Freshen your pup’s breath naturally with these easy DIY dog breath mints made with oats, parsley, and mint. A healthy, homemade treat your dog will love!
If you’re anything like me, you adore dog kisses, but sometimes the breath that comes with them is… less than adorable. After one too many “tuna breath” moments, I decided to make DIY dog breath mints — natural dog breath mints made with simple, dog-safe ingredients like parsley, mint, coconut oil, and oat flour. These homemade dog breath mints are crunchy, minty, and way healthier than the store-bought breath freshener treats that are loaded with preservatives. Think of them as fresh dog breath treats that double as a healthy dog treats recipe.
I wanted something with real ingredients—no weird powders or chemicals—so I started experimenting. Once I realized how easy DIY dog treats for fresh breath could be, I never went back. And bonus: your kitchen smells like a spa while they bake.
Let’s freshen those dog kisses, shall we?
Why These Ingredients Work in Homemade Dog Breath Mints
Oat Flour (Old-Fashioned Oats): I grind old-fashioned oats into flour because it’s gentle on digestion and naturally gluten-free. Most dogs tolerate oat flour well, especially if they can’t handle wheat-based treats. It’s a great base for healthy DIY dog treats.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley is a superstar ingredient for homemade dog treats for bad breath. It’s packed with chlorophyll, which naturally reduces odor-causing bacteria and supports your dog’s oral health.
Fresh Mint: This is where the magic happens. Mint dog treats help naturally freshen breath and give that cooling flavor. I prefer fresh over dried since you get stronger benefits.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a healthy fat that supports skin, coat shine, and digestion. It helps bind the dough and adds a subtle flavor dogs go crazy for.
Egg or Applesauce: Egg binds everything together, but if your dog has protein allergies, unsweetened applesauce works perfectly.
Safety Note
Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new ingredients. Start with small portions, especially if your dog is new to mint or coconut oil.
DIY Dog Breath Mints Recipe
Healthy, minty, and surprisingly easy.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup parsley fresh, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mint fresh, finely chopped
- 1 egg large (see tip below for dogs with allergies to chicken products)
- 1/4 cup water plus 1 tablespoon to help form the dough
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil melted (unrefined extra virgin is best)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325° F
- Add oats to a blender and pulse to a flour-like consistency. In a large bowl whisk together parsley, mint, egg, water, and oil. Add oat flour and stir to combine. Knead the dough a few times then turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten the dough to about 1/8″ thick. Using a cookie cutter or knife cut out approximately 40 (1-inch) breath mints. Place them about 1/4-inch apart on a parchment-lined or non-stick cookie sheet. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Allow to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes—use 1 tablespoon dried parsley + 1 tablespoon dried mint. Fresh is stronger, but dried works.
Are these safe for cats?
No. Mint and parsley can upset a cat’s stomach. These are dog breath freshener treats only.
Can small dogs eat them?
Yep. Just use a smaller cutter, or break them in half.
Can I make these grain-free?
You can experiment with coconut or almond flour, but you’ll need to adjust moisture.
How long do they last?
- 1 week at room temp (airtight container)
- 2–3 weeks refrigerated
- Up to 3 months frozen
DIY dog breath mints also freeze beautifully—just thaw before serving.
Want More Natural Dog Treat Recipes?
If you like making healthy recipes for your pup, try:
- Homemade Beef Dog Food Recipe
- Superfood Doggie Fresh Breath Treats
- Doggie Green Bean Crunchies
- Slow Cooker Doggie Stew Recipe
- DIY doggie toothpaste
These are great if you’re trying to focus on dog dental hygiene and fresh lean ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Dog breath doesn’t have to stink. With a few pantry staples and a little weekend baking, you’ll have a batch of DIY dog breath mints ready to go. Fresh kisses, clean ingredients, and no mystery fillers — that’s a win for both of us.
DIY Dog Breath Mints Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup parsley fresh, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mint fresh, finely chopped
- 1 egg large (see tip below for dogs with allergies to chicken products)
- 1/4 cup water plus 1 tablespoon to help form the dough
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil melted (unrefined extra virgin is best)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325° F
- Add oats to a blender and pulse to a flour-like consistency. In a large bowl whisk together diced parsley and mint, egg, water, and oil. Add oat flour and stir to combine. Knead the dough a few times then turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten the dough to about 1/8" thick. Using a cookie cutter or knife cut out approximately 40 (1-inch mints) mints. Place mints about 1/4-inch apart on a parchment-lined or non-stick cookie sheet. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Allow mints to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Have you made this recipe?
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Do i have to keep them in the refrigerator or outside
Store in an air-tight container. No refrigeration is needed.
hi, I've read the mint is bad for dogs, it's like you give them tooth paste, is toxic, is this correct?
