Dog Bad Breath Remedy That Works

Have you ever leaned for that sloppy lick from your dog, only to be hit with a wave of foul-smelling breath that made you pull away?

If that’s you, your canine friend is likely struggling with bad breath, and you need to find an effective dog bad breath remedy before things get worse.

Many dog owners experience stinky dog breath, but the good news is that you can correct this problem using an easy approach.

In this post, we’ll outline several dog bad breath remedies, including treat recipes and 5 other common strategies that work.

But before we get into the main business, let’s remind you what causes bad breath in dogs to help you determine the best remedies for your case.

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What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs

If you’ve observed that your dog’s breath is becoming abnormally smelly, there might be several factors behind it.

Frequently, the most prevalent cause is dental disease.

When tartar and plaque accumulate on your dog’s teeth, bacteria grow, causing inflamed gums (gingivitis) and, ultimately, periodontal disease.

With these bacteria’s growth comes foul-smelling odors that make the dog’s breath bad.

Poor eating habits can also contribute to canine bad breath.

Feeding low-grade dog food or scavenging table food, trash, or spoiled foods is a common cause of stomach problems.

Digestive upset and even bacterial imbalance within the dog’s stomach can result in foul-smelling canine breath.

Sometimes, bad breath is an indicator of deeper health issues other than oral or dietary problems.

Diabetes in dogs typically gives them a sweet but oddly unpleasant-scented breath.

Kidney disease or liver disease can have foul-smelling breath that smells like ammonia or something similar.

It’s a good idea to have your veterinarian rule out more severe issues if improving your dog’s diet and regular oral care do not eliminate stinky dog breath.

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Easy Tips to Prevent Bad Dog Breath

Keeping your dog’s breath fresh doesn’t have to be difficult. A straightforward place to start is establishing a regular tooth-brushing routine.

Ideally, we recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least several times per week, using toothpaste specifically made for dogs.

Regular brushing helps remove plaque and prevents tartar buildup, and this will reduce the likelihood of stinky dog breath.

Regular check-ups with a local veterinarian are also important in ensuring proper dog oral care and hygiene.

Have professional teeth cleaning performed as advised by your veterinarian, usually once a year, based on your dog’s oral condition.

During the check-up, the vet is able to note early indications of tooth decay or gum disease before these develop into problems that cause bad breath.

Diet is a primary consideration in keeping your dog’s breath smelling good. A balanced and nutritious diet keeps your dog in good health, regular with digestion, and healthy orally.

A high-quality dog food with good-quality protein and minimal fillers or artificial additives decreases the likelihood of gastrointestinal problems that tend to bring bad dog breath.

More crunchy foods and/or specifically-designed dental chews also scour the teeth of your dog physically, and this helps to decrease plaque and improve breath.

Finally, make sure that your furry friend has free access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.

Sipping water throughout the day keeps food residue and bacteria flushed from your dog’s mouth and avoids the growth of odors.

If your pup doesn’t love drinking plain water, we recommend adding a flavorless broth or ice cubes to the bowl to encourage them to take a sip.

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15 Homemade Dog Treats for Bad Breath

Here are some of our top dog treat recipes for bad breath. All recipes featured here are made using dog-safe ingredients.

1. Frozen Mint & Parsley Yogurt Bites

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup fresh mint (do not use English pennyroyal mint)
• ¼ cup fresh curly-leaf parsley
• 1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
• Optional: Dog-safe green food coloring

Instructions:

1. Chop the parsley and the mint finely. The more finely you chop them, the better they’ll mesh with the mixture.
2. Place the plain Greek yogurt into a medium-sized bowl and stir in chopped mint and chopped parsley until all is well combined.
3. If you want to create a fun color, add a few drops of dog-safe green food coloring. This is an optional step and strictly cosmetic.
4. Spoon the mixture into ice cube molds or silicone molds and fill each compartment evenly.
5. Set the trays in the freezer and allow them to freeze for a minimum of 3 hours, or until they become solid.
6. After freezing them, pop the treats out and place them in a freezer-safe storage container for convenient grab-and-go fresh breath snacks.

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2. Mint & Oat Fresh Breath Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup fresh mint
• 1/8 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon The Honest Kitchen’s Perfect Form supplement
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups whole or rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Grind the oats into fine little pieces using a food processor or a blender.
3. Combine the following ingredients in a large bowl: the flour, ground oats, mint, parsley, cinnamon, Perfect Form supplement, and ground flaxseeds.
4. Add the egg and water and mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Knead the dough by hand. Add a little more water if it is sticking too much and/or a little more flour if it feels too dry.
6. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into an approximate ¼ inch thickness. Shape the dough using cookie cutters and set the cutouts on your prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the biscuits for 15 minutes and then allow them to cool on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

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3. Homemade Dog Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups high-protein whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ cups brown rice flour
• ½ cup ground flax seeds
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup water
• 7 sprigs of fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two sheet pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk the whole wheat flour, the brown rice flour, and ground flax seeds.
3. In a second bowl that is slightly larger, whisk the eggs, the oil, the water, andd the chopped parsley.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in thirds. Continue mixing until the dough ball forms and clears the sides.
5. On a floured countertop, roll the dough out roughly ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut into shapes and set them on the baking sheets a third inch apart.
6. Bake for 20 minutes and then transfer the warm treats to wire racks. Lower the oven temperature to the lowest setting (180 – 200ºF), and put the racks into the oven for an hour.
7. Shut the oven off and let the treats stay inside to dry out completely for another hour or overnight.
8. Store in an airtight container once cooled for up to two months, or freeze for extended storage life.

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4. Spinach & Mint Dog Fresh Breath Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh spinach
• ¼ cup fresh curly parsley (do not use Italian/flat-leaf parsley)
• ¼ cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• Splash of water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Put the spinach, curly parsley, yogurt, and mint leaves in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and add a splash of water if necessary to enable even blending of the mixture.
3. Place silicone dog treat molds on a level tray or a baking sheet to hold them stable.
4. Pour into the molds, leaving a small amount of space on the surface for ice growth when freezing.
5. Transfer the tray into the freezer and allow the treats to freeze for 4 hours, or until they have hardened completely.
6. When frozen, pop the treats out and place them in a freeze-proof storage container. Have them as an occasional breath-freshening treat.

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5. Banana Dog Breath Treats Homemade

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Blend the oats into a fine flour consistency with a food processor.
3. Mix the carrot and the oat flour in a large bowl. Mash the banana in a bowl separately and add the egg and oil.
4. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients and knead into a dough.
5. Roll the dough out ¼ inch thick and cut out the desired shapes before placing them on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes. Let cool completely before serving or storing.

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6. Green Herbs Dog Breath Treats

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach leaves
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• 2 eggs
• Optional: 1 tablespoon spirulina

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the spinach, mint, and parsley in a food processor until chopped well. Add the peanut butter and eggs and process until smooth.
3. Add the flour gradually as you pulse until the mixture is thick and crumbly, similar to wet sand.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
5. Roll the dough out ¼ inch thick and cut into desired shapes. Bake on a sheet for 20 – 25 minutes until just lightly puffed.
6. Chill completely before storing in a sealed container. Store on the counter for a week or freeze for extended periods.

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7. Minty Banana Dog Fresh Breath Treats

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup curly parsley
• ¼ cup mint leaves
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the oats in a food processor or a blender and process until they become coarse and powdery.
3. Mix oats, parsley, mint, banana, egg, and melted coconut oil in a food processor or mixing bowl until they form a soft dough.
4. Roll the dough out and cut into desired shapes, or make small balls and flatten with a fork.
5. Bake for 16 – 18 minutes. Cool before serving.

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8. Mint & Honey Yogurt Treats

Ingredients:

• 5 ounces plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup honey

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt, honey, and mint in a blender or food processor until pureed.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and fill each cavity approximately ¾ full.
3. Freeze for approximately 2 hours, or until set.
4. Pop out and enjoy as an occasional refreshing, breath-freshening treat.

