Why does my dog have bad breath?

There are many reasons why your dog may have bad breath. Poor dental hygiene is one of the most common causes, but other factors can contribute as well, such as diet, underlying health conditions, and more.

Bad breath is not only unpleasant for you and your dog, but it can also be a sign of poor oral health. If your dog's breath smells particularly foul, it's important to take them to the vet for a check-up. There are many possible causes of bad breath in dogs, but some of the most common include:

Poor dental hygiene

If your dog isn't regularly brushing their teeth or getting professional cleanings, plaque and tartar can build up on their teeth. This can lead to gum disease, which is a major cause of bad breath.

Diet

What your dog eats can also affect their breath. For instance, if they eat a lot of foods that are high in sulfur, such as garlic or eggs, their breath may smell similarly.

Underlying health conditions

Bad breath can also be a symptom of certain health problems, such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. If your dog has other symptoms along with bad breath, it's important to take them to the vet for a check-up.

Natural remedies to get rid of your dog bad breath

• First and foremost, make sure your dog is getting proper oral hygiene. This means regular teeth brushing (daily if possible), as well as professional cleanings by a veterinarian every 6-12 months.

• Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural mouthwash for your dog. Simply add a few tablespoons to a cup of water and use it to rinse your dog's mouth out.

• Another option is to feed your dog raw, unprocessed foods that are rich in enzymes and probiotics. These nutrients can help fight bad bacteria in the mouth and promote a healthy gut.

• Consider giving your dog regular dental chews or bones to help keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh. Look for products that are made with natural ingredients and free of artificial flavors and colors.

Here are our picks;

10 best natural dental chews to get rid of dog bad breath

1. Premium Lamb Tails

Natural Lamb Tails are high-value dehydrated dog chew made from all-natural ingredients for a safe, flavorful, and highly digestible treat. It will keep your dog entertained for hours while also cleaning your dog teeth and gums.

It is a 100% natural dental chew with novel protein and free of any artificial ingredients. These chews are made from 100% natural lamb tails with no preservatives or additives, making them a naturally healthy and appealing treat for your dog. It is suitable for puppies and senior dogs (gentle chewers).

2. Ostrich Crispy Tendon

Our ostrich crispy are 100% ostrich temporal tendon, an earlobe tendon that is thin but wide, making it an excellent flosser but less risk to aggressive chewers. The wide shape engages their mind and body in the activity, while the thin shape makes it safe for dogs and chewers of all sizes and levels, even as a beginner chew to puppies over 12 weeks in age. 

It is a 100% natural dental chew with grain and gluten free and has no preservatives. It is a healthy and nutritious dog treat, suitable for puppies over 12 weeks.

3. Venison Tendon

Natural Venison Tendons are a long-lasting, high-protein dog chew made from 100% single-ingredient venison responsibly sourced from New Zealand. Gently air-dried to preserve natural nutrients, these tough yet digestible chews help support healthy teeth and gums while providing a satisfying chewing experience for your dog.

Venison Tendon chews are 100% natural dental chews with no additives or preservatives, making them a healthy and irresistible option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to common proteins. Grain-free, gluten-free, and perfect natural chew for everyday rewards and enrichment.

4. Ostrich Bone

Premium Giant Ostrich Bone is naturally healthy and made from 100% pure ostrich bone. As a single protein, single ingredient chew, the ostrich bone's unique honeycomb interior makes it safe from splinters, while also helping to scrape off the plaque and tartar from the molars at the back of the teeth.

Ostrich Bone are natural dental chews with no additives or preservatives, low fat, and high protein. It's perfect healthy and nutritious chew for your dog.

 5. Beef Twisted Bladder

Our beef twisted bladder is made of purely rolled up beef bladder and nothing else. Perfect for satisfying their natural chewing instinct, these treats are not only delicious but they’re great for strengthening teeth and gums too. Ideal for training your dog or as a guilt-free snack.

It is 100% natural dental chews, high protein and low fat ingredients. It is also a natural rawhide alternative with grain and gluten free. Suitable for puppies over 12 weeks.

 6. Camel Skin Twist

Made from the skin of the camel, these are twisted into tight roll and dehydrated, the skin of the camel is particular tough and hard, making this a mid to high level natural chew for the dogs. They help in cleaning teeth and massaging gums for teething puppies, and also helps in reducing plaque and tartar buildup for oral health. Camel as a novel protein, makes this ideal for dogs who have allergies or sensitivities and are unable to take regular beef, pork or chicken chews. 

These are great as a low fat chew, and also helps to alleviate boredom and reduce destructive chewing behavior.

7. Freeze-Dried Treats

Freeze-dried treats made from 100% single-ingredient whole meat proteins, perfect for training sessions, puppies, and cats who prefer smaller treats. Each tiny cube is low in calories, making reward time easy, convenient, and guilt-free.

Freeze-dried to preserve natural nutrients and packed fresh in individual sachets, these treats are grain-free, gluten-free, and contain no additives or preservatives. A high-value natural treat made for everyday rewarding and positive training.

8. Ostrich Fan Tendon

Natural Ostrich Fan Tendons are a single-ingredient novel protein chew made for medium to hard chewers who enjoy a meatier texture. With a naturally fibrous and chewy consistency, these low-fat dog chews help support dental health by naturally flossing teeth and gums while also keeping dogs entertained and reducing destructive chewing behavior.

It is 100% natural dental chews, high protein and no additives or preservatives. It is also grain and gluten free. Recommended for small and medium dogs. 

9. Beef Collagen

Natural Beef Collagen Chews are long-lasting, low-fat dog treats made from 100% beef and gently air-dried to preserve natural nutrients. Rich in collagen and protein, these healthy chews help support joint health, muscle maintenance, healthy skin, and a shiny coat, making them a nutritious everyday reward for dogs.

Their durable texture also promotes healthy teeth and gums by helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup during chewing. Ideal for hard chewers and larger dogs, these natural dental chews are grain-free, gluten-free, and made with no additives or preservatives.

10. Goat Skin Roll

Natural Goat Skin Rolls are high-protein dog chews made from 100% goat and gently dehydrated to create a tasty, highly digestible treat. As a novel protein, goat is an excellent option for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins like beef, chicken, or pork, making it a great choice for dogs with allergies.

The loose rolled texture provides a satisfying chew for light to medium chewers while helping support healthy teeth and gums through natural chewing action. Grain-free, gluten-free, and made with no additives or preservatives, these natural dog chews are both nutritious and irresistible.

Conclusion

In some cases, bad breath may be a sign of a more serious health issue, it is important to get to the root of the problem so that you can take steps to get rid of the bad breath. If your dog's breath continue to smell foul, after taking the natural remedies and dental chews, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's breath.