Nadua, We do extensive research on all ingredients added to our recipes to ensure they are safe for dogs. We do NOT recommend giving your dog any food, herb, or otherwise in large quanities. Please check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. All dogs are different and have different dietary needs, just as us humans do. Here’s an article about natural remedies for dogs that you might find interesting. http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/4596-top-10…
Thank you for the question.
Can not get my hands on the coconut oil (we're to far out in the sticks) is there a substitute?
Hi Lynn, I just updated and added Olive Oil as an option to coconut oil. 🙂
What is the shelf life of these?
Hi Brittany, About two weeks at their freashest. 🙂
I just made these and they seem really dry and the dough was hard to work with. Any tips?
I would suggest adding a little water until you have a dough that is easy to work with. As you’ll notice, there’s one extra teaspoon of water which made the dough perfect. Could be the altitude or weather, can’t say for sure without being there. Hope this helps! 🙂
How many mints a day can a dog below 10 lbs can have?
Michelle, Hmmmm…I recommend asking your vet that question. My dog is 26 pounds and he gets 1-2 treats a day, even for a smaller treat like the doggie mints. 🙂
I didn’t quite get the dough type consistency, but I used gloves, rolled balls & flattened them & it worked out well. I did use less mint this time. My beagle passed on recently, but before she did, she wasn’t crazy about the treats when I first made them. I wonder if it was too much mint? Now, less mint, the first dog came by in the neighborhood & loved it!!
How long so these biscuits stay fresh?
How many does a batch make?
Tammi, Depends on what you’re referring to. This recipe makes a batch of about 40 cookies.
Our pup LOVES these. I crumble them up slightly and add to his daily wet food to give it a bit of a crunch.
Lauren, I love that idea! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback and tip. 🙂
If I were going to make these as pet Christmas gifts, would it be best to refrigerate them until I give them out?
Betty, That would be fine. I make them fresh for the dogs in my neighborhood. I would recommend making them no more than a few days before handing them out. Even dogs prefer fresh! 🙂
Would I be able to use whole wheat flour instead of the oats?
Jade, Because wheat flour is very dense, you may need to decrease the flour to 2 cups (play it by ear). 🙂
Here’s another recipe that’s super popular (our dog’s favorite), wheat flour can be used here as well. https://skinnyms.com/superfood-dog-fresh-breath-treats-recipe/
Can mint extract be used?
Leslie, Hmmmmm…I can’t say for sure. I prefer to go with the real stuff when it comes to dog recipes. You could google it to see if you find a reliable resource with that info.
I couldn’t find parsley so I’m gonna try dry. Sound ok.
Yes, dried parsley will work. 🙂
Thank you Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Making now…can’t wait to see how the dogs like them! Love the recipe for all natural ingredients! Thank you
Let us know how your dog likes the mints. 🙂
My daughter and my self we made the dog cookies, and she has two and I have one they all love them they wanted more and we said two treat a day. Thank you so much for the recipe. Happy New Year .
Teresa, YAH!!! I love that you limit their treats, very smart! Happy New Year to you, your daughter, and all three 4-legged family members. 🙂
Lynn
You can get Coconut Oil on Amazon ?
yes you can. i just bought a gallon of it.
Made these today, they turned out great. My pooch love them. Thanks for the recipe.
Nikki, YAH!!! 🙂
Can I substitute the mint leaves with mint essential oil?
I’ve been researching ways to use essential oils on dogs and a lot of people have said it makes their dogs happier ^^
Hi Natasha, you can definitely substitute mint essential oil. Only a drop will be needed. A little goes a long way!
Can this dough recipie be frozen & taken out & cooked as required?
Thanks
Yes, Angela, it can.
Hi since my ST Porsche & Beemer
Love’s Greene’s I am definitely going to
make them, + I grow my own herbs
So that will be fun?????
Let us know how your Doggie Breath Mints turn out, Lene!
Can I use dry mint leaves?
Ruth, That should be fine.
Can they be frozen after they are baked?
Debbie, They sure can be frozen!
My dogs are allergic to grains, can I substitute coconut flour for the oats using the same quantity?
Lisa, You definitely can use coconut flour. You’ll want to experiment with the amount of flour, based on the consistency. Here’s my favorite, grain-fee- recipe:
https://skinnyms.com/peanut-butter-doggie-cookies-older-dogs-recipe/
Once these are cooled, I freeze them and take one a day out for my Maggie Mae. She LOVES these cookies. 🙂
Do u melt the coconut oil first?
Diane, Yes, I added “melted”. 🙂
Should I use curly parsley or Italian flat leaf. Also, what kind of mint – peppermint or spearmint?
Erica, I used Italian flat leaf and purchased fresh “Mint” leaves. The mint didn’t indicate peppermint or spearmint, just mint. 🙂
Do you have suggestions for a replacement for oats? My dog is allergic to oatmeal?
