We’ve all heard the phrase “dog breath” used as an insult—but let’s be real, some dogs do have pretty funky breath. That doesn’t mean it’s just something you have to live with. In fact, bad breath isn’t a given. It’s usually a sign that something’s up—and the good news is, most causes can be addressed with a little effort.
Dental Issues Are a Big One
The most common cause of stinky dog breath? Dental disease. Things like plaque, tartar, and gum infections can lead to a buildup of bacteria—and that’s where the smell comes from. Left untreated, those dental issues can turn into more serious problems, like infections or tooth loss. So, yeah… it’s more than just a stinky inconvenience.
Other Common Causes of Dog Breath
Besides dental disease, there are a few other culprits worth knowing about:
- Diet: Dogs that eat a fish-heavy diet (or like to scavenge in the yard) tend to have smellier breath.
- Stuck Food or Objