5 Homemade Dog Dental Chews To Reduce Tartar For Healthy Gums

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.

The condition of your dog’s dental hygiene can very often be understood from its breath.

Commercial dental sticks can help with your dog’s teeth, but they usually are just filled with starch and artificial ingredients that do little for a dog’s waistline.

I have created these five homemade dental dog chew recipes to provide dogs with a natural fibre that, because of their texture and firmness, will mechanically remove some of the gum and plaque while helping to keep the gums healthy and clean.

Why Tartar is the Silent Enemy

Tartar is simply plaque that has invited itself to stay and hardened into a rocky mineral deposit. Once it sets, it provides a fortress for bacteria to thrive, leading to gingivitis and eventually tooth loss.

The Power of Mechanical Abrasion

The most effective way to combat tartar at home is through “mechanical abrasion.” This is a fancy way of saying we want the dog to rub their teeth against something tough and fibrous.

• Scrubbing Action: As the dog gnaws, the fibers of the chew act like a thousand tiny bristles.
• Saliva Production: Chewing stimulates the flow of saliva, which contains natural enzymes that help break down food particles before they can turn into plaque.
• Gum Stimulation: The pressure of chewing increases blood flow to the gums, keeping the tissue resilient and healthy.

1. Dehydrated Sweet Potato “Tough” Strips

Sweet potatoes are a marvel of nature when it comes to dental health. When sliced thick and dehydrated, they become incredibly leathery and resilient.

Why It Works

The dense, fibrous structure of the sweet potato requires significant effort to break down. This prolonged chewing session provides an excellent scrub for the back molars where tartar loves to hide.

How to Prepare

1. Slice a large sweet potato into 1/2-inch thick “planks.”
2. Bake at a low 250°F (120°C) for 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
3. The goal is a “bendy” leather texture, not a crisp chip.

2. Frozen Parsley and Mint “Breath” Cubes

Sometimes the best way to clean a mouth is to freeze the problem out. These ice-based chews combine temperature with herbal power.

Why It Works

The hard ice provides a firm surface for the front teeth to scrape against, while the parsley and mint act as natural deodorizers. Parsley is also rich in chlorophyll, which helps neutralize sulfur compounds in the mouth.

How to Prepare

1. Blend a handful of fresh parsley and mint with a cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth.
2. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
3. Offer one cube after dinner as a refreshing “palate cleanser.”

3. The “Whole” Carrot Crunch

It is the simplest dental chew in the world, yet one of the most effective. A large, cold carrot is a natural toothbrush that most dogs find quite tasty.

Why It Works

Carrots are exceptionally crunchy and fibrous. Because they are low in calories, a dog can spend ten minutes systematically dismantling a large carrot without any risk to their figure.

How to Prepare

1. Scrub a large, thick carrot (leave the skin on for extra fiber).
2. Chill it in the refrigerator or even the freezer for 20 minutes to increase the hardness.
3. Supervise your dog as they “crunch” their way to cleaner teeth.

4. Cinnamon and Oat “Hard” Biscuits

Unlike soft training treats, these biscuits are baked until they are bone-dry and very hard.

Why It Works

The hardness of the biscuit requires the dog to use their carnassial teeth (the large ones in the back) to crack it open. This sudden pressure helps “pop” brittle tartar off the surface of the tooth.

How to Prepare

1. Mix 2 cups of oat flour with a teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of water.
2. Roll into thick discs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
3. Turn the oven off and leave the biscuits inside overnight to “cure” into a rock-hard state.

5. Coconut Oil and Turmeric “Gum Rubs”

This is a softer chew designed specifically for dogs with sensitive gums or older seniors who can’t handle hard carrots.

Why It Works

Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the bacterial load in the mouth. Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory that supports gum health.

How to Prepare

1. Mix 1/2 cup of solid coconut oil with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
2. Spoon into small silicone molds and freeze.
3. As the dog “chews” the cold oil, it coats the teeth and gums with a protective, bacteria-fighting layer.

Essential Tools for Dental Treat Making

Tool	Purpose	Estimated Cost	Substitution
Silicone Molds	Creates uniform “gum rub” portions	$8 – $12	An empty egg carton (cleaned)
Baking Sheets	For dehydrating sweet potatoes	$10 – $15	Any flat, oven-safe tray
High-Speed Blender	Pulverizes herbs for ice cubes	$30 – $60	Finely chopping by hand
Mandoline	Ensures even carrot/potato slices	$15 – $25	A very steady hand and a sharp knife

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can these treats replace professional veterinary cleaning?
No. While these chews are excellent for preventing buildup, they cannot remove heavy, calcified tartar that has already formed. If your dog has brown crusts on their teeth or bleeding gums, they need a professional cleaning first.

How often should I give a dental chew?
For the best results, consistency is key. One “mechanical” chew (like the sweet potato or carrot) every other day is a grand routine for maintaining a healthy mouth.

Are these safe for puppies?
Puppies with baby teeth should stick to the softer “gum rubs” or chilled carrots. Avoid the rock-hard oat biscuits until their adult teeth have fully erupted to prevent any accidental fractures.