Dealing with bad breath in dogs? It’s a common problem that not only makes cuddle time a little less enjoyable but could also hint at some underlying health concerns.
Of course, regular dental care—like brushing those canines and providing chew toys—is key, but did you know you can also tackle the issue through your dog’s diet?
By whipping up homemade treats with natural breath-freshening ingredients, you can help keep that doggy breath in check in a tasty way! Think of it as a fun, proactive step in your pup’s dental routine.
Just remember, if the bad breath sticks around, it’s always a good idea to check in with your vet to rule out anything serious.
With the right ingredients, you can support your dog’s oral health and make those snuggle sessions a bit sweeter!
Key Ingredients for Fresh Breath:
Bad breath can indicate dental issues like plaque buildup, gum disease, or even digestive problems. To create treats that help with bad breath, consider incorporating the following ingredients:
- Parsley: Known for its breath-freshening properties, parsley is a natural deodorizer.
- Mint: Mint not only freshens breath but also aids in digestion.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Carrots: The natural crunch of carrots can help remove plaque and promote oral health.
- Cinnamon: A small amount of cinnamon can help neutralize odors and add flavor.
Homemade Dog Treats for Bad Breath
1. Mint and Parsley Dog Biscuits
Mint and parsley are a dynamic duo when it comes to freshening your dog’s breath. Mint helps to mask unpleasant odors, while parsley acts as a natural deodorizer and provides a boost of chlorophyll, which can help fight bacteria.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free oat flour)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, chopped parsley, and mint. Stir in the melted coconut oil and water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the Biscuits: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the biscuits in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Let the biscuits cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
2. Carrot and Coconut Oil Chews
Carrots are not only great for your dog’s teeth but also help reduce plaque buildup that can contribute to bad breath. Combined with coconut oil, which has natural antibacterial properties, these chews provide a double defense against smelly breath while delivering a satisfying crunch that dogs love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup rolled oats, blended into flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the grated carrots, melted coconut oil, oat flour, and applesauce in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape the Chews: Form the mixture into small logs or balls, depending on your dog’s preference.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chews on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the chews for 10-15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the chews to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
3. Cinnamon and Apple Dog Treats
Cinnamon isn’t just a tasty spice; it also has antibacterial properties that can help combat the bacteria responsible for bad breath. Paired with apples, which are high in fiber and help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, these treats offer a sweet solution to less-than-pleasant breath.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free oat flour)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix the applesauce, cinnamon, flour, and egg until a dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
4. Parsley and Peanut Butter Bites
These parsley and peanut butter bites are the perfect combination of savory and breath-freshening. Parsley acts as a natural deodorizer, while peanut butter adds a delicious flavor that dogs can’t resist. It’s a treat that not only makes them happy but also helps keep their breath a little fresher.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsalted, xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and chopped parsley. Stir in the peanut butter and water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the Bites: Roll the dough into small balls or flatten and cut into shapes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the bites for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
5. Mint and Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Combining the breath-freshening power of mint with the fiber-rich benefits of sweet potatoes, these treats are both tasty and functional. Mint helps neutralize odors, while sweet potatoes promote healthy digestion, which can also play a role in reducing bad breath. It’s a win-win!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 cup oat flour (gluten-free)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the mashed sweet potato, chopped mint, oat flour, and egg in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into small patties or cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the treats for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
6. Coconut and Blueberry Breath Fresheners
Coconut oil and blueberries might sound like a smoothie recipe, but they’re actually great for your dog’s breath! Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, and blueberries add a burst of antioxidants and a bit of natural sweetness. Together, they create a refreshing treat that helps keep your dog’s breath in check.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup oat flour (gluten-free)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Blend and Mix: Blend the blueberries into a puree. In a bowl, mix the blueberry puree, coconut oil, oat flour, and egg until well combined.
- Shape and Bake: Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the treats for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
7. Apple, Carrot, and Parsley Chews
These chews combine the crunchy goodness of apples and carrots with the breath-freshening power of parsley. Apples and carrots help clean teeth and gums, while parsley works behind the scenes to neutralize bad breath. It’s a triple threat against stinky breath that also supports overall oral health.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup oat flour (gluten-free)
Instructions:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the grated carrot, applesauce, chopped parsley, and oat flour until a dough forms.
- Shape the Chews: Form the dough into small balls or patties.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chews on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the chews for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the chews to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
8. Coconut Mint Dog Popsicles
Cool and refreshing, these coconut mint popsicles are a fun way to help freshen your dog’s breath. Perfect for a hot day or whenever your dog needs a breath pick-me-up!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the chopped mint, coconut milk, yogurt, and honey until smooth.
- Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
- Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until fully frozen.
- Serve: Pop out the frozen treats and serve to your dog as a cool, breath-freshening snack.
Customization Ideas:
- Add Cranberries: Cranberries can help maintain oral hygiene and add a tart flavor.
- Use Coconut Flour: For a grain-free option, substitute coconut flour for other flours.
- Incorporate Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and can be added for an extra health boost.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, refrigerate the treats, which can keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: These treats can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw them before giving them to your dog.
Try these recipes and let us know how your dog likes them. Don’t forget to check out our other dog-friendly recipes for more healthy and homemade treat ideas.