Best Dog Treats for Fresh Breath: The Ultimate Guide

We know that enjoy cuddles and “kisses” from your dog. But did your cuddles become unpleasant? Is getting close to your dog the last thing you want to do?

If this is the case, your dog probably has a bad breath. Remember that this is not only a “superficial” problem.

The reason for bad dog breath can be different, but it needs to be addressed promptly.

Stay with us, and we will reveal dog treats for fresh breath that works!

Key Takeaways:

• There are many health issues behind bad breath in dogs.
• You can make fresh-breath dog treats, or you can find many commercially available treats.
• When including human foods as dental treats, be aware of the amount because excessive human food can be harmful to dogs.
• The most efficient way to maintain dental health in dogs is regular brushing in combination with fresh breath dog treats.

Causes for Bad Breath in Dogs

Bad breath is not only “a thing” that occurs in dogs.

Sometimes bad breath is an indicator that you should brush your dog’s teeth more often, but sometimes it is a warning of some serious underlying cause.

Let’s take a look and see what are the most common reasons for bad breath in dogs.

Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is the first step that you can take as a dog owner to prevent bad breath in your dog’s mouth.

This will protect the dog’s teeth from plaque and tartar buildup and can prevent bacterial infections.

Teach your pet this habit from a young age so they can get used to it. Many pet owners face the problem of bad breath because their dogs refuse tooth brushing.

A combination of dental treats and regular brushing can keep the teeth healthy.

To avoid this, we advise you to teach them this habit from a young age.

Periodontal diseases

Periodontal disease is the most common disease in the oral cavity in dogs.

This includes plague and tartar buildup, as well as gum inflammation, cavities, infections, and pus formation.

According to Mark D Marshall, this disease is more prevalent in small breeds. The same study shows that more than 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by the age of 3 years.

Also, some breeds even have a higher incidence.

To avoid this problem, good oral hygiene is required, as well as regular vet dental checkups.

Unbalanced diet

Food with strong odors can also lead to bad breath in dogs. Also, food that is low in nutrients can contribute to bad breath.

But that’s not all when it comes to dietary habits in dogs. Dogs can also have bad breath due to a condition called coprophagia.

It is an unhygienic dietary habit which leads to poop consumption. Yes, you’ve read that correctly!

According to Benjamin L. Hart, coprophagy reflects a tendency inherited from ancestral wolves. This is a way of keeping their den area free of fecal-borne intestinal parasites.

According to the American Kennel Club, there are many reasons behind this problem, including parasites, unbalanced diets, malabsorption, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid problems, and certain drugs.

Liver and kidney diseases

Kidney diseases can also contribute to bad breath in dogs. Dogs with such diseases usually have a urine odor in their mouth.

If you notice this, then you should seek a veterinarian’s help.

But it’s not only kidney diseases! Liver diseases can also lead to bad breath. Dogs with liver disease have a lack of appetite and yellowish gums.

It might be a warning of a serious liver disease.

No matter the disease, the symptoms must be addressed, and the health problem must be solved as soon as possible.

Diabetes

Have you noticed more frequent drinking and urination in your dog? Also, have you noticed a fruity smell from its mouth?

If the answer is yes, then you should visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. Diabetes might be the reason for such a smell in your dog.

This condition is treatable but can become very serious.

According to PDSA, diabetic dogs have a sweet-smelling breath. They describe it as a nail polish remover smell or pear drops.

Treating Bad Breath in Dogs

The treatment process for bad breath in dogs depends on the cause. If your dog suffers from some systemic issue, then the problem needs to be resolved, and the bad breath will be eliminated.

Regular dental vet checkups can also save you trouble. Visiting the veterinarian at least twice per year can help you keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.

Best Fresh Breath Dog Treats

Many commercially available treats will keep the dog’s breath fresh. We have found some of the best dog treats, so let’s take a look!

PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Fresh Breath Large Dog Dental Treats

These dog treats can lead to fresh breath in dogs, but they can also clean the teeth by reducing tartar buildup.

Pedigree dog dental chews have a unique texture that scrapes away plaque while chewing in hard-to-reach areas. Daily consumption can clean down the gumline and promote healthy gums.

Pet Naturals Breath Bites

These dog treats can remove unpleasant odors and support a healthy gastrointestinal function. To combat bad breath in your dog, stay consistent and give them in between meals.

These treats contain yucca extract that alters the hydrogen sulfide availability in the gums. Also, spirulina and parsley can reduce the bacteria in the gut.

Purina DentaLife Large Dog Dental Chews

These dental chews are scientifically tested, and they can reduce plaque and tartar buildup. They have a tasty chicken flavor, which will keep your dog excited about the next round of snacks.

This product can make your dog’s breath less unpleasant and reduce tartar buildup by 57%.

The sticks have a chewy texture and can help clean the hard-to-reach teeth down to the gumline. The best thing is that it has no artificial flavors or colorings.

Bark Bright Dental Chews

These dental sticks are safe for everyday use, and the best thing is that they come with an enzymatic toothpaste.

These treats have a tasty chicken flavor, and there is no doubt that your dog will love them.

These dental chews are made with real chicken and come with toothpaste. The main purpose is to break down problem-causing debris and lead to fresh breath.

Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Dental Chews

By using these treats, you will notice significant dog breath improvements.

