10 Best Dog Treats for Miniature Schnauzers: 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

Dog Owner Young woman with Miniature Schnauzer dog outdoors

As pet parents, we want the very best for our canine friends. If you own a Miniature Schnauzer, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of treats on the market that say they are good for your pet. It’s important to note that Miniature Schnauzers have a tendency to develop obesity, diabetes, and kidney stones, so you have to be careful what you feed your furry friend.

Luckily, in this guide, we’ll give you our top picks and reviews of the best dog treats for Miniature Schnauzers. Join us after the reviews for a buying guide on choosing the best treats for your pet as well.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Image Product Details

Best Overall

Winner

Tylees’s Beef Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Tylees’s Beef Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

  • Contains four calories per treat

  • Uses a freeze-dried process that retains nutrients

  • Has real beef

  • Best Value

    Second place

    Newman’s Own Snack Sticks Grain-Free Dog Treats
    Newman’s Own Snack Sticks Grain-Free Dog Treats

  • Affordable

  • Real chicken is listed as the first ingredient

  • All money goes to charity

  • Premium Choice

    Third place

    Bocce’s Bakery Say Moo Dog Treats
    Bocce’s Bakery Say Moo Dog Treats

  • Ingredients are 100% natural

  • Perfect for all stages of life

  • Treats are low-calorie

  • Best for Puppies


    N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Dog Treats
    N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Dog Treats

  • The shape makes it easy for puppies to grip

  • Has calcium to support bone and joint growth

  • Has DHA to promote healthy cognitive function

  • Old Mother Hubbard Oven-Baked Dog Treats
    Old Mother Hubbard Oven-Baked Dog Treats

  • Contains apples, carrots, and peanut butter for a tasty treat

  • Contains no artificial fillers

  • Affordable for most any budget
  • The 10 Best Dog Treats for Miniature Schnauzers

    1. Tylees’s Beef Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats – Best Overall

    Tylees’s Beef Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

    Main Ingredients: Beef, salt
    Calories: 4 calories per treat
    Texture: Crunchy

    Our best overall choice of dog treats for Miniature Schnauzers, Tylee’s Beef Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, uses a freeze-drying process to retain the nutrients in their treats. If your Miniature Schnauzer has a sensitive stomach, these are the right treats for you. Tylee’s only contain four calories each, which is great for overweight dogs. One of the best things about these treats is that they have 95% beef and are packed with protein.

    However, Tylee’s Beef treats have more salt than many brands, and they may not be suitable for canines that must follow low-sodium diets.

    Pros
    • Contains four calories per treat

    • Uses a freeze-dried process that retains nutrients

    • Has real beef

    Cons
    • Dogs with kidney stones might need to avoid these treats

    • Mostly powder


    2. Newman’s Own Snack Sticks Grain-Free Dog Treats – Best Value

    Newman’s Own Snack Sticks Grain-Free Dog Treats

    Main Ingredients: Chicken, chickpeas, molasses
    Calories: 24 calories per treat
    Texture: Chewy

    Newman’s Own Snack Sticks Grain-Free Dog Treats are made with real chicken, and they’re our pick for the best treats for the money. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient in these tasty treats, which means there’s more chicken in Newman’s Own than other ingredients. They are affordable treats for your little Miniature Schnauzer and are ideal for owners on a budget.

    Since chicken is the only meat in these treats, they are a great option for dogs with sensitivities or allergies to other types of animal protein. One of the best things about these treats is that all the money from sales goes to charities. Newman’s Own treats are easy to break apart and have only 24 calories per treat. Some pet owners mentioned that the treats dry out too easily, but most dogs seem to enjoy the flavor.

    Pros
    • Affordable

    • Real chicken is listed as the first ingredient

    • All money goes to charity

    • Easy to break apart

    • Soft

    Cons
    • Treats dry out too easily


    3. Bocce’s Bakery Say Moo Dog Treats – Premium Choice

    Bocce’s Bakery Say Moo Beef and Cheddar Dog Treats

    Main Ingredients: Oat flour, beef, cheddar, rolled oats
    Calories: 14 calories per treat
    Texture: Chewy

    Our premium choice of the best dog treats for Miniature Schnauzers is Bocce’s Say Moo Beef and Cheddar Dog Treats for their 100% natural ingredients. Each batch is made with all-natural ingredients and is low in calories at only 14 per treat. Since the treats only contain nine ingredients, you can be sure they are healthy for your furry friend.

