We all love our pups, but that stinky dog breath? Not so much. These homemade dog breath freshener treats are here to save the day (and your nose). Made with fresh mint and parsley, they help naturally freshen your pup’s breath while giving them a crunchy, wholesome snack they’ll happily chomp on. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients, and your dog will think they’re just delicious cookies.
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Why You and Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Bad breath doesn’t have to be part of the dog parent deal. These fresh-breath treats are not only tasty, but they offer some gentle support for your pup’s dental hygiene.
They help freshen your dog’s breath. Mint and curly parsley are natural breath fresheners, and they add a crisp, clean scent to each treat.
They’re made with wholesome ingredients. No artificial flavors or preservatives, just real food you can recognize and feel good about giving your pup.
They’re crunchy and satisfying. The texture helps gently scrape away plaque as your dog chews, which supports better dental health overall.
They’re freezer-friendly. You can make a big batch and store extras for those extra-doggy-breath days.
They’re fun to make. A few fresh herbs, some flour, a little coconut oil, and voilà – you’ve got a homemade treat that looks (and smells) like it came from a fancy dog bakery.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the dog-friendly ingredients that go into these fresh breath dog treats:
- Oat flour – Soft and nutritious, oat flour is gentle on tummies and gives the treats structure.
- Coconut flour – High in fiber and naturally grain-free, it adds texture and absorbs moisture.
- Fresh mint leaves – A natural breath freshener that gives these treats their signature scent.
- Fresh curly parsley – Another breath-cleansing herb that supports digestion and adds a pop of green.
- Eggs – Bind everything together while adding protein and moisture.
- Melted coconut oil – Adds healthy fats and makes the dough easier to work with.
- Water – Helps bring the dough together and makes it easy to roll out.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Before you start chopping herbs and rolling dough, let’s go over a few important ingredient notes.
Always use curly parsley in this recipe. Avoid flat-leaf (Italian) parsley because it contains high levels of compounds called furanocoumarins that can cause skin irritation, sensitivity to sunlight, and even more serious issues in dogs. (Yes, we know flat-leaf looks pretty in the photos, but it’s not the right choice for pups.)
For the oats, you can use quick-cooking oats if you’re out of old-fashioned rolled oats. Just keep in mind the texture will be a bit softer. Avoid instant oats or steel-cut oats, which don’t work well for this dough.
If you’re short on oat flour, you can make your own! Just blend rolled oats in a food processor or blender until they turn into flour. As a guide, 1 cup of oats = about ¾ cup of oat flour.
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make the treats. You can use any regular cookie cutters but a dog bone cookie cutter gives these treats a fun shape.
How to Make Dog Breath Freshener Treats
Ready to get baking? These treats come together quickly and are fun to make, especially if you enjoy rolling and cutting cookie shapes.
- Bring eggs to room temperature. Melt the coconut oil and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Chop the mint and curly parsley into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine oat flour, coconut flour, chopped mint, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and melted coconut oil.
- Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until clumps begin to form.
- Add half of the water and mix with your hands. Slowly add more water until the dough sticks together but isn’t wet or sticky.
- Place the dough on parchment paper and flatten it to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are firm and slightly golden.
- Transfer to a wire rack and let the treats cool completely before serving or storing.
Recipe Tips for Success
These treats are easy to make, but here are a few tips to help things go smoothly:
- Let the eggs come to room temperature before mixing.
- Melt the coconut oil and let it cool slightly before adding to the eggs – you don’t want to cook the eggs!
- Chop the herbs finely so they mix evenly into the dough.
- Don’t overdo it with the water; add just enough for the dough to hold together without becoming too sticky.
- If the dough is too dry, add a splash more water. Too wet? Sprinkle in a little more oat flour.
- Use parchment paper on your surface to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
Serving Size
How many treats should you give your pup? It depends on their size, activity level, and overall diet. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.
Start with one treat and watch how your dog does, especially if it’s their first time trying fresh herbs like mint or parsley. When in doubt, check with your vet for guidance on portion sizes.
How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will last up to 5 days at room temperature or 1 week in the fridge.
For more extended storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or give them as a frozen treat.
Can humans eat these dog breath treats?
