Oral hygiene is so important for our dogs, just as much as it is for ourselves! It’s common for dogs to have, shall we say, somewhat unpleasant breath. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can help to freshen your pup’s breath and improve their dental health. Dental treats can be a helpful addition to your dog’s oral hygiene routine.
The Best Dog Treats for Bad Breath2023 Review
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The Best Dog Treats for Bad Breath
Editor's Choice
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats- Best all-rounder
- Sizes to suit all breeds
- Fantastic at freshening breath
Runner Up
Pedigree Dentastix Fresh Mint Flavored Large Dental Dog Treats- Best for chewing
- Chewy and textured to clean teeth
- Patented breath-freshening ingredients
Also Good
Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Coconut + Botanical Oils Infused Large Dental Dog Treats- Best for large and giant breeds
- Tough texture for big mouths
- Natural ingredients and brush texture
More Detailed Dental Dog Treat Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats review
Features
- Best all-rounder
- Sizes to suit all breeds
- Fantastic at freshening breath
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats are 1 of the best dog treats for bad breath on the market. Their texture cleans your dog’s teeth as they chew, while natural ingredients work to get your dog’s breath smelling fresh. They’re even recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Greenies come in a range of sizes, so you can find something that suits your dog (these regular size Greenies are suitable for medium breeds). Multiple sizes are helpful if, like me, you own multiple breeds. While these treats are on the higher end of the price range, they are worth the splurge.
Pros
- Many owners felt that these treats made their dog’s teeth whiter and their breath fresher
- Lots of owners stated that these were their dog’s favorite treats and they look forward to them each day
- Several owners said their vet complemented their dog’s dental hygiene, which they felt was partly due to these treats
- Owners were pleased that they were giving their dogs a treat they loved so much, while also being beneficial for their health
- Some stated using these treats regularly helped their dogs with tartar build-up
Cons
- Some owners found that their dogs ate the treats quite quickly, which they worried wasn’t as helpful for their teeth
- Some found that the treats were smaller than they had expected
- More expensive than some other dental treats, which some owners felt was too costly for their budget
- Some found that these treats didn’t agree with their dog’s digestive system, causing digestive issues
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Pedigree Dentastix Fresh Mint Flavored Large Dental Dog Treats review
Features
- Best for chewing
- Chewy and textured to clean teeth
- Patented breath-freshening ingredients
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Pedigree Dentastix Fresh Mint Flavored Large Dental Dog Treats are a fantastic choice to both freshen your dog’s breath and clean their teeth. Their unique X shape gets to those hard-to-reach areas of your dog’s mouth as your dog chews. At the same time, Dentastix patented fresh breath formula helps to fight bad breath.
These chews come in a range of sizes to suit all breeds (these large Dentastix are suitable for large to giant breeds). They’re even low in price. I personally use Dentastix regularly with my 3 dogs: they’re a big hit and really help with keeping their teeth clean.
Pros
- Longer-lasting than some other chews, which owners felt was good value and kept their dogs occupied
- Many owners stated their dogs love these treats
- Owners stated that they felt the chews helped to tackle bad breath and clean their dog’s teeth
- Helpful addition to brushing, with owners stating they were a staple in their dog’s dental hygiene routine
- Some felt that these treats were great value, especially compared to other brands they’d tried
Cons
- Despite their dog enjoying the treats, some owners found that they didn’t help with freshening their breath
- Some found their dogs didn’t enjoy the flavor of these treats
- Some owners found the ingredients of these chews didn’t agree with their dog’s digestive system
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Coconut + Botanical Oils Infused Large Dental Dog Treats review
Features
- Best for large and giant breeds
- Tough texture for big mouths
- Natural ingredients and brush texture
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Coconut + Botanical Oils Infused Large Dental Dog Treats are a wonderful, natural choice. Their double brush texture cleans your dog’s teeth as they munch. Amazingly these treats are made up of 14 natural ingredients to promote fresh breath, which is always something I value in treats for my dogs.
These treats are a brilliant choice for large and giant breeds due to their tough texture. Like our other choices, there are different sizes available to suit all breeds. These treats are on the pricey side but are worth the money, in my opinion.
Pros
- Improves breath, with many owners saying they were pleased with the freshness of their dog’s breath
- Owners of bigger breeds said these chews were sturdy enough for their dogs
- Many stated that their dogs loved these treats and were excited when their owner offered them
- Owners felt these treats helped to keep their dog’s teeth clean, even for older dogs or those who find brushing stressful
- Several owners liked the natural ingredients in these treats, making them suitable even for dogs with allergies
Cons
- Some said the treats had a strong odor, leading their dogs to dislike the treats
- Not designed to be particularly long-lasting, which some owners found disappointing
- Some owners found these treats didn’t agree with their dog’s digestive system
- Some felt the treats didn’t freshen their dog’s breath enough to be worth the price
Ann-Marie Sharpe
N-Bone Twistix Vanilla Mint Flavored Mint Flavored Dental Dog Treats review
Features
- Best budget option
- Very low price
- Clean teeth and freshen breath
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The N-Bone Twistix Vanilla Mint Flavored Mint Flavored Dental Dog Treats are a great budget option to tackle your dog’s bad breath. The twisted texture of these chews helps to clean your dog’s teeth. I found the shape gets into those hard to reach areas of my dog’s mouths.
Each chew is packed full of quality ingredients to help freshen your dog’s breath. With 2 sizes available, these treats are suitable for all breeds of dog. They come at an exceptionally low price.
Pros
- Many owners said their dogs love these treats, with several stating even their fussy eaters enjoyed these
- Some said they felt the chews had helped to improve their dog’s breath
- Several owners felt that these were a very affordable option, especially when compared with other brands
- Some found that these chews helped to remove tartar from their dog’s teeth
- Some owners enjoyed the fresh smell of these treats
Cons
- Some owners were disappointed with the quality of ingredients in these treats
- Some stated that while their dog enjoyed the treats, they didn’t feel they cleaned their teeth or freshened their breath
- Some found that the treats were harder than they expected, stating they would supervise their dog during chewing for safety (small dogs in particular)
- Some dogs didn’t like the taste of these treats
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats review
Features
- Best for small dogs
- Come in both small and mini sizes
- Perfect shape for little mouths
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats are 1 of the best dog treats for bad breath. These treats feature ridges and nubs to clean teeth, along with real spearmint to freshen your dog’s breath. They’re even approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC).
As an additional bonus, these treats are infused with calcium to support strong teeth and bones. They come at an excellent low price. While these treats come in a range of sizes, I would particularly recommend them for small dogs because they have sizes for both small and toy breeds specifically.
Pros
- Many owners stated that these treats really help to freshen their dog’s breath, and they were impressed at the change
- Several felt that these treats were good value for money, especially when compared to other similar brands
- Taste great for dogs, with many owners saying they’re a favorite with their pooch
- Some owners felt that these treats lasted longer during chewing than other similar treats
- Great addition to a regular oral hygiene routine, helping to keep dog’s teeth clean
Cons
- Some owners found these treats were eaten too quickly by their dog and that the texture wasn’t tough enough for teeth cleaning
- Some felt the size description wasn’t clear, leading them to get treats too small or big for their dog
- Some found their dogs didn’t enjoy the taste of these treats
- Some felt these treats made their dog’s stomach unsettled
Things to Look for in a Dog Treat for Bad Breath
When you’re looking for a dog treat to tackle your pup’s bad breath, it’s important you keep a few things in mind:
Quality Ingredients
Just like human food, dog treats can be made of healthy, natural ingredients or be more like ‘junk food’. Choosing a treat with natural ingredients ensures that your dog is getting the best quality possible.
Ingredients to Freshen Breath
Of course, you’re going to want the treat to contain ingredients that can freshen your dog’s breath. Most dental treats will clearly state which ingredients they’ve included to promote fresh breath.
