital in the overall health and longivity of your pet.  Dog or Cat.  Just as with humans, gum disease and tooth breakdown can be very hard on the vital organs as well as the body in general.  Your question is a good one.  While there may be a varied oppinions on what kind of diet is best, I can only offer my own, in light of experiece within this field.
Speaking for myself, I feed only dry food.  I feed 'Precise" cat food.  It is a premium food, that although may cost more at the register, will pay off in quantity consumed along with absorbtion into the body of valuable nutrients and vitamens present in a quality food.  There are others brands of the premium foods, FlintRiver, Karma, etc.  Usually these can be found in the smaller pet supply shops. I very rarely, but occasionally, give them a wet food treat.  I am of the school of thought that a regular diet of wet food promotes tooth decay and gum disease.  Some of the food stays on the teeth, (as kitties seem to be a bit resistant with tooth brushing, unless trained from the very beginning, eventually actually liking it!) and breaks down in the teeth and gums. Sometimes this type of feeding can cause little bouts with gastro  intestinal problems, loose stool, etc.  If you should decide to go with a primarily wet diet (making fresh water and dry food available all the time) just check his  teeth occassionally and if he will let you brush them, 3 or 4 times a week is good.  There are also water additives made to help clean teeth and encourage dental health.  Again, usually available at your local pet shop. With the proper maintence, your pet may NEVER have to have their teeth cleaned at the vet.  
Good luck with you new baby,and thank you for a good question.
Tomay