Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
There’s just something reassuring about knowing what you’re feeding your dog, especially when it comes to their teeth. I’ve seen how a dog’s mouth can affect everything, from their heart to their stomach.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to shell out for fancy dental chews at the store. These seven homemade dog dental treats are easy to whip up, safe for your pup, and they really get into those tricky spots where plaque likes to stick around. Plus, they keep your dog’s breath a whole lot fresher.
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1. Mint & Parsley Biscuits
A classic crunchy biscuit infused with fresh parsley and mint—two natural breath fresheners. The hard, crunchy texture helps scrape plaque from the tooth surface as your dog chews. Made with whole wheat flour, egg, and coconut oil, these biscuits are simple to bake and store well for up to two weeks.
Key Dental Benefit: Crunchy texture mechanically removes plaque and tartar buildup.
2. Coconut Oil & Turmeric Chews
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties that help reduce harmful oral bacteria, while turmeric’s anti-inflammatory compounds support healthy gums. These chews are made by combining coconut oil, turmeric, and a binding agent like oat flour, then freezing into firm, long-lasting chew sticks.
Key Dental Benefit: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action targets gum disease at the source.
3. Carrot & Apple Crunch Sticks
A simple, no-bake option using dehydrated carrot and apple strips. The fibrous, crunchy texture of these sticks acts like a natural toothbrush, scrubbing the tooth surface and stimulating saliva production—nature’s own mouth rinse.
Key Dental Benefit: Fibrous texture stimulates saliva and scrubs tooth surfaces naturally.
Look, prepping and cooking for your dog is great, but sometimes you might be too tired or maybe a tad lazy, or maybe you just want to give yourself a well deserved break.
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Fresh human grade dog food sent to your doorstep, and there’s no lock in.
Give it a shot, will ya?
4. Kelp & Peanut Butter Biscuits
Kelp (seaweed) is a powerhouse ingredient for dental health, clinically shown to reduce plaque and tartar by breaking down the biofilm that allows bacteria to stick to teeth. Combined with xylitol-free peanut butter and oat flour, these biscuits are a high-value, dental-boosting reward.
Key Dental Benefit: Kelp actively breaks down plaque biofilm for a deeper clean.
5. Frozen Parsley & Yogurt Cubes
Plain Greek yogurt contains probiotics that support a healthy oral microbiome, while fresh parsley neutralizes odor-causing compounds in the mouth. Simply blend, pour into ice cube trays, and freeze for a refreshing, breath-freshening treat.
Key Dental Benefit: Probiotics balance oral bacteria; parsley neutralizes bad breath compounds.
6. Cinnamon & Oat Dental Biscuits
Cinnamon has natural antimicrobial properties that help fight the bacteria responsible for plaque formation and bad breath. Combined with rolled oats and a touch of unsweetened applesauce, these biscuits bake into a satisfying crunch that dogs love.
Key Dental Benefit: Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties fight plaque-forming bacteria.
7. Dried Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews
Thick-cut sweet potato strips dehydrated with a light coating of coconut oil create a tough, chewy dental treat. The combination of fibrous sweet potato and antibacterial coconut oil makes for a treat that cleans as it chews.
Key Dental Benefit: Fibrous texture combined with coconut oil’s antibacterial properties for a dual-action clean.
Tips for Maximizing Dental Benefits
- Give dental treats after meals when plaque-forming bacteria are most active.
- Always supervise your dog with any chew or treat.
- Dental treats are a supplement to—not a replacement for—regular tooth brushing.
- Avoid any recipe containing xylitol, grapes, raisins, onion, or garlic, as these are toxic to dogs.
- Consult your veterinarian if your dog has existing dental disease before introducing new chews.
📖 Don’t Miss This…
Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
Healthy teeth and fresh breath don’t have to come from a plastic bag.
These 7 homemade dog dental treats are a wonderful way to support your dog’s oral health using simple, natural ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Be sure to pin this guide to your Homemade Dog Treats board!