    Bocce’s Bakery treats are also perfect for every stage of life, so you don’t have to purchase separate treats for the other pets in your home. The cheddar cheese in these treats may be too harsh for some dogs and could cause digestive issues, so make sure your dog is healthy and has no problems with cheese before feeding them these treats.

    Pros
    • Ingredients are 100% natural

    • Perfect for all stages of life

    • Treats are low-calorie

    Cons
    • The cheddar in these treats may be too harsh for some pets


    4. N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Dog Treats – Best for Puppies

    N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Dog Treats-Best for Puppies

    Main Ingredients: Rice flour, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, water
    Calories: 100.3 calories per ring
    Texture: Hard chew

    N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Dog Treats are the perfect choice for a growing, teething puppy. You probably already know that a teething puppy can get into trouble gnawing on your belongings, so a teething ring that’s a treat should work great. The shape of the treat makes it easy for your puppy to grip, and the hard chew contains calcium for added support for bone and joint growth. The N-Bone treats also contain DHA to promote healthy cognitive function in your growing canine.

    Supervising your young dog when eating these treats is important, as they pose a choking hazard. Most customers were satisfied with the N-Bone treats, but some pet owners reported that their puppies refused to touch them.

    Pros
    • The shape makes it easy for puppies to grip

    • Has calcium to support bone and joint growth

    • Has DHA to promote healthy cognitive function

    Cons
    • Must supervise your puppy when eating this treat

    • Some puppies refused to touch these treats


    5. Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness Classic Oven-Baked Dog Treats

    Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness Classic Oven-Baked Dog Treats

    Main Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, oatmeal, wheat bran, chicken fat
    Calories: 34 calories a piece
    Texture: Crunchy

    Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness Classic Oven-Baked Dog Treats contain a variety of tasty and healthy ingredients for your canine pal, including apples, carrots, and peanut butter. The treats contain no chemical preservatives or artificial fillers, so you know they are healthy for your dog. They are also affordable for almost any budget.

    Old Mother Hubbard treats are high in fat and have a calorie content of 34 calories per treat. They may be too hard for some older dogs to chew, but you should be able to break them up so that older dogs can enjoy the crunchy texture.

    Pros
    • Contains apples, carrots, and peanut butter for a tasty treat

    • Contains no artificial fillers

    • Affordable for most any budget

    Cons
    • High-fat content

    • High-calorie content

    • Too hard for some older dogs to chew


    6. Whimzees Natural Dental Chews

    Whimzees Natural Dental Chews

    Main Ingredients: Potato starch, glycerin, powdered cellulose, lecithin
    Calories: 44 calories per piece
    Texture: Hard chew

    Your little Miniature Schnauzer is going to need something to keep their teeth clean between brushings and visits to the vet, and Whimzees Natural Dental Chews are the ideal solution. They help freshen your dog’s breath and reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar on your canine’s teeth as well. Miniature Schnauzers are prone to dental problems and require frequent tooth brushing.

    Whimzees hard chews also contain only six ingredients, which are non-GMO and gluten-free, so they are perfect for dogs with meat allergies and sensitivities. The biggest drawback to the treats is they don’t work well for older dogs and puppies due to the texture.

    Pros
    • Great for dogs with meat allergies

    • Has only six ingredients

    • Helps freshen dog’s breath

    • Reduces plaque and tartar

    Cons
    • Texture might not work for older dogs and puppies


    7. Charlee Bear Natural Bear Crunch Grain-Free Dog Treats

    Charlee Bear Natural Bear Crunch Grain-Free Chicken, Pumpkin, and Apple Treats

    Main Ingredients: Dehydrated chicken, Chickpeas, Peas, Potato flour
    Calories: 3 calories per treat
    Texture: Crunchy

    If you’re looking for a limited-ingredient treat that your dog will love, the Charlee Bear Natural Bear Crunch Grain-Free Chicken, Pumpkin, and Apple Treats might be just what you’re looking for. Not only is it another budget-friendly option on our list, but its ingredients are also all-natural. With only 3 calories per treat, you can comfortably give these treats to your Miniature Schnauzers daily.

