Alternatives to Brushing Your Cat's Teeth
Healthy Cats | February 1, 2019
Some of our cat owners have cats that will graciously tolerate a daily toothbrushing. If this is your cat, congratulations are in order, and please, continue with your daily brushing. But cat lovers also recognize that there are some cats, no matter how much coaxing, who will not allow tooth brushing. So, if your cat falls into this category, today is the day to throw away your cat’s toothbrush and consider what you can do daily to protect your cat’s dental health that doesn’t involve the dreaded brush. After all, the best dental routine is one that works for both you and your cat every day.
To discuss cat dental health that goes beyond the toothbrush, we talked to Broadway at Pike Shift Lead Alyssa Homan. Alyssa has worked at Mud Bay for 18 months, and she’s spent years in the pet industry and has learned a lot about dental care. She also has a cat of her own, Penny, who doesn’t love brushing, so Alyssa has explored many of the feline dental options available.
AH: It sounds silly, but good dental care is part of the foundation of overall good health. Bad dental health can lead to periodontal disease, which can cause heart issues and weaken the underlying jaw bone and gums. Over time, it can become painful to eat, and your cat may stop eating entirely. Dental problems also can cause inflammation that causes other problems throughout the body.
AH: Certain cat foods will help support dental health, but it won’t eliminate the need for extra dental care. But I still recommend starting with your cat’s diet. The food that’s going to have the biggest positive impact is going to be raw food. Frozen raw especially has some bone inside, as well as good enzymes to help prevent plaque, but any raw food will support better dental health.
I know some people think that hard kibble is better for cat teeth. But unless you’re feeding your cat a prescription dental diet, there’s no evidence that kibble helps a cat’s teeth. What it does do is deprive your cat of moisture that helps their kidneys and other organs. Human’s don’t eat crunchy foods and then ignore their teeth. We still brush every day, so your cat will need the same dental health help no matter what food they eat.
AH: Dental supplements help break down or prevent plaque from sticking to teeth. There are a lot of different supplements you can place in food or water, but you must remember to use it every day.
I use a water-based supplement with my cat, but she isn’t picky about water. Other cats might avoid water-based dental supplements and won’t drink enough water. If the supplement is minty, I’ve found that many cats avoid it. But if it’s tasteless, some cats will drink it. You should always have a fresh water source available without the supplement if you choose that route.
Otherwise, there are dental supplements that you can mix directly into their food. Cats are more likely to like these supplements because the food will mask any supplement taste. Icelandic sea kelp is a natural supplement that helps prevent plaque. But there are plenty of other dental supplements that any Muddy can show you.
AH: Some cats enjoy chewing, so if you have a cat like that, embrace it! Some cats actually like chewing on frozen bones. Some cats like the small, one-inch beef bones and others will eat turkey necks. That’s a good way to naturally clean their teeth if they’re into chewing.
Another option—if your cat isn’t into frozen bones—are dried turkey tendons. These take a while to chew through. But any chew that works for a small dog would work for a cat who wants to chew it. And the chewing action helps scrape off plaque.
AH: I’ve had my cat since she was a kitten, but she’s never liked a toothbrush or finger brush. But I do use dental wipes. The dental supplements I use make cleaning the teeth easier and reduces the need to scrub super hard, so they work for us.
A dental wipe is just a soft cloth that fits over your finger. It has a little bit of flavor along with the active ingredients. You just apply gentle pressure across the teeth and along the gumline where plaque can collect. My cat definitely doesn’t love it, but she’s willing to tolerate it. So cats that don’t enjoy their teeth brushed might accept this.
Also, you don’t need official dental wipes to brush your cat’s teeth. You can use sterilized gauze as a wipe. It doesn’t have the active ingredients, but it also doesn’t have any taste for cats that object. Just moisten the gauze with water and use the gauze the same way you use a wipe.
If you like using gauze, you can also pair it with toothpaste. Some cats enjoy coconut oil, and we have a toothpaste that includes coconut oil and tea tree oil. But take the time to look for the right toothpaste. Some cats like meat flavors, some cats like malt flavors, and some cats like the coconut flavors.
