Does your dog’s breath make you pull back when they get close? Bad breath is common, but it can also be a sign of dental trouble worth paying attention to.
Plaque and tartar are where most of that smell comes from. Dental chews address the buildup as your dog chews, and the good ones can make a real difference.
This article reviews ten dog breath treats, from Greenies to Pedigree Dentastix, and walks through how to pick one that actually fits your dog.
Here’s the list.
Our 10 Favorite Treats For Dog Breath
Every treat on this list was chosen because it targets the plaque and tartar behind that funky smell. We only included ones dogs actually want to eat, since a chew sitting in the bowl helps nobody.
Several also work the back teeth as your dog gnaws. They help between brushings, but they don’t replace a full dental routine.
Quick Comparison Chart
| # | Product | Our Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Greenies Original Teenies | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Pedigree Dentastix Original | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Chews | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 6 |  |
Old Mother Hubbard Classic Biscuits | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 7 |  |
Arm & Hammer Smoothies Dental Chews | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 8 |  |
Purina DentaLife Adult Large Chews | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 9 |  |
K9 Pro Mint Sticks | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 10 |  |
Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
1. Greenies Original Teenies
A vet-recommended daily dental chew that fights plaque and tartar while freshening breath. The unique texture cleans down to the gumline and supports whole-body health through a balanced oral microbiome.
Pros
- Clinically proven to reduce tartar by 40% in 28 days
- Natural ingredients with vitamins and minerals added
- Unique texture cleans down to the gumline
- Refreshing mint flavor dogs enjoy
- Sized for small breeds 5 to 15 lbs
Cons
- Dogs that gulp rather than chew may face digestive issues
- Breath freshening effect lasts only a few hours
- Wheat and gluten content can cause issues for sensitive dogs
Greenies are consistently among the top-rated dog dental chews on the market, and it’s not hard to see why.
The formula includes vitamins and minerals alongside the natural ingredients, which supports overall health beyond just the teeth.
It’s one of the most established brands in dog dental care, and dogs tend to go after Greenies treats eagerly.
They’re effective at removing tartar and plaque and do a solid job keeping bad breath under control.
2. Pedigree Dentastix Original
An X-shaped dental stick with a chewy texture that scrapes away plaque and tartar as dogs chew. Available in multiple sizes and formulated with real chicken flavor dogs find irresistible.
Pros
- X-shape cleans hard-to-reach areas around teeth
- Clinically proven to reduce tartar buildup
- Available in sizes for all breeds
- No added sugar or fillers
- Affordable multi-pack pricing
Cons
- Large dogs may consume one stick in under a minute
- Not accepted by VOHC for plaque and tartar claims
- May stress the pancreas in dogs prone to pancreatitis
Pedigree Dentastix are one of the most widely recommended bite-sized dental treats on the market, and they come in multiple sizes to fit different breeds.
The clinically proven texture is designed to scrape off plaque and tartar as your dog chews, and the X-shape reaches spots that a straight stick would miss.
They’re available in beef, chicken, and bacon flavors, so picky dogs usually find something they enjoy. Dogs tend to take to them quickly, and the gumline cleaning is a genuine plus for oral health.
3. Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
A VOHC-accepted daily dental chew with nubs and ridges that scrub teeth and reduce tartar. Formulated with calcium to support strong bones and teeth in small dogs.
Pros
- VOHC accepted for tartar and plaque reduction
- Nubs and ridges scrub teeth during chewing
- Calcium helps maintain strong teeth
- Low calorie treat option
- Chicken flavor dogs love
Cons
- Hard texture may be difficult for very small dogs
- Some owners report limited effectiveness for heavy tartar buildup
- Contains artificial preservatives that some owners prefer to avoid
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews are well-regarded in the USA and consistently earn solid marks from owners.
They’re built with nubs and ridges specifically designed to scrub teeth and remove plaque, and they come in multiple sizes.
The treat has held a strong reputation for a long time, which reflects how consistently it works. It also includes vitamins and minerals that support your dog’s overall health alongside fresher breath.
4. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews
The only dental chew containing delmopinol, an ingredient used in human oral rinses to form a barrier against bacteria. Each chew is individually wrapped and designed for once-a-day use.
Pros
- Contains delmopinol for a bacteria-blocking barrier
- Chewing action loosens and dislodges plaque
- Vanilla aroma and poultry flavor dogs enjoy
- Easy to digest and individually wrapped for freshness
- Recommended by veterinarians for their own dogs
Cons
- More expensive than most other dental chews
- Must be properly chewed to deliver delmopinol effectively
- Some dogs experience loose stools after starting use
OraVet is a premium option, and yes, it costs more than most, but the delmopinol formula sets it apart from standard dental chews.
Delmopinol is used in human oral rinses to form a barrier against bacteria, and it works the same way here, reducing the conditions that cause bad breath. The chewing action also helps loosen and dislodge plaque as your dog works through it.
Each chew is individually wrapped, easy to digest, and vet-recommended. If your dog has persistent breath issues and budget isn’t the main concern, it’s a strong choice.
5. Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Chews
A 4-in-1 dental chew with a chewy toothpaste center that polishes teeth while aromatic spices freshen breath. Free from corn, soy, wheat, and artificial ingredients.
Pros
- Toothpaste-filled center helps polish teeth
- Natural aromatic spices freshen breath
- Free from corn, soy, wheat, and artificial ingredients
- Formulated for small breeds 8 to 20 lbs
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some dogs experience vomiting or digestive upset
- Rice ingredient may cause reactions in grain-sensitive dogs
- Large dogs may chew through them too quickly for full benefit
Ark Naturals takes a different approach, using a toothpaste-filled center and aromatic spices to polish teeth and freshen breath rather than relying on mechanical texture alone.
The chew is free from corn, soy, wheat, and artificial ingredients, which makes it a good fit for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain-related sensitivities. It’s designed to reduce plaque buildup while also working as a brushing alternative for dogs who won’t tolerate a toothbrush.
The all-natural formula is gentle on digestion and the USA-made production is a nice bonus for owners who care about sourcing.
6. Old Mother Hubbard Classic Biscuits
Oven-baked biscuits in four natural flavors including chicken, cheddar, and original mix. The crunchy texture helps clean teeth as dogs chew and the recipe skips artificial preservatives.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients including chicken, apples, and carrots
- Crunchy texture helps scrape teeth as dogs chew
- No artificial preservatives added
- Slowly oven-baked to preserve natural flavors
- Mini size ideal for training and daily use
Cons
- Primarily a biscuit treat, not a dedicated dental chew
- Some bags have arrived with biscuits broken inside
- Turmeric-containing varieties can cause yellow staining in the mouth
Old Mother Hubbard biscuits use all-natural ingredients including chicken, apples, mint, parsley, and carrots, with no artificial preservatives.
They’re primarily a biscuit treat rather than a dedicated dental chew, but the crunchy texture does help scrape teeth as dogs chew. They come in multiple sizes and flavors, and the natural recipe makes them one of the gentler options on a dog’s digestive system.
If your dog already loves these as a treat, the incidental breath benefit is a good bonus.
7. Arm & Hammer Smoothies Dental Chews
A baking soda-infused dental chew with specially shaped grooves that mechanically scrub away plaque and tartar. Added calcium supports long-term tooth strength between vet visits.
Pros
- Baking soda formula neutralizes odor-causing bacteria
- Grooves mechanically scrub plaque and tartar
- Added calcium supports strong tooth structure
- Highly digestible and safer than rawhide
- No artificial preservatives in the formula
Cons
- Strong smell that some owners find unpleasant
- Gummy texture can stick in teeth for some dogs
- Sized for medium dogs over 25 lbs, not suitable for smaller breeds
Arm and Hammer Smoothies are a solid pick for dogs with persistent odor issues, combining mint flavor with baking soda to neutralize the bacteria behind bad breath.
The baking soda formula does real work on odor, and the grooves in the chew mechanically scrub plaque and tartar as your dog works through it. Available in single packs and four-packs, they’re made from natural ingredients and include added calcium for tooth strength.
8. Purina DentaLife Adult Large Chews
A VOHC-accepted daily dental chew with eight distinct ridges that clean hard-to-reach back teeth down to the gumline. Scientifically proven to reduce tartar buildup by an average of 57 percent.
Pros
- Scientifically proven to reduce tartar by 57 percent on average
- Eight distinct ridges clean down to the gumline
- No artificial flavors or colors
- VOHC accepted for large dogs 40 lbs and up
- Tasty chicken flavor dogs consistently enjoy
Cons
- VOHC seal covers tartar control only, not plaque
- Contains BHA and BHT preservatives some owners prefer to avoid
- Pricey per chew compared to similar products
Purina DentaLife is designed specifically for large dogs and is VOHC accepted for tartar control in dogs 40 lbs and up.
It’s scientifically proven to reduce tartar by 57 percent on average, and the eight distinct ridges are built to clean down to the gumline including the back teeth that most chews miss. Owners consistently report that their dogs go for these eagerly and that brown tartar buildup noticeably decreases with regular use.
The chicken flavor makes them easy to work into a daily routine, and the texture does a good job cleaning without being hard on large jaws.
9. K9 Pro Mint Sticks
A star-shaped peppermint dental chew made in the USA that's wheat free, gluten free, and low sodium. The star shape is designed to work teeth from multiple angles as dogs chew.
Pros
- Gluten free, wheat free, and low sodium
- Star shape cleans teeth from multiple angles
- Natural peppermint flavor freshens breath
- Works for puppies through senior dogs of all breeds
- Veterinarian approved and made in the USA
Cons
- Proprietary SHM and SCC compounds aren't widely studied
- Limited independent reviews make claims harder to verify
- Softer texture may wear down quickly for aggressive chewers
K9 Pro Mint Sticks are gluten-free, wheat-free, and low-sodium, which makes them a decent option for dogs with sensitivities that rule out some of the bigger brands.
The star shape is designed to clean teeth from multiple angles as your dog chews, and the natural peppermint flavor does freshen breath. They work for puppies through senior dogs and are made in the USA.
10. Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz
A VOHC-accepted dental chew that significantly reduces tartar buildup with a long-lasting chew experience. Recommended by veterinarians and designed for daily use as part of a complete dental routine.
Pros
- VOHC seal of acceptance for tartar control
- Significantly reduces tartar buildup with daily use
- Long-lasting chew keeps dogs occupied
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath
- Recognized by veterinary dental professionals
Cons
- Contains beef hide, which carries rawhide-related risks
- Should be given only under supervision due to choking risk
- Must be given two treats daily for full effectiveness
Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz carry the VOHC seal of acceptance for tartar control and are recognized by veterinary dental professionals, which gives them real credibility.
They’re designed for adult dogs of all sizes and provide a longer chew experience than most treats on this list. Owners report that dogs take to them readily and that breath and tartar both improve with consistent daily use.
The one caveat is that they contain beef hide, so supervision is a good idea to avoid any choking risk.
How To Select The Best Dental Chew For Bad Breath
Not all dental chews are created equal, and picking the wrong one can mean wasted money or a treat your dog flat-out ignores.
Many dogs are picky about flavors, so knowing what your dog already enjoys is a useful starting point before you commit to a bag.
Look for the VOHC seal of acceptance first. Products carrying it have been tested and shown to reduce tartar or plaque, which is a much stronger claim than most generic “dental” labels.
Size matters too. A chew sized for a small breed will be gone in seconds for a large dog, and one sized for large breeds can be a choking risk for a small one.
Taste acceptance is obvious but worth testing. Trying a smaller pack before buying in bulk is smarter than discovering your dog won’t touch it after you’ve bought a month’s supply.
Check the ingredient list carefully. Some dogs are allergic to gluten or wheat, and it’s worth knowing what’s in the chew before you run into a reaction.
Keep an eye on the calorie count as well. Dental chews contribute to your dog’s daily intake, and higher-calorie options can add up quickly for dogs prone to weight gain.
Final Thoughts
Bad breath in dogs is often a sign that bacteria are building up on the teeth and along the gumline, and a quality dental chew can chip away at that problem when used consistently. Greenies Original Teenies topped our list because the texture actually reaches the gumline and the VOHC-approved formula has clinical backing that most breath treats lack.
When choosing a chew, match the size to your dog and check the ingredient list for fillers or artificial sweeteners. A treat made in the USA with a short, readable ingredient list is almost always a safer starting point than one with a long list of unknowns.
The best results come from using dental treats as part of a routine rather than a one-off fix. Pairing them with occasional tooth brushing and regular vet checkups gives your dog the best chance at clean, healthy teeth and genuinely fresh breath.
