Bad breath in dogs can be unpleasant and may signal health issues. Choosing the right dog food helps improve your pet’s breath effectively.
Bad breath often comes from bacteria build-up in a dog’s mouth. Some dog foods contain ingredients that reduce this bacteria and freshen breath. Feeding your dog such foods supports dental health and overall wellness. This guide shares the best dog foods that fight bad breath.
You will learn what to look for and which ingredients help keep your dog’s mouth clean. A healthy diet can make a big difference in your dog’s breath and happiness. Simple changes in food can lead to fresher breath and a happier pet.
Our Top Picks
8 Best Dog Foods For Bad Breath
1. Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care, Adult 1-6, Plaque & Tartar Buildup Support, Dry Dog Food, Chicken, Rice, & Barley, 4 lb Bag
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- Manufacturer: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
- Dimensions: Height: 11.25 inches Width: 5.5 Inches Length: 7.25 Inches Weight: 4.0 Pounds `
Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care supports healthy teeth and gums for adult dogs. Made with chicken, rice, and barley, it offers a tasty and balanced meal. Special ingredients help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Easy to chew and gentle on your dog’s stomach. Perfect for dogs aged 1 to 6 years who need daily oral care.
Advantages
- Supports healthy teeth by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
- Made with chicken, rice, and barley for good nutrition.
- Helps keep your dog’s breath fresher every day.
- Designed for adult dogs aged 1 to 6 years.
- Easy-to-digest formula promotes overall digestive health.
Our Recommendations
This dry dog food helped reduce my dog’s plaque and tartar quickly. The chicken, rice, and barley mix smells good and my dog enjoys eating it. Teeth look cleaner after a few weeks of feeding. Easy to serve and store in the 4 lb bag. Perfect for adult dogs aged 1 to 6 years. Healthy and tasty option for daily feeding. Teeth care made simple and natural.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Manufacturer: Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches Width: 8.25 inches Length: 13.25 inches Weight: 5.0 Pounds `
Small breed dogs enjoy this natural dry food made with real chicken and brown rice. It supports healthy muscles and strong bones with balanced nutrients. Every bite is crafted to meet the specific needs of adult small dogs. Packed in a 5-lb trial size bag, it offers a convenient way to try quality nutrition. Digestive health is promoted with added natural fibers and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for pet owners who want a simple, healthy meal for their furry friends.
Advantages
- Supports small breed dogs with balanced nutrition and real chicken.
- Promotes healthy digestion with natural fibers and wholesome ingredients.
- Helps maintain strong muscles and bones with added vitamins and minerals.
- Contains antioxidants to support a healthy immune system daily.
- Offers a trial size bag, perfect for testing your dog’s taste.
Our Recommendations
My small dog loves the Blue Buffalo Life Protection dry food. She eats it eagerly every day. The chicken and brown rice mix smells fresh and natural. I noticed her coat looks shinier and softer after a few weeks. The 5-lb trial size is perfect to test before buying a bigger bag. This food seems healthy and easy for her to digest. Feeding time is now more enjoyable for both of us. Great option for small breed adult dogs.
3. ARK NATURALS Breath Bursts Brushless Toothpaste Dog Treats, Dog Dental Bits for Small Breeds, Unique Texture Helps Clean Teeth & Freshen Breath, Peppermint, 4 oz, 1 Pack
- Brand: ARK NATURALS
- Manufacturer: Ark Naturals Company
- Color: White
- Dimensions: Weight: 0.25 pounds `
Dogs enjoy ARK NATURALS Breath Bursts Brushless Toothpaste Dog Treats. Their unique texture helps clean teeth gently and effectively. Peppermint flavor freshens breath naturally. Small breed dogs find these dental bits easy to chew. A tasty way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy daily. Simple and safe for regular use.
Advantages
- Helps clean teeth with a unique, chewable texture.
- Freshens breath with natural peppermint flavor.
- Designed specifically for small breed dogs.
- Easy to give, no brushing required.
- Supports healthy gums and reduces plaque buildup.
Our Recommendations
My small dog loves these dental bits. The peppermint flavor is fresh but not strong. Teeth look cleaner after a few treats. The texture seems to help remove plaque gently. Easy to give and my dog waits for more. Breath smells better, even after playtime. Perfect size for tiny mouths, no choking worries. A simple way to keep my dog’s teeth healthy.
4. Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care, Adult 1-6, Small & Mini Breeds Plaque & Tartar Buildup Support, Dry Dog Food, Chicken, Rice, & Barley, 4 lb Bag
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- Manufacturer: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
- Color: White
- Dimensions: Height: 11.25982 inches Width: 7.4803 inches Length: 5.27558 inches Weight: 4.0 pounds `
Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care helps keep your small dog’s teeth clean and healthy. This dry food supports plaque and tartar control with a special kibble texture. Made with real chicken, rice, and barley, it offers balanced nutrition. Perfect for adult dogs aged 1 to 6 in small and mini breeds. Your pet will enjoy tasty meals that also protect their smile. Easy to digest and made with quality ingredients.
Advantages
- Supports healthy teeth by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
- Made with chicken, rice, and barley for tasty, balanced meals.
- Specially designed for small and mini adult dog breeds.
- Helps maintain fresh breath and overall oral health.
- Easy-to-digest formula keeps your dog feeling great daily.
Our Recommendations
My small dog enjoys Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care dry food every day. Teeth look cleaner, and breath smells fresher after a few weeks. The chicken, rice, and barley mix tastes good to him. Easy to serve and store in the 4 lb bag. Noticeable less plaque and tartar buildup so far. A healthy choice for adult small and mini breeds.
5. Arm & Hammer for Pets Nubbies Dental Treats for Dogs with Baking Soda and Calcium, Treat Chews Help Fight Bad Breath, Plaque & Tartar without Brushing, Peanut Butter, 20 Pcs (Packaging may vary)
- Brand: Arm & Hammer
- Manufacturer: Fetch for Pets
- Color: Natural
- Dimensions: Height: 8.66 inches Width: 5.51 inches Length: 2.76 inches Weight: 0.474 Pounds `
Arm & Hammer for Pets Nubbies Dental Treats help keep dogs’ teeth clean and fresh. Baking soda and calcium work together to fight bad breath, plaque, and tartar. These peanut butter chews make dental care easy without brushing. Dogs enjoy the tasty treats while staying healthy. Each pack includes 20 pieces for regular use. Packaging may vary but quality stays the same.
Advantages
- Freshens Breath Naturally
- Arm & Hammer Dental Treats fight bad breath effectively. Baking soda helps keep your dog’s breath fresh without brushing.
- Reduces Plaque and Tartar
- These treats target plaque and tartar. They work to improve dental health with every chew.
- Packed with Calcium
- Calcium supports strong teeth and bones. It contributes to overall oral health for your dog.
- Delicious Peanut Butter Flavor
- Dogs love the peanut butter taste. Makes dental care enjoyable for your pet.
- Convenient and Easy to Use
- No brushing needed. Simply give your dog one treat daily.
Our Recommendations
My dog loves the peanut butter flavor of these dental treats. They chew them quickly and happily. Bad breath has improved a lot since we started using these treats. Teeth look cleaner, and I feel good about their dental health. Easy to give and a nice size for my dog’s mouth. No brushing needed, which saves time and effort. The packaging is simple but keeps the treats fresh. Great value with 20 pieces inside. A helpful addition to my pet’s daily care routine.
6. Minties Dental Chews for Dogs, 60 Count, Vet-Recommended Mint-Flavored Treats for Medium Dogs 25-50 lbs, Bones Clean Teeth, Fight Bad Breath, and Removes Plaque and Tartar
- Brand: Minties
- Manufacturer: NPIC
- Color: Green
- Dimensions: Height: 11.88 Inches Width: 10.8 Inches Length: 4.25 Inches Weight: 3.12 pounds `
Minties Dental Chews help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. These treats fight bad breath and remove plaque and tartar. Vet-recommended and mint-flavored, they make dental care easy and tasty. Perfect for medium dogs weighing 25-50 lbs. Each pack contains 60 chews for long-lasting freshness and care.
Advantages
- Helps clean teeth by reducing plaque and tartar build-up.
- Fights bad breath with a fresh, minty flavor dogs enjoy.
- Supports dental health with vet-recommended ingredients and design.
- Suitable for medium dogs weighing between 25 and 50 pounds.
- Provides a tasty treat that also promotes strong, healthy bones.
Our Recommendations
Minties Dental Chews are fantastic for my dog’s dental health. My medium-sized dog loves the mint flavor. Each chew helps clean teeth effectively. Bad breath is no longer a problem in our house. Plaque and tartar build-up has visibly reduced. The vet recommended these, and I see why. Chews are the perfect size for dogs between 25-50 lbs. Easy to use and very effective. Great value with 60 chews in one pack. Keeps my pet’s teeth clean and breath fresh.
