Homemade Dog Dental Treat using Mint & Parsley

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.

Is your dog’s breath making you cringe? It’s not just a stinky inconvenience. Bad breath usually means there’s something going on with their teeth, and that can mess with their health in bigger ways.

Don’t just shrug it off. Dental problems get worse fast, and nobody wants to see their dog in pain or rack up big vet bills. The upside? You don’t have to wait for a crisis. You can actually help from home, starting with a quick fix in your own kitchen.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and whip up a dog dental treat that keeps your dog’s mouth fresh and healthy.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dental treat recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake.
• It uses natural ingredients like mint and parsley to freshen breath and support oral hygiene.
• Each batch yields around 30-40 small treats, depending on how you cut them.

Ingredients List

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (approx. $0.50)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (approx. $0.40). You can use oat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (approx. $1.50)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (approx. $1.50)
• 1 egg (approx. $0.30)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (approx. $0.25)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (approx. $0.15)
• 2 tablespoons water, or as needed (approx. $0.01)
• Pinch of baking soda (approx. $0.05)

Total Estimated Cost: $4.66

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, finely chopped mint, finely chopped parsley, and baking soda.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, applesauce, and melted coconut oil.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Mix until just combined.
• Add water a tablespoon at a time until you get a firm dough that you can roll out.
• Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out desired shapes.
• Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm.
• Let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 treats per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 treats per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 3-4 treats per day.
• Puppies and senior dogs might need softer treats. You can adjust baking time slightly to keep them a bit chewier.
• Always talk to your vet to figure out the best feeding plan for your dog, especially if they have health conditions or are pregnant/nursing.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Mint: Helps freshen breath and supports digestion.
• Parsley: Another great breath freshener, also packed with vitamins K and C.
• Rolled Oats: A good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, gentle on sensitive stomachs.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Provides fiber and some protein.
• Eggs: Excellent source of protein and essential amino acids.
• Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and fiber, and it’s full of vitamins A and C.
• Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which can support skin and coat health, and also has antimicrobial properties.
• Baking Soda: A small amount can help with texture and doesn’t harm dogs.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen treats in the refrigerator overnight or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Serve them as a reward or a daily breath-freshening snack.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can. Use 1 teaspoon of dried mint and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every 1/4 cup of fresh herbs. But fresh herbs generally offer more potent benefits and flavor.

My dog won’t eat them. What can I do?

Sometimes dogs are picky. Try breaking the treats into smaller pieces, or mixing them with a tiny bit of peanut butter (xylitol-free) to get them interested. You can also try different shapes or sizes.

Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?

If your dog has a wheat allergy, use oat flour or almond flour instead of whole wheat flour. For other allergies, check each ingredient carefully. Coconut oil is generally safe, but always introduce new foods slowly.

How do these treats help with dental health?

The texture of these treats can help scrape away plaque, and the mint and parsley naturally combat bad breath. They aren’t a substitute for brushing, but they are a great complementary tool.

Wrapping Up

Making your own dog treats is easy and a fantastic way to support your dog’s dental health and fresh breath. Try this recipe to give your furry friend a delicious, healthy boost.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Treats board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!