AH: Find a routine that you can stick with. If your cat doesn’t like brushing, there are plenty of other options available. Use as many options as your cat will accept; so, don’t be afraid to use diet, chews, supplements and wipes to prevent plaque buildup.
Also, if you’ve already noticed inflammation or plaque buildup, your cat may need to see a veterinarian to get a cleaning. After the cleaning, you can start with a completely clean mouth and keep it clean with a combination of these techniques. However, if there is already visible inflammation, I recommend that you talk to your veterinarian for advice and move forward from there.
I know that some cats won’t accept any at-home dental care. If you’ve tried several times, it’s worth talking to your veterinarian about scheduling regular cleanings. Plan on visiting your veterinarian every six months for a check-up to see if your cat needs a cleaning. Sometimes you’re going to need the help of a professional to preserve dental health, but it’s worth it to preserve the overall health of your cat.***
Furvor bone 🦴 broth for dogs is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is highly concentrated, so every squeeze adds real nutrition to your dog’s routine.
🐕 It’s packed with protein, amino acids, and nutrients that can support gut health, mobility, skin and coat, and overall wellness.
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It’s also an easy way to boost hydration and bring a little excitement back to the bowl—especially for picky eaters. Just mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or serve it on its own.
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Shop Furvor 🛒 🛍️ 🐕 Bone Broth in-store or online at Mud Bay!
#mudbay #furvor #bonebroth #dogs #healthypets
Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy?
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The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
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Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use.
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Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
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Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
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A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
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We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs.
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The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
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Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health.
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All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper.
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You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
💫 New at Mud Bay!
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CocoTherapy Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie Coco-Charms. Small in size and low in calories, they are an ideal training treat.
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Made with 100% organic ingredients, you can feel good giving them to your dog during longer training sessions. CocoTherapy Coco-Charms are also free from grains, dairy, gluten, eggs, and preservatives, and are low glycemic.
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Shop the Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie CocoTherapy Coco-Charms in-store or online today!
#mudbay #cocotherapy #trainingtreats #dogs #healthypets
🎉 🎉 GIVEAWAY! New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers for Cats & Dogs
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We’re excited to give you a chance to win a bag of one of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas.
Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated, complete and balanced for cats and dogs, and easy to use as a topper, treat, or complete meal.
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New Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper Formulas:
Digestive Support
Made with turkey, chicken, and lentils, plus organic apple cider vinegar and chicory root to help support healthy digestion and immune function.
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Hip and Joint Support:
Made with turkey, chicken, fish, and oats, plus turmeric and omega-3s from tuna to help support mobility and joint health.
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To enter:
👍 Like this post
😃 Tag us and tag a friend
🤝 Follow us
We’ll pick winners at random and notify them on April 16th. Each winner will receive a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers. 🍀 🤞 Good luck!
#mudbay #foodtoppers #dogs #cats #petfood
Check out these new aquatic-themed toys for your pup from Fluff & Tuff.
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Available in-store now: Claude the squid, with tentacles that are great for tugging.
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We also have Dottie the Puffer Fish, who will keep your pup active with a nice fetch session, and, last but not least, we have Millie the Axolotl, who is an engaging option for all of the above and ready to shake up your pup’s toy selection.
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Shop these fun new Aquatic options for your pup in-store or online today!
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogtoys #playtime #pnwpets
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉
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The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
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We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
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Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
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Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
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Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Keep your pet happy and blissfully engaged with the woof LickMat and LickMix.
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The LickMat is BPA-free, 100% silicone, and dishwasher safe on the top rack, with suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking. It also features suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking, while its built-in mixing bowl and measuring lines make mixing easy.
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The Bacon and Cheese LickMix is grain-free and designed for use with the LickMat, woof Pupsicle, or as a meal topper. Each bag yields about 10 LickMat sessions when used as directed.
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Treat your dog with the Woof LickMat and LickMix. Shop all woof products in-store and online today!
#mudbay #woof #dogs #enrichment #petproducts
Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
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Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
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Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
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Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets
