1. Dental Issues And Poor Oral Health

Poor dental hygiene is a leading cause of bad breath in dogs. Plaque buildup can lead to tartar and gingivitis, and over time, periodontal disease may set in if left untreated. These conditions create unpleasant breath and can impact your dog’s overall health. Some of this is preventable while some breeds and dogs just tend to have bad teeth. Small breeds and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are particularly prone to dental issues and may benefit from more frequent cleanings. We suggest the first step is to see your vet to check your pup's teeth to get their assessment of whether the bad breath stems from bad teeth or another issue below.

2. Imbalanced Gut Microbiome

An imbalanced gut microbiome can cause digestive issues that contribute to bad breath. If your dog’s gut health is out of balance, it affects their digestion and may cause sour or unpleasant breath. Probiotics, natural ingredients such as bone breath, and gut-supporting supplements can work to restore balance.  Check out our bone broth recipe and a probiotic we use with our dogs. 

3. Transition to New Food

When you transition your dog to a new food, there’s often an adjustment period as your dog’s digestive system adapts to the new ingredients and nutrients. During this time, it’s common for dogs to experience changes in their gut microbiome—the community of bacteria in the digestive system—which can result in temporary bad breath. Here’s why this happens and what you can do about it:

1. Microbiome Shift: A sudden change in diet can cause an imbalance in gut bacteria as the digestive system adjusts to different proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This imbalance, or dysbiosis, can lead to the production of gases and compounds that can cause foul breath. The shift typically stabilizes as the gut bacteria adapt to the new food.
2. Digestive Challenges: New ingredients might be harder for your dog’s digestive system to break down initially, leading to slight digestive upset. As food lingers in the digestive tract, certain byproducts are produced that can contribute to a stronger odor on your dog’s breath.
3. Detoxification: Sometimes, a new, healthier diet can prompt a "detox" effect, where the body starts processing and eliminating old waste or toxins. This can occasionally produce odors as these substances work their way out of the system.

Tips to Help with the Transition and Manage Bad Breath

• Transition Gradually: Ease into the new food by mixing it with the old food over a week or more, gradually increasing the ratio of the new food. This helps the gut microbiome adjust at a slower pace, reducing the chances of bad breath and digestive upset.
• Probiotics: Adding a dog-safe probiotic to the diet can support healthy gut bacteria and help balance the microbiome more quickly. Probiotics can help speed up the adaptation process and reduce the odor caused by bacterial imbalance.
• Hydration: Ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water, as hydration is key for proper digestion and helps wash away any bacteria or food particles that may contribute to bad breath.

Help your dog feel their best with Native Pet’s Probiotic Powder. Vet-formulated with prebiotics and bone broth for gentle digestive support.

Homemade bone broth supports a dog’s gut microbiome by providing collagen and gelatin, which strengthen the gut lining and promote healthy bacteria growth. It contains anti-inflammatory amino acids like glycine, is gentle on digestion, and offers hydration along with essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium, making it a nutrient-rich boost for gut health.

1. Teeth Cleaning with Raw Meaty Bones and Other Chews

To keep your dog’s teeth clean and fresh, consider using natural options like raw meaty bones (RMBs) or kelp-based products like PlaqueOff. These work together to promote oral hygiene while offering nutritional benefits.

Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs)

RMBs are soft enough for dogs to chew through and help scrape plaque and tartar off teeth. Some good examples include:

• Raw Beef Knuckle Bones: Great for larger dogs; tough with plenty of cartilage and rich in nutrients.
• Turkey Necks: Ideal for medium to large dogs.
• Recreational Bones: Large marrow bones (like beef femurs) are suitable for limited chewing sessions under supervision. They help scrape teeth clean but should be monitored closely as they can be hard on teeth.

Bully Sticks

Chewing on bully sticks provides a natural way for dogs to scrape off plaque and tartar buildup. Here’s why they’re beneficial:

• Natural Abrasive Action: The friction of the bully stick against teeth scrubs away plaque, reducing tartar formation.
• Long-Lasting Chew: Bully sticks last longer than many other chews, keeping dogs engaged in chewing for extended dental cleaning.
• Single-Ingredient: Made from beef muscle, bully sticks are usually free from additives, and suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

Dental Chews

While not technically bones, specially designed dental chews can also aid in maintaining oral health.

