Homemade Fresh Breath Dog Treats

I love my dogs’ wet, sloppy kisses … especially after they’ve enjoyed one of these homemade treats. I call them Fresh Breath Dog Biscuits because these bark-worthy bites feature breath-freshening herbs. Mixed with gluten-free flours and other wholesome ingredients, these dog treats are healthy, easy-to-make, and bound to make your pup’s tail wag!

Watch Recipe Tutorial

A Look At The Ingredients

Oat Flour – Oat flour is simply oats ground up into a fine powder. As such, it provides all the natural goodness of oatmeal: fiber, protein, various vitamins, and key minerals. They’re great for both heart and digestive health, just to name a few benefits. While oats are considered gluten-free they are sometimes grown in fields along with gluten products so there could be cross-contamination. If you want your dog eating completely gluten-free then look for oats that have the “gluten-free” label. HERE is the oat flour that I use!

Coconut Flour – Coconut flour is naturally gluten-free and grain-free. This delicious smelling ingredient offers fiber, good fat, and protein. HERE is the coconut flour that I use!

Mint – In moderation, mint is great for your pup’s breath and digestive health. According to the Continental Kennel Club, wild mint, spearmint, and peppermint are all non-toxic to dogs. The only species that you must watch out for is English pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). 

Parsley – Parsley is another fresh breath herb that can benefit your pooch when consumed in moderation. It’s considered safe in dried and fresh forms and has been known to fight inflammation, soothe stomach upset, fight arthritis, fight urinary tract infections, and aid detoxification.

Eggs – While used as a binder in this recipe, eggs do offer up a nice boost of protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Find out more about eggs for dogs in our Food Facts feature HERE.  

Coconut Oil – This superfood touts antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. It’s also been linked to increased nutrient absorption and improved digestion. In moderation, coconut oil is great for dogs!

A Note On Measuring Flour

When measuring flour, a lot of people have the urge to take their measuring cup, stick it in the flour bag, and scoop. Does that sound familiar? While it may be the easiest way to gather a cup of flour, it won’t leave you with an accurate measurement. Instead, all of my recipes use the traditional “spoon and level” method.

So:

  1. Take a spoon and fluffy up the flour so it is no longer compacted in the bag or canister.
  2. Spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup until it reaches the top.
  3. Use the back of a knife to level off the flour.
  4. Do not compact it, tap it, or press it down. Just leave it fluffy.

Cookie Cutter

If you ask me, cookie cutters are like potato chips: You can’t have just one! But, if you’re just starting your collection, I highly recommend grabbing one that’s shaped like a bone. I get such a kick out of making pretty treats! 

The Recipe

Print

Fresh Breath Dog Treats

Ingredients

  • 3 cups oat flour
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350º and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set Aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oat flour, coconut flour, mint, and parsley.
  • Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add remaining wet ingredients. Mix together with a spoon or fork.
  • With your hands, knead dough for several minutes, eventually forming a dough ball.
  • Sandwich dough ball between two sheets of parchment paper and roll flat (about 1/4″ thick) with a rolling pin.
  • Using a cookie cutter, stamp out biscuits.
  • Place biscuits on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Stinky Dog Breath? Get Your Dog’s Teeth Checked!

Please note: If your dog has stinky breath, that’s a sign of poor dental health.

Unfortunately, more than 70 percent of dogs and cats will reportedly suffer from periodontal disease (AKA gum disease) by the time they’re just two years old. Unless you take action early on, your dog’s teeth will just worsen with age.

If your pup’s teeth don’t get any TLC, they will start to build up plaque. If plaque remains on the teeth long enough to harden, it becomes tartar. Since tartar irritates the gums, it leads to inflammation (AKA gingivitis). Swollen, red, and even bleeding gums are not normal and need to be checked by a vet immediately.

This all causes some pretty stinky dog breath. Plus, poor dental health can impact your pup’s heart, liver, and kidneys.

One of the best things you can do for your dog’s teeth is to brush them regularly. Check out our toothbrushing tutorial HERE!

The post Homemade Fresh Breath Dog Treats appeared first on Proud Dog Mom.



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