How to Use Dental Treats and Bites for Better Pet Oral Care
By PDSA Pet Store | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to incorporate dental treats and bites into your pet's oral care routine. Get step-by-step advice on choosing, timing, and using dental chews for effective plaque removal.
Quick answer
Dental treats and bites work best when given daily as part of a complete oral care routine that includes brushing and vet checkups. Choose the right size and texture for your pet, and supervise each session.
Why dental treats alone aren't enough
Dental treats and bites are a helpful supplement, not a replacement for brushing or professional cleanings. They reduce plaque and tartar through mechanical abrasion and ingredients like seaweed, but they cannot reach below the gumline or remove established calculus. Use them as a daily aid alongside other oral care habits.
Choosing the right treat for your pet
Cats need smaller, softer dental bites that are palatable and easy to chew. Dogs benefit from larger, more abrasive bones that encourage chewing. Always match the treat size to your pet's weight and jaw strength to prevent choking or digestive upset.
Step-by-step guide to using dental treats and bites
- Step 1: Choose the right product: Select a dental treat or bite appropriate for your pet's species, size, and chewing style. For cats, pick a small, soft bite like ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Bites for Cats. For dogs, consider a larger, abrasive bone such as ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Care Bones. Check the label for weight guidelines and never give a cat a dog-sized chew.
- Step 2: Introduce gradually: Offer the treat in a calm environment. Let your pet sniff and lick it first. If they are hesitant, break a small piece off and hand-feed it. Do not force the treat into their mouth. Some pets need a few tries before accepting a new texture or flavor.
- Step 3: Supervise the chewing session: Stay with your pet while they chew. Watch for large pieces breaking off that could be swallowed whole or cause choking. Remove any small, sharp fragments immediately. If your pet tries to swallow the treat whole, choose a larger size or a different shape.
- Step 4: Establish a daily routine: Give the dental treat at the same time each day, ideally after a meal. Consistency helps your pet expect and enjoy the treat while ensuring regular plaque control. One treat per day is usually sufficient; follow the package instructions. Overfeeding treats can add calories. Adjust your pet's main meals if needed.
- Step 5: Combine with other oral care: Use dental treats as part of a broader routine that includes tooth brushing, dental wipes, or water additives. Schedule annual veterinary dental checkups to monitor gum health and tartar buildup. Dental treats reduce plaque but cannot reverse existing dental disease. Professional cleaning may still be necessary.
Product facts
- ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Bites for Cats - Salmon: ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Bites for Cats contain the 100% natural seaweed ingredient A.N ProDen®, shown in clinical trials to support oral health. This makes them a convenient daily treat that works from the inside out to help control plaque and tartar in cats.
ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Bites for Cats - Salmon - ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Care Bones – Vegetable Fusion: ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Care Bones combine A.N ProDen® with a unique shape and abrasive action for double-action plaque and tartar control. The bone's texture physically scrubs teeth while the seaweed ingredient provides ongoing oral benefits, making it ideal for dogs that enjoy chewing.
ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Care Bones – Vegetable Fusion
