Best Dog Food For Bad Breath 2024

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Best Dog Food For Bad Breath

Top Best Dog Foods for Bad Breath Recommends

1. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Overall)

2. Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Puppy Dry Dog Food (Best for Puppies)

3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food (Best for Senior Dogs)

4. ORIJEN Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Small Breeds)

5. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food (Best for Large Breeds)

6. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food (Best for Dental Health)

7. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Dog Food (Best Prescription Diet)

8. Purina Pro Plan Dental Health (Best for Tartar Control)

9. Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe (Best for Enamel Protection)

10. Purina Beyond Chicken, Lamb, and Spinach Canned Dog Food (Best for Canned Food)

Dogs are wonderful companions, but bad breath is a common issue that many pet owners face. While bad breath in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor dental hygiene and underlying health problems, the food that they eat can also play a significant role in the condition of their oral hygiene.

Proper nutrition is crucial for good oral hygiene in dogs. The food that they eat can have a significant impact on the health of their teeth and gums. Many dog food brands offer specially formulated products that can help combat bad breath and improve overall dental health.

The benefits of using dog food specifically designed to combat bad breath are numerous. These products are typically formulated with ingredients that help to control the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and freshen breath. By incorporating these foods into your dog's diet, you can help to maintain their dental health and prevent serious dental issues down the line.

Overall, it's important to pay attention to your dog's oral hygiene and ensure that they are receiving proper nutrition to maintain good dental health. By choosing high-quality dog food specifically designed to combat bad breath, you can help keep your furry friend's teeth and gums healthy and their breath smelling fresh.

Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs

Dogs are wonderful companions, but bad breath can be a common issue among them. This is often caused by bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, leading to unpleasant odors. Dental problems, such as tartar buildup and gum disease, can also contribute to bad breath in dogs. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes, can also cause bad breath.

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining good oral hygiene in dogs. Choosing the right dog food can help combat bad breath and promote healthy teeth and gums. Some dog foods are specifically designed to target bad breath, with ingredients that freshen breath and combat bacteria in the mouth.

By choosing a dog food that is tailored to your pet's needs, you can help keep their teeth and gums healthy, and keep their breath smelling fresh. Regular veterinary check-ups and dental cleanings can also help ensure your furry friend's oral health is in top shape.

Features to Look for in a Good Dog Food for Bad Breath

When choosing a dog food to combat bad breath, it's important to consider the following:

  1. Protein: Protein is essential for good oral health in dogs. Look for high-quality sources of protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, or beef. Avoid dog foods with protein sources that are not easily digestible or have a low biological value.

  2. Quality ingredients: A good dog food for bad breath should contain high-quality ingredients and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. Fillers not only add no nutritional value to your dog's diet, but they can also contribute to bad breath.

  3. Digestibility: A dog food that is easily digestible can help reduce the amount of plaque buildup on your dog's teeth and, in turn, reduce bad breath. Look for dog foods that are specifically formulated for easy digestion.

By choosing a dog food with these features, you can help improve your dog's dental health and combat bad breath.

Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Bad Breath:

1. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Overall)

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke Flavored Salmon Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke Flavored Salmon Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild is a premium pet food brand that focuses on providing high-quality and grain-free dog food options. The brand is known for its use of premium protein sources and natural ingredients to create well-balanced and nutritious dog food options.

Top Ingredients: The Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains real salmon as the main ingredient, followed by ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and other natural ingredients. These ingredients provide high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals that help support healthy digestion, immune system, and overall health.

Nutritional Value: The Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains 32% protein, 18% fat, and 3% fiber, making it a well-balanced and nutritious dog food option. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium, which help support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.

Pros 1Cons 1
Contains high-quality protein sources that help promote healthy digestion and reduce bad breathMay not be suitable for dogs with a fish allergy
Grain-free and contains natural ingredients that are easy to digestMay be more expensive than other dog food options
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help promote healthy skin and coat

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy: The Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars with many customers praising the high-quality ingredients and improved health of their dogs. Some customers also noted that their dogs' bad breath improved after switching to this dog food. However, some customers noted that their dogs did not like the taste or experience digestive issues.

2. Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Puppy Dry Dog Food (Best for Puppies)

Stella & Chewys Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Puppy Grain Free Prairie Recipe Dry Dog Food
Stella & Chewys Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Puppy Grain Free Prairie Recipe Dry Dog Food

Stella & Chewy's is a premium pet food brand that offers high-quality raw and freeze-dried dog food options. The brand focuses on using natural and organic ingredients to create well-balanced and nutritious dog food options that are easy to digest and promote overall health.

