Dental health is an essential part of your dog’s overall health and well-being. While regular teeth brushing and routine professional dental care are effective ways to maintain your pup’s oral health, certain treats can also play a supportive role.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spoil your pup while supporting their dental routine, here are some simple, DIY dog treats you can make at home that can help encourage chewing to help remove surface debris on your pup’s teeth and freshen their breath.
As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods, especially if your dog has any health concerns or dietary restrictions. Homemade treats should always be served in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
DEHYDRATED SWEET POTATO CHEWS
These treats have a tough, chewy texture that encourages your dog to spend more time chewing, gently scraping the surface of the teeth, which can help reduce plaque buildup. They can also provide a fun source of enrichment, giving your pup something tasty to chew on and enjoy.
Ingredients:
How to make:
- Preheat oven to 120°C (250°F).
- Peel and slice the sweet potato lengthwise into strips about ¼ inch thick.
- Place them flat on a baking sheet lined with paper.
- Bake for 2 to 3 hours and flip them halfway through.
- Let them cool completely before giving them to your dog.
FROZEN MINT & PARSLEY FRESH-BREATH BITES
Parsley and mint can be a simple way to add a fresh boost to your pup’s treats. These herbs contain naturally occurring compounds and antimicrobial properties that may help reduce the germs and bacteria that contribute to bad doggie breath.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt, without xylitol
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh, curly-leaf parsley*
*Avoid Italian flat-leaf and spring parsley, as this contains higher levels of toxic compounds like furanocoumarins, which can cause skin reactions and other health issues for dogs when eaten in large amounts.
How to make:
- Mix the Greek yogurt, chopped mint, and parsley in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone ice cube molds.
- Freeze for 3 to 4 hours until solid.
CRUNCHY CELERY & COCONUT CHEWS
Celery is crunchy, fibrous, and has a stringy texture that can help remove some surface debris from teeth while your dog chews. A light coating of coconut oil contains antimicrobial compounds that may help support a healthier mouth by fighting oral bacteria and germs that contribute to bad breath.
Ingredients:
- 3 large celery stalks
- 1 teaspoon of melted extra-virgin coconut oil
How to make:
- Wash the celery thoroughly and trim the ends.
- Cut the stalks into sticks appropriate for your dog’s size.
- Lightly brush each celery stick with a thin coating of the melted coconut oil.
- Place them on a plate and freeze for 1 hour before serving.
Alternatively, instead of using coconut oil, you could add a bit of natural, smooth (xylitol-free) peanut butter to each celery stalk.
SUPPORT YOUR DOG’S OVERALL WELL-BEING AT DOGTOPIA
Homemade dog dental treats can be a fun way to complement your pup’s oral care routine while providing a rewarding snack, but they’re just a small part of maintaining your dog’s overall health and wellness. At Dogtopia, your pup can get plenty of exercise, structured social play, learning opportunities, and engagement, as well as healthy treats. Find a Dogtopia near you and give your dog a fun-filled day of play, socialization, and enrichment!
This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Senior Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.
Photos courtesy of: Dogtopia of Houston – Washington Ave, Dogtopia of Belden Canton, and Dogtopia of Stamford.
