Cat kibble and cat food
for optimal oral health

Periodontal disease is the most common disorder affecting cats worldwide.

The prevalence for this disease is as high as 85% by informal estimates. There are risk factors associated with the development of periodontal disease in cats that you should be aware of: increasing age and neutering. With the support of a veterinarian, it is important for pet parents to periodically monitor oral hygiene, since periodontal disease can have an impact on more than just the mouth of your cat. Periodontal disease has been associated with cardiac disease in cats and is linked to changes in liver, heart, and kidney tissues.

How do I know if my cat has periodontal disease?

There are symptoms to looks for in periodontal disease. These symptoms include:

• Red or bleeding gums (look for blood in your cat’s water bowl)
• Difficulties picking up food, and loose teeth

We advise talking to your veterinarian to develop the best plan for your cat’s health, including oral care. Periodic dental checkups, along with brushing, as well as dental treats and dental kibble, can help maintain a healthy mouth.

Specialized cat kibble

The kibble in our dental health cat food has a particular size and shape that encourages chewing to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Our ingredient list also features pea fiber, which creates a brushing-like action to help with the removal of plaque. Additionally, Vetdiet^® Dental Health cat food includes sodium hexametaphosphate, which has been demonstrated in research to reduce the formation of dental calculus in cats¹.

What is sodium hexametaphosphate?

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is an ingredient that can be found in our Vetdiet^® dental health cat food. SHMP binds and holds onto the calcium found in dental plaque. When it binds to plaque, it creates a complex that is washed away in the cat’s saliva, reducing the formation of calculus.

Is sodium hexametaphosphate safe for my cat?

The simple answer is yes. Health Canada recognizes SHMP as a safe substance used in food products, including infant formulas, nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods, frozen dairy desserts, jellies, and jams. Many studies have been done on safety over the years showing the safety of SHMP. It is widely used in human and pet food. Feeding studies of SHMP have been conducted which support safe feeding in cats².