Debunking Myths: Is Wet Food Bad for Cats' Teeth?

More and more cat lovers understand how important dental health is to their cats' overall health, well-being and longevity. At the same time, people are also learning about the health benefits of canned food due to its ability to promote healthy hydration and potential to help support weight management. But if you've done any online research, you might wonder whether wet food and dental health are at odds. Is wet food bad for cats' teeth? Does wet food cause dental problems in cats? What's the truth?

It's time to address this concern, debunk common misconceptions surrounding dental health and canned food, and learn how to confidently care for your cat's pearly whites.

What Should You Know About Wet Cat Food?

Complete and balanced wet cat food, also known as canned food, typically contains all essential nutrients. Canned food comes in different forms, including chunky stews with cubed ingredients, shredded meat in gravy and smoothly blended pates.

The main difference between canned and dry food is that dry food generally contains higher levels of carbohydrates and lower levels of moisture. Dry cat food also has a less distinct aroma and a longer shelf life, as wet food is perishable once opened.

Is Wet Food Bad for Cats' Teeth?

There's a broad misconception that feeding your cat only canned food harms their dental health. This is likely due to the persistent belief that feeding cats dry food essentially "brushes" their teeth as they chew. However, unless a food is formulated to help remove plaque and tartar, this is generally an inaccurate thought.

Now, some dry cat foods are designed to support cats' oral health. These special formulas may even be clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup up to the gumline. However, no food — wet or dry — replaces professional cleanings. Neither food can clean below the gumline, reach dental pockets where bacteria and infections can lurk undetected or address existing or developing gum disease.

Does Wet Food Cause Dental Problems in Cats?

The simplest answer is that canned food doesn't damage your cat's teeth as long as they receive routine dental care as recommended by their vet. In fact, complete and balanced wet foods contain important minerals, like calcium and phosphorus, that help maintain tooth health.

However, either form of food, wet or dry, can lead to dental problems in cats without proper dental care. So, follow your veterinarian's recommendations about your cat's dental health, including routine at-home dental care and professional in-office cleanings.

When Should You Consider a Hybrid Approach?

In general, many cats benefit from eating a combination of canned and dry food. In kittens, offering an array of food textures and shapes helps avoid strong food preferences that can cause picky behavior later in life. Your vet may recommend a dry- or wet-food-only approach depending on your cat's health, preferences and lifestyle, but most healthy adult cats thrive on mixed feeding.

How to Promote Good Dental Health in Cats

You can support your cat's dental health with professional and at-home dental care. If practiced regularly, the following actions will promote healthy teeth and gums in your cat:

• Aim to brush your cat's teeth at least every two to three days at home.
• Take your cat to a licensed veterinarian for annual oral exams.
• Follow your vet's recommendations for professional dental cleanings, which are performed under anesthesia to clean below the gumline
• Look for signs of dental disease (bad breath, difficulty eating, dropping food, teeth chattering, etc.), and take your cat to the vet if you have any concerns
• Offer your cat dental treats designed to help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation.
• Ask your vet about cat food specially formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup up to the gumline

Taking a Mindful Approach to Your Cat's Total Health

Feeding your cat a complete and balanced canned food can be a wonderful way to support their overall health. While wet food won't help remove plaque, it won't damage your cat's teeth any more than dry food, and you can support their dental health in other ways. So, take a holistic approach that considers their nutritional needs and overall well-being. And remember: You're not alone. Your veterinarian is your best resource for information on your cat's health, and they can point you to a food that helps your kitty thrive. See what they recommend at your next visit!