5 Easy Homemade Dog Dental Treats Healthy & Vet-Friendly Options

Homemade dog dental treats can help reduce plaque buildup, freshen breath, and support gum health when made with the right texture and ingredients. Crunchy, chewy, or frozen treats can assist with mild mechanical cleaning while giving your dog a safe and natural reward.

Below are 5 easy homemade dog dental treat recipes made with simple, dog-safe ingredients commonly found in U.S. kitchens. These treats are not a replacement for brushing, but they can support overall oral hygiene.

Why Homemade Dental Treats Help

• Crunchy texture may help reduce plaque buildup

• Fresh herbs can support breath freshness

• No artificial preservatives or additives

• Full control over ingredients

• Budget-friendly alternative to store-bought dental chews

Homemade Dog Dental Treats

1 Mint & Parsley Breath-Freshening Biscuits

Parsley and mint are commonly used for natural breath support. The firm baked texture encourages chewing.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• ⅓ cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet.

2. Combine flour, parsley, and mint in a bowl.

3. Whisk egg and water separately, then mix into dry ingredients.

4. Knead into a smooth dough.

5. Roll to ¼-inch thickness and cut shapes.

6. Bake 20–25 minutes until firm.

7. Cool completely before serving.

2 Frozen Carrot & Bone Broth Chews

Carrots offer natural crunch, and freezing increases firmness for longer chewing time.

Ingredients

• 5 medium carrots

• 2 cups low-sodium bone broth

Instructions

1. Peel and cut carrots into long sticks.

2. Simmer in bone broth for 15 minutes until slightly tender.

3. Cool completely.

4. Freeze on parchment paper for 2–3 hours.

5. Serve frozen for a refreshing chew.

3 Coconut Oil & Turmeric Crunch Cookies

Coconut oil supports gum health, and turmeric is known for anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour

• ¼ cup melted coconut oil

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ⅓ cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix flour and turmeric.

3. Add coconut oil, applesauce, and water.

4. Form dough and knead 2–3 minutes.

5. Roll and cut shapes.

6. Bake 20–25 minutes until crisp.

7. Cool fully.

4 Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews

Chewy texture helps promote jaw activity and mild plaque scraping.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes

Instructions

1. Wash and slice into ¼-inch strips.

2. Place on dehydrator trays.

3. Dehydrate at 130°F (54°C) for 6–8 hours.

4. Cool completely before storing.

Oven alternative: Bake at lowest setting for 3–4 hours, flipping halfway.

5 Chicken Jerky Dental Strips

Lean protein chews encourage chewing while avoiding additives.

Ingredients

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Optional: Light sprinkle of parsley

Instructions

1. Slice chicken into thin strips.

2. Place on dehydrator trays.

3. Dehydrate at 130°F (54°C) for 6–8 hours.

4. Ensure fully dried but not brittle.

5. Cool before storing.

Feeding Guidelines

Dental treats should be given in moderation.

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1 small treat daily

• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–2 treats daily

• Large dogs (50+ lbs): 2–3 treats daily

Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calorie intake.

Important Dental Health Notes

• Dental treats do not replace brushing.

• Avoid ingredients toxic to dogs (onion, garlic, xylitol).

• Monitor chewing to prevent choking.

• Schedule regular veterinary dental exams.

Storage Tips

• Baked treats: Airtight container up to 1 week

• Refrigerated: Up to 2 weeks

• Frozen treats: Up to 3 months

• Dehydrated chews: Store in cool, dry place

FAQs

Do homemade dental treats really clean teeth?

They can assist with mild plaque reduction through chewing action but do not replace brushing or professional cleaning.

Are these safe for puppies?

Yes, but introduce slowly and adjust portion size. Consult your vet for puppies under 6 months.

Can I make these grain-free?

Yes. Substitute oat flour or coconut flour for whole wheat flour if needed.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade dog dental treats allows you to control ingredients while supporting your dog’s oral health. When paired with regular brushing and veterinary care, these natural recipes can be a helpful addition to your dog’s routine.

Simple ingredients, proper texture, and consistent dental care make the difference.