Ability to Clean Teeth
It’s not just the ingredients that are important; the shape, strength, and texture of the treat are vital, as this is what will help to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Look for treats that have a raised texture or uneven texture specifically.
Correct Size for Your Dog
When feeding your dog any treat, it must be the right size for your dog. This ensures they can fit in their mouth comfortably and chew it safely.
Number of Calories Per Treat
Just like human food, dog treats contain calories. It’s important to note how many calories each treat contains to avoid overfeeding and weight gain, particularly with a dental treat you’re planning on giving to your dog regularly.
Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
Lots of dogs have bad breath, but this isn’t how a dog’s breath should be. Just like us, dog’s teeth need to be cleaned regularly, or it can lead to problems. Most cases of bad breath are caused by poor oral hygiene or periodontal disease.
Sometimes dogs like to eat things that are, shall we say, unpleasant. This can easily lead to stinky breath for a short time. There are some other, more serious causes of bad breath which require a vet visit.
- Diabetes: Breath that smells sweet or ‘fruity’.
- Liver disease: Really foul-smelling breath, yellowish gums, and vomiting.
- Kidney disease: Breath that smells of urine.
If your dog has smelly breath, it’s always best to get them checked by their vet. They may require professional cleaning to help you get things back on track.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene for Your Dog
It’s just as important to have good oral hygiene for your dog as it is for you. This should involve regularly brushing your dog’s teeth, along with other methods such as using dental treats. Without this routine, not only will your dog have smelly breath, but they will also have oral diseases which can cause discomfort, tooth loss, and other more severe health issues such as heart disease.
Other Ways to Tackle Bad Breath
Aside from the methods we’ve mentioned, there are other ways you can tackle bad breath, including:
- Sprays: Some dental sprays on the market are designed specifically to help freshen your dog’s breath and clean their teeth. You simply spray them on your dog’s gums and teeth, and you’re done; no need to rinse.
- Wipes: Dental wipes are an alternative to brushing your dog’s teeth. Many contain ingredients to help freshen your dog’s breath. Simply wipe them along your dog’s teeth.
- Water additives: Many water additives have ingredients designed to freshen your dog’s breath as well as clean their teeth. You simply add a small amount to your dog’s water bowl.
- Chew toys: Some chew toys are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, helping to remove plaque and tartar as well as freshening your dog’s breath.
General Treat Safety Advice
You should always supervise your dog when they’re munching a treat, especially if it’s their first time trying it. This ensures they’re safe and don’t choke. Treats made from high-quality, dog-safe ingredients which are the right size for your dog also ensures their safety.
Dog Treats for Bad Breath FAQ
Can you give your dog a dental treat every day?
Yes, most dental treats can be given every day. It’s essential to check the instructions on the package to ensure you’re not overfeeding your dog. You may need to adjust their meals to be sure they maintain a healthy weight.
Will a treat fix your dog’s bad breath?
A dental treat on its own won’t fix your dog’s bad breath, but it can be beneficial. It’s a good idea to get your dog checked by a vet and implement an oral hygiene routine.
Are dental treats as good as brushing?
Dental treats shouldn’t be used as a replacement for brushing your dog’s teeth. They are a helpful addition alongside brushing.
Conclusion
The right treat can help you tackle your pup’s bad breath, making snuggle time far more pleasant! Before you know it, you’ll be getting minty fresh kisses from your beloved pal.
The Best Dog Treats for Bad Breath
Editor's Choice
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats- Best all-rounder
- Sizes to suit all breeds
- Fantastic at freshening breath
Runner Up
Pedigree Dentastix Fresh Mint Flavored Large Dental Dog Treats- Best for chewing
- Chewy and textured to clean teeth
- Patented breath-freshening ingredients
Also Good
Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Coconut + Botanical Oils Infused Large Dental Dog Treats- Best for large and giant breeds
- Tough texture for big mouths
- Natural ingredients and brush texture
