Your best friend probably shows you affection by saturating your face with its enormous tongue, but although it’s gratifying, the doggy breath can make the experience unpleasant. You can find several products that combat bad breath, and we’ve compiled the best products on the market to help you fight your pet’s embarrassing halitosis. Using our reviews and buyer’s guide, you will not have to sift through hundreds of products to find the ideal breath freshener for your pup.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Greenies Fresh Dental Treat
Vet recommended
High protein content
Removes tartar and freshens breath
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Best Value
TropiClean Fresh Sticks
Grain-free
Affordable
Made with natural ingredients
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Premium Choice
Virbac Fr3sh Dog Chews
Vegetarian recipe
Removes plaque and tartar
Z-shaped chews last longer
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Best for Puppies
TropiClean Fresh Breath
Affordable
Ideal for puppies
Designed for all breeds
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Petkin Fresh Mint Pet Wipe
Inexpensive
Easier than using a brush
Great for puppies and adults
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The 10 Best Dog Breath Fresheners
Brushing your dog’s teeth can effectively treat bad breath, but the process is challenging when your pet does not want to cooperate. With Greenies Fresh Regular Dental Dog Treats, you can freshen your pup’s breath without the ordeal. We examined several chewable products, but Greenies walked away with the best overall dog breath freshener reward. Greenies are vet-recommended treats; they’re accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). The textured treats are designed to remove tartar and freshen foul doggy breath. They’re packed with minerals and vitamins and contain 30% crude protein to support your carnivorous pet’s health and development.
Type: Dog treats
Size: 12-count
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Greenies freshen breath, and canines love it, unlike some of its competitors. The flavor of some dental chews turns off some dogs, but they happily accept Greenies and enjoy the minty flavor. We could not find any significant issues with Greenies, but the recipe contains wheat flour and is not suitable for canines with allergies to wheat or gluten.
Pros
High protein content
Removes tartar and freshens breath
Dogs love the flavor
Vet recommended
Cons
Contains wheat flour
TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Sticks grabbed the prize for the best dog freshener for the money. The T-shaped treats are designed with ridges to reach all teeth and simulate brushing. They’re made with natural ingredients and have a minty-vanilla flavor to eliminate foul breath. TropiClean sticks are suitable for dogs that are at least six months old and weigh at least 5 pounds. They can be served to your dog every day to keep its breath fresh, and the chewy texture helps remove plaque and tartar.
High protein content
Removes tartar and freshens breath
Dogs love the flavor
Vet recommended
- High protein content
- Removes tartar and freshens breath
- Dogs love the flavor
- Vet recommended
Contains wheat flour
- Contains wheat flour
TropiClean does not have a long track record like Greenies, but dogs seem to enjoy the flavor, and their owners are pleased with the results. The 12-count package is much more affordable than its competitors, and the only problem with the product is the staining that occurs when a dog eats a stick on a light surface.
Pros
Removes plaque and tartar
Affordable
Grain-free
Made with natural ingredients
Cons
Dental sticks stain light surfaces
Several companies use pork or poultry gelatin in their breath fresheners, but Virbac’s C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews only uses plant-based ingredients. They’re ideal for dogs who are allergic to pork and poultry products, and compared to competitors’ treats, VeggieDents last much longer and give your dog’s teeth a thorough cleaning. The Z-shaped treats are more manageable for your pet to grip, and they effectively eliminate bad breath.
Removes plaque and tartar
Affordable
Grain-free
Made with natural ingredients
- Removes plaque and tartar
- Affordable
- Grain-free
- Made with natural ingredients
Dental sticks stain light surfaces
- Dental sticks stain light surfaces
Type: Dog treats
Size: 30-count
Several customers mentioned that their pets chew the VeggieDent much longer than other brands, and they were pleased with how well the sticks freshen breath. Virbac produces other products for various breed sizes, but these are designed for medium-sized dogs that weigh 22—66 pounds. VeggieDent Chews are excellent breath fresheners, but they leave a sticky residue on the dogs’ paws.
Pros
Vegetarian recipe
Z-shaped chews last longer
Removes plaque and tartar
Cons
Leaves paws sticky
Battling puppy breath is sometimes more difficult than dealing with bad adult breath. Most manufacturers do not make dental chews for young pups, and brushing a puppy’s teeth can be agonizing. We chose the TropiClean Fresh Breath Dog Water Additive as the best alternative to brushing a young pup’s teeth. You only have to add a tablespoon of the additive to your pet’s water bowl every time you refill it to reduce plaque build-up and freshen breath. Unlike some other fresheners, TropiClean takes several days to freshen breath. The manufacturer claims that its product can take up to 2 weeks to work, but it keeps breath fresh for 12 hours. The additive is supposed to be odorless, but some dogs could detect the aroma and did not drink the water.