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9. Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour
• ¼ cup all-natural peanut butter
• ½ cup cooked sweet potato

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the mashed sweet potato and peanut butter in a bowl and blend until smooth.
3. Add the flour and mix until a dough is formed. Add a little water or more flour if necessary for the right consistency.
4. Roll the dough out ¼ to ½ inch thick. Cut into squares or shapes.
5. Put the treats on the baking tray and cook for 12 – 15 minutes according to the desired crunchiness.
6. Let the mixture cool completely before it is stored. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze up to two months.

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10. Coconut Oil Dog Dental Care Treats

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Chop the mint leaves finely.
2. In a small pan, heat the chopped mint with the melted coconut oil on low heat. Stir constantly and don’t let it boil.
3. Transfer the melted mixture into a glass measuring cup with a spout for convenient pouring.
4. Place your silicone mold on a stable surface such as a plate or tray. Fill each one 3/4 of the way with the melted mixture.
5. If there is any remaining mint left in the cup, simply spread it evenly with a spoon into the molds.
6. Carefully put the tray into the freezer and allow it to set for around 2 hours, or until frozen completely.
7. Remove and store the treats once they have hardened in an airtight container in the freezer.

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11. Apple & Mint Dog Dental Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup green apple

Instructions:

1. Mix the yogurt with the mint and the parsley until smooth.
2. Mix the chopped apple bits with your hands.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or a silicone ice cube mold with some space remaining at the top.
4. Chill in the freezer overnight until set.
5. Remove from molds after freezing and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

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12. Herbal Buckwheat Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups buckwheat flour
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon pure honey
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 1 – 3 teaspoons water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Mix buckwheat flour with parsley and mint in a large bowl.
3. Whisk the honey and coconut oil in a separate bowl and add them to the mixture of flour.
4. Add the beaten egg and mix well. Knead the dough by hand until it is all combined, using a bit of water as necessary to make it hold together.
5. Roll out the dough to 0.5 – 1cm thickness. Cut using a cookie cutter into desired shapes.
6. Put on a lined baking sheet and cook until firm, and store after cooling completely.

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13. Apple Mint Oat Rounds

Ingredients:

• 1 cup regular rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Pulse the oats in a food processor until they’re finely ground but with a few small chunks for added texture.
3. Mix the oats, flour, applesauce, oil, egg, parsley, and mint in a big bowl until you get a dough.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 1-inch cutter, cut into small rounds. Collect scraps and re-roll when necessary.
5. Put the treats on the baking sheets and bake for 20 – 25 minutes until dry to the touch and lightly golden on the bottom.
6. Let cool entirely before serving. Take one treat daily due to the herb content.

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14. Minty Yogurt Biscuit Bars

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup vegetable shortening
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl or mixer, combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Gradually add the shortening and continue mixing until the mixture is the consistency of cornmeal.
4. Add the yogurt and blend until well combined, and then add the honey and chopped mint and stir.
5. Roll the dough out on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters for desired shapes or cut into bars.
6. Put them on the sheet and cook for 10 – 14 minutes, or until the edges become golden brown.
7. Let cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container. Store for around 6 days at room temperature, or longer when stored in the fridge.

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15. DIY Dog Treats for Bad Breath & Skin

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Warm the coconut oil and peanut butter slightly by microwaving them for 30 seconds, just long enough to melt them but not boil them.
2. Stir the melted ingredients until smooth, then mix in the chopped mint.
3. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds, or just drop spoon-sized amounts of the mixture onto a sheet of wax paper.
4. Refrigerate and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes, or until completely set.
5. Keep the treats in the refrigerator and feed 1 – 2 each day for fresh breath and healthier skin.

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Give Dog Treats in Moderation

Although mint and parsley are common ingredients used in homemade dog treats for fresh breath, they should be used sparingly.

Both of these plants have the potential to counteract unpleasant smells and maintain good oral hygiene, but can make your dog’s stomach upset if fed too frequently.

