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Cat Treats
Tartar Shield

Cat Treats

Verified Aug 30, 2026

Cat · Treat All Breed Sizes

These crunchy chicken-flavored cat treats are high in protein and fat for a treat, and use corn, chicken by-product meal, and other grains and plant proteins as the main base. They’re designed specifically as dental treats to be fed alongside a regular complete diet, providing a low-calorie option (about 1 calorie per piece) for cats who enjoy daily rewards.

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Over-the-counter No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
9.0 out of 10

Top Pick

Nutritionally, this is a well-formulated dental treat with a solid protein level for a snack and a very low calorie count per piece, which is helpful for cats who get treats regularly. The recipe relies on a mix of animal and plant proteins with chicken by-product meal and salmon meal supplying key amino acids, along with added vitamins, minerals, and taurine. It’s best used in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially for cats without sensitivities to chicken, fish, wheat, corn, or soy.

Calorie and portion clarity 10.0
Ingredient composition 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Dental Care Breath Support
Suitable For
All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • High protein (30% minimum) and moderate fat (15% minimum) for a cat treat, which helps keep it more in line with feline nutritional needs than many higher-carb snacks.
  • Includes animal-based ingredients such as chicken by-product meal and salmon meal, plus added taurine, which are important for cats’ heart, eye, and overall health when used within a complete diet.
  • Very low calorie density at about 1 calorie per piece, making it easier to give multiple treats without adding a lot of extra energy, which is helpful for weight control.
  • Fortified with a full vitamin and trace mineral premix, so nutritionally more complete than many basic treats when used alongside a regular cat food.

Considerations

  • Primary ingredients include corn, wheat, soybean meal, and rice, so this may not be ideal for cats who need lower-carbohydrate treats or who have sensitivities to grains or soy.
  • Contains chicken by-product meal and salmon meal, which are common animal protein allergens; cats with known chicken or fish allergies should avoid these treats.
  • Designed as a treat, not a stand-alone diet, so it should only be fed in addition to a complete and balanced cat food and not as the main source of nutrition.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Whole Ground Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Rice, Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocophersols), Natural Poultry Flavor, Salmon Meal, Brewer Dried Yeast, Malic Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (DL-Alpha, Tocopherol, Acetate, Niacin, Vitamin A Acetate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3, Biotin, Vitamin B12), Taurine, Choline Chloride, Trace Minerals (Iron Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Sodium Selenite), Preserved with Mixed Tocophersols, a Natural Source of Vitamin E. Made in the USA with US ingredients.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
View ingredient
02
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
03
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is commonly used in pet foods as a carbohydrate source, binder and extender that provides digestible energy, some protein (including gluten), and small amounts of fiber and B‑vitamins when enriched. While generally safe and economical for many dogs, it is not a required ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, can contribute to excess calories or a high glycemic load, and can trigger food allergies or gluten sensitivity in susceptible pets, so animals with known wheat sensitivities or weight concerns may benefit from wheat‑free formulations.
04
Corn Gluten
Corn gluten (often listed as corn gluten meal) is a concentrated plant-based protein and kibble-binding ingredient commonly used in dry pet foods to boost protein content, energy density, and help with texture. It provides digestible protein for dogs but is relatively low in essential amino acids like lysine, is not an ideal sole protein source for obligate carnivores such as cats, and can be a sensitivity/allergen for some pets, so it’s best used alongside high-quality animal proteins and complementary ingredients.
05
Soybean
Soybean is a common plant-based ingredient in pet foods used as a concentrated protein and fat source (in forms such as soybean meal, soy protein concentrate/isolate, and soybean oil) that supplies essential amino acids, calories, and beneficial polyunsaturated fats. It can be a cost-effective, digestible protein for many dogs but is less ideal as the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may trigger allergies or deliver phytoestrogens and antinutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors, phytates) that are typically reduced by proper processing, so diets using soy should be balanced and monitored.
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Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
30.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
15.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
1
kcal / Piece

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Food type Treat

Brand

Tartar Shield is a pet oral care brand offering dental chews, treats, and oral care solutions designed to support dental health and fresh breath in dogs and cats. The brand emphasizes scientifically backed formulations and patented active ingredients to help reduce tartar and plaque buildup.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc.
Founded 2002
Headquarters Noblesville, Indiana, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Indiana
Manufacturing oversight

Tartar Shield Pet Products manufactures its products in FDA-registered and USDA-inspected facilities with quality control practices adhering to pet food industry safety standards.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Tartar Shield Cat Treats.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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9.0 /10 Grade A+
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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Tartar Shield ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Tartar Shield. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.