The 15 Best Dog Treats For Bad Breath
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Barry Buttler
Your dog's kisses are an expression of their affection for you. Your dog always greets you with a wag of the tail and eager licks when you come home from a hard day.
Your heart will be warmed by it. That is, until you take a deep breath and smell the dog's fresh breath.
There are several causes for a puppy's breath to smell. It can get so bad that you don't want to sit next to a panting dog, and you won't want to get within 10 feet of a moody dog.
Luckily, there are things you can do—or, more accurately, suggest to your smelly best friend—to reduce their bad breath. What is the solution?
Finding effective snacks may be the only downside to this ingenious strategy. But don't worry; we've got you covered, as always.
After extensive research, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has compiled a list of the best dog treats for bad breath and breathing problems.
All important information, including each product's effectiveness, flavors, ingredients used, and whether the product is safe to use, can be found in the reviews.
Our prices are below. In the end, you may find more helpful hints to stop the tantrums.
How to Choose the Finest Dog Treats for Halitosis
Notes of Urgency
When it comes to your dog’s breath, there are a few things you should know. Plaque and tartar, which are forms of bacteria, accumulate in the mouth over the month and produce the stench.
However, a foul breath isn’t the worst of the potential consequences for your pet; they might also lose teeth, have discomfort in their gums and mouth, and even contract the illness elsewhere in their body.
However, even if your pet’s mouth is healthy, you may still have to cope with foul breath. These snacks can make a significant impact in your ankle biter’s kissability if you take proper care of your dog’s teeth and lips.
The components of a breath mint are among the most crucial aspects to consider. In the absence of a plaque and odor-fighting ingredient, normal dog treats are just as good as the finest dog treats for foul breath. Check out these effective ingredients for eliminating dog odor:
- Baking Soda: Baking soda has been used for years as an effective deodorizer. That’s why you’ll find this component in several brands of toothpaste for people. When looking for an effective deodorizer for your dog, look for a treat that contains baking soda.
- Getting enough calcium in your diet can help keep your teeth and bones healthy. The more robust your pet’s teeth are, the more efficiently they can clean, which in turn reduces lingering odors.
- Delmopinol is a proven tartar and plaque inhibitor that is safe for human use. If you only give your pet a quick brushing after you’ve cleaned their teeth, tartar can form in as little as three days. The growth rate of bacteria will be slowed by this substance.
- Spirulina is a bit of a black box, so to speak. While studies have shown it to be effective in reducing plaque and tartar, it should only be used in its organic form to avoid more severe adverse effects. If your dog has liver problems, it’s best to avoid this alternative and instead research whether or not the component is natural. It’s worth noting that this substance has been shown to cut down on the possibility of developing cancer of the mouth.
- Even though it is not an ingredient, the shape of the toothbrush has a significant role in preventing plaque buildup and eliminating foul breath. Ridges, X’s, and other similar forms scrape and clean teeth, removing plaque and tartar in the process.
- The foregoing substances are the most powerful and crucial in a bad breath combating treat, although other formulae containing items like mint can be useful as well. Your best bet is to find a chew for your friend that contains all of the necessary elements in addition to a tartar-preventing formula.
Shopping Advice
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, the fresh breath treats can help your dog’s breath smell better. We may safely assume that, therefore here are some other factors to think about while picking the best chew:
- Most of the suggested solutions require 10 minutes or more of continuous chewing time from your dog to be successful. You should search for a more long-lasting reward if your dog can finish it off in under two minutes.
- Taste: If you know your friend despises chicken liver, that’s probably not the ideal option. Some dogs just cannot stand the flavor of mint, and this is especially true.
- Digestion: Consider this if you know or suspect that your pet has dietary preferences or allergies. Pay attention to labels for wheat-free and soy-free options; otherwise, you can have more serious health problems than just foul breath.
- Considerations Unique to DogsSome items shouldn’t be used by pregnant dogs or animals less than six months. Find something that will suit your friend’s needs perfectly.
Conclusion
The reviews provided above will be helpful in finding a suitable breath mint for your pet. Remember that junk food, like other dog products, should only be given under close supervision and that you should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
In contrast, Milk-Bone Oral Care Chewables are the best of the best and should be tried if you want the best results. Looking for a more wallet-friendly option?
Check out Arm & Hammer’s Twisters dental treatments. You can get the most value out of your money by going with them. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes you can find the best dog treats for bad breath for your pet.
Reviews
The Best Toothbrushing Chews, Hands Down, Are Milk- Bone’s
Overall, Milk-Bone chews are our top pick for fighting foul breath. These chewy twists are ridged and bumpy, unlike regular Milk-Bones, and will help to clean your dog’s mouth and gums.
This brand, which mimics the action of a toothbrush, is effective against bad breath, helps prevent plaque and tartar, and maintains healthy gums.
This low-calorie alternative is perfect as a daily treat because it contains 12 vitamins and minerals. In addition, the calcium in this product helps maintain healthy teeth and bones.
Moreover, you may select from nine different sizes ranging from miniature to giant, as well as twenty-five different sizes ranging from tiny to medium.
On top of that, the chews don’t have any artificial tastes or colors but still come in a chicken flavor that dogs enjoy. They are easy on the digestive system and won’t upset your stomach. We recommend this product as the best breath refresher for dogs.
Pros
- Effective
- Kills harmful bacteria, prevents plaque and tartar
- Beneficial to Gum Health
- Supplemental nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals
- Simple to understand
- Easy to chew
Cons
- An abundance of smooches for everybody
The Power of Arm and Hammer Best Dog Treats for Bad Breath
To aid in the removal of tartar and plaque from your friend’s teeth, consider giving them Arm & Hammer FF7614x Twisters Dental Treats in mint flavor.
All dogs, save for toy breeds, should have the medium-sized chew, which comes in a pack of eight and is sold alone, in a pack of four, or in a big canister.
This particular variety has baking soda added to it, which acts as an odor neutralizer; also, it has vitamins that are good for your teeth and gums. The baking soda has the added benefit of making your dog’s teeth shine.
Natural ingredients are used in Arm & Hammer products, and the sturdy design can withstand even the most demanding chewers. It’s risk-free and simple to digest, making it a great option for a once-daily snack.
This is the most cost-effective solution to your dog’s foul breath problem that you can buy. The only other thing to remember is that this particular brand makes use of artificial colors in their product.
Pros
- Effective
- Removes stains, tartar, and odors
- Sodium bicarbonate and vitamin C
- Polishes the teeth
- Simple to understand
- Great for those with a strong chewing need
Cons
- Not suitable for tiny dogs or “toy” breeds
- Enhanced with synthetic dyes
Premium Oravet Dental Dog Chews for Routine Oral Care
Even though we discussed the cheapest possibility, we also thought it would be helpful to examine a more expensive alternative.
Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews are more expensive than the competition, but they’re the only product of their kind to really include delmopinol (at 0.7%). This substance is safe for human consumption and effectively stops plaque and tartar from accumulating in the mouth.
This chew comes in four different sizes and two different weight options (10 and 24 pounds). The formula is meant to aid in tooth cleaning, and the design discourages the growth of germs that causes plaque and tartar, the sources of bad breath.
This treat is low in calories and packed with vitamins, and your dog will adore the taste. The snacks are conveniently portable thanks to their separate packaging.
Keep in mind, too, that the chews might leave stains on carpets and other materials, so laying down a towel or some other barrier is advised.
Small amounts of this treat can have significant negative consequences on your cat’s health, so you’ll want to be especially careful if you have any feline family members. The alternative is a premium choice that is not suitable for your dog.
Pros
- Affective
- Aids in avoiding the buildup of tartar and plaque
- Simple to absorb
- Separately packaged
- Vitamins included
- Diet low in calories
Cons
- Not a good idea if you have cats at home.
- Ruin clothing by staining it
Dogs may have fresh breath and healthy teeth with Pedigree Dentastix
Next up, we have Pedigree Dentastix Dental Treats, a long, X-shaped treat that helps keep your dog’s teeth clean by scraping away plaque and tartar.
Although it does not promote healthy gums, this chewy choice employs the X shape to clean right up to the gum line.
Though this brand comes in a variety of sizes, the design is best suited to bigger canine companions. A variety of convenient pack sizes (6, 28, or 36) are available. In addition to being a delightful treat, the mint taste is one that your dog will like.
Remember that there is yet another alternative for maintaining your dog’s dental health by giving him or her a treat once daily.
Although the recipe is heavier in calories than other alternatives, it does contain vitamins and calcium to promote healthy teeth and gums.
You should also know that puppies under six months old shouldn’t use this method. Aside from that, it’s a viable choice that’s simple and straightforward.
Pros
- Effective
- Promotes plaque and tartar management.
- Vitamins and calcium included.
- Simple to absorb
- Mint taste that’s delicious
Cons
- Do not use on puppies.
- Suggested for big dogs only.
Natural Dog Treats from Old Mother Hubbard
This all-natural breath mint from Grandma Hubbard takes fifth place. Chicken, apples, carrots, spearmint, parsley, and fennel are just some of the natural components used in this particular brand. Furthermore, it has no added preservatives.
Keep in mind that while this choice will help your dog’s breath smell better, it will not prevent plaque or tartar buildup. Since it’s more of a treat than a means of oral care, and since it’s quickly digested, you may feed it to your dog several times a day.
However, Old Mother Hubbard really helps help your dog’s breath smell better. It’s got some protein and calcium, but it’s lacking in the other vitamins that our other options boast.
These treats are available in tiny, small, and big sizes, and come in bags of either 20 ounces or 3.3 pounds, making them suitable for dogs of various shapes and sizes.
Last but not least, keep in mind that this chew is a tougher, oven-baked biscuit delight. This brand’s firmer texture may be too much for your dog’s sensitive teeth. On the other side, dogs seem to like the mint flavor.
Pros
- Effective
- Eliminates bad breath
- Pure and simple
- Calcium and protein
- Simple to absorb
Cons
- Biscuits, please, make them harder
- Reduced nutrient content
- Is useless in preventing the development of tartar or plaque
GREENIES Minty Fresh Mint Bites
Next, there are GREENIES, which are a kind of treat that come in three different flavors and four different bag sizes and consist of half a bone and half a ribbed piece.
This tiny treat has fewer than five calories and will make your dog’s breath smell better, too. However, similar to our previous evaluation, this brand does not inhibit the formation of plaque or tartar.
As with the last reward, this one can be given several times daily. Sadly, many administrations throughout the day are required for this brand to have any impact on your dog. For instance, large breed dogs may require as many as 10 treats daily.
Beyond that, it’s a grain-free choice that’s marketed as all-natural but really contains some artificial fillers. Furthermore, it’s easy for your dog to digest, and it has vitamin and calcium.
Keep in mind that GREENIES are not suggested for dogs under six months of age or for dogs who are particularly tiny. In addition, you should know that this particular manufacturer offers its goodies by weight rather than by individual count, thus the larger bag is preferable for longer use.
Pros
- When used properly, it can help eliminate bad breath.
- Energizing and nourishing, it’s loaded with vitamins and calcium.
- Simple to absorb
- Calorie count: 5
Cons
- Neither a tartar nor a plaque fighter
- Not for pups or tiny dogs.
- Unlikely to be as natural as it advertises
- Needs many doses before it starts working.
The benefits of giving your dog Purina DentaLife Oral Care Treats
Long and triangular in shape, Purina DentaLife Oral Care Dog Treats combat the cause of foul breath: the mouth. Honey and spirulina are used in this particular formulation to help eliminate plaque and eliminate bad breath.
The label claims that spirulina and honey are the active components, but we can’t be sure of the concentration because it only lists figures for those two things.
Consider the other components of this formula as well. The recipe reveals that the product contains preservatives and chicken by-product meal.
In spite of Purina’s assurances that their product has no synthetic flavors or dyes, it nonetheless may include artificial fillers.
These tasty morsels are available in convenient tiny sizes (56 or 90 count bags) and are simple to chew. Dogs love the chicken flavor, but it doesn’t do a good job of eliminating bad breath. The chews are also not advised for puppies or dogs with liver problems because of how difficult they are to digest.
Pros
- Removes calcified plaque and tartar
- There are no added dyes or tastes.
- Positive taste sensations
- Tender and tasty
Cons
- Uncertain origins of the components
- The ability to refresh one’s breath is diminished.
- Tough to take in
- Do not use on puppies.
- Avoid giving to dogs with liver problems.
Dogs love the all-natural dental treats from Ark Naturals
Moving on, we have Ark Naturals Dog Dental Chews, a brushless toothpaste treat that helps reduce tartar, battle plaque, and refresh your furball’s breath.
This is a long green treat with ridges to assist clean teeth while the white soft core functions as toothpaste to support dental health.
The chew comes in a single, double, or bulk pack and is designed for canines weighing 20 to 40 pounds. You’ll need to offer this treat twice a day for it to have any impact, but keep in mind that it’s more caloric than some of the alternatives.
One good characteristic of Ark Naturals is the natural recipe comprising alfalfa, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove. What’s more, it does not include any maize, soy, wheat, or artificial colors or preservatives. But sometimes dogs just don’t like the way it tastes.
Also be cautioned that these sweets are not easily digestive, and might induce flatulence. Not to add, the chew itself have a pretty awful stench.
Finally, although they are somewhat useful in freshening your pooch’s breath, they should not be used in pregnant, breeding, or young dogs.
Pros
- Pure and simple
- Fights tartar, plaque, and freshens breath
- Effective
Cons
- Dogs don’t enjoy the flavor
- High calories
- Tough to take in
- Causes gas
Biscuits for Dogs’ Benefit, All-Natural Treats
The seventh-ounce bag of Benefit Biscuits is the smallest of the three options. These chewy treats are great for preventing tartar and plaque buildup, but they may be too tough for your dog to ingest.
In any case, the brand in question employs a cruelty-free, plant-based composition. The components are natural and free of genetically modified organisms and synthetic tastes and colors.
Many puppies aren’t enticed by the mint and rosemary flavor, and it’s hard for them to digest. Some dogs may also experience digestive problems.
Aside from the fact that they are incredibly calorically dense, you should know that they have no discernible effect on dog breath. Last but not least, these chews are suggested for bigger dogs, and the frequency with which they should be given is unknown.
Pros
- Formulation based only on natural ingredients
- Veggie-friendly ingredients you can trust
Cons
- Those biscuits are really solid.
- Very challenging to take in
- Not efficient
- Discouraged for canines of any size.
- Extremely caloric
Dog and Cat Mints by Pet Naturals of Vermont
Vermont’s Finest Natural Pet Food To eliminate lingering meal odor, Breath Bites focus on digestive processes in the mouth and stomach.
These chews contain spirulina, champignon mushroom extract, and yucca, and are sold in single, double, triple, and quadruple quantities, respectively.
Plaque and tartar buildup, the root cause of foul breath, cannot be eliminated with this technique. It’s claimed that the chicken liver flavor is all-natural, but a look at the ingredients suggests otherwise.
Even though the formula has no gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, maize, or soy, dogs do not seem to enjoy the soft chews. If they manage to swallow them, they’ll cause discomfort from gas and digestion issues.
Dogs of all ages, especially puppies and nursing mothers, will appreciate these tasty morsels. On top of that, you have to be very watchful when using this brand and stick to the guidelines to the letter.
For instance, smaller puppies need only half a treat and might become sick if given more. Finally, pets with liver illness or a history of liver issues should not use Pet Naturals of Vermont Breath Bites.
Pros
- No GMOs (corn, wheat, or soy)
Cons
- Not efficient
- Tough to take in
- The risk of an overdose
- Avoid if your dog has liver disease.
- It’s not normal
- They’re repulsive to dogs.
Dr. Barry Buttler
Dr. Barry Buttler, DVM, MS, DACVIM, is an experienced veterinarian who specializes in the care of small animals, specifically dogs. Dr. Barry K. Buttler is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and holds multiple certifications in small animal emergency medicine and geriatric pet health.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Barry Buttler
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