12 Best Dog Breath Fresheners

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You need the best dog breath freshener if you’re dealing with dog dental problems or stinky breath. Luckily, many teeth-cleaning products are effective in giving your pup good dental hygiene.

For many dog parents, turning away canine kisses is not an option, but it can be difficult to embrace those kisses if your pup has smelly breath. Dogs can’t brush their teeth themselves, so it’s up to you to help keep their mouths healthy. “Periodontal disease has been associated with canine cognitive dysfunction or doggy dementia; therefore, it is important to reduce or eliminate periodontal disease as your dog ages,” says veterinarian Dr. Terry Fossum. “I highly recommend that you take your dog to your veterinarian on a regular basis for dental checkups and cleaning as needed.”

When using the best dog breath fresheners, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by your dog’s fresh breath when they jump up to give you a slobbery kiss. If you’re unsure where to find one of these life-changing products, we’ve provided some information to help you narrow down your search.

At A Glance: 12 Best Dog Breath Fresheners

Now, let’s take a closer look at each featured product, comparing the pros and cons.

1. Arm & Hammer for Fresh Breath Dental Spray
2. Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Dental Spray
3. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Water Additives for Dogs
4. GREENIES Original Dental Chews for Dogs
5. Vetality Breath Freshener For Dogs
6. Milk-Bone Dog Treats Fresh Breath Brushing Chews
7. Ark Naturals Gray Muzzle Brushless Toothpaste
8. BARK Bright Dental Sticks for Medium Dogs Chews
9. Purina DentaLife Oral Care Adult Dog Chew Treats
10. Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Care Solution
11. Minties VetIQ Dog Dental Bone Treats
12. iHeartDogs Brushy Sticks Dental Treats

1. Arm & Hammer for Fresh Breath Dental Spray – Best for all types of dogs

Dental sprays are not only easy to use, but they also provide instant results. For fresh pet breath, Arm & Hammer is an excellent dental spray. It helps your dog’s teeth stay shiny and healthy while eliminating bad breath. The product is safe for daily use as it contains natural ingredients like baking soda.

This product is formulated with safe ingredients that work as dog breath fresheners to fight and reduce tartar buildup and whiten your dog’s teeth. To use this product, spray it directly onto your dog’s teeth and gums. The effect is instantaneous, and you will notice a significant improvement in the smell of their breath.

Key Features:

• Formulated with natural ingredients
• Infused with baking soda
• Suitable for all dogs
• Its herbs help soothe sensitive and inflamed gums

In A Nutshell:

This spray is a safe, convenient option for dogs of all ages and breeds. However, it can be difficult to clean large dogs’ teeth with this small spray.

Pros

• Gentle and effective
• Uses baking soda as a primary ingredient
• Eliminates odor and keeps teeth healthy
• Environment-friendly

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The spray bottle may not work well

 

 

Related: 7 Tips & Tricks for Managing That Funky Dog Smell

2. Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Dental Spray – Most natural ingredients

With Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Tooth Spray, you can help support your pet’s dental health and freshen their breath. This highly effective, great-tasting spray contains natural ingredients with antiseptic properties that don’t just cover up bad smells. Instead, they work at the enzymatic level to help eliminate the root cause of bad breath: plaque, tartar, and bacteria.

To use, you can spray it directly into the mouth daily or add it to a bowl of water to give your furry friend sweet-smelling, kissable breath and healthier teeth and gums. This alcohol-free dog deodorant does not contain anything that could upset the stomach, and it’s grain-free for dogs with allergies. The spray destroys plaque and tartar and reduces the risk of oral diseases for pets by applying its antiseptic properties.

Key Features:

• Eliminates bad breath, gum diseases, and tartar
• All-natural ingredients
• Improves dental and gut health
• Alcohol-free with non-toxic ingredients

In A Nutshell:

This breath freshener improves dental and gut health with natural ingredients, but some dog parents dislike it because the bottle can be difficult to spray.

Pros

• 100% hypoallergenic
• Non-Toxic
• Alcohol-free
• Eliminates plaque and tartar
• Easy to use

Cons

• Some dogs don’t like its flavor

 

 

3. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Water Additives for Dogs – Easiest to use

Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Liquid is an additive that can easily be mixed into a bowl of water. It’s a popular alternative to sprays and tooth brushing because you don’t have to hold your dog’s mouth open to use it.

This product is made with ingredients clinically proven to reduce plaque that harbors bacteria. This helps pet parents establish a daily routine of proper dental care that can prolong pets’ lives. The water additive gently controls plaque and tartar while freshening breath.

The solution is made with patented Denta-C, which is a blend of scientifically-formulated ingredients such as vitamin C and sodium hexametaphosphate, which have been shown to reduce plaque, promote healthy teeth and gums, and leave dogs with clean breath.