    The biggest drawback we saw to these treats is that they break apart too easily, making it hard for a dog to chew on them. Some pet owners also said that their dogs didn’t like the taste of the treats.

    Pros
    • Ingredients are all-natural

    • Affordable

    • Only 3 calories per treat

    Cons
    • Breaks apart too easily

    • Some dogs didn’t like the taste


    8. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter and Oats Dog Treats

    Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter and Oats Recipe Dog Training Treats

    Main Ingredients: Peanut butter, rice, oats, barley
    Calories: 2 calories per treat
    Texture: Chewy

    If you want to train your Miniature Schnauzer and are looking for a treat as a reward for good behavior, then Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter and Oats Recipe Dog Training Treats work great. The treats only have 2 calories each and are healthy for your small pet. Zuke’s treats use peanut butter as the first listed ingredient, which means your dog should love them. There are also no artificial flavors or fillers in these treats. The treats tend to dry out easily, and there are more than a few ingredients that may concern some pet parents.

    Pros
    • First ingredient is real peanut butter

    • No artificial flavors or fillers

    • Treats are only two calories

    Cons
    • Treats tend to dry out easily

    • Quite a few ingredients


    9. Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Dog Treats

    Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Dog Treats

    Main Ingredients: All-natural sweet potatoes (dried)
    Calories: 2965 calories per treat
    Texture: Hard chew

    Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Dog Treats are made of nothing but dried sweet potato, which makes them healthy for your canine pal. All-natural sweet potatoes are the only ingredient in this tasty treat, making it easy for pets to digest. They also contain natural vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals for the continued good health of your canine.

    Some pet parents reported the chews as being too hard and brittle after a couple of days. You should also keep an eye on your dog when they are eating the Wholesome Pride treats because they’re larger than other brands and could become a choking hazard. Others complained that the chews were crunchy instead of chewy like sweet potatoes should be.

    Pros
    • Sweet potatoes are the only ingredient

    • Easy for pets to digest

    • Contains vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals

    Cons
    • May become hard and brittle

    • Too large for some pups

    • Crunchy and hard instead of chewy


    10. Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters Dog Treats

    Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters Dog Treats

    Main Ingredients: Chicken, dried potatoes, chickpeas, vegetable glycerin
    Calories: 19 calories per piece
    Texture: Chewy

    Rachel Ray’s Nutrish brand produces several pet food products, and her company’s Savory Roasters Dog treats are one of the most popular treats on the market today. Real chicken is the very first ingredient in this tasty, chewy treat. Nutrish Savory Roasters are pretty affordable for what you get, and they break apart easily, so you can give your dog a little at a time.

    Some pet owners reported that the treats crumble too easily, and they contain 19 calories per treat, which is not the highest on our list but is high compared to some of the other treats listed. Some dogs also refused to eat these treats.

    Pros
    • Real chicken is first ingredient

    • Affordable

    • Breaks apart easily

    Cons
    • Crumbles too easily

    • Quite a few calories

    • Some dogs refused to eat these treats

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Treats for Your Miniature Schnauzer

    Now that we’ve given you our top picks and reviews for the best dog treats for Miniature Schnauzers, you might be wondering how to choose from the list above so that your dog has the healthiest, tastiest treats available. In the buying guide below, we’ll give you a few tips to help you make the best choice.

    Calories

    Your Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog, so you want treats that don’t contain many calories. This breed is prone to gaining weight and to developing diabetes. Luckily, many of the treats on our list have very few calories, so you should be able to easily find something for your furry friend.

    miniature schnauzer at the park
    Image Credit: Roman Zaiets, Shutterstock

    Texture

    The texture of the treats you feed your canine pal will determine which treats you buy as well. You can find treats in a variety of textures, and every dog has a preference. Some pups might enjoy treats that are crunchy, while others prefer hard chews instead. There are quite a few of each texture on our list, so you’ll have to try different textures until you find the one that your dog enjoys.

