Does anyone use raw meat chunks to help w/ tartar?

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MikeysMom

MikeysMom

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Does anyone do this? I read in a couple of places that a chunk of stew beef or chicken can help keep the teeth cleaner-what say you all? I know that good dental health is an important part of overall health and especially for a diabetic. But my vet and I are reluctant to do a dental for Mikey because he does not do well with anesthesia. After his last cleaning, he had moderate neuro symptoms for several hours afterward, and my vet (and I) think it best not to do it again if we can possibly avoid it. He had a stroke when he was about two years old (he's 11, 12 in March), so I am extra careful with him. The stroke was caused by a vaccine reaction, so he doesn't get vaccinated for anything except rabies anymore, either.

So does a little chewy raw meat once in a while really help keep the choppers pearly white?
 
I know of one person who routinely fed her cat chicken hearts to help with keeping teeth clean. (Gabby doesn't like them!)

If you want to opt to brush your cat's teeth, I'd suggest a cat appropriate toothbrush. Most of the ones you'll run across are for dogs. This is the toothbrush I use. The best suggestion I can give you is to associate toothbrushing with treats. My civvie, Gizmo, will bug me to have his teeth brushed because there are lots of treats involved. I also started brushing his teeth early on. Gabby wants no part of it.
 
i do :-) i buy chicken gizzards and hearts and let them munch on those and occasionally i toss down a raw chicken leg they gnaw on for a while.
 
On a different post, I believe Dr Pierson said the tartar starts becoming plaque within 2-3 days, so you may want to do the raw supplement on a similar schedule, especially if you can't get brushing in.
 
ohbell said:
Anyone know about these chews made by C.E.T?? Are they ok for our sugar kitties??? I am not for sure if I can get Bean to brush after 8-9 yrs, but I plan to order the brushes for her and Ittle Sista.... But I want to get these chews as well if they are ok for her????

http://www.1800petmeds.com/C.E.T.+Oral+ ... 48143.html
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BJM said:
includes Dextrose, a sugar, so not a good idea.
Click to expand...

No dextrose in the oral chews: Freeze-dried fish, antioxidants (containing tocopherols, ascorbic acid, natural flavor and citric acid), glucose oxidase (Aspergillus niger), dried whey protein concentrate

The glucose oxidase is an enzyme, same as in the CET toothpastes, which does not affect bgs but do check bgs to see if maybe your cat is an oddball who is affected by it.

The texture of the freeze dried fish supposedly scrapes tartar off the teeth. The chews are fairly large so takes a bit of chewing on to get it into small enough pieces to swallow. I've tried them with one of my civies and she liked the chews the first few times but soon ignored them :roll:

Give brushing a try. Even older cats may allow you to brush their teeth. I was able to brush my then 11 year diabetic's teeth with no problem. The very first attempt was a success. All I did was pop the toothpaste covered toothbrush in his mouth and swab at the few teeth he had left. He enjoyed the yummy toothpaste more than the actual brushing :razz: Soon he was begging to have his teeth brushed :o
 
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