When Ethan’s kisses started to carry a little “doggy breath,” I looked for a gentle, natural way to freshen things up. These homemade dental treats use simple herbs—parsley and mint—plus pantry staples to add crunch that helps scrape light plaque. They’re not a replacement for brushing, but they make daily care easier (and tastier). If you’re new to making treats at home, start here: Homemade Dog Treats Guide. For a contrasting flavor profile focused on gut-friendly comfort, see Healthy Dog Treats (Pumpkin & Coconut).
Why I Love Making This Recipe
Five ingredients, one bowl, and a week’s worth of minty-crunchy rewards. The herbs keep Ethan’s breath pleasantly neutral, the texture satisfies his need to chew, and the short oven time fits right between evening walks. On busy days or when we’re traveling, I’ll swap a serving with a trusted store option like Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats—that way our dental routine never pauses, even if baking does.
Ingredients (Simple & Natural)
| Ingredient | Amount | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh parsley (finely chopped) | 2 tbsp | Chlorophyll helps neutralize odors (fresh breath) |
| Fresh mint leaves (chopped) | 1 tbsp | Cooling, gentle antibacterial vibe |
| Whole wheat flour | 1 cup | Crispy texture that aids light tartar scraping |
| Egg | 1 large | Protein binder for structure |
| Coconut oil (melted) | 1 tbsp | Supports oral microbiome balance |
Safety note: Use culinary mint leaves (not peppermint essential oil). If you want an herbal chew to rotate with homemade treats, consider a brushless option like Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Chews—the herb core echoes this recipe’s fresh-breath idea.
How I Cooked It (Step by Step)
- Prep the herbs and base. Finely chop parsley and mint; toss with whole wheat flour to distribute the herbs evenly. This keeps the green flecks consistent and avoids “herb pockets.”
- Add wet ingredients. Whisk the egg, then fold in melted (cooled) coconut oil. Pour into the flour mix and stir until a soft dough forms. If dry, add 1–2 tsp water; if sticky, dust with a little flour.
- Shape the biscuits. Roll the dough between parchment to ~6–8 mm. Use a bone- or coin-sized cutter. Poke a couple of small holes on each biscuit for airflow; this helps crispness.
- Bake to golden-edges. Place on a lined sheet and bake at 320°F / 160°C for ~25 minutes until edges lightly brown. Crisp edges help the mechanical “scrape” on plaque.
- Cool completely. Let biscuits cool on a rack until fully firm. During this 20-minute window, I often brush Ethan’s teeth with an enzymatic paste—Virbac C.E.T. Toothpaste Kit—so the routine stays consistent.
Tip: I batch-bake on Sundays. If a week gets too hectic, I’ll slot in a ready chew (e.g., Greenies) in place of one homemade serving so the “chew after dinner” ritual never breaks.
Dental Dog Treats Recipe (Parsley & Mint, Vet Approved)
- – Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking tray
- Cooling rack
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves finely chopped
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tbsp coconut oil melted and cooled
- 1️⃣ Prepare the herb base
- Finely chop parsley and mint, then toss with the flour in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed. This keeps herbs from clumping.
- 2️⃣ Mix wet ingredients
- Whisk the egg and combine with melted coconut oil. Pour into the dry mix and stir until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Add 1–2 tsp water only if needed.
- 3️⃣ Shape into biscuits
- Roll out the dough between parchment paper to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into bone or circle shapes. Use a fork or skewer to poke small holes for even baking.
- 4️⃣ Bake until crisp
- Place biscuits on a lined tray and bake at 320°F / 160°C for 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.
- 5️⃣ Cool completely
- Let cool on a rack before serving. Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for 7 days, or refrigerate/freeze for longer shelf life.
Why These Ingredients Help
- Parsley: Chlorophyll can help neutralize odor-causing compounds—nice for day-to-day freshness.
- Mint: A tiny amount offers cooling aroma and a mild antibacterial nudge.
- Coconut oil: Works as a palatable fat to carry herbs and may support oral microbiome balance.
- Whole wheat flour: Bakes to a crisp, increasing the light “scrape” effect as your dog chews.
- Egg: Adds structure and complete protein for sturdy little biscuits.
Want a ready-made rotation to pair with brushing? We maintain a curated list here: Best Dental Dog Treats (Top Rated).
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate)
| Per Treat | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small bone | ~3 g | ~2 g | ~8 g | ~70 kcal |
How we use it: low-fat, crunchy rewards after tooth-brushing or walks. For stronger chew-driven scraping, rotate in a herbal chew like Ark Naturals Brushless.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Daily rhythm: 1–2 small biscuits for most adult dogs; adjust for size and calories.
- Store: airtight jar at room temp up to 7 days; refrigerate 2 weeks; freeze 1 month.
- Travel hack: when you can’t bake, pack a zip bag of Greenies to keep the habit rolling.
My Dog’s Reaction
Day one: crunch-crunch, tail thumps. Day seven: fresher kisses. He expects a biscuit after we brush at night, which makes the whole dental routine feel like a game instead of a chore.
What Vets Usually Say
Homemade dental treats can support a healthy routine but don’t replace brushing. Most vets recommend a simple combo: daily brushing with an enzymatic paste (we use Virbac C.E.T.) + a proven chew like Greenies or herb-forward options (e.g., Ark Naturals Brushless), then schedule professional dental cleanings as advised.
Easy Variations
- Softer bite: add 1–2 tbsp pumpkin purée for moisture (reduce bake time slightly).
- Gentler herb: swap mint for basil or spinach.
- Gluten-sensitive: use oat flour; add 1–2 tsp water if dough feels dry.
FAQ
Do dental dog treats really work?
Short answer: They help, but brushing wins. Details: Chews can reduce soft plaque and keep breath fresher between brushings. For an easy rotation, see our list: Best Dental Dog Treats, and pair with an enzymatic paste like Virbac C.E.T..
Is parsley safe for dogs?
Short answer: In small culinary amounts, yes. Details: Finely chop fresh leaves and avoid essential oils. If you want an herbal chew on non-baking days, rotate Ark Naturals Brushless.
Can mint fix bad breath?
Short answer: It freshens—gently. Details: Mint helps with breath but won’t remove heavy tartar. Use it as part of a routine with daily brushing and a proven chew like Greenies.
How often can I give dental treats?
Short answer: Daily in small amounts fits most adult dogs. Details: Count the calories, watch weight, and anchor the routine around brushing. We use Virbac enzymatic paste nightly, then a tiny chew or a homemade biscuit as a reward.
What naturally removes tartar?
Short answer: Mechanical action. Details: Regular brushing + crisp chews offer the best “scrape.” For store options with strong user trust, browse Best Dental Dog Treats.
Which Dogs Will Enjoy This Recipe
Great for: adult & senior dogs needing a fresh-breath boost and light plaque control. Use caution: confirmed wheat or coconut sensitivities. Always consult your vet for persistent odor (it can signal underlying issues).
Notes
If you prefer ready-made options or need a backup for travel weeks, we keep an up-to-date shortlist here: Best Dental Dog Treats (Top Rated). For nightly brushing, we use Virbac C.E.T., and for “chew reward” rotation we alternate Greenies with Ark Naturals Brushless.
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Final Thoughts
If your pup’s kisses got fresher, we’d love to hear your story below. Save this recipe for your next treat day—and share it with a friend who wants an easy way to keep breath calm and clean.