    However, it is important to realize that some of the dog treats on the list will be too hard for senior pets and puppies. No matter what life stage your Miniature Schnauzer is at, always keep an eye on the dog when eating these treats; some may be too large and could cause choking.

    Quality Ingredients

    As you’ve seen, there are a few treats on the list that have a very short list of ingredients, and those are usually the best treats to feed your little Schnauzer. Since the Miniature Schnauzer is prone to developing kidney stones and diabetes, it’s best to avoid treats that are full of salt and sugar in favor of treats with healthier ingredients.

    Artificial Colors and Flavors

    As with anything that you feed your dog, it’s best to avoid artificial colors and flavors if you can. During your research, you’ll find that low-quality treats are the ones that usually have the most artificial flavors and colors, so you’ll want to avoid those if you can.

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    Final Thoughts

    Our #1 choice of the best dog treats for Miniature Schnauzers is Tylee’s Beef Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, for using a freeze-dried process to retain the nutrients in their treats. Our top pick for the money goes to Newman’s Own Snack Sticks Grain-Free Dog Treats for their affordability and real chicken. Our premium choice of the best dog treats for Miniature Schnauzers is Bocce’s Say Moo Beef and Cheddar Dog Treats for their 100% natural ingredients.

    We hope that our buying guide and reviews of the best dog treats for Miniature Schnauzers will help you find the best possible treat for your canine friend.


    Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

    The post 10 Best Dog Treats for Miniature Schnauzers: 2023 Reviews & Top Picks appeared first on Pet Keen.

    21 Dalmatian Mixed Breeds (With Pictures)

    Dalmatians are easily an icon in the dog world. Their white coats and black spots have made the breed stars of movies and our hearts. It also makes them a popular breed to mix with others and create unique crossbreeds. Let’s take a look at 21 Dalmatian mixed breeds so you can learn more about these dogs and decide if one of them is right for your home.

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    The 21 Dalmatian Mixed Breeds

    1. Dalusky (Dalmatian Siberian Husky Mix)

    A beautiful Dalmatian mix breed is the Dalusky, also sometimes referred to as a Huskmatian. Mixed between a Dalmatian and a Siberian Husky these dogs are full of energy and love to stay on the go. Most Daluskies are active, loving, talkative, and a bit comical. They also need lots of training and at least an hour or more of exercise a day. Not to mention, all the grooming if they take after the Husky side of the family.


    2. Australian Dalmatian (Dalmatian Australian Shepherd Mix)

    Both Australian Shepherds and Dalmatians are working dogs so when you mix these two breeds, an active dog is a sure thing. The Australian Dalmatian is a fun, active, and playful mixed breed. You’ll need to be an active pet parent to own one of these dogs. There’s also no telling what you’ll get when it comes to colors. The coat can have mixes of patterns, patches, and even spots.


    3. Pitmatian (Dalmatian Pitbull Terrier Mix)

    When it comes to colors, everything is up in the air with the Pitmatian, a Dalmatian Pitbull Terrier mix. These dogs can be any color but normally black, white, and a few spots come into play. Early socialization is a must with this breed, however, considering the protective natures of both parent breeds. You’ll also need to ensure this mix gets enough exercise as both parent breeds are highly active.


    4. Bassmatian (Dalmatian Basset Hound Mix)

    If you want a smaller, less active dog, the Bassmatian could be your answer. This mix between the Dalmatian and Basset Hound sheds all year, but they are very smart dogs. Bassmatians are great with families and are gentle, playful dogs. However, you will find that this breed can be a bit food aggressive. If you have other animals or children in the house, you should always pay close attention during mealtimes.


    5. Dalmadoodle (Dalmatian Poodle Mix)

    Another spotted mixed breed beauty is the Dalmadoodle. The Dalmatian Poodle mix is an active breed that wants lots of room to run and explore. This breed is known to be fans of water, highly intelligent, and at times, show-offs. You will have multiple color and spot options to choose from as well.


