Mint & Oatmeal Dog Dental Treats Recipe for Fresh Breath

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.

Do you have a dog whose breath could make a houseplant droop? If so, you’re not alone!

Many dog owners struggle with this issue. Unfortunately, the majority of commercially available dog dental chews are filled with questionable ingredients (many words that you probably can’t pronounce!).

Good news though. Here’s a wonderfully simple dog treat recipe to freshen your dog’s breath using natural, homemade ingredients.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog dental treat recipe takes about 45 minutes to make from start to finish.
• It is packed with natural breath fresheners like mint and digestion-supporting oatmeal.
• The crunchy texture helps clean teeth naturally.
• This recipe yields approximately 20-25 small biscuits, perfect for daily treats.

Ingredients List

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option) – estimated cost: $0.40
• ½ cup rolled oats – estimated cost: $0.20
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped – estimated cost: $0.50
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped – estimated cost: $0.40
• 1 large egg – estimated cost: $0.25
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce – estimated cost: $0.30
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted – estimated cost: $0.60
• ½ cup water (plus more if needed) – estimated cost: $0.00
• Total Estimated Cost: $2.65

Suitable substitutions: If your dog has a chicken allergy, you can use oat flour instead of whole wheat. For the herbs, you can swap out parsley for cilantro if you prefer, but mint is key for breath freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and rolled oats.
• Add the finely chopped mint leaves and parsley to the flour mixture.
• Stir until everything is well combined.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, unsweetened applesauce, and melted coconut oil.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Mix well, gradually adding ½ cup of water until a firm dough forms.
• If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Knead the dough for a minute or two until it is smooth.
• Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick.
• Use a cookie cutter (about 1-2 inches in diameter) to cut out the biscuit shapes.
• Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and lightly golden brown.
• Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

• These treats are intended as a supplement to your dog’s regular diet, not a meal replacement.
• For small dogs (under 20 lbs), offer 1-2 biscuits per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can have 2-3 biscuits daily.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs) can enjoy 3-4 biscuits per day.
• Adjust based on your dog’s activity level and overall caloric intake.
• An active working dog might need a little more, while a less active senior might need less.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Oatmeal and whole wheat flour provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• They also offer essential dietary fiber, supporting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
• Mint is a natural breath freshener and aids in digestion.
• Parsley is rich in vitamins K, C, and A, and contains chlorophyll which also helps with fresh breath.
• Coconut oil provides healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides, which can support skin and coat health.
• The egg adds a good source of protein and essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and overall health.
• Applesauce offers a touch of natural sweetness and additional fiber without added sugars.
• The crunchy texture helps scrape plaque and tartar from teeth, contributing to better dental hygiene.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these homemade dental treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the biscuits for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen biscuits in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
• Serve them at room temperature as a daily treat.
• You can also break them into smaller pieces for training rewards.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

Yes, you can, but use a smaller amount, about 1-2 tablespoons, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh mint provides a stronger breath-freshening effect.

My dog is allergic to wheat. What flour can I use?

Oat flour or rice flour are great gluten-free alternatives. Just make sure the dough consistency is right; you might need slightly more or less water.

How do I know if the biscuits are crunchy enough to help with dental cleaning?

The biscuits should be firm and crisp when fully cooled. If they are soft, bake them for a few more minutes until they are harder. The crunch is key for dental benefits.

Can puppies eat these dental treats?

These treats are generally safe for puppies. However, make sure they are soft enough for a puppy’s developing teeth, or break them into very small pieces. Always supervise your puppy while they eat treats.

Wrapping Up

Giving your dog fresh breath and a healthy smile is easy with these mint and oatmeal biscuits. They are simple to make and packed with good stuff. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!