Looking after your dog’s teeth and oral health is every bit as vital as feeding them the right foods and making sure they’re getting enough exercise. Your dog needs strong teeth to chew their food properly, and keeping their breath fresh is also important - nobody wants kisses from a pup with bad breath!
So, how can you strengthen your dog’s teeth and give them the best possible oral care? Dental chews and sticks are one of the easiest, most effective ways of keeping your pup’s mouth and teeth healthy.
While you can buy canine dental chews at most pet stores and online retailers, some pet owners prefer to take the DIY route. So, if you want to learn how to make homemade dog dental chews, this guide has everything you need to know!
If you don’t have time for DIY dog dental chews, or you’re looking for a simpler solution that will start protecting your dog’s oral health today, invest in your pup’s wellbeing with Mighty Munch’s premium dog dental chews - made locally in a human-grade facility!
The Importance of Canine Dental Health
Just like us, dogs can suffer from various dental issues, such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay, which can lead to more serious issues if not properly addressed. Before we talk about how to make homemade dog dental chews, let’s take a look at why your dog’s oral care matters.
Preventing Bad Breath
One of the biggest benefits of good dental care for your dog is the prevention of bad breath. Plaque and tartar buildup in a dog’s mouth can harbour bacteria, which leads to unpleasant odours. Regular dental chews and proper oral hygiene can help keep your dog’s breath (and their kisses!) fresh.
Reducing the Risk of Dental Diseases
Dental diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease are common in dogs, especially as they age. These conditions can cause pain and tooth loss, and can even be deadly if bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream.
So, are dental sticks good for dogs teeth? Yes! If you’re wondering how to prevent dental disease in dogs, using dental chews can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases and help keep your pup’s oral hygiene on track for a long, healthy life.
Saving on Vet Costs
Preventive dental care can save you significant vet costs in the long run. Treating advanced dental diseases often requires professional cleaning, extractions, and other procedures that can leave you seriously out of pocket. Regular at-home dental care can help avoid these costly treatments.
Why Dental Chews are a Great Choice for Dogs
Dental sticks aren’t the only way you can keep your dog’s breath fresh and mouth clean - you can also try other options like brushing or flossing your dog’s teeth. That said, dental chews are the preferred choice of most pet owners - here’s why.
Convenient and Easy to Use
If you’ve ever tried to brush your dog’s teeth, you’ll know that it can be a huge struggle! Most dogs really don’t like having their teeth brushed, and may even try to nip at you to get that brush out of their mouth - it’s uncomfortable and makes them gag.
Dental chews are a much more dog-friendly choice. They taste great, your pup can gnaw on them as they please, and you don’t have to spend hours with the dreaded toothbrush in hand trying to convince your dog to let you brush their teeth. Everyone wins!
Provides Mental Stimulation
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs that provides mental stimulation and helps alleviate boredom. Dental chews offer a safe and satisfying way for dogs to indulge in their chewing instincts. This can be particularly beneficial for puppies and active dogs who need extra mental engagement.
Supports Jaw Strength
When it comes to dental sticks vs floss, one big advantage of dental sticks is that they can help your dog strengthen their jaw. Strong jaw muscles enable your dog to chew their food more effectively, which in turn helps your dog absorb more vital nutrients with every bite.
Homemade Dog Dental Chews: Recipes and Tips
So, for those who want to explore DIY dog dental chews, let’s take a look at some homemade dog dental chews recipes. Here are a few of our favourites.
Parsley and Mint Dental Chews
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or a grain-free alternative)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup water
- 1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, parsley, and mint. In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, water, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut the dough into sticks and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. Let the chews cool completely before serving them to your pup.
Sweet Potato and Turmeric Chews
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 2 ½ cups brown rice flour (or another alternative)
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 165°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, brown rice flour, and turmeric. Add the melted coconut oil and water, mixing until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, and cut the dough into sticks or desired shapes. Place the chews on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until they are dry and firm, and let them cool completely.
Peanut Butter and Carrot Chews
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 2 ½ cups oat flour (or another alternative)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the grated carrots and oat flour. In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, water, and honey.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, and cut the dough into sticks or fun shapes using cookie cutters. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm, then cool.
Tips for Making DIY Dog Dental Chews
The most important thing to keep in mind when making homemade dog dental chews is to always use pet-friendly ingredients. Avoid using artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol as it is toxic to dogs, and adjust the ingredients if your dog has any allergies or sensitivities.
It’s also important to get the texture right. Your DIY dog dental chews should be firm enough to help clean your dog’s teeth but not too hard to cause damage. Adjust baking times as needed to achieve the right consistency.
You’ll also need to think about dosage - how many dental sticks can a dog have a day? Generally, one stick per day is recommended, and although the sticks are healthy, it’s important to consider the calories they’ll add to your dog’s diet - you might want to cut down on their other sticks.
When can you give puppies dental sticks? The general rule is around 6 months, but if you’re not sure, ask your vet for tips or advice for your specific pup. Also, store your DIY dog dental chews in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
Are DIY Dog Dental Chews Worth the Work?
As you can see from the homemade dog dental chews recipes above, making your own DIY dog dental sticks is a significant time investment. When you add that to the cost of the ingredients, is it really worth it to make homemade dog dental sticks?
Look, if you have a free weekend and you want to give it a try, or if your dog has an extremely restricted diet, then go for it! But remember that your dog’s dental care isn’t something you can only address for a month - you’ll need to keep it up and freshen your dog’s breath daily with a dental stick.
If you don’t have the time to put into regularly baking homemade dog dental sticks, then you’re better off investing in canine dental sticks from a brand you trust. Premium dental sticks made from natural ingredients will bring all the oral health benefits of homemade ones, without any of the work!
Save Time & Invest in Your Pet’s Health and Happiness With Professional Dog Dental Chews!
Here at Mighty Munch, our canine dental chews are so natural that they might as well be homemade! We use premium ingredients and manufacture everything here in Australia in a human-grade facility.
Some dental sticks contain cheap dry fillers, others use artificial colours and flavours, and some don’t contain any ingredients that really benefit your dog’s oral health. Not Mighty Munch! Our dental sticks are infused with a potent dog probiotic and key active ingredients for optimal oral hygiene.
Formulated to keep your dog’s breath fresh all day, our sticks are 100% safe for all dog breeds and ages. They’re free from additives and harmful ingredients, and exceed Australia’s pet safety standards.
At Mighty Munch, you won’t just find the tastiest, most effective dental chews. We also have top-rated dog supplements in Australia, including our joint supplement for dogs. If you’re wondering how to help a dog with arthritis at home, these supplements can make a huge difference!
We also have the best probiotics for dogs in Australia, and collagen for dogs to keep your pup’s coat shiny and healthy. And, if you need top rated orthopedic dog beds in Australia, we have those too! Dealing with funky pet odours? Our best pet odour eliminator in Australia will take care of them!
Incorporating Dental Chews Into Your Pet’s Routine
Like any changes you make to your dog’s diet, you need to introduce dental sticks slowly and carefully. If your dog is not used to dental chews, start by giving them a small piece to see how they react. This gradual introduction helps your dog become familiar with the texture and taste.
Most dogs love gnawing on dental chews, but you might have to try a few different recipes or flavours to find something that your dog enjoys, especially if you’re dealing with a picky eater. Again, make sure you factor the added calories into your dog’s diet and adjust their other treats as needed.
Final Thoughts on DIY Homemade Dog Dental Sticks
Homemade dog dental chews might sound like a great idea, but when you factor in the time it takes, the cost of the ingredients, and the fact that you’ll have to make a batch of sticks at least once a month, can you really commit to that?
If the answer is no, don’t fret! Here at Mighty Munch, we’ve got you covered. Our premium dental sticks contain all the ingredients your dog needs for a healthy mouth, strong teeth, and fresh breath.
Protect your dog from serious and expensive dental problems - treat your pup to the best dental sticks from Mighty Munch!