    6. Corgmatian (Dalmatian Welsh Corgi Mix)

    The Corgmatian is known by several other cute names. Whether referred to as a Corgmatian, Dorgi, or Dalcorgi you’ll love this breed’s look. The short legs hold up an elongated body with cute spots. Mixed with two working dogs, you’ll need to ensure plenty of exercise. Corgmatians are intelligent dogs and require mental stimulation to be happy.


    7. Blue Dalmatian (Dalmatian Blue Heeler Mix)

    Another active Dalmatian mix is the Blue Dalmatian. By taking a Dalmatian and breeding it with a Blue Heeler, also known as an Australian Cattle Dog, you get a working dog that does great on a farm or ranch where it can work. If this isn’t possible, no worries. This blue-hued pooch will also love hiking, long walks, and competitions if that’s your thing.


    8. Dalmador (Dalmatian Labrador Retriever Mix)

    The Dalmador, or Labmatian, is one of the more common and most popular Dalmatian mixes out there. This mix can come in several colors, some with or without spots. You’ll also find that if you socialize these dogs early, you may not have as much issue with this pooch being territorial thanks to its Dalmatian heritage. Labradors are sweet, yet active dogs. Combining the two means this mixed breed will need lots of engagement and exercise, especially mental stimulation, so be ready.


    9. Goldmatian (Dalmatian Golden Retriever Mix)

    Bred roughly 30 years ago, the Goldmatian is considered one of the world’s first designer dog breeds. This mix of Dalmatian and Golden Retriever is quite striking. Most of these dogs take the thick, long coat of the Retriever along with the colors and markings of the Dalmatian. This isn’t always the case, however, so don’t be shocked at seeing variety. Thanks to the loving nature of the Golden Retriever, this mix is great with families but can be protective so be prepared to do a bit of training.


    10. Bodatian (Dalmatian Border Collie Mix)

    Another natural mixed breed, thanks to their working dog backgrounds, is the Dalmatian and Border Collie mix, the Bodatian. When combining these two breeds, you should plan on spending a little extra time grooming your pet. You’ll also find this mix is quite loyal and loving with their families. If you have kids, though, expect this mix to try herding them and keeping them in line.


    11. German Dalmatian (Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix)

    If you’re in the market for a great guard dog, the German Dalmatian is a great option. The combination of the Dalmatian and German Shepherd unites two breeds with working backgrounds, lots of intelligence, and a need to protect those they love. You’ll also have a Dalmatian mixed breed with a longer coat and tons of loyalty. Make sure you’re ready to take the reins when it comes to training. You’ll need to establish that you’re the boss of this mixed breed.


    12. Boxmatian (Dalmatian Boxer Mix)

    Unfortunately, there are issues with purebred Boxers and their breathing. This is due to their square faces. To help keep the breed growing, and limit breathing issues, mixing this breed with others that have longer muzzles is a must. The Dalmatian Boxer mix is a smart way to tackle this. With this mix, you’ll get the Dalmatian’s better health with the Boxer’s love of play and strength.


    13. Great Dalmatian (Dalmatian Great Dane Mix)

    For lovers of large dog breeds, the Great Dalmatian is a perfect option. If you want one that has strong potential to be a great watchdog, even better. The Great Dalmatian brings together the alert personality of the Dalmatian and the size and relaxed personality of the Great Dane. While these dogs are large, there are no worries about excessive exercise needs. As we said, Great Dalmatians are laid back and don’t require as much exercise as some of the other Dalmatian mixes.


    14. Chimatian (Dalmatian Chihuahua Mix)

    Not every Dalmatian mix is favorable. While they are cute, make good watchdogs, and are very protective, mixing a Dalmatian and Chihuahua doesn’t result in the healthiest mixed breed. This is due to the differences in the size of the parent breeds. This is why the Chimatian is a scarce breed, but they are out there.