Vegetarian recipe
Z-shaped chews last longer
Removes plaque and tartar
- Vegetarian recipe
- Z-shaped chews last longer
- Removes plaque and tartar
Leaves paws sticky
- Leaves paws sticky
Type: Liquid additive
Size: 33.8 ounces
Pros
Affordable
Ideal for puppies
Designed for all breeds
Cons
Some dogs dislike the flavor
5. Petkin Fresh Mint Dog & Cat Plaque Tooth Wipes
Many pet parents search for alternatives to brushing because their pets will not allow them to use a brush on their teeth, and some dogs try to gnaw on the brush when it enters their mouths. With Petkin’s Fresh Mint Dog and Cat Plaque Tooth Wipes, you can throw away the brush and clean your pup’s teeth by wiping them with disposable wipes. Petkin uses an old-fashioned recipe to freshen breath and remove tartar. Only baking soda, cetylpyridinium chloride, and mint flavor are used in the formula. Dogs that are too young to use dental chews can use the wipes safely, and they’re less expensive than practically every other brand.
Affordable
Ideal for puppies
Designed for all breeds
- Affordable
- Ideal for puppies
- Designed for all breeds
Some dogs dislike the flavor
- Some dogs dislike the flavor
Type: Tooth wipes
Size: 40 count
Although most customers were happy with the Petkin wipes, some complained that the wipes were not very durable, and they had to use more than one to clean their pet’s teeth. However, they’re priced so low that you do not waste much money when using more than one.
Pros
Inexpensive
Easier than using a brush
Great for puppies and adults
Cons
Not durable
- Milk-Bone Original Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats
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Type: Dog treats
Size: 38-count
Milk-Bone has been making dog treats since 1908, and their Original Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats are a hit with dogs and their owners. The dental treats are textured with raised knobs that clean plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach places and the twisted design turns around in your dog’s mouth to cover more area. They’re clinically proven to reduce tartar and freshen breath, and the manufacturer claims they’re as effective as brushing your dog’s teeth twice a week. The Milk-Bone recipe is loaded with 12 vitamins and minerals to keep your dog’s teeth strong, and the treats are available in multiple sizes and quantities.
Inexpensive
Easier than using a brush
Great for puppies and adults
- Inexpensive
- Easier than using a brush
- Great for puppies and adults
Not durable
- Not durable
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Type: Dog treats
Size: 38-count
Dogs overwhelmingly liked the flavor of the Milk-Bone treats, but they have a longer ingredient list than most dental sticks and contain preservatives and artificial colors.
Pros
Removes tartar and plaque
Affordable
Available in several sizes and bag counts
Cons
Contains artificial colors and preservatives
- Pedigree Dentastix Fresh Mint Flavored Dental Treat
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Type: Dog treats
Size: 36-count
The Pedigree Dentasix Fresh Mint Flavored Large Dental Dog Treats have a patented X-shape design that helps remove plaque and tartar build-up. Dentastix treats are much larger than other dental treats, and they’re only suitable for dogs over 30 pounds. When you own a giant pup, you probably do not look forward to brushing its teeth. Larger dogs have more powerful jaws than smaller breeds, and your hand is more vulnerable to injuries from menacing teeth. Dentastix treats clean your dog’s teeth effectively and reduce the need for daily brushing. However, some customers mentioned that the dental sticks caused their pets to have loose stools.
Removes tartar and plaque
Affordable
Available in several sizes and bag counts
- Removes tartar and plaque
- Affordable
- Available in several sizes and bag counts
Contains artificial colors and preservatives
- Contains artificial colors and preservatives
Type: Dog treats
Size: 36-count
Pros
Affordable
Cleans teeth and gums
Leaves breath minty fresh
Cons
Only for dogs weighing 30 pounds or more
Some pets had loose stools
VetIQ Minties Medium/Large Dental Dog Treats use five natural ingredients to freshen breath: peppermint, alfalfa, fennel, dill, and parsley. They’re gluten-free and contain no wheat, soy, or artificial flavors. Minties are designed with raised bumps to help remove plaque and tartar, and the all-natural breath freshener keeps your pet’s breath fresh and minty. Although the treats are made for medium and large breeds, several dog owners complained that they were too small for their big dogs. VetIQ advertises the treats as comparable to Greenies, but the Minties dissolve faster and are less effective at removing tartar build-up. If you have a large dog, we suggest using Greenies or another large dental stick to prevent choking.
Affordable
Cleans teeth and gums
Leaves breath minty fresh
- Affordable
- Cleans teeth and gums
- Leaves breath minty fresh
Only for dogs weighing 30 pounds or more
Some pets had loose stools
- Only for dogs weighing 30 pounds or more
- Some pets had loose stools
Type: Dog treats
Size: 20-count
Pros
No soy, wheat, or artificial flavors
Gluten-free recipe
Inexpensive
Cons
Too small for large breeds
Not long-lasting like competitors
Arm & Hammer Dental Advanced Care Fresh Breath and Whitening Dental Mints uses baking soda to freshen doggy breath and clean teeth. The treats are made with dehydrated chicken to make them more appetizing and peppermint to freshen foul breath. Although they’re advertised as crunchy and chewy, several customers mentioned that the mints are too soft for their dogs. They’re also made for all breeds, but they’re only suitable for smaller dogs. Most dogs devour them without spending too much time chewing, and while they freshen breath, they’re not effective in removing tartar or plaque. We suggest using a larger, denser dental stick if you have a big canine.