Top Ingredients: Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Puppy Dry Dog Food contains a variety of high-quality ingredients, including chicken, turkey, duck, and quail. The kibble is also coated with raw freeze-dried chicken, providing a boost of nutrition and flavor. Other ingredients include fruits, vegetables, and probiotics, which help support healthy digestion and overall well-being.

Nutritional Value: Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Puppy Dry Dog Food contains 30% protein, 14% fat, and 5% fiber, making it a well-balanced and nutritious dog food option. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which help support healthy bone growth and development in puppies.

Pros 1Cons 1
Contains high-quality protein sources that help promote healthy digestion and reduce bad breathMay be more expensive than other dog food options
Grain-free and contains natural ingredients that are easy to digestMay not be suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
Rich in probiotics, which help support a healthy gut and reduce bad breath

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy: Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Puppy Dry Dog Food has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars with many customers praising the high-quality ingredients and improved health of their puppies. Some customers also noted that their puppies' bad breath improved after switching to this dog food. However, some customers noted that their puppies did not like the taste or experience digestive issues.

3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food (Best for Senior Dogs)

Wellness CORE Grain Free Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Wellness CORE Grain Free Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

Wellness CORE is a premium pet food brand that focuses on providing high-quality and grain-free dog food options. The brand is known for its use of natural ingredients and high-quality protein sources to create well-balanced and nutritious dog food options.

Top Ingredients: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food contains deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, and other natural ingredients. These ingredients provide high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals that help support healthy digestion, immune system, and overall health in senior dogs.

Nutritional Value: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food contains 34% protein, 12% fat, and 8% fiber, making it a well-balanced and nutritious dog food option for senior dogs. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin C, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which help support joint health and overall well-being.

Pros 1Cons 1
Contains high-quality protein sources that promote healthy digestion and reduce bad breathMay not be suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
Grain-free and contains natural ingredients that are easy to digestMay be more expensive than other dog food options
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health and mobility, reducing the risk of dental issues that cause bad breath

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars with many customers praising the high-quality ingredients and improved health of their senior dogs. Some customers also noted that their dogs' bad breath improved after switching to this dog food. However, some customers noted that their dogs did not like the taste or experience digestive issues.

4. ORIJEN Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Small Breeds)

ORIJEN Small Breed Grain Free Dry Dog Food
ORIJEN Small Breed Grain Free Dry Dog Food

ORIJEN is a Canadian-based pet food company that prides itself on producing high-quality, biologically appropriate dog food made from fresh and natural ingredients. Their Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of small dog breeds.

Top Ingredients: ORIJEN Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made from fresh, regional ingredients including chicken, turkey, fish, and whole eggs. It also contains fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin, squash, apples, and blueberries. These ingredients provide a high-quality protein source, essential vitamins, and minerals that support healthy digestion, immune system, and overall health in small breed dogs.

Nutritional Value: ORIJEN Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains 38% protein, 18% fat, and 6% fiber, making it a well-balanced and nutrient-dense dog food option for small breed dogs. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin C, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which help support joint health and overall well-being.

Pros 1Cons 1
Contains high-quality protein sources that promote healthy digestion and reduce bad breathMay be more expensive than other dog food options
Grain-free and contains natural ingredients that are easy to digestMay not be suitable for dogs with chicken or fish allergies
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health and mobility, reducing the risk of dental issues that cause bad breath

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy: ORIJEN Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars with many customers praising the high-quality ingredients and improved health of their small breed dogs. Some customers also noted that their dogs' bad breath improved after switching to this dog food. However, some customers noted that the kibble size was too large for their small dogs, and some dogs did not like the taste.

5. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food (Best for Large Breeds)

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain Free Large Breed Recipe Freeze Dried Dog Food
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain Free Large Breed Recipe Freeze Dried Dog Food

Merrick is a Texas-based pet food company that uses only high-quality, locally sourced ingredients in their pet food. Their Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food is a protein-packed, grain-free dog food option specially formulated for large breed dogs.

Top Ingredients: Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food is made from high-quality protein sources such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal. It also contains a blend of fruits and vegetables including sweet potatoes, peas, apples, and blueberries, which provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. This dog food also contains raw-infused kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces for added nutrition and flavor.