2. Kelp Products for Dental Health

There are products on the market like PlaqueOff, a natural kelp-based product, that helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, promoting cleaner teeth and fresher breath. Kelp supports dogs' dental health in the following ways:

• Natural Enzymes: Kelp contains enzymes that break down biofilm—the layer of bacteria on teeth that leads to plaque. This makes it harder for plaque to stick to teeth.
• Iodine and Mineral Content: Rich in iodine and other trace minerals, kelp supports glandular health, including the salivary glands. Healthy saliva flow washes away food particles and bacteria.
• Antibacterial Properties: Certain kelp types, like Ascophyllum nodosum, contain compounds that inhibit bacterial growth, reducing gum disease risks and promoting fresher breath.
• Reduces Tartar Over Time: Regular intake of kelp (often in dental supplements or added in small amounts to meals) can help soften tartar, making it easier to remove naturally  

3. Regular Teeth Cleaning

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

The most effective way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup is by brushing regularly. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste (human toothpaste is harmful to dogs). Aim to brush a few times a week. With consistency, many dogs adjust and may even enjoy it!

Professional Dental Cleaning at the Vet

Professional dental cleaning remains essential, especially for aging dogs. Here’s what it typically involves:

• Comprehensive Exam: The vet will assess the dog’s mouth for disease signs, tartar buildup, broken teeth, or gum disease. X-rays may be taken to check health below the gum line.
• Scaling and Polishing: The vet uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line (scaling). Afterward, teeth are polished to prevent plaque from sticking.
• Treating Dental Issues: Any infected or damaged teeth may be treated during the same visit.
• Anesthesia: Anesthesia keeps the dog comfortable and still, allowing thorough cleaning, especially below the gum line.

Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleaning

Anesthesia-free cleanings can be beneficial in some cases. Here’s a comparison of the benefits and limitations:

Benefits

• Less Risk: Safer for older dogs or those with health conditions.Quicker Recovery: No grogginess or recovery time isrequired.
• Lower Cost: Generally less expensive.

Limitations

• Surface Cleaning Only: Only removes plaque on the visible surfaces, offering less thorough cleaning.
• Cannot Access Below the Gum Line: Most dental disease occurs here, where anesthesia-free cleaning cannot reach.
• Limited Exam Capabilities: Without anesthesia, a thorough exam, including X-rays, cannot be conducted.

When Anesthesia-Free Cleanings May Be Useful: For dogs with minimal plaque or tartar, anesthesia-free cleanings may maintain hygiene between professional visits. It can supplement regular brushing and professional cleanings under anesthesia.

Gentle, Effective Teeth Cleaning

Below are a couple of our fav tooth brushes for our pups.  

Supporting a Healthy Microbiome

If your dog’s bad breath results from a gut imbalance, consider adding a high-quality probiotic to their diet. Probiotics balance gut bacteria, improving both digestion and breath. Bone broth is also beneficial for digestive health and can reduce bad breath.

Does Kibble Really Help Clean Dog's Teeth?

The idea that kibble helps clean dogs' teeth is a common belief, but it's not entirely accurate. While kibble can provide some mild abrasive action, it’s generally not enough to prevent dental disease on its own. Here’s a closer look at how kibble impacts dental health:

• Limited Abrasive Action: When a dog chews kibble, the dry, crunchy texture can provide some abrasive effect, but it’s minimal. Most kibble pieces are either swallowed whole or quickly broken apart, which limits the amount of contact with the tooth surface. As a result, it doesn’t effectively scrape away plaque or prevent tartar buildup, especially near the gum line where dental disease typically begins.
• High Carbohydrate Content: Many kibbles are high in carbohydrates, which can break down into sugars in the mouth. These sugars can feed bacteria that contribute to plaque and tartar buildup, potentially worsening dental health over time rather than improving it.
• Special Dental Formulas: Some kibbles are specifically formulated for dental health, with larger pieces that encourage chewing and special textures that promote more abrasive contact with the teeth. These dental kibbles can help reduce plaque to some extent but still don’t replace the effectiveness of regular tooth brushing or professional cleaning.
• Doesn’t Address Gum Health: Gum health is crucial for preventing periodontal disease, and kibble doesn’t do much to protect or improve the health of a dog’s gums. Bacteria can still accumulate at and below the gum line, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease over time.
  
  While kibble may offer a small amount of abrasive benefit, it’s not enough to ensure dental health. 

Fresh ingredients in your dog’s diet don’t just improve their breath; they support whole-body health. Here are some dog-friendly ingredients that help reduce bad breath naturally:

• Carrots and Apples: These crunchy snacks act as natural toothbrushes, removing mild build up as your dog chews.
• Parsley and Mint: With antibacterial and freshening properties, these herbs naturally fight odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
• Coconut Oil: This ingredient has antimicrobial benefits, which, in small amounts, can help with oral health.

Serve fresh ingredients by themselves or as part of a treat recipe. A great option is to freeze parsley and coconut oil in small portions as a treat, which combines freshness with a little extra crunch.  Below is one of our fav fresh treats.

For more insights and tips on feeding your dog fresh, home-cooked meals, explore these blog posts: