Ever had one of those moments when your dog greets you with tons of kisses—and you’re suddenly reminded they definitely need a breath mint?
Yep, I’ve been there. My goofy Snickers loves giving enthusiastic face licks, but his breath could sometimes knock you over! That’s exactly how these homemade fresh breath dog biscuits came about.
They’re healthy, delicious, and keep doggy breath fresh. Tail-wagging guaranteed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally freshens your dog’s breath.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Easy to make—no fancy baking skills required.
- Your dog will love the taste!
Homemade Fresh Breath Dog Biscuits
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Old-fashioned oats | 1 cup | Provides fiber for healthy digestion |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | Binds biscuits; easy-to-handle dough |
| Applesauce (sugar-free) | ½ cup | Natural sweetness and moisture |
| Curly parsley, chopped | ½ cup | Freshens breath, packed with vitamins |
| Mint, chopped | ¼ cup | Natural breath freshener |
| Large egg | 1 (room temperature) | Protein, binds ingredients |
| Coconut oil | 2-3 tablespoons | Healthy fats, improves coat and skin |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats and flour. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute both ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, egg, and melted coconut oil until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently at first to avoid spills, then gradually incorporate the chopped parsley and mint. Knead until you have a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
Step 5: Roll and Shape Dough
Sprinkle flour onto your workspace to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes or simply cut into bite-sized squares.
Step 6: Baking the Biscuits
Carefully transfer the shaped biscuits to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for about 17-19 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown and firm to touch.
Step 7: Cool the Biscuits
Remove biscuits from the oven and place them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool thoroughly ensures they become crisp and crunchy.
Step 8: Check and Adjust Crispness
Once fully cooled, biscuits should feel firm and crunchy. If they still feel soft, return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to achieve the desired texture.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store these biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate to extend shelf life to about 2 weeks.
For even longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months, thawing a few at a time as needed.
Feeding Guidelines
Remember, moderation is key. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
For smaller dogs (under 20 lbs), limit to 1 biscuit per day. Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can have 1-2 biscuits, and larger dogs (over 50 lbs) can enjoy 2-3 biscuits daily.
Serving Suggestions
- Meal Topper: Crumble one biscuit over your dog’s regular food to add texture, flavor, and freshness.
- Interactive Play: Use these biscuits in puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
- Training Treats: Break biscuits into smaller pieces for training sessions, combining breath-freshening benefits with positive reinforcement.
Customization Tips
- Swap applesauce for mashed banana or pumpkin purée.
- Replace coconut oil with olive oil if preferred.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Benefits of Ingredients
- Old-fashioned oats: High in fiber, aids digestion.
- Flour: Provides structure, easy handling.
- Applesauce: Natural sweetness, vitamins.
- Parsley: Fresh breath, vitamin-rich.
- Mint: Breath freshener, calming properties.
- Egg: Essential proteins, healthy fats.
- Coconut oil: Promotes shiny coats, healthy skin.
FAQs
Can puppies eat these biscuits?
Yes! But make sure they’re fully weaned and able to handle crunchy treats.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Gluten-free flour works just as well.
Is dried parsley okay instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley is ideal, but dried can be used in a pinch (use about half the amount).
Can I use mint extract?
Avoid mint extract as it may contain alcohol. Stick with fresh mint leaves for best results.
Final Thoughts
Your dog deserves treats that are tasty and good for them—and fresh breath never hurts either! Snickers gives these biscuits two enthusiastic paws up (and his breath? Delightful!). Give these homemade fresh breath biscuits a try—I promise your pup (and your nose) will thank you!