    15. Bullmatian (Dalmatian English or American Bulldog Mix)

    The Bullmatian is created when you breed a Dalmatian with either an English or American Bulldog. This mixed breed makes an ideal companion as they are sweet and loyal while being protective of those they love. You’ll also find they are a medium-sized breed that often has black and white coloring with a short coat. You should be aware, however, that this mix is known to drool quite a bit.


    16. Rottmatian (Dalmatian Rottweiler Mix)

    Another large dog breed is the Rottmatian. This mixed breed is the result of crossing the Dalmatian and Rottweiler. This mix is powerful and tends to be the alpha. This is where good training comes into play. You must show this mix that you’re the leader of the pack. This mix usually takes the black coloring of the Rottweiler, but you may see a few spots here and there.


    17. Dachshmatian (Dalmatian Dachshund Mix)

    The small, Dachshmatian is adorable with its brown colors, flop ears, and spots. By bringing these two breeds together, you have an intelligent, mischievous, and energetic dog that can be a bit difficult to handle. You’ll need to stay on your toes with early training and socialization to keep them in line.


    18. Pugmatian (Dalmatian Pug Mix)

    The medium-sized Pugmatian is a heavy shedding breed that can have a few breathing issues thanks to the Pug’s brachycephalic background. This means you can’t push these pups too much when out exercising or exploring. As far as personality, these little dogs are quite loving and loyal, although a bit skeptical when it comes to strangers.


    19. Dalfoundland (Dalmatian Newfoundland)

    Both Dalmatians and Newfoundlands are large-sized dogs. Bringing the two breeds together results in a big dog that can weigh in at over 100 pounds. This mixed breed does great with kids and loves to cuddle. Keep in mind, though, this breed is a bit stubborn when it comes to getting them to do something they aren’t in the mood for.


    20. Dobermatian (Dalmatian Doberman Pinscher Mix)

    Another large mix on our list is the Dobermatian. By combining these two breeds you’ll have a sleek, handsome dog that can excel at taking care of their families. However, due to the protective nature of both breeds, without proper training, these dogs can be difficult to handle and can show aggressive tendencies.


    21. Beaglematian (Dalmatian Beagle Mix)

    Also known as the Dalmeagle, the Dalmatian Beagle mix is a flop-eared, happy-go-lucky dog that easily wins hearts with its great personality. These dogs are full of energy and love to go exploring using their noses.

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    Conclusion

    This list of 21 Dalmatian mixes isn’t all that’s out there to love and adore, but it does get you started. If you love the Dalmatian and would like to have one that is mixed with another breed you’re a fan of, don’t fret. Most likely, there are mixed breeds out there that would love to call your family their own.


    Featured Image Credit: Kharzey, Shutterstock

    The post 21 Dalmatian Mixed Breeds (With Pictures) appeared first on Pet Keen.

    Are Cat Dental Water Additives a Good Idea? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

    It is reported a staggering 50–90% of cats over 4 years old have some form of dental disease. Most commonly, this is seen as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tooth resorption (formerly known as feline oral resorptive lesions), and periodontal disease (an exaggerated form of gingivitis). Introducing dental care or some form of dental care as early as possible is the best way to prevent dental disease from occurring, and dental water additives are a great option—if not a Godsend—to cat owners in particular.

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    Is It Necessary to Clean My Cat’s Teeth?

    While your cat may not think so, it is, and this task falls to pet owners to undertake. The mouth is naturally full of bacteria, and with all the food your kitty eats on a daily basis, this soon turns into plaque accumulation on the teeth. This cycle will continue causing further, more serious problems if the mouth and teeth are not cleaned on a daily basis.

    Prevention is the key and definitely works. It reduces the chance of your cat needing veterinary treatment further down the line. It’s harder (and more expensive) to correct dental problems than it is to prevent them.

    Potential signs of dental problems:
    • Bad or offensive-smelling breath

    • Redness or a red line on the gum line

    • Receded gums

    • Broken or loose teeth

    • Discolored teeth

    • Teeth covered in tartar

    • Not eating or having difficulty eating

    • Reduced appetite

    • Drooling and excessive salivation

    • Dropping food from the mouth

    • Signs of pain or any discomfort

    • Pain in or around the mouth

    • Bleeding from the mouth

    • Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth, jaw, and cheekbones

    Beginning a dental regime as soon as possible enables your cat to become used to this process. Simple acts such as opening their mouths and rubbing their gums at early ages help to normalize this. In turn, these acts can be gradually increased to the gold standard of dental care—daily brushing.