No soy, wheat, or artificial flavors
Gluten-free recipe
Inexpensive
- No soy, wheat, or artificial flavors
- Gluten-free recipe
- Inexpensive
Too small for large breeds
Not long-lasting like competitors
- Too small for large breeds
- Not long-lasting like competitors
Type: Dog treats
Size: 40-count
Pros
Affordable
Uses baking soda and peppermint
Cons
Too small for most breeds
Dogs swallow them whole
Blue Buffalo transformed the pet food market by offering premium, high-protein meals for dogs and cats. Its Dental Bones All-Natural Rawhide-Free Large Dental Dog Treats use natural ingredients like alfalfa, parsley, and rosemary to freshen breath. The treats do not contain soy, wheat, or animal byproducts, and they rely on plant-based components to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Blue Buffalo is a trusted brand, but the biggest problem with the treats is the taste. Some dogs dislike the flavor and drop the bones without chewing them. Also, they’re more expensive than most competitors and can only be consumed by large dogs weighing at least 50 pounds.
Affordable
Uses baking soda and peppermint
- Affordable
- Uses baking soda and peppermint
Too small for most breeds
Dogs swallow them whole
- Too small for most breeds
- Dogs swallow them whole
Type: Dog treats
Size: 24-count
Pros
All-natural ingredients
No soy, wheat, or animal by-products
Cons
Expensive
Some dogs dislike the taste
Only for dogs over 50 pounds
All-natural ingredients
No soy, wheat, or animal by-products
- All-natural ingredients
- No soy, wheat, or animal by-products
Expensive
Some dogs dislike the taste
Only for dogs over 50 pounds
- Expensive
- Some dogs dislike the taste
- Only for dogs over 50 pounds
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Breath Fresheners
Which one appeals to you the most of the products we reviewed? If you’re still undecided, you can look at our tips for evaluating the dog fresheners.
Dog Breath Freshener Type
Most of the fresheners in our reviews are dog treats that freshen breath and remove tartar build-up, but some brands are more effective than others. Nearly every treat improved smelly breath, but some did not clean teeth very well. If your dog devours the treat without chewing, the product will not remove tartar or plaque. The best treats were dense enough and large enough that dogs spent several minutes chewing before they dissolved. If you have a large canine that tends to woof down its food, try to buy the largest size available. Dogs that eat faster are more likely to choke on a tiny treat.
The wipes and liquid additive products are less successful at eliminating tartar and plaque than chew treats, but they’re excellent options for pets who dislike the flavor of dental sticks. We chose the TropiClean Fresh Breath Dog Water Additive for puppies because most chews are too large for little dogs, and puppies with growing teeth are more vulnerable to dental injuries from hard materials. Most dogs must be 6 months old before they can chew treats safely.
You can also use the dental wipes on puppies and dogs who dislike the taste of liquid additives in the water. For larger dogs with sharp teeth, the wipes break apart quicker and require several pieces to clean teeth properly. However, they’re inexpensive and seem to freshen breath and clean teeth well.
Dog Breath Freshener Ingredients
Although most pet parents thoroughly examine the ingredients and descriptions of dog food, some are less concerned about the treats. The nutritional content may seem less important since they’re fed to pets less frequently than dog food. However, the treats can cause digestive issues if your canine is allergic to one of the ingredients. Some of the treats are only composed of a few natural ingredients, and others are loaded with fillers, preservatives, and animal products. If your dog has a pork or poultry allergy, you can find several products, like our third pick (Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent), that are composed of plant-based ingredients.
Dog Breath Freshener Treat Density
When you prefer using dental treats to freshen smelly breath, look for long-lasting products. If your dog can chew the treat in less than a minute, it’s better to look for another brand. Our top three picks were durable enough to keep dogs chewing for several minutes, and they seem to remove plaque and tarter much better than the crumbly products.
Pet Preferences
Unfortunately, some of the premium fresheners are not loved by dogs, and owners are disappointed when they must throw away a pricey box. Dogs are less fussy about treats than felines, but they’re not likely to warm up to treats they dislike. Try not to be discouraged if your dog ignores a highly rated freshener; you may have to try several brands before finding one your pet enjoys.
Dog Breath Freshener Price
The treats, wipes, and additives are reasonably priced, but a few of the brands, like our tenth pick, cost a bit too much for their quantities. If you’re trying to save a few dollars but still want a quality product, we suggest using Petkin tooth wipes or Milk-Bone Original Brushing Chews.
Conclusion
You have several options for eliminating your pet’s foul breath, and our ten selections can keep your dog’s teeth healthy and fresh. Our overall winner is Greenies Fresh Regular Dental Dog Treats. Greenies have an appealing flavor that dogs love, and they do a fantastic job on smelly breath and grimy teeth. Compared to the other treats, Greenies have more crude protein. Our next pick, TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Sticks, are long-lasting dental treats that are appetizing and inexpensive. We hope that our reviews and guide will help your pup achieve fresh breath.
Featured Image Credit: Chewy