We strongly recommend that you use no more than one treat per day if you’re using mint or parsley in your recipes, and see how your dog does.

As you know by now, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before adding any new food item to your dog’s diet.

Each dog is unique, and yours may have allergies, sensitivities, or inherent conditions that render some ingredients inedible.

A brief discussion with your vet can prevent any possible issues and guarantee the treat you’re giving is good for them.

To make these breath treats even more nutrient-enriched, you might add dog-safe supplements into the mixture.

Advanced skin and coat chews are good for your dog’s skin and may help them get that lustrous coat by improving fur health.

Probiotics will benefit the body’s digestion and the health of the gut and eliminate foul breath brought on by imbalances within the body.

You can also add advanced multivitamin chews to complete your dog’s nutritional needs in every bite.

Remember that even healthy treats should constitute no more than 10 % of a dog’s daily intake of calories.

Feeding your dog an excessive serving of treats will make them gain too much weight, miss out on important nutrients, and be susceptible to obesity-related conditions.

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5 Other Creative Dog Bad Breath Remedies

1. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Regularly

Brushing the teeth of your dog is among the best ways of keeping them free of bad breath and oral disease.

Use a soft toothbrush and canine toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste because it is toxic to our furry friends.

We recommend you get into the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth a minimum of two to three times a week.

Introduce the routine slowly if the dog does not want it at the start and reward them with a treat or commendation after each session to make it a good habit.

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2. Use Dental Water Additives

Dental water additives provide a convenient and much easier way of supplementing your dog’s oral health.

These liquid dietary supplements go into the water bowl and assist in preventing plaque and tartar from building up, give breath a fresher scent, and combat bacteria.

Daily use with other forms of oral care is ideal for killing bad breath. Be certain you select a vet-approved, alcohol-free additive for your dog’s safety.

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3. Use Crunchy Vegetables as a Dog Bad Breath Remedy

Raw dog-safe vegetables such as carrots and celery can serve as natural tooth cleaners when chewed by dogs.

Their hard, crispy texture is tough enough to scrape plaque from the teeth as the dog chews on them.

These veggies have low-calorie and high-fiber ingredients, which means you can safely add them to your dog’s snacks.

Remember to chop them into manageable chunks to prevent them from getting stuck in the throat of smaller dogs.

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4. Safe Chew Toys for Dog Bad Breath Remedy

Chew toys that promote dental care can scrape off plaque from your dog’s teeth as they play with them.

Always choose toys that are robust and non-toxic, but not too hard. Toys such as antlers or bones are too tough for puppies and smaller breeds.

We recommend rubber or nylon toys with a rough surface that are specifically designed for oral health.

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5. Use Homemade Dog Dental Spray

Below is a simple procedure on how you can make your dog’s dental spray using organic ingredients to beat bad breath in dogs:

What You Need:

• 5 sprigs of fresh curly leaf parsley (not spring parsley)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 glass bowl
• 1 clean spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Put 1 cup of boiling water into a glass bowl.
2. Add the sprigs of parsley and allow them to steep in the hot water for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the parsley and let the water cool to room temperature.
4. Let the mixture cool before filling a spray bottle with the infused water and closing the lid tightly.

You can lightly spray this mild parsley spray into your dog’s teeth and gums, or into their mouth, to naturally neutralize odor. Introduce slowly and observe for any sign of sensitivity.

Note: Using dental sprays does not wipe out the need for brushing your dog’s teeth. Please use this parsley spray as part of your larger dog dental care routine.

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Conclusion

In addition to being unpleasant, bad breath in dogs can be an indicator that your dog’s oral health needs immediate attention.

We hope you have learnt the simple and effective ways you can handle this problem without spending too much on commercial products.

Remember to act in moderation when giving fresh breath dog treats, and always use ingredients that are safe for our furry friends.

The best dog bad breath remedies are the small things we have discussed above that you can do to maintain oral hygiene.

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RELATED:

11 Tips to Keep a Dog’s Teeth Clean

5 Ways To Take Care Of Your Dog’s Teeth