No Bake Breath Mints for Dogs
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We've all been there... One minute we're having a little smoosh and a cuddle with our beloved fur baby.
The next, stunned into shock and, if we're being truly honest, a little disgust at the stench coming from their breath.
And let's not think about all those times they seem to just want to pant directly in your face when watching TV...
Yes, bad breath in dogs is, unfortunately, extremely common, but with these simple to make treats (that your dog is sure to find delightfully delicious), you can finally stay in that cuddle puddle without having to hold your breath.
Table of contents
No Bake Breath Mints for Dogs
The easiest breath mint you'll ever make to put a stop to your dog's bad breath in minutes. Made with wholesome wholefoods and nutrient packed goodies your pup will love.
Ingredients
1 handful of spinach
1 handful of mint leaves
2 tbsp. greek yoghurt
Splash water
Method
- Pop your spinach and mint onto a chopping board and give it a good chop.
- Add to a blender.
- Top up with 2 tbsp. of natural greek yoghurt.
- Add a splash of cold water.
- Whizz together until smooth.
- Pour into ice cube moulds (extra points if they're bone or paw shaped)
- Place them in your freezer until frozen solid.
- Give them to your pup as and when needed to curb their bad breath!
@yearsuk The easiest breath mint recipe for your dog #dogrecipe #dogtreats #dogfood #dognutrition #dogmum ♬ original sound - YEARS UK
Top breath mint tip
For an added gut health boost for your dog, you can also make these tasty treats with kefir. This fermented milk product just so happens to be a probiotic powerhouse packed with good bacteria and yeasts that can help restore gut balance, improve digestion and boost immune health.
Can dog's eat spinach?
When we added this recipe to our TikTok a little while ago, one of the standout questions was, can dog's eat spinach?
It's a fair question, as there are some rumblings in the dogosphere that this leafy green veg isn't the best for your pup due to its high oxalic acid content, which has been linked to things like:
- Kidney damage
- Bladder stones
That said, spinach itself isn't toxic to your dog and brings with it a whole host of healthy nutrients for your pup in the form of vitamins A, B, C, K, iron, and antioxidants.
It is the general consensus within the dog nutrition community that your dog would have to consume a HUGE amount of spinach for these issues to arise.
So, in short, yes, dog's can eat spinach, but it is best served in controlled amounts suitable for the size of your dog:
- Small Dogs: 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Medium Dogs: 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Large Dogs: Up to 1/4 cup
Some experts also recommend you to gently cook spinach before serving to your pup also without any salt, oils or extras.
While we've used raw spinach here and whizzed it all up, you could absolutely wilt your spinach down if you'd prefer.
If your dog has a preexisting health condition like kidney disease or renal issues, it is best to consult your vet before adding spinach in any form to their diet.
Why make dog breath mints?
Let us counter this question with a why not make dog breath mints...? Ah, we jest!
We also get it, sometimes your dog's breath smells like they've been snacking on something they picked up out of the bin and ageing cheese at once, and it's not pleasant, at. all!
And it's only natural to try to find a quick fix for your dog's bad breath. The thing is, many of those store bought "fixes" are packed with hidden nasties, artificial additives, flavours... the list goes on.
By whipping up a batch of these dog bad breath busting treats, you can give them something that actually works and you know exactly what's in them too (they'll also save you a pretty penny, which in this economy... win!).
In short, save money, tailor everything to your picky fluff gremlin’s taste and tummy, and feel happy knowing you’re upgrading their oral health instead of just masking the stench.
How many dog breath mints can your pup enjoy?
Each dog is different so what one pup may enjoy could be entirely different to another, but as a general guide:
Small dogs: ½ a breath mint
Medium dogs: 1 breath mint
Large dogs: 1–2 breath mints
This is assuming you've used a standard sized ice cub mould to make your breath mints.
Adjust depending on your dog’s size, activity level, and daily food intake. Even healthy treats should fit into your dog’s overall nutrition plan.
For small dogs, it's also a good ice to break the mints up into smaller pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
And don’t forget, if introducing a new food to your pup, do so slowly over the course of 7-10 days to reduce the risk of digestive upset.
If you do happen to notice any adverse reactions, contact your vet immediately.
Final thoughts
These homemade dog breath mints aren’t about turning your dog into a minty fresh angel (let’s be realistic), but they are a simple, low effort way to upgrade their oral health while making those close up cuddle moments far less… confronting.
Plus, by swapping mystery ingredients for real ones, you'll be doing your dog a solid, and reclaiming your right to breathe comfortably during face licks (whether you want them or not!).
Can dogs have mint for bad breath?
Yes, but only in small, controlled amounts. Fresh mint can help freshen your dog’s breath because it contains natural compounds that reduce odour causing bacteria. That said, you should avoid strong or concentrated forms like essential oils, which can be too harsh. Stick to small amounts of fresh mint leaves mixed into treats, and always introduce it gradually to make sure your dog tolerates it well.
Is Greek yoghurt safe to include in dog breath mints?
In most cases, yes. Plain, unsweetened Greek yoghurt can be a great addition because it contains probiotics, which support gut health, and that can indirectly improve breath if digestive issues are part of the problem. Just make sure it contains no added sugar or sweeteners (especially xylitol) and your dog isn’t lactose intolerant. If your dog handles dairy well, it can be a useful, nutritious ingredient.
When should you see a vet about your dog’s bad breath?
If your dog’s breath is consistently strong or suddenly gets worse, it’s worth paying attention. Contact your vet if you notice, a rotting or unusually foul smell. Red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Difficulty eating or chewing. Excessive drooling
Bad breath is often linked to dental disease, but it can also signal underlying health issues. If in doubt, it’s always better to check.
Are homemade breath mints enough to keep your dog’s teeth healthy?
Not on their own. Think of them as a helpful extra, not a replacement for proper dental care. For best results, combine them with, regular tooth brushing and routine vet checkups. Homemade mints can help freshen breath and support oral health, but they work best as part of a broader routine.
How often can you give your dog homemade breath mints?
Moderation is key. For most dogs, one small mint per day is plenty. Giving too many, even healthy ones, can upset your dog’s stomach or add unnecessary calories. Start small, monitor how your dog responds, and adjust based on their size, diet, and overall health.
