In this article
We give TEEF for Life Protektin30™ a rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars.
It’s a fact: Cats do not like having their teeth brushed. But it’s also true that poor dental health can dramatically shorten your cat’s lifespan. So what’s a kitty owner to do?
TEEF for Life says they have the solution. This innovative animal dental care company has created a powder that changes how mouth bacteria behave, thereby protecting teeth against plaque buildup and decay. And all you have to do is add a tiny amount of it to your cat’s water dish food, treats, toys… anything, each day to see these amazing results.
I had a chance to try TEEF for Life’s Protektin30™ Prebiotic Dental Powder for Cats on my one-year-old Domestic Shorthair, Makoa. After three weeks of using this product in water, I can’t say enough about how easy it makes daily dental care. Find out what else I like about this product and where I found room for improvement in my full TEEF for Life review, below.
Overview
| Product Type: | Oral care supplement |
| Best Suited For: | Cats of all ages regardless of dental health |
| Price Range: | Moderate investment |
| Contents: | Each kit includes a powder packet, jar, scoop, and desiccant pack |
| Kit Sizes: | 1 packet (30 servings, 3 packets (90 servings), or 6 packets (180 servings) |
| Options: | Cat powder, Dog powder, or All Pets (sodium-free) powder |
| How to Use: | Add one scoop to water bowl, food, treats, toys or anything daily. The trick is to get it in their mouth consistently |
| Storage: | Store only in the included TEEF jar with desiccant packet |
Our Experience
I first discovered TEEF for Life when looking for oral care solutions for my senior dog with advanced periodontal disease. After a couple of months of use, I saw a dramatic improvement in her oral health.
My cat, Makoa, is still young enough that his teeth are in great shape but I know that won’t last if I don’t start caring for those teeth. And with this feisty feline, brushing is simply not an option, at least, if I want to keep all my fingers.
That’s why I decided to give TEEF for Life a try for him.
In addition to their dog-specific formula and their All Pet formula, they also have a cat-specific formula, and that’s the one I decided to use for Makoa.
After three weeks of using this product, I’ve found a lot to love about it and have very few complaints.
What I Liked
The thing I have always loved most about TEEF for Life is how easy it is to use. All you have to do is get a tiny spoonful of the powder in your cat’s mouth each day and that’s it!
This product works by changing how the bacteria in your cat’s mouth function. Bad bacteria eat sugar and starch and create plaque and acid—both very bad for teeth. This powder changes the bacteria’s metabolic pathways, causing them to switch to a diet of protein, instead.It’s like a Keto diet for oral bacteria!
One way these rewired bacteria get the protein and nutrients they need is from the proteins and amino acids in your cat’s diet and saliva.. This new diet not only helps break down existing plaque but also reduces acid production to protect tooth enamel.
While TEEF for Life is sure to note that their product should be used along with a daily tooth care routine, using it alone is certainly better than doing nothing, which is the only other option most cat owners have.
As I mentioned, Makoa’s teeth are in good shape since he’s so young, so there isn’t much of an effect to note. However, I know from using this product on my dogs that it definitely helps reduce bad breath and plaque buildup. And I’m hopeful that by starting this product now, Makoa will never have to deal with these common dental issues.
Where I See Room for Improvement
When I first started adding this product to Makoa’s water bowl, I noticed that he seemed hesitant to drink. I reduced the amount to half a scoop and this seemed to help. After about a week, I slowly increased the amount to a full dose, which he tolerated well.
The taste may be off-putting to some cats. Luckily, this formula is effective even at low doses. For super-picky cats, the “All Pet” formula might be a better choice as it’s designed for sensitive systems and kidneys, and picky palates.
The only other issue I noticed is that the product causes some extra scum buildup in the water bowl. This isn’t a big issue, but it does mean I have to wipe out Makoa’s water bowl every day rather than just dumping and refilling it.
Aside from taking some time to get used to and requiring some extra bowl cleaning, this product has been super easy to use. And, from my past experience with it, I’m confident that it’s effective for promoting oral health.
One thing is for certain, it’s a lot easier than brushing those dagger kitty teeth! I would definitely recommend it to any cat owner looking to prevent or treat oral health issues.
Pros & Cons
- Super easy to use
- Effective in multiple ways
- Scientifically proven
- Multiple formulas available
- Safe for multi-pet households
- Taste can be off-putting
- Need to wash bowl frequently
Key Features
Ingredients
Protektin30™ Prebiotic Dental Powder for Cats contains four ingredients:
- Soluble Fiber – Stops bacteria from consuming sugar while reducing the production of acid and plaque.
- L-arginine – This key amino acid affects how bacteria break down proteins to neutralize glycolytic acid production.
- Vitamin B6 – This nutrient helps good bacteria effectively break down protein.
- Chlorella -derivative – This freshwater cracked cell wall of green algae acts like a sponge, soaking up fungal toxins, especially those associated with stomatitis, a common feline oral ailment.
All these ingredients work together to reduce plaque and bad breath while supporting beneficial oral bacteria and overall oral health.
Kit Contents
When you first order TEEF for Life, you’ll want to choose the “Dental Kit” option. This kit includes pouches of Protektin powder, a reusable glass jar with a desiccant packet to keep the powder fresh, and a scoop for easy measuring. You can choose from 30, 90, or 180 servings.
