If you are saying “Oh man!” every time your pup comes by for a kiss, then it is time to start a dental regimen with dental doggy treats. Here are the Best Dental Treats for Dogs with Bad Breath:
- Virbac CET VEGGIEDENT FR3SH Tartar Control Chews for Dogs
- Greenies Original Petite Natural Dental Dog Treats
- Merrick Fresh Kisses Oral Care Dental Dog Treats
- Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews
What Causes Bad Dog Breath?
Bacteria overgrowth in the mouth causes bad breath. This can be due to poor dietary habits or poor dental hygiene. There is a link between bad breath and dental disease. It is important to talk to your veterinarian if you notice bleeding, puss, or if your dog avoids chewing on one side of their mouth.
How Do Dental Doggy Treats/Chews Eliminate Bad Breath?
Dental treats are part of a healthy dental hygiene routine. They contain ingredients that help “brush” your dog’s teeth and help prevent plaque buildup. In fact, they help scrape off the current plaque that has already formed on your dog’s teeth. They may also contain ingredients that help immediately freshen your dog’s breath (similar to toothpaste).
It is important to find dental treats that contain easily digested ingredients that agree with your dog’s GI tract. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may have to try a couple before you find the best one. Just don’t give up.
How to Clean Doggy Teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth is a habit that you want to start early. However, it is never too late to start. If you are not sure where to begin, check out my post on The Papshund and read the section about brushing and using dog toothpaste. You can also check out the super helpful post on the American Kennel Club website entitled “Toothbrushing Steps to Make Dog Teeth Dazzle” https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-brush-dog-teeth/. Sign up to receive a free booklet on brushing your dog’s teeth.
Try a few different toothbrush styles to see which one works best for you and your dog. Our favorite toothbrush kit for beginners is the BC Pets Dog Dental Care Kit.
Brushing is only one part of a healthy dental regimen for your dog. If you are really gung ho, then the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is the resource for you. At the VOHC website, you can find a list of accepted dental products including dental dog foods, dental dog treats, and more.
Best Doggy Treats for Dogs with Bad Breath
Virbac CET VEGGIEDENT FR3SH Tartar Control Chews for Dogs
One of these treats a day will keep bad breath away. They are shaped to reach front, back, interior, and exterior sides of the teeth at once. These treats help clean teeth and prevent plaque buildup. Prebiotics are added to the treat to help promote gut health. There is an overwhelmingly positive response with one customer saying that their dog’s breath improved after just one treat.
Greenies Original Petite Natural Dental Dog Treats
One of the top-rated dental dog treats on the market, Greenies are loved by many dogs and dog owners. These treats are made with natural ingredients and are easy to digest. They come in a variety of sizes for different size dogs. Some customer reviews indicate that it may take about a week to notice a difference, but it is well worth the wait.
Merrick Fresh Kisses Oral Care Dental Dog Treats
Fresh Kisses Oral Care Dental Dog Treats from Merrick are made of natural ingredients and are grain-free. The use of coconut, lemongrass, and rosemary oils to naturally freshen breath is very effective and provides ease of mind to owners who are concerned about providing too many processed treats to their dog.
Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews
Last, but certainly not least, the Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews are the most vet recommended dental dog treats of the bunch. Not only do these treats help clean teeth and freshen breath, but they also contain an ingredient, delmopinol, that acts as a protective coating on your dog’s teeth which prevents the attachment of bacteria. The reviews are mostly positive but some customers mentioned that this did not agree with their dog’s stomach. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, order a small amount to start.
Conclusion
Dental hygiene is an important part of your dog’s overall health. Bad breath could be a sign that you need to improve your dog’s dental hygiene game. Adding dental dog treats is just the start and may take some trial and error before you find the one that works best for your dog! From all the dental dog treats on the market, our shortlist includes:
