5 Homemade Greenies Recipe for Dogs

Maintaining canine dental hygiene is a daily challenge for many dog owners. While brushing is the gold standard, most owners rely on dental chews to help reduce plaque and freshen breath.

However, a common scenario plays out in pet store aisles everywhere: a conscientious owner picks up a bag of popular commercial dental treats, flips it over to read the ingredients, and is met with a list of fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives that are difficult to pronounce.

By moving the “manufacturing” process to the kitchen, owners can control exactly what goes into their dog’s system. Using fresh herbs like parsley and mint, combined with natural breath fresheners and binders, it is entirely possible to create effective dental chews at home.

A Quick Guide to Safe Treat Ingredients

Before beginning, it is important to understand the functional ingredients used in homemade dental chews. These components are chosen for their safety and specific benefits to canine oral health.

1. The Classic “Minty Fresh” Gelatin Chew

This recipe most closely replicates the texture of a firm, gummy dental chew. It uses gelatin to create a texture that requires gnawing, which helps scrub the teeth.

Recipe-Specific Intro:

Ideally suited for dogs who enjoy a chewier texture, this recipe combines the breath-freshening power of fresh herbs with the joint-supporting benefits of collagen found in gelatin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Bone Broth (ensure no onion/garlic ingredients)
• 1 cup Fresh Parsley (packed)
• 1/2 cup Fresh Mint leaves
• 1/2 cup Water
• 4 tbsp Unflavored Gelatin Powder (Plain, unsweetened)
• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil

Instructions:

1. Place the parsley, mint, water, and coconut oil into a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and liquid.
2. Pour the chicken bone broth into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the gelatin powder slowly to avoid clumping. Stir continuously until fully dissolved.
4. Remove the broth from heat and stir in the blended green mixture.
5. Pour the liquid into silicone molds (bone shapes or toothbrush shapes work best) or a square baking dish.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until firm. If using a baking dish, slice into strips once set.

Estimated Calorie & Nutrition Breakdown:

Batch Size: Makes approximately 20 medium-sized treats.

Recipe-Specific Pro-Tip:

For a harder, longer-lasting chew, place the set treats in a dehydrator or an oven at the lowest setting (door slightly ajar) for 2-3 hours to remove moisture.

2. The “Crunchy Scrubber” Spinach Biscuit

Some dogs prefer a satisfying crunch over a gummy texture. The abrasive action of a hard biscuit can help scrape tartar from the surface of the teeth.

Recipe-Specific Intro:

This baked version uses oat flour for digestibility and spinach for that signature green color and a boost of vitamins. It is shelf-stable and great for travel.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Oat Flour (can substitute Whole Wheat Flour if grain-tolerant)
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 cup Baby Spinach (steamed and pureed)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp Water (adjust as needed for dough consistency)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, blend the steamed spinach and egg until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, mix the flour and chopped parsley.
4. Pour the wet spinach mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a stiff dough forms. Add water one teaspoon at a time if the dough is too crumbly.
5. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut into shapes or strips.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the biscuits inside as it cools to harden them further.

Estimated Calorie & Nutrition Breakdown:

Batch Size: Makes approximately 25 biscuits.

Recipe-Specific Pro-Tip:

If your dog has a sensitivity to chicken or beef, this vegetarian recipe is an excellent hypoallergenic option.

3. The “Grain-Free” Sweet Potato & Kale Stick

For dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies, this recipe uses sweet potato as a nutritious base, providing beta-carotene and fiber.

Recipe-Specific Intro:

This recipe creates a semi-soft chew that is gentle on the stomach. The kale provides the green hue and serves as a nutrient-dense superfood inclusion.

Ingredients:

• 1 large Sweet Potato (cooked and peeled)
• 1/2 cup Kale (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Coconut Flour
• 1 tbsp Unflavored Gelatin (optional, helps bind)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Mint

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Boil or bake the sweet potato until soft, then peel.
3. In a food processor, combine the sweet potato, kale, and mint. Pulse until smooth and green specks are small.
4. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the coconut flour and gelatin. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes (coconut flour absorbs moisture).
5. Form the mixture into small logs or “finger” shapes.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes.
7. Allow to cool completely to firm up.

Estimated Calorie & Nutrition Breakdown:

Batch Size: Makes approximately 15 chews.

Recipe-Specific Pro-Tip:

Kale has a stronger flavor than spinach. If your dog is picky, steam the kale before blending to mellow the taste.

4. The “Deep Clean” Apple & Spirulina Freezer Chew

This no-bake option is perfect for hot days. The texture of frozen yogurt helps cool the gums, while the apple acts as nature’s toothbrush.

Recipe-Specific Intro:

Utilizing spirulina for a vibrant green color and immune support, these frozen treats are easy to whip up and store for long periods.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (Non-fat, Xylitol-free)
• 1/2 Green Apple (cored, seeds REMOVED, chopped)
• 1 tsp Spirulina Powder (food grade)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley

Instructions:

1. Place the yogurt, chopped apple, spirulina, and parsley into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
4. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours.
5. Pop out of the mold and serve immediately.

Estimated Calorie & Nutrition Breakdown:

Batch Size: Makes approximately 15 frozen treats.

Recipe-Specific Pro-Tip:

Always ensure absolutely no apple seeds enter the mix, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide which can accumulate in a dog’s system.

5. The “Garden Fresh” Zucchini & Rice Chew

This recipe utilizes zucchini as a moisture-rich, low-calorie base, combined with brown rice flour for a hypoallergenic binder. It is an excellent alternative for dogs that may be sensitive to strong mint flavors, using basil as a milder aromatic.

Recipe-Specific Intro: Zucchini contains antioxidants and is gentle on the digestive system, while fresh basil offers antimicrobial properties that can assist in reducing oral bacteria. The texture of this chew is firm but crumbly, suitable for senior dogs with sensitive teeth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Zucchini (finely grated and squeezed dry)
• 1 ½ cups Brown Rice Flour
• 1 Egg
• ¼ cup Fresh Basil (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze vigorously to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This is crucial for a firm chew.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg and melted coconut oil together.
4. Add the squeezed zucchini and chopped basil to the wet mixture.
5. Slowly stir in the brown rice flour until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time.
6. Roll the dough into small logs (about the thickness of a finger) or cut into shapes.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Estimated Calorie & Nutrition Breakdown: Batch Size: Makes approximately 20 chews.

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Recipe-Specific Pro-Tip: Basil pairs well with zucchini, but if you want to boost the breath-freshening power, you can substitute half of the basil for fresh parsley without altering the texture of the dough.

How to Store Your Homemade Treats

Proper storage is essential to prevent mold and maintain freshness, as these recipes lack the potent preservatives found in commercial brands.

• Baked Treats (The “Crunchy Scrubber” & “Grain-Free” Stick): Ensure they are completely cool before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Gelatin & Frozen Treats (The “Minty Fresh” & “Deep Clean”): These must be kept cold. Store gelatin chews in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Frozen treats should remain in the freezer until serving time.