Greenies/Dental Health ?

Hi everyone! 

I am the new owner of a sweet siberian kitten, and this site has been a great resource to me, I'm so appreciative it exists!  

I have been brushing my cat's teeth everyday in an effort to begin good hygiene habits. He's not the biggest fan when the toothbrush is in his mouth but he does get excited I think when I take the toothpaste and the greenies out. I've been taking them out together and giving him one half of a greenie treat after each tooth brushing to try to associate treat with doing well with teeth brushing. Is this a bad idea? I saw a vet do so in a youtube video showing how to brush a cat's teeth. Does anyone see a concern with a half greenie (and probably a full greenie as he gets bigger) every day? 

I have also been using orijen treats and pinching pieces off to reward other good behavior, like when he doesn't hide from the vacuum cleaner, while harness training and when I do a little bit of clicker training. 

I guess I am hoping to ascertain whether I am being unnecessarily stingy with the streets, or too indulgent. I will consult with my vet as well but thought I would ask some experienced cat owners too! 

I have heard that C.E.T. treats are good, but they seem very large for his size, and less of an immediate reward treat. He's also young and seems to struggle with treats and such that are large and hard, it even takes him effort to eat half the greenie (hence his love of the soft orijen treats). Further, I have not gotten them yet and he may dislike them, eat cat is different. They're also a bit pricey and I thought perhaps with daily brushing the C.E.T. might be a bit unnecessary/overkill? 

I would be ok with not giving him the greenies at all and giving him a bigger orijen piece. So far I was using greenies to show that it's different (teeth brushing time yay!) and to add some variety. Also there is *some* evidence that it might help with dental health, right? It seemed to make more sense to give a 'dental' treat after it than having him eat an average treat after toothbrushing  (just cleaned those pearly whites!). 

This post is a little bit broad, I know. It's hitting on dental health, product opinions, and nutrition. For those that read my wall of text and are willing to share your  wisdom, thank you  

Great job on daily brushing. I beleive a treat is ok so they have a positive association. Cheaper maybe give them a bit of tuna or cheese. I dont think it matters much if it is a dental treat or not.

I buy Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Oral Sensitive 30  or Hill's Science Diet Oral Care Adult Cat Food  and use it as treats.  They like both and it is much cheaper than small bags of treats. They are both large kibble and that is how they clean the teeth.  They have to chew.  

Congrats on becoming a cat-mom 

None of so-called 'dental treats' are as good as teeth brushing.  

When i was starting out with toothbrushing I used a couple regular small size greenies just as a reward because my cat goes nuts for them. Plus he liked C. E. T. toothpaste (seafood flavor) which made it even more appealing. After a few weeks of rewarding him with greenies i didn't need them anymore, just the toothpaste alone is making him meow and do circles around me.

The bottom line is, while you are still training your kitten to except toothbrushing, reward him with whichever treats he likes the best. You don't need those huge C.E.T. dental treats if you brush kitty's teeth. Brush one side of his mouth, give a treat. Brush the other side - give a treat. Or brush all teeth at once if he'll let you, and give a treat or two. 

Don't over think it too much, you are doing great!  

My aunt (a vet) has mentioned that she's not a fan of Greenies because they can be irritating to some animals' digestive systems. Any kind of pure meat treat (Orijens are great) are going to be the healthiest option treat-wise, and nothing is really going to be anywhere near as effective as teeth brushing anyway. I don't think it would undo any of the work you've just done with brushing to give a treat after. Besides, it's much more helpful overall if the cat has positive associations with brushing!

I normally use Orijen treats (any of the land animal varieties, although wild boar seems to be the absolute favorite), but when I want my cat to do something extra special, I use treats that are freeze-dried fish of some sort. She absolutely loves fish. It isn't good for cats in large quantities, but in small amounts it's fine, and she only ever gets any fish on those special occasions, so she makes sure she's on her best behavior when I pull those out.

Thanks everyone! Went to the vet for vaccination today and he showed me how a finger brush would make the process easier than the mini toothbrush (I thought it'd be the opposite haha). 

He also said greenies are ok but he's seen some animals not able to digest it well, so to not give too much  (said one a day was fine). Similar to what Molly92 shared! I'm currently using the regional cat orijen treat but there's wild boar waiting when it's done!