Key Features:

• Controls plaque and tartar buildup
• Easy-to-use liquid formula
• Made in the USA
• Stores at room temperature

In A Nutshell:

This best dog breath freshener is made with Denta-C, which is scientifically proven to reduce plaque that harbors bacteria. Even though it’s easy to use, it’s not a substitute for brushing or professional cleaning, but it’s helpful between cleanings.

Pros

• Helps maintain a clean, healthy mouth
• Easy to use by adding to a water bowl
• Suitable for all types of dogs
• Uses scientifically-formulated ingredients

Cons

• May make dogs sick in high doses

 

Want to add vitamins to your dog’s diet? Check out the 10 Best Dog Multivitamin Products.

4. GREENIES Original Dental Chews for Dogs – Best texture

Greenies are one of the leading names in canine dental products, and the company makes chews for pets of all sizes. There are five sizes available to appeal to dogs of all breeds, but the Greenies Original Chews for Large Dogs are the most popular.

One Greenies dental treat a day is enough to give your happy dog clean teeth and fresh breath. Many dogs can’t wait to sink their teeth into these delicious, original-tasting dog chews. The texture will scrape off plaque as they chew. These chews are also designed with a unique shape to maximize cleaning efficiency.

When fed daily, Greenies dental chews for dogs are scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and maintain healthy gums. They have been awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Acceptance Council (VOHC) for plaque and tartar control.

Key Features:

• Clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and maintain healthy gums when fed daily
• Unique shape designed to maximize cleaning effectiveness
• VOHC seal of acceptance for plaque and tartar control
• Available in 5 sizes to suit different breeds

In A Nutshell:

This dog breath freshener is designed to support teeth and jaw development in the convenient form of a treat. Yet, one downside is that these chews can be a bit pricey if you use them daily as recommended.

Pros

• Made from highly digestible ingredients
• Convenient
• Flexible texture
• Appealing flavor
• Come in a variety of sizes

Cons

• Expensive

 

 

5. Vetality Breath Freshener For Dogs – Best flavored freshener

Vetality’s Brushless Oral Gel is the latest advancement in pet oral care. When applied, it bonds to your pet’s gums and provides a whole week of dental support. The way to use this product is simple; twist the treat like a deodorant capsule, have your dog lick the delicious treat, and let the product freshen their breath and clean their teeth.

This vet-approved breath freshener will target plaque and tartar to eliminate all sources of foul odors and keep them from returning. It can also whiten teeth to enhance your pup’s beautiful smile. If you’re looking for something to clean your dog’s gums, this versatile breath freshener will accomplish that too!

No brushing means no mess. Plus, your dog will likely beg for this flavorful product every morning.

Key Features:

• ProLong Technology cleans pets’ teeth for a whole week
• Fights bad breath, plaque, and tartar
• Whitens and brightens teeth
• No brushing needed
• Delicious chicken flavor pets love

In A Nutshell:

This unique product helps freshen breath and clean teeth when your dog licks it. The flavor is appealing to most pups. Yet, the only downside is that it doesn’t work as quickly as some of the other products.

Pros

• Promotes healthy gums
• Approved by vets
• Tasty and effective oral gel
• Easy to use
• Not messy

Cons

• Doesn’t freshen breath immediately

 

6. Milk-Bone Dog Treats Fresh Breath Brushing Chews – Most affordable freshener

You can conveniently help your dog fight bad breath with Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews. The patented design supports healthy teeth and gums because of the ridges that work like bristles to help remove tartar and plaque as your pup chews.

These treats are made without artificial flavors and have a fresh mint taste derived from real mint. They’re fortified with calcium to help support strong teeth and bones. They also have the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC) accepted seal for tartar control. These treats, which have different sizes for different breeds, are effective in eliminating bad breath, thanks to their fresh flavor.

Key Features:

• Has the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) accepted seal
• The ridges freshen breath and encourage healthy gums
• Made without artificial flavors
• Helps fight against plaque and tartar
• Has a natural mint flavor

In A Nutshell:

These naturally-flavored treats are a great short-term method for fighting bad breath and dental diseases. However, the taste may be unappealing for some dogs.

Pros

• Comes in a resealable bag
• Has a VOHC accepted seal
• Combats lousy breath with mint
• Fortified with calcium for strong teeth
• Affordable
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Some dogs don’t like the flavor

 

 

7. Ark Naturals Gray Muzzle Brushless Toothpaste – Best for senior dogs

No dog is immune to bad breath, so these treats can help. These curved dog breath fresheners are specially designed for older dogs, specifically five years or older. The chews reduce plaque and tartar as your dog gnaws on their textured surface. They also contain DHA to support their cognitive health and calcium for their teeth and bones.

The Ark Naturals Gray Muzzle Brushless Senior Dog Dental Treatments are made in the USA with all-natural cinnamon, spearmint, and clove. Together, these ingredients help freshen breath. There are small or large chews, depending on your dog’s breed.

These vet-recommended chews are gluten-free, easy to digest, and soft, making them especially suitable for older dogs with sensitive teeth. These treats are a way to take care of your pup’s dental health in between cleanings.

Key Features:

• Helps fight bacteria and freshens breath
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Contains spearmint to freshen the breath
• Contains DHA, calcium, and prebiotics to support your puppy’s overall health
• Softer for senior dogs

In A Nutshell:

The abrasive, crispy texture helps beat plaque and tartar with natural ingredients like alfalfa, cinnamon, spearmint, and clove. However, these chews are harder than described, so seniors missing teeth may not be able to chew them.

Pros

• Designed for senior dogs
• The curved design keeps dogs occupied for a while
• Freshens breath
• Promotes healthy gums
• Convenient
• Approved by vets

Cons

• Might be too hard for some senior dogs

 

 

8. BARK Bright Dental Sticks for Medium Dogs Chews – Best chicken-flavored

Cleaning your dog’s teeth can be as easy as a few chews. These dental sticks are designed to be used with BARK Bright Dog Toothpaste (sold separately), and they are a simple and effective way to help you deal with your dog’s bad breath. The toothpaste helps clean your dog’s teeth further as they chew, and no brushing is necessary.

The chews are made with real chicken to give them a flavor most dogs will love. BARK Bright Dog Dental Chews break up problematic residue on your dog’s teeth as they chew. These treats will become a healthy daily routine for your pup. The pack comes with 30 chews that are ideal for dogs between 20 and 50 pounds.

Key Features:

• Made in the USA
• Made with real chicken
• No grain, corn, or soy
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Works with dog toothpaste

In A Nutshell:

These dental sticks are safe to give every day, and they can be used with triple enzyme toothpaste to help clean teeth and freshen breath better. However, the toothpaste is sold separately.

Pros

• All ingredients are sourced in the U.S. and Finland
• Convenient
• Removes food residue as your dog chews
• Lactose-free and grain-free
• Safe for puppies that have their permanent teeth
• Sticks can be broken in half for smaller dogs

Cons

• For full effect, you’ll need to buy toothpaste separately

 

9. Purina DentaLife Oral Care Adult Dog Chew Treats – Best long-lasting chews

Purina DentaLife Oral Care Mini Adult Dog Chews have everything you could want if you’re looking for the best breath fresheners for small dogs. Each bite’s unique design and texture ensures that chewing takes them up to the gumline to fight bad breath at the source. These treats are made in the USA and forgo artificial flavors. Instead, they’re made with an all-natural blend that highlights honey and spirulina.

DentaLife makes dogs chew to clean even hard-to-reach areas at the back of the mouth. By doing so, this product can provide excellent cleaning that has been scientifically-proven to reduce tartar formation. Many dogs can’t resist these chews because of their healthy ingredients and delicious chicken flavoring. These treats are an easy, convenient way to give your pup fresh breath and help them live longer. The packages come with 58 to 90 chews, so it will take your pup a while to go through them all.

Key Features:

• Innovative design with a chewy, porous texture
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Proudly produced in USA facilities
• Ideal for small (5-20 lbs.) adult dogs

In A Nutshell:

Dog parents like that these chews have a distinct chicken flavor that many dogs find pleasing. However, this product is only recommended for small dogs.

Pros

• Made in USA facilities
• Convenient
• Fights against plaque and tartar
• Chicken-flavored
• Made from natural ingredients
• Freshens breath long-term

Cons

• Only for small dogs (5-20 lbs.)

 

 

10. Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Care Solution – Best brush-free freshener

The OxyFresh Oral Care Additive is a fast-acting water additive formulated to fight plaque, support healthy gums, and provide the freshest breath possible. A key feature is that it’s both tasteless and odorless, so your dog won’t even notice if you add it to their regular water. If your dog can easily detect other water additives and doesn’t respond well to them, you may find success with this one.

By age three, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have periodontal disease that can take years off an animal’s life. Oxyfresh has been developed with a patented blend of Oxygene® and zinc. It cleans teeth and gums safely and effectively, freshens bad breath, and is suitable for all animals, including dogs and cats. Oxyfresh non-toxic water additive is a convenient way to take care of your dog’s dental health.

Key Features:

• Made in the USA
• No alcohol, dyes, or artificial flavors
• Freshens bad breath
• Promotes healthy gums
• Fights plaque and tartar

In A Nutshell:

This product gets to the root cause of bad breath and has natural properties that fight plaque and control tartar, so it’s one of the easiest ways to provide oral hygiene care. However, it has a slight sodium content, which could cause reactions in some dogs.