When your kit arrives, simply pour the powder into the glass jar and add the desiccant packet to keep it safe and fresh. After your initial order, you can conveniently order refills of just the powder packets, or subscribe for ongoing savings.
What to Expect
Protektin works to improve your cat’s oral health gradually, delivering noticeable results at different stages:
- Within 5 days: The balance of bacteria in your pet’s mouth will begin to shift, with beneficial bacteria increasing as harmful bacteria decrease.
- Within 2 Weeks: Your pet’s breath will start to smell noticeably fresher.
- Within 3 Weeks: Redness and swelling in the gums will be visibly reduced and continue improving.
- Within 5 Weeks: Existing tartar will begin to break down, giving the teeth a whiter appearance.
- After Week 5: Regular use will help maintain your pet’s oral health and continue to reverse signs of periodontal disease and reduce tartar buildup.
You should see full results after about 5 weeks, but consistency is key. To ensure effective use, add the powder to your cat’s water daily after you refresh the dish. This simple routine will help maximize the benefits of Protektin.
About TEEF for Life
TEEF for Life was started by Dr. Emily Stein, who also owns Primal Health, which also has some very effective and easy-to-use people products.
| Manufacturing: | TEEF for Life products are made in the USA |
| Ingredients: | Made from 100% human-grade ingredients |
| Satisfaction Guarantee: | 100% satisfaction guarantee and 30-day return policy |
| Length: | Free shipping on orders over $85 |
| Length: | Save up to 25% and get free shipping |
Is TEEF for Life a Good Value?
TEEF for Life may be a bit more of an investment than a pet toothbrush and toothpaste, but the added lifelong benefits make it well worth it.
The 30-day starter kit is an affordable entry point, and for those looking to save, the 180-day kit offers a lower cost per dose, with additional savings for subscribers. Refill packets, each providing 30 servings, are also available individually, and there are significant discounts—up to 25%—when buying in bulk and subscribing.
How We Tested
I tested this product by enlisting the help of my cat, Makoa. After ordering the TEEF for Life starter kit, I began adding the powder to Makoa’s water bowl every day.
I kept notes on how well Makoa tolerated his dosed water as well as notes about his oral health over the next three weeks.
To get a full sense of this product’s usefulness, I added it in various amounts to the water dish to see how Makoa would react. While he first tolerated only partial doses, he eventually got used to the flavor and I was able to up the amount to a full dose without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the daily dose of TEEF for Life?
The TEEF for Life dose is incredibly small at just 1/32nd of a teaspoon. This amount can be mixed with up to one gallon of water and still produce noticeable results.
How long should I use TEEF for Life?
For best results, TEEF for Life should be used—as the name indicates—for life! You can start the product as soon as your puppy or kitten is weaned and continue using it daily to maintain a healthy oral bacterial balance.
What if I have dogs too?
All of the TEEF for Life formulas are safe to use for all pets, though each formula is tailored to the specific needs and microbiomes of the species indicated. The “All Pets” formula is sodium-free and made for sensitive cats and dogs, making it a great choice for multi-pet households.
Conclusion
Whether you have a new kitten with shiny white kitten teeth or an ancient cat battling stomatitis, I highly recommend getting them on TEEF for Life sooner rather than later. This scientifically proven effective product does more than a toothbrush ever will and is so much easier to use.
I’ve seen remarkable results using this product on my senior dogs, and my cat happily laps up his TEEF water every day, which means I don’t have to worry about trying to brush his razor-sharp canines. While TEEF for Life is a bit of an investment that you’ll have to continue to make for the life of your cat, it’s a very simple and very effective way to improve their oral health for maximum longevity and better overall health.
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4 Responses
Since my 2 cats, and, I am told by my vets, most cats these days, carry the feline herpes virus, I was advised not to ever give L-arginine to my cats as it can cause replication of the virus.
I am sorry to see that this is the main ingredient in this otherwise great sounding product.
Thanks for your comment Robin, L-arginine is an absolutely essential amino acid for cats. Cats, unlike some other species, are unable to synthesize sufficient amounts of L-arginine internally, meaning it must be provided through their diet. This amino acid is critical for the urea cycle, a process that enables cats to detoxify ammonia. A deficiency in arginine can rapidly lead to hyperammonemia (a toxic accumulation of ammonia), which can be fatal. Consequently, arginine is not optional but rather a vital dietary component. However, herpesvirus utilizes this amino acid for protein synthesis, so its abundance can lead to increased activity of herpesvirus infections. Like many things, you need to put things on a balance and find what works well for your cat’s case.
I appreciate your thorough description of TEEF for Life dental care for cats! Thank you!
A concern: our cat Louise (approx 4 yrs old — former shelter cat) has yellowish-teeth. We tried a cat toothbrush and cleaner, but alas! To no avail. ????
She would not tolerate it, and we fortunately did not suffer bites.
Here is the issue: Louise barely drinks any water, although her water bowls are cleaned and water changed daily. Would a water fountain help? If yes, which one would you recommend? If she won't use the water fountain, what is an alternative for getting her to use the Teef for Life product?
Thanks again!
Hi, water fountains do help some cats, please give it a try, check out our recommendations here: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/best-cat-water-fountains/