Nearly every dog owner has experienced it. You kneel down to embrace your precious pup and you’re met with slobbery kisses and a big whiff of stinky breath. What’s a dog owner to do…
Most vets recommend that you brush your canine’s chompers at least three times weekly. That’s certainly a great start but if your pal needs further maintenance you may want to consider adding dental treats to their routine. These treats are a simple solution for a stinky problem and may be beneficial between brushings. On the hunt for the best dental treats for your dog’s breath? Then follow along as we discuss various recommendations and things to consider.
Treats for Doggy Breath – What to Watch Out for
There are a ton of different dog treats out there, including treats that help with doggy breath. Finding the right treat will depend upon a lot of different factors, such as the size of your dog, its age, nutritional needs, and more. But here are a few things to watch out for when looking for the best treats for dog breath.
You probably want to watch out for treats that are too hard as they have the potential to damage your dog’s teeth or cut its gums. And of course, that totally defeats the purpose of trying to improve your dog’s oral health! In addition, if the treat’s too small, your pup may try swallowing it whole. This can be a choking hazard and can also cause tummy issues. In addition, your pup won’t have a chance to chew it, so there’s no opportunity to scrape away tartar or plaque.
Lastly, be mindful of the ingredients in your dog’s dental chews. It’s best to avoid artificial flavorings and coatings. And as with any treat, if you can find one that features ingredients known for their health benefits, that’s the best-case scenario. Talk to your vet if you’re worried about the chews you’re giving your dog or have questions.
How to Improve Your Dog’s Breath
The best way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and plaque-free are to have the vet clean their teeth regularly. Also, most experts recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth at least a few times weekly. Ideally, you’ll do this with a toothbrush and toothpaste that are made especially for dogs. But dental chews or treats can be helpful too. They can help scrape away bacteria and leftover food. Some dental chews even have ingredients that help with plaque.
Also, as with any treats be sure to monitor your dog when they’re eating them. That way you can step in if they bite off too much or have trouble chewing or swallowing. And having access to water nearby is important too.
Our Favorite Treats for Dog Breath
At Blue Ridge Naturals, we’re proud to offer all-natural dog treats. Our treats are carefully crafted with your dog in mind. Dogs love their delicious flavors, and you’ll love their potential health benefits. Now when it comes to the best treats for dog breath, we have a few suggestions. Of course, our top pick is going to be our dental jerky, but we threw in a few more suggestions too!
Dental Jerky
Here at Blue Ridge Naturals, we offer a delicious, chicken-flavored jerky that tastes amazing. It also features ingredients and a texture that can be helpful in cleaning those canine chompers. These treats are soft and have a chewy texture. And the best part is that they’re made with natural ingredients! Peppermint and rosemary not only enhance the flavor but help freshen doggy breath. Lastly, these treats are grain-free, which is a benefit for some pups with allergies.
Salmon Jerky
Our Alaskan Salmon Jerky features wholesome ingredients flavored by nature. Salmon is known for its rich Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acid content. Salmon also contains calcium and iron, which are known to be healthful nutrients. Salmon jerky is also grain and wheat-free, so it may be a good option for dogs with gluten sensitivities. Lastly, it has a great chewy texture that may be beneficial in scraping away plaque.
Here’s what one happy dog owner had to say about these particular treats:
“Baxter our Shih Tzu loves these treats. He has some major food allergies and these treats are limited ingredients with no fillers. This is his final treat of the day. Thank you Blue Ridge Naturals!”
Sweet Potato Bones
Up next are our Sweet Potato Bones. These bones aren’t “real” bones, but that may be a very good thing! Traditional rawhide treats may be too tough on most dogs’ teeth, causing more harm than good. If you’re looking for a chew that’s not so rigid, then consider this one. Plus, our sweet potato dog chews, also called “Sweet ‘Tater Bones,” feature only ONE ingredient – sweet potatoes! Sweet potatoes are known for their antioxidants among many other things. Lastly, a good treat can help scrape away tartar and plaque.
Final Thoughts
Of course, there are a zillion treats out there. Even when searching for the best treats for dog breath, you’re sure to see several options. So we understand that the search can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for doggy dental chews or simply treats that feature few ingredients, we hope you’ll give our treats a try. We’re dedicated to providing our pups as well as our loyal customers, with the very best ingredients. And not just that, but ingredients that are responsibly sourced within the United States. If you’d like to check out our entire line, be sure to visit our website. And if you’re looking for the best treats for dog breath, then consider our dental jerky. We think it’s a real winner!
Does your dog have food allergies? Read The Ultimate Guide to Hypoallergenic Dog Treats
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dental chews should I give my dog?
On the back of each bag of Blue Ridge Naturals treats you’ll find a guide that lists our recommendations based on dog size. But generally, treats shouldn’t account for more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. And as always, your vet is your best resource for guidance.
Do dog dental chews really work?
They do! The best treats for dog breath help scrape teeth clean of smelly bacteria and leftover food. Some dental chews even help fight plaque.
Are dental chews bad for dogs?
Everything in moderation! Again, treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. And treats are only as good as the ingredients in them. So whether they’re good for your dog or not depends a lot on what they’re made of. But the best dental treats for dogs are ones made with quality ingredients that are good for your dog and help keep their breath fresher.
What do dental treats do for dogs?
They help clean their teeth and freshen their breath, and some contain ingredients that fight plaque.
Can dog dental chews replace toothbrushing?
No, you should brush your dog’s teeth at least three days a week in addition to any dental treats given. And you may also want to consider professional cleanings provided by your dog’s vet.
Want to learn more about dog care? Read “14 Dog Park Etiquette Rules: Are You & Your Dog Well Behaved?”