Yes, these treats are totally safe for people to eat. They’re made with real food ingredients, so go ahead and take a bite! Just keep in mind they’re designed with dogs in mind, so they aren’t sweet or heavily seasoned. But hey, if you’re into minty, herby biscuits, you might just like them.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Want to make more treats for your dog? Check these out:
- Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats
- Apple Peanut Butter Oat Dog Treats
- Blueberry Dog Treats
- Carrot Dog Treats
- Chicken Jerky for Dogs
- Coconut Dog Treats
- Gluten Free Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Dog Cookies
- Satin Balls for Dogs
Find lots of easy recipes for dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Dog Breath Freshener Treats
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Oat Flour
- 1 ½ cups Coconut Flour
- 1/3 cup Fresh Mint Leaves
- 1/3 cup Fresh Curly Parsley
- 2 Eggs
- ¼ cup Melted Coconut Oil
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- Bring eggs to room temperature.
- Melt the coconut oil and allow it to cool as close to room temperature without it solidifying again. You do not want to fry the eggs in hot oil when mixing them together.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Chop the mint and parsley.
- Place oat flour, coconut flour, mint, and parsley into a large bowl and combine well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and melted coconut oil.
- Pour the coconut oil egg mixture into the flour and combine until dry clumps form.
- Pour half of the water into the mixture and mix well with your hands.
- Add the rest of the water a little at a time and combine until the dough starts to stick together. Do not allow it to become too wet and sticky. You want just enough moisture to hold the dough together.
- Place the dough on top of parchment paper on a counter or work surface.
- Press the dough flat with your hands or a rolling pin to about ¼ – ½ inch thickness.
- Cut out the treats with a cookie cutter and place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Common Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
Let’s be real. Bad dog breath isn’t just unpleasant, it can be a sign of something more. Most of the time, stinky dog breath (a.k.a. halitosis) is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. Over time, this buildup can lead to periodontal disease, which causes tooth decay and sulfur-releasing bacteria. And trust me, it smells just as bad as it sounds.
That’s why crunchy homemade treats like these are more than just snacks. They actually help scrape away plaque and support better dental hygiene.
Dog Dental Health
Fresh breath is great, but good dental health goes beyond smell. Your dog’s oral hygiene is an important part of their overall health and well-being. Having a regular dental care routine like brushing their teeth or offering dental chews can go a long way in keeping their mouth in tip-top shape.
Clean teeth should be bright, white, and free of tartar and plaque. Depending on your pup, you may even need to schedule regular dental cleanings with your vet. They’ll check your dog’s teeth and let you know if a deeper cleaning is needed.
Can treats cure dog bad breath?
As helpful as these minty treats are, they’re not a miracle cure. Whether or not treats can fix your pup’s bad breath depends on the underlying cause. For occasional stinky breath, these treats can definitely help freshen things up. But if the smell is persistent, it could be a sign of something more serious.
The best way to treat bad breath is with a combination of good oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Whether your dog eats dry, wet, or raw food, make sure it’s packed with quality ingredients that support their overall health, including their mouth!
Can u make these fresh breath treats in a silicone mold??? Also, how do u store these since they have eggs in them?
Yes, you can make these treats in silicone molds instead of rolling out the dough and cutting it. Simply press the dough into the molds and bake.
Like baked goods for humans that contain eggs, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
How do you make or where do you get coconut flour?
You can get coconut flour at a grocery store. Look for it in the baking section with other types of flour or in the health food section. If you can’t find it at any grocery store near you, you can purchase it on Amazon.
I am confused about the calorie count. Can you explain? Also how long can I store these treats?
The cookie cutter I used made 13 treats and the calorie count is for 1 treat. So it’s the total amount of calories of the ingredients divided by 13.
You can store the treats up to 4 days at room temperature, 7 days in the fridge, or frozen for up to 4 months.
Would you ever put spirulla in these? I notice my dogs death breath less after she’s had the treats with spiral la and Honey in them but those store bought ones have so much other junk in them, i am looking for DIY alternatives. Chiweenies are so high maintenance but shes si worth so the extra
Yes, spirulina is great for dogs. Adding a teaspoon or two to the treats would be fine.
Can bone broth be used instead of water?
Yes, as long as the bone broth was made without onions.