Nutritional Value: Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food contains 38% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber, making it a well-balanced and nutrient-dense dog food option for large breed dogs. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support joint health and mobility, reducing the risk of dental issues that cause bad breath.

Pros 1Cons 1
Contains high-quality protein sources that promote healthy digestion and reduce bad breathMay be more expensive than other dog food options
Grain-free and contains natural ingredients that are easy to digestMay not be suitable for dogs with chicken or fish allergies
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health and mobility, reducing the risk of dental issues that cause bad breath

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy: Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars with many customers praising the high-quality ingredients and improved health of their large breed dogs. Some customers also noted that their dogs' bad breath improved after switching to this dog food. However, some customers noted that the kibble size was too large for their dogs, and some dogs did not like the taste.

6. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food (Best for Dental Health)

Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet is a popular dog food brand that has been providing high-quality pet food for over 75 years. Their Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to support dental health and improve bad breath in dogs.

Top Ingredients: Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food contains high-quality protein sources such as chicken and lamb meals. It also contains a blend of natural ingredients including brown rice, barley, and beet pulp, which provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Additionally, this dog food is specially designed with a crunchy texture that helps to scrub teeth and reduce plaque buildup.

Nutritional Value: Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food contains 22% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber, making it a well-balanced and nutrient-dense dog food option for adult dogs. It also contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which help support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to bad breath.

Pros 1Cons 1
Specifically formulated to support dental health and reduce bad breath in dogsMay not be suitable for dogs with chicken or lamb allergies
Contains a crunchy texture that helps to scrub teeth and reduce plaque buildupContains grains, which may not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities
Contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which help support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to bad breath

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy: Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars with many customers praising the effectiveness of the food in improving their dog's dental health and reducing bad breath. Some customers also noted that their dogs enjoyed the taste of the food. However, some customers noted that the kibble size was too large for smaller dogs, and some dogs did not like the taste of the food.

7. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Dog Food (Best Prescription Diet)

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Dental Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Dental Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin is a well-known brand that produces a range of pet food options, including prescription diets. Their Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to support dental health and reduce bad breath in dogs with dental issues.

Top Ingredients: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Dog Food contains a range of high-quality ingredients that support dental health, including sodium tripolyphosphate, which helps to prevent tartar formation, and chelators, which bind to minerals in the saliva to prevent plaque buildup. Additionally, this dog food contains a blend of vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Nutritional Value: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Dog Food contains 21% protein, 12% fat, and 5.5% fiber, making it a well-balanced and nutrient-dense option for dogs with dental issues. It is also low in calories, which can be helpful for dogs who need to lose weight to improve their dental health.

Pros 1Cons 1
Specifically formulated to support dental health and reduce bad breath in dogs with dental issuesRequires a prescription from a veterinarian, which may not be convenient for some pet owners
Contains ingredients that help prevent tartar formation and plaque buildupMay not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
Low in calories, which can be helpful for dogs who need to lose weight to improve their dental health

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Dog Food has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars with many customers praising the effectiveness of the food in improving their dog's dental health and reducing bad breath. Some customers also noted that their dogs enjoyed the taste of the food. However, some customers noted that the price of the food was high compared to other options, and some dogs did not like the taste of the food.

8. Purina Pro Plan Dental Health (Best for Tartar Control)

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Small Bites Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of dog food products for different age groups, health conditions, and breed sizes. Their dental health formula is specifically designed to support healthy teeth and gums in dogs. This formula contains a special blend of ingredients that helps reduce tartar buildup and freshen your dog's breath.

Top Ingredients and Nutritional Value:

The top ingredients in the Purina Pro Plan Dental Health formula include chicken, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, animal fat, and dried beet pulp. These ingredients provide a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber to support your dog's overall health.

The nutritional value per serving includes 25% crude protein, 1.2% calcium, 0.9% phosphorus, and 3.5% crude fat. This formula also contains added vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc, to support your dog's immune system and promote healthy skin and coat.

Pros 1Cons 1
Contains a special blend of ingredients that helps reduce tartar buildup and freshen breathContains poultry by-product meals, which may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
Provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber to support overall healthSome dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble
Contains added vitamins and minerals to support the immune system and skin and coat health

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy:

Purina Pro Plan Dental Health formula has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 800 customer reviews. Customers report that this formula has helped improve their dog's dental health and freshen their breath. Some customers also note that their dogs enjoy the taste of the kibble. However, a few customers have reported that their dogs experienced digestive issues after switching to this formula.

9. Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe (Best for Enamel Protection)

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Nutro is a brand that prides itself on using natural ingredients in their pet food products. They believe that real, recognizable ingredients are the key to a healthy and happy pet. They offer a variety of dog food products that cater to different needs and preferences, including grain-free options and recipes with limited ingredients.

Top Ingredients and Nutritional Value: The Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe contain high-quality protein from lamb as the first ingredient, which helps to maintain strong muscles. It also features wholesome grains like brown rice and barley for energy and a blend of vitamins and minerals for overall health. This recipe does not contain any chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.

Pros 1Cons 1
The Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe features natural ingredients that are gentle on your dog's digestive system, which may help improve bad breathThis recipe does contain some grains, which some dogs may be sensitive to and could cause bad breath in certain cases
This recipe is formulated with calcium to help protect your dog's teeth and enamelSome dogs may not find the lamb flavor as appealing as other options
The recipe does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which may contribute to bad breath

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy: This recipe has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars  with many customers reporting improved dental health and fresher breath in their dogs. Some customers have noted that their dogs have experienced gastrointestinal issues with this recipe, but overall, it has received positive reviews.

10. Purina Beyond Chicken, Lamb, and Spinach Canned Dog Food (Best for Canned Food)

Purina Beyond Grain Free Chicken, Lamb & Spinach Recipe Ground Entree Canned Dog Food
Purina Beyond Grain Free Chicken, Lamb & Spinach Recipe Ground Entree Canned Dog Food

Purina is a pet food brand that has been in operation since 1894. They offer a wide range of products including dry and wet dog food, treats, and even litter. They have a reputation for producing affordable products that are widely available in stores and online.

Top Ingredients and Nutritional Value:

Purina Beyond Chicken, Lamb, and Spinach Canned Dog Food contain real chicken, lamb, and spinach. The first ingredient is chicken broth followed by chicken, lamb, liver, and carrots. This canned food is made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is also grain-free and gluten-free. This food has a protein content of 9% and a fat content of 6%.

Pros 1Cons 1
Contains real chicken and lamb for protein and flavorLow protein content compared to other canned dog foods
Grain-free and gluten-free for dogs with allergies or sensitivitiesContains some vegetable fillers like carrots and spinach which may not be ideal for all dogs
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Chewy:

 Purina Beyond Chicken, Lamb, and Spinach Canned Dog Food has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 100 customer reviews. Customers praise the high-quality ingredients, lack of artificial additives, and palatability of the food. However, some customers noted that their dogs did not enjoy the taste and others mentioned issues with the consistency of the food.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Dog's Bad Breath

Choosing the right dog food for your furry friend's bad breath can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple steps you can follow to make the decision easier.

Firstly, assess your dog's specific needs, taking into account factors such as their age, breed, and activity level.

Next, consider the type and severity of their bad breath – is it caused by dental issues or an underlying medical condition?

Finally, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian, who can provide expert advice and guidance on the best food options for your dog's unique situation.

By following these steps, you'll be able to choose a dog food that helps combat bad breath and promotes overall oral health.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene in Dogs

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to keep your dog healthy and happy. Here are some tips to help you keep your furry friend's teeth and gums healthy:

  1. Regular teeth brushing: Just like humans, dogs also need their teeth to be brushed regularly. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste to brush their teeth. It is recommended to brush their teeth daily or at least a few times a week.

  2. The use of dental chews and toys: Dental chews and toys can help keep your dog's teeth clean by scraping away tartar and plaque buildup. These chews and toys can also help satisfy their natural urge to chew.

  3. The importance of regular veterinary checkups: Regular veterinary checkups can help catch any dental issues early on. Your vet can also recommend specific dental care products and procedures that your dog may need.

By following these tips, you can help maintain good oral hygiene in your dog and reduce the risk of bad breath and dental issues.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of your dog's oral hygiene and overall health is crucial for their well-being. We have discussed some of the top best dog foods for bad breath, but it's important to assess your dog's specific needs and consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet. Remember, a good diet and proper oral hygiene can prevent dental issues and even more serious health problems in dogs.

Make sure to regularly brush your dog's teeth, provide them with dental chews and toys, and schedule regular veterinary checkups. By taking action and prioritizing your dog's health, you can help ensure they live a happy and healthy life.

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