Is your dog’s breath a little less than fresh? While regular dental care is essential, you can also tackle bad breath through your dog’s diet with some simple, homemade treats! These 4 easy recipes incorporate natural, breath-freshening ingredients to help your dog’s mouth smell sweeter.
Dog Treats for Bad Breath: 4 Easy Homemade Recipes
Parsley Mint Breath Biscuits
These refreshing treats combine parsley and mint to naturally combat bad breath while supporting overall dental health.
Ingredients (for smaller portion):
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free oat flour)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, finely chopped parsley, chopped mint, melted coconut oil, and water. Stir the mixture until everything is well incorporated. The dough should be thick and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour to get the right consistency.
Roll and Shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into fun shapes, such as bones or hearts. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can simply roll the dough into small balls or flatten it into discs.
Bake: Place the shaped treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and firm up. Allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
Air Fryer Option: If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the treats in the basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes, checking for crispiness.
Carrot and Coconut Oil Bites
The crunchy texture of carrots combined with the antibacterial benefits of coconut oil make these bites a great option to help fight plaque and freshen your dog’s breath.
Ingredients (for smaller portion):
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup rolled oats, blended into flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the grated carrots, melted coconut oil, blended oats (or oat flour), and unsweetened applesauce. Stir everything together until you get a sticky dough. The applesauce adds moisture while making the dough more pliable.
- Shape the Treats: Using your hands, shape the dough into small logs, chews, or balls, depending on your preference. Make sure the shapes are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Bake: Place the shaped treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chews are firm and golden. Let them cool completely before serving.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chews in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10-15 minutes, checking the texture halfway through to ensure they’re crunchy and golden.
Cinnamon and Apple Bites
Cinnamon helps combat bacteria that cause bad breath, while the natural crunch of apples helps clean your dog’s teeth. These treats offer a warm, comforting flavor your dog will adore.
Ingredients (for smaller portion):
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free oat flour)
- 1 small egg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, ground cinnamon, whole wheat flour, and egg. Stir until the mixture forms a dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour until it reaches a dough-like consistency that’s easy to handle.
- Shape the Treats: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, or simply use your hands to form small bite-sized balls or discs.
- Bake: Arrange the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly browned.
- Air Fryer Option: For the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the shaped treats in the basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Coconut and Parsley Breath-Freshening Biscuits
Coconut oil helps reduce mouth bacteria, while parsley naturally deodorizes your dog’s breath, making these biscuits a perfect choice for a fresher, cleaner mouth.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the oat flour, finely chopped parsley, melted coconut oil, and water. Stir the mixture until it forms a dough. If the dough feels too thick, you can add more water to achieve the right consistency.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, or roll it into small balls for bite-sized treats.
- Bake: Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and firm.
- Air Fryer Option: For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cook the treats for 10-12 minutes until crisp and lightly golden.
The Importance of Dental Health for Dogs
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for your dog’s overall health. Poor oral care can lead to issues like:
- Bad Breath: Often caused by bacteria and plaque buildup.
- Tartar and Plaque: If left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to gum disease.
- Tooth Loss: Advanced dental disease can result in tooth loss or infection.
Regular brushing, vet check-ups, and dental treats can help mitigate these issues and keep your dog’s mouth fresh.
Tips for Freshening Your Dog’s Breath Beyond Treats
While treats are a helpful tool, you can take a few other steps to further reduce bad breath:
- Brush Your Dog’s Teeth: Regular brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste can drastically improve your dog’s breath and prevent tartar buildup.
- Hydration: Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Dental issues often go unnoticed, so routine vet visits are essential to catch any problems early and keep your dog’s teeth in top condition.
- Dental Chews and Toys: In addition to treats, provide chew toys and dental chews that help clean your dog’s teeth and massage their gums.
Signs of Dental Issues in Dogs
Watch for signs that could indicate your dog’s dental health is at risk:
- Bad Breath: Persistent foul odor could indicate plaque or infection.
- Difficulty Eating or Chewing: If your dog is struggling to eat or chew, it may be due to dental pain or tooth issues.
- Excessive Drooling or Pawing at the Mouth: These can be signs of oral discomfort or an infection.
- Red or Bleeding Gums: This is often a sign of gum disease and should be checked by a vet.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Your Dog’s Oral Health
These 4 easy homemade treats are a great starting point for combating bad breath, but they should be part of a broader approach to maintaining your dog’s dental health. Regular brushing, fresh water, chew toys, and vet visits are essential to ensure your dog’s teeth stay healthy. By combining these treats with a comprehensive dental care routine, you can keep your dog’s breath fresh and their mouth in tip-top shape!