Greenies for cats

[xshadowxv]

I have two cats, one 9months, the other 14months, and want to ensure they stay healthy (Drontal administered regularly for worms, vaccinated yearly, flea treatments monthly (spot-on  application), kept indoors).

My query is regarding Greenies- I know they have developed a feline form, however, I am somewhat doubtful as to their efficacy in helping to maintain good teeth, as they are the same size as many regular cat biscuits and are just as easy for the cats to bite through. Would it be safe to give the cats greenies designed for dogs, to encourage them to chew more?

At present the cats have ad-lib access to dry biscuits (both cats are of ideal weight for their body structure and age), are given canned food in the afternoon, are receiving feline greenies once daily (though I doubt I will use these frequently, because, as I mentioned, I doubt their efficacy), and are sometimes given a kong with treats in to encourage them to chew.

[Judy Karnia, D.V.M.]

There are specially formulated dental kibble diets that seem to really help many of my patients.  There are a large kibble and are structured to scrape the teeth as the cat chews through them.  They also contain enzymes to break down plaque and bacteria.

I don't know what brands you have available there but your veterinarian should know.  The ones we carry are Purina DH, Royal Canin DD, and Hills t/d.  Most cats seem to like them and eat them readily.  They are completely balanced and can be used as a maintenance diet or as treats.

I would worry about giving them dog greenies as well.

Keep up the good care.

Judy Karnia, DVM
Scottsdale Cat Clinic

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

Sounds like you are a very caring and diligent cat owner!  

As for the question on giving dog greenies to cats, I can only say they are formulated differently for a reason.  The dog greenies are harder and cats probably won't enjoy them as much.  

Seems to me that one a day is a bit much.  That is quite a bit of dry material passing through their GI tract.  (I think this is more of a concern for those of us who have seen problems with greenies in the past).  

Occasionally I think you would not have a problem, but I would resist something this dry and hard in their system every day - especially considering they have free choice access to dry dog biscuits.  

[xshadowxv]

Thankyou very much, to both of you :) Judy, I think all three of those diets are available over here, so I shall look into getting them.

Also I did forget to mention what triggered me to ask about the dog greenies- my mothers dog had one (maltese x) and one of my cats actually pinched it (I noticed and removed it) but he did seem to be enjoying it a lot. Cats!

I really appreciate you taking the time to help my cats and I, I love these two boys to bits and want to take the best care of them possible :)