Pros

• Cleans without brushing
• Easy to use
• It’s tasteless and odorless
• Free of artificial flavors, dyes, and alcohol
• Veterinarian-recommended

Cons

• It is slightly high in sodium

 

 

11. Minties VetIQ Dog Dental Bone Treats – Easiest to Digest

As the name suggests, Minties Dog Dental Bone Treats have an excellent minty flavor to freshen your dog’s breath. The bones include natural ingredients like alfalfa, parsley, fennel, dill, and mint. The ingredients make the chews taste more pleasant for dogs, and it will make their kisses more enjoyable for you.

Of course, it’s not just the fresh scent. Chewing on these foods will allow your dog to actively scrub their teeth to remove plaque and keep tartar in check. These products are also free of wheat, corn, gluten, and soy, making them great for nutritionally sensitive dogs. They have a unique texture that scrapes off plaque and tartar as your dog chews on them.

Key Features:

• Minties for dogs are veterinarian-grade dental treats
• Includes natural breath-freshening ingredients
• Uses a Triple Action Formula that helps give your dog a healthy mouth and kissable fresh breath
• Easily digestible and wheat-free

In A Nutshell:

These chews smell fresh, and they’re easy for dogs to digest. The unique texture helps keep teeth and gums clean as your pup chews. The one downside is that older dogs may have trouble chewing the treats.

Pros

• Veterinarian-recommended
• Removes plaque and tartar
• Easy to digest
• Made with natural ingredients
• Ideal alternative for toothbrush

Cons

• May be difficult for senior dogs to chew

 

12. iHeartDogs Brushy Sticks Dental Treats – Most convenient

iHeartDogs Brushy Sticks are chewable treats that help clean your pup’s teeth as they eat them. These dog breath fresheners are chicken-flavored so most dogs won’t be able to resist the taste. They’re also grain-free to cater to dogs with allergies. The chews include parsley to fight bad breath germs and calcium to support bone development.

When your dog chews on these, the treats can clean teeth and gums, freshen breath, and reduce tartar build-up. The texture of the treats helps scrape off the tartar while also massaging the gums. Your dog will think they’re enjoying a regular treat without realizing that it’s benefiting their dental hygiene. These chews come in either mini or large sizes, and every bag purchased donates seven healthy meals to shelter dogs.

Key Features:

• Convenient sticks that taste like chicken chews
• Texture scrapes off tartar and massages gums
• Parsley helps freshen breath
• Different sizes for different breeds
• Uses chicken, parsley, and calcium for a health boost

In A Nutshell:

These chicken-flavored sticks seem like an everyday treat for dogs, but they will freshen your dog’s breath and clean their teeth as they’re chewing. However, dogs who don’t like to chew on treats might find them uninteresting.

Pros

• Convenient
• Chicken-flavored
• Cleans teeth, gums, and mouths
• Reduces tartar buildup
• Comes in two sizes
• Donates meals to shelter animals

Cons

• May be difficult for older dogs to chew

 

 

Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Dog Breath Freshener?

With so many dog breath fresheners, how do you choose the best one for your dog? Before you decide where to spend your hard-earned money, there are some essential things to consider, such as the following.

Ingredients

Be sure to check what each product contains. If all ingredients are natural, they’ll be safer for your dog’s health. If your dog has any allergies or sensitivities, check to make sure those items aren’t included. You can also check the reviews to make sure the ingredients didn’t cause reactions for other dogs. Steer clear of toxic ingredients like xylitol.

Size of Your Dog

This may not matter if you’re opting for a spray or water additive, but if you’re buying chews, make sure they’re suitable for your dog’s size. For example, a large, hard chew may be too much for a puppy or small dog with missing teeth. Also, a chew designed for small breeds may become a choking hazard for large dogs.

Of course, many brands offer chews in various sizes, so you can choose a bigger or smaller one depending on your pup’s weight.

Consider Treats with the VOHC Seal

The VOHC seal comes from the veterinary oral health council, and products with this seal have been recognized for helping minimize plaque and tartar on pets’ teeth. Some companies will also display an NASC seal of quality, meaning the supplement meets certain quality and labeling standards. Others may just say “vet-recommended,” which is still a sign of good quality.

Conclusion

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best thing you can do for your dog’s dental health, but not all dogs make tooth brushing easy. Other products like water additives, sprays, and chews can help freshen a dog’s breath between brushings. With all that in mind, what are the best breath fresheners to buy for your dog?

You can consider this list and also talk to your veterinarian about options for your dog’s dental health. As with most health problems, prevention is the best cure, so grab dog breath fresheners and have your dog use them regularly. If your dog’s bad breath ever gets uncontrollable, you may need to seek out medical treatment to fix it. So, start using dental products for your pup before it’s too late!

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