Consequently, Veterinarians urge cat owners to feed their cats solely a dry, commercial cat food. The theory is that the crunching of a dry food, and the friction created on the teeth when biting on pellet like feed, will reduce plaque and inhibit tartar build-up. And, a theory it is because in real life, dry cat food has proven to have marginal tartar fighting properties. Since cats purposely avoid biting on hard bits, dry food pellets are subsequently swallowed whole. The grain based make-up of dry cat food gives a hard baked, cracker nature, which, if actually crunched to bits and moistened with saliva, will more likely clog the dentition, as well as leaving a starchy coating which encourages plaque growth.
Nature combats dental disease with a proper diet.
An all prey based, high protein diet will keep the cat's body acidic and prevent mineral deposits. The absence of carbohydrates, which are broken down by enzymes in the saliva to sugars, inhibit plaque causing bacteria growth. Any plaque that may naturally accumulate is wiped away by the biting and shearing through fur and flesh.