Around 90% of dog owners noticed fresh breath in their dogs, and 87% of them would recommend this product.

 Whimzees Natural Dental Chews

Whimzee dog treats can freshen breath with their natural ingredients. These dog breath treats can control plaque and tartar, remove breath odor, and decrease gingivitis.

Arm & Hammer for Pets Dental Mints

These dog treats have a baking soda-enhanced formula that comes with a chicken flavor. This product can lead to a fresh breath, and its crunchy texture can control the tartar.

These dog breath treats don’t contain artificial colors.

Merrick Fresh Kisses Coconut Oil Dog Dental Chews

This dog treat is infused with coconut and botanical oils and its main function is to lead to cleaner teeth and fresh breath.

Remember that these breath treats are not appropriate for bigger dogs because their size is only for medium-sized dogs.

Greenies Dental Dog Treats

This brand offers several options. Greenies have dental sticks for large dogs, but they also have options for your pup and medium-sized dogs.

If you made a mistake and purchased sticks for large breeds, then you can break the sticks in half and offer them to your dog.

You will see improvements in the dog’s breath with daily consumption of this treat.

Bocce’s Bakery Daily Support Dog

These dog treats contain oat flour, apple, and mint, which can lead to fresh breath in dogs. The treats contain 100% real ingredients and are baked in the USA.

Its texture is crunchy and is very delicious to dogs.

Homemade Fresh Breath Dog Treats

Pet owners can struggle a lot until they find the perfect solution for fresh breath in dogs.

This is why pet parents often switch from commercial fresh-breath dog treats to homemade treats.

These dog dental chews will also help in supporting proper digestion.

Minty frozen fresh breath treats

The minty frozen dog breath treat is very popular among pet owners. It contains a few very simple ingredients, including:

• plain greek yogurt
• mint
• curly parsley
• coconut oil
• green apple

All of these ingredients should be blended and then mixed into an ice cube tray to freeze overnight.

Freshener biscuits

Moving on to another great recipe. These biscuits can help in eliminating the bad odor due to its ingredients. Dogs will love them, and the best thing is that you can enjoy a fresh dog’s breath.

These dog breath biscuits contain the following ingredients:

• oats
• flour
• coconut oil
• applesauce
• egg
• curly parsley
• mint

Mix all of these ingredients, and then create forms out of the dough so you can proceed to baking.

Pumpkin apple mint treats

This is another very simple recipe, including the following ingredients:

• eggs
• whole wheat flour
• pumpkin puree
• apples
• curly parsley
• mint

Note: Make sure to avoid English pennyroyal mint because it is toxic for dogs.

Mix the ingredients with an electric mixer and then create shapes out of it. After you finish that, bake them for around 20 minutes.

If you dig deeper, you can find many fresh-breath dog treats. People like them because they are easy to prepare and can selectively include ingredients.

However, if some ingredient is suspicious for you, consult a veterinarian before including the snack in your dog’s diet.

Tips for Fresh breath dog treats

If you decide on homemade treats, make sure that the treats are the proper size. The size depends on the dog breed you own.

Also, make sure to break the ingredients into small pieces to avoid choking in small dogs. If you have a large dog breed, be careful about the snack size. Too small pieces can also be harmful.

Unpleasant breath in puppies is not that common.

However, if you have that problem and want to reduce the unpleasant puppy breath, then consult with a veterinarian about whether homemade snacks with certain ingredients are healthy for your puppy.

If you made a lot of dental breath treats, you can store them in an airtight container or zippered freezer bag.

Another great tip we have for you is to practice good dental hygiene and choose only all-natural ingredients.

With homemade snacks, you can promote dental health for your furry friend. Besides, all-natural snacks made by us make us feel good, don’t they?

There is no wonder that dogs love treats, however, be aware of the dosage.

Eating too much can lead to harmful effects, so try to limit the consumption if you notice that your dog is eating too much.

FAQs:

How can I freshen my dogs breath?

The best way to freshen your dog’s breath is by maintaining regular dental hygiene.

Daily brushing can protect the dog’s teeth from many periodontal diseases and keep its breath fresh.

What are the best foods to freshen dogs’ breath?

Foods cannot complement regular dental hygiene, however, some foods like carrots, apples, coconut oil, parsley, and products that contain mint can help in dental cleaning.

Be aware before you add any of these foods because excessive amounts can harm your dog’s health.

How can I clean my dog’s teeth without brushing them?

Brushing is the most efficient way to clean dog’s teeth, however, there are other alternatives like dental chews, dental treats, oral sprays, and gels, as well as chew toys.

Is plain Greek yogurt safe for dog breath treats?

Yes plain Greek yogurt is safe for pets. However, if your dog has gastrointestinal issues after eating this food, then you should look for other alternatives.

To Sum Up:

Dogs love treats whether they are homemade or commercially bought.

However, if your dog has a dental disease, you need to consult with a veterinarian before you include something new to its diet.

Humans often rely on treats and commercially bought products and they think that that’s enough. But to freshen a bad dog breath, regular brushing is a crucial step.

Covering the problem superficially won’t solve anything. Freshening bad dog breath can be super easy. But certain cases need to be carefully addressed and treated.

Have you ever noticed bad breath coming from your dog? How did you solve it? We are curious!