Is your dog's breath less than fresh? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many dog owners struggle with managing their furry friend's oral hygiene. Luckily, there's a wide variety of products available to combat bad breath and maintain healthy teeth and gums. This comprehensive guide reviews eight of the best dog breath fresheners on the market in 2022, comparing their effectiveness, convenience, and overall value. From vet-recommended treats to convenient water additives and easy-to-use wipes, we've got you covered. We'll explore the pros and cons of each product, helping you make an informed decision based on your dog's breed, size, and individual needs.This detailed review examines various options, including chews designed for different sizes and breeds, water additives for effortless application, and even dental wipes for quick cleanups. We'll delve into the ingredients, effectiveness, and potential drawbacks of each product, helping you navigate the world of dog dental care. Whether you're looking for a long-term solution or a quick fix, this guide will help you find the perfect breath freshener to keep your canine companion's breath smelling its best – and their teeth healthy and strong.
Pros And Cons
- Five natural ingredients (peppermint, alfalfa, fennel, dill, parsley)
- Gluten-free
- No wheat, soy, or artificial flavors
- Raised bumps remove plaque and tartar
- Freshens breath
- Too small for some large dogs
- Dissolves faster than Greenies
- Less effective at removing tartar than Greenies
- All-natural, rawhide-free
- Uses natural ingredients (alfalfa, parsley, rosemary)
- No soy, wheat, or animal byproducts
- Some dogs dislike the flavor
- Textured to clean plaque and tartar
- Twisted design covers more area
- Clinically proven to freshen breath
- As effective as brushing twice a week
- Loaded with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Plant-based ingredients
- Ideal for dogs allergic to pork and poultry
- Z-shaped for easy gripping
- Effectively eliminates bad breath
- Leaves a sticky residue
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Greenies Regular Natural Dog Dental Chews
Greenies are a popular choice, earning the 'best overall' title for their effectiveness in freshening dog breath. These vet-recommended treats are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), lending credibility to their claims.
Their textured design helps remove tartar and plaque, tackling the root cause of bad breath. Beyond breath freshening, Greenies also offer added nutritional benefits with minerals and vitamins, supporting your dog's overall health.
While effective, the convenience of Greenies comes at a price. They can be more expensive than other options on the market.
Vetoquinol CET Veterinary Oral Hygiene Chews
Vetoquinol CET chews stand out with their plant-based ingredients, making them a suitable choice for dogs with poultry or pork allergies. The Z-shaped design is also cleverly crafted to be easier for dogs to grip and chew effectively.
These chews effectively combat bad breath and are more manageable for many dogs than other similar products on the market. However, the Z-shape might not be ideal for all breeds or sizes of dogs.
While effective, the texture and shape may impact the chewability and appeal compared to other products.
Tropiclean Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive
For puppies, brushing teeth can be a challenge. Tropiclean's water additive offers a convenient alternative. Simply add it to your pup's water bowl for a simple approach to fresher breath.
This additive helps reduce plaque buildup, leading to fresher breath over time. While convenient, it might take up to two weeks to see full results, and the effect lasts around 12 hours.
It's a great option for those who struggle to brush their puppies' teeth regularly or need a supplement to other dental care products.
Petkin Fresh Mint Plaque Tooth Wipes
If brushing is a battle, Petkin's tooth wipes provide a simple, no-fuss solution. These disposable wipes effectively clean your dog's teeth, eliminating the need for a toothbrush and the associated struggles.
The wipes feature a fresh mint flavor, leaving your dog's breath smelling clean. However, they may not be as thorough as brushing and might not address severe tartar buildup.
Consider these wipes as a supplemental cleaning method or for occasional quick freshening when brushing isn't feasible.
Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews
Milk-Bone's Brushing Chews are a long-standing favorite with a textured design to clean plaque and tartar. The unique shape helps them reach hard-to-clean areas of the mouth effectively.
The treats are clinically proven to freshen breath and claim effectiveness comparable to brushing twice a week. These chews offer a convenient alternative to daily brushing, while also providing nutritional benefits.
However, the effectiveness might vary from dog to dog, and their primary purpose is breath freshening through mechanical cleaning rather than a deep clean.
Pedigree Dentastix Dental Dog Treats
Pedigree Dentastix are designed for larger dogs (over 30 pounds), offering a solution for owners who find brushing their bigger breeds challenging. Their unique X-shaped design aids in plaque and tartar removal.
The larger size makes them suitable for powerful jaws, reducing the risk of injury during brushing. While effective for larger dogs, their size might not be appropriate for smaller breeds.
The convenience for larger dog owners makes these chews an excellent option, but the effectiveness may vary and they should be complemented with a regular brushing schedule.
Minty's Dog Dental Bone Treats
Minty's treats use natural ingredients like peppermint, parsley, and dill for a fresh breath. They're gluten-free and lack artificial flavors, suitable for dogs with sensitive diets.
The raised bumps assist in plaque and tartar removal. However, some owners report that the treats are too small for larger breeds and dissolve quicker than expected.
While a good natural alternative, their effectiveness and size might limit their appeal to certain breeds and may need supplementing with other products.
Blue Buffalo Dental Chew Dog Treats
From a trusted brand, Blue Buffalo's dental chews use natural ingredients like alfalfa and rosemary to freshen breath. They're free from soy, wheat, and animal byproducts.
The treats aim for a holistic approach to dental health. However, some dogs find the taste unappealing and refuse to chew them completely.
These chews offer a natural approach but their palatability may be a significant drawback. It’s important to consider your dog's preferences before purchasing.