    Starting early and in steps reduces issues and fear your cat may have around dental care, making it easier and non-stressful as they get older. It is also helpful for you, as some pet parents find it tricky to fit consistent daily dental care into their routines later in their pet’s life. So, starting from the get-go is a blessing both for you and your cat.

    However, what does a pet parent do if you can’t get anywhere near your cat’s mouth? This is a very common question, as cats can sometimes be more difficult to handle than dogs, but there is a “hands-off” answer.

    a vet examining a black and white cat's teeth
    Image Credit: didesign021, Shutterstock

    How to Clean My Cat’s Teeth Without Brushing

    Brushing your cat’s teeth daily is the advised and preferred solution. Think of what your teeth would be like if you never brushed your teeth for your whole life! If you are unsure what to do or how to use any of the following dental health options, have a discussion with your veterinarian, and together, you will be able to find the right combination for you and your cat.

    Other dental health options include:
    • Dental water additives

    • Dental chews

    • Dental toys

    • Dental sticks

    • Mouthwashes or dental sprays

    • Dental gels

    • Feeding a dental diet

    What Is a Dental Water Additive?

    These are sold as a liquid in a bottle, similar to human mouthwash, and they contain special ingredients to fight and remove bacteria preventing plaque build-up on the teeth. A measured amount of the liquid (each product is different so follow their individual guidelines) is added daily to your cat’s water.

    Be sure to use a fresh supply of water and additives each day, and don’t be tempted to add an extra bit thinking it will help more. Water additives are concentrated and exceeding the advised amount is not recommended.

    Dental water additives are not as effective as brushing your cat’s teeth, but studies have proven that water additives containing xylitol are effective in reducing plaque and calculus in cats, so you have peace of mind that it is working.

    It’s worth noting that some professionals say water additives can lead to excess water consumption, but if your cat has an underlying health condition like kidney disease, it can be problematic.

    tabby cat sitting next to a bowl of water
    Image Credit: Impact Photography, Shutterstock

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    Benefits of Dental Water Additives

    Benefits of dental water additives
    • Convenient, simple, and easy to use

    • Increases the chance of dental care being performed regularly

    • Tasteless and odorless

    • Helps reduce plaque and to control dental disease

    • Helps to freshen the breath

    • Widely available

    • Can be used alongside brushing or on its own

    • Safe to use daily

    Additional Health Benefits of Water Intake in Cats

    We’ve explored the potential preventative treatment options for dental disease in cats, with water additives being one option to combat the issue, but it’s important to remember that water itself is a great preventative or aid in many other feline diseases.

    They can include the following:

    • Chronic Kidney Disease

    • Bladder stones

    • Urinary tract crystals (urolithiasis)

    Because hydration is so important for this desert-originating species, encouraging any additional water intake can be very helpful in allowing your cat to maintain proper hydration and potentially fight other issues at the same time. Feeling wet food can be an easy option, as can adding additional water to their food. Furthermore, many cats love the fresh, flowing water that a cat fountain can offer, so this can be another great option to keep your cat healthy and hydrated. The filtration systems found in water fountains can further minimise the amount of microbes and water contaminants your cat is exposed to.

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    Conclusion

    Although brushing your cat’s teeth daily is by far the best option to maintain your kitty’s pearly whites and is key to good dental health, dental water additives are also a good idea, especially if your cat is uncooperative! With proven studies to support their claims and ease of use, dental water additives make an ideal and easy addition to your cat’s health routine. Even if it is the sole form of dental care provided it is better than no prevention at all.

    Remember to have regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian, and if you are unsure about which dental water additive to use, ask for their advice. Always check with your vet first before buying dental products to ensure they won’t interfere with your pet negatively.


    Featured Image Credit: Punyaphat Larpsomboon, Shutterstock

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