Rebecca, Whole wheat flour if there’s no allergies to wheat.
Just made them. Dogs are crazy about ‘em! Wish they had a more minty smell though.
Just made these for my dog. He’s allergic to chicken so we have to feed him white fish with potatoes dry food. He’s breath smells like fish. Just gave him one he likes it. Let’s see if it helps his breath..
We’re so glad to hear he enjoyed his breath mint! Let us know if it helped his fish-y breath!
I found the dough to be too dry even with adding a bit more water. It just crumbled when it was handled and rolled. Any suggestions to make it more pliable?
Karen, Hmmmm..try adding an extra egg.
Easy and dog approved, thanks for the recipe and a shot glass makes for a perfect cookie cutter for these.
Thank you for the recipe. All three of my dogs absolutely love them!
You’re very welcome, Carol! We’re so glad to hear all three of your dogs love the breath mints!
Happy New Year To All..
Thank-U So Much for this Recipe..
Sparky Our 8 Yr Old…80 lb Pup
Who Has Always Had Dentastick & Dentalife..All his Lfe..Daily..
LOVE,LOVES These Homeade Treats
Alot More Economical, & Healthy
THANK-U Again!!
Rita, You are so welcome! I’m super happy Sparky loves them. 🙂
Thank you for this recipe. I’m a hit with all the dog owners in my apt. building!
If I sub oat flour, would it be the same amount or does it make more/less if you grind your own oatmeal?
Erica, I’ve found that even when grinding the oats, it makes the same amount. In other words, 1 cup rolled oats = 1 cup flour.
My dog is 78 pounds and i was worried that my mold will be to big amounts at a time for my dog. I ordered mine off of amazon. will this amout be to much for my dog? heres the link to my molds:
GYBest GGT01 Food Grade Large Ice Cube Trays, Silicone Baking Molds, 2-Pack, Red
Alex, That link does not work for me. It is difficult to determine if those molds will work for your dog. Please check with your vet.
Waiting for treats to cool..they seem soft, keeping them in oven extra time hoping to crisp a little..any hints on this ? (Assuming they will harden naturally). Thanks for your support & awesome website ??
They can be baked longer for a more crunchy treat. 🙂
Can you use brown rice flour in place of the oats
Marie, Brown rice flour should be fine as long as brown rice is the only ingredient.
I made these and my Dogter LOOOVVEESS them!!
YEAH!!! Valerie thank you so much for letting us know. Send a pic if you get a chance. Would love to see your sweet dog. 🙂
gale@skinnyms.com
No one asked if it worked on the dog’s breath?
I just made this recipe. I had to add 3x the water listed in the recipe because the dough was SO dry. 2 of my dogs LOVED them, the 3rd (puppy with bad breath) wasn’t interested. ??
Can you use Coconut flour instead or Chickpea to make it grain free ?
Kia, Coconut flour should be fine. 🙂
Thanks hun have been trying to findout many mints for my 2 months dogs
Hope you enjoy the recipe, Esther!
My dog is allergic to chicken can I still use eggs
Hi Donna, this would be a question better answered by your veterinarian!
Can I replace the parsley with more mint?
Ryder, If you dog is OK with a little more mint. 🙂
Does it matter how big or small you make the treats? Like if the treat is too big will it get the dog sick? Or too small where it won’t work on the dogs breath?
Hailey, I recommend making the size based on your dogs size, tiny, small, medium, etc..
Thank you! Our little doggies love these cookie treats!They take care of my little yorkie’s very bad breath as soon as she eats one! Ive made them twice now and they’re super easy to make. The second time I was too tired to cut them out and just patted the dough out on a parchment lined cookie sheet and baked as directed. They came out perfectly baked, and I just cooled and cut into 40 little square cookies. Fast and easy and the doggies didn’t mind at all! We grow our own mint and basil, and I have room for a parsley patch, so they cost very little to make. Thank you again for this wonderful recipe!!!
Marni, That is great news! I’m so happy your Yorkie likes the breath mints. 🙂
Hi! I just have a quick question, are these treats alright for cats to have as well? Thanks!
Emily, This recipe was created for dogs. You may want to ask your vet if the ingredients are also good for cats, I’m not sure.
Yes
dogs love it!
I substituted chicken broth for water and added a little ham for flavoring. My dog Jax loved it!!
YEAH!!! Thanks so much for the feedback. Please give Jax a pat on the head for me. 🙂
My 17 & 12 year old furbabies LOVE them😁
So glad to hear it!
I want to make these for my 2 dogs. I asked my vet if it’s OK for my one senior dog who has bad breath and he asked me if I had the “guaranteed analysis?” Do you by chance have that?
Thank you so much and looking forward to making these for my 2 girls.
The nutritional info was created with a plugin. Here are the values it creat4ed,
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1mint | Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg |