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?
Tag @skinnyms on Instagram or hashtag it #skinnyms
Check out our Pinterest for more pet recipes, tips, and tons of cuteness.
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