7. ARK NATURALS Brushless Toothpaste, Dog Dental Chews for Large Breeds, Freshens Breath, Helps Reduce Plaque & Tartar, 18oz, 1 Pack
- Brand: ARK NATURALS
- Manufacturer: Ark Naturals Company
- Color: Green/Beige
- Dimensions: Height: 8.0 inches Width: 3.5 inches Length: 9.75 inches Weight: 1.1 pounds `
ARK NATURALS Brushless Toothpaste helps keep your large dog’s teeth clean and healthy. Its dental chews freshen breath and fight plaque buildup. This 18oz pack makes dental care easy without brushing. Perfect for large breeds needing extra dental support. Your dog will enjoy a fresher mouth after each chew. Safe ingredients work gently on teeth and gums.
Advantages
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar for healthier teeth.
- Freshens breath to keep your dog’s mouth clean.
- Suitable for large breeds with a brushless formula.
- Supports dental health without the need for brushing.
- Easy to use and gentle on your dog’s gums.
Our Recommendations
My dog loves the ARK NATURALS Brushless Toothpaste chews. Breath smells fresher after just a week. Plaque and tartar seem much less on his teeth now. These chews are perfect for large dogs like mine. Easy to give and my dog enjoys the taste. I feel good knowing it helps his dental health. Worth trying if your dog needs better breath and cleaner teeth.
8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Manufacturer: Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches Width: 8.25 inches Length: 13.25 inches Weight: 5.0 pounds `
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula offers natural ingredients like real chicken and brown rice. This dry dog food supports healthy muscles and strong bones. Your dog will enjoy the tasty, crunchy kibbles made with wholesome nutrients. Perfect for adult dogs needing balanced meals in a small 5-lb trial size. Trusted by pet owners who want quality and nutrition for their pets.
Advantages
- Supports strong muscles with real chicken as the first ingredient.
- Promotes healthy digestion thanks to natural fibers and rice.
- Contains antioxidants that help keep your dog’s immune system strong.
- Provides balanced nutrition for energy and overall well-being.
- Made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives for safety.
Our Recommendations
My dog loves the taste of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. The chicken and brown rice mix smells fresh and natural. After a week, my dog’s coat looks shinier and healthier. Easy to serve with no mess or crumbs. The 5-lb trial size is perfect to test before buying bigger bags. I feel good feeding my dog food with real ingredients. No upset stomach or allergies so far. It keeps my dog full and happy between meals. A solid choice for adult dogs needing balanced nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Help Reduce Dog Bad Breath?
Ingredients like parsley, mint, and coconut oil freshen breath naturally.
Can Dental Chews Improve My Dog’s Bad Breath?
Yes, dental chews help clean teeth and reduce bacteria causing bad breath.
How Often Should I Change My Dog’s Food For Breath Issues?
Switching to fresh breath dog food can be done gradually over 7-10 days.
Does Wet Or Dry Dog Food Affect Bad Breath More?
Dry food helps reduce plaque better, which can improve bad breath.
Buying Guide On Best Dog Foods For Bad Breath
1. Check Ingredients That Fight Bad Breath
Look for natural ingredients like parsley and mint. These help freshen your dog’s breath. Avoid foods with fillers and artificial additives. High-quality proteins and fibers support better digestion and oral health.
2. Choose Foods with Dental Benefits
Some dog foods have crunchy textures that clean teeth. This reduces plaque and tartar build-up. Kibble designed for dental health helps maintain fresh breath. Soft foods may not clean teeth as well.
3. Consider Your Dog’s Health Needs
Select food based on your dog’s size and age. Puppies and seniors have different nutritional needs. Dogs with allergies need special formulas. Always check for sensitive stomach or skin issues before buying.
4. Read Reviews and Ratings
Find honest feedback from other dog owners. Reviews reveal how well the food controls bad breath. Look for consistent positive comments about breath and health. Avoid foods with many complaints about smell or quality.
5. Consult Your Veterinarian
Your vet can suggest the best food for bad breath. They know your dog’s health history. Some breath problems need medical treatment. Vet advice ensures safe and effective food choices.
6. Test Small Amounts First
Buy small bags or samples to test the food. Watch how your dog reacts to the taste and smell. Check if bad breath improves in a few weeks. Stop using the food if your dog has a bad reaction.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog food can help tackle bad breath in dogs. A balanced diet with natural ingredients is key. Opt for foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients promote oral health and fresh breath. Crunchy kibble can also aid in cleaning teeth.
It acts like a natural toothbrush, reducing plaque buildup. Avoid foods with artificial additives and fillers. They may worsen the problem. Consider foods specially formulated for oral health. They often contain added enzymes to fight bacteria. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important.
Combine a good diet with proper dental care for best results. Your dog deserves a healthy mouth and fresh breath. It keeps them happy and comfortable. Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog. So, invest in their oral health through good nutrition.
Your furry friend will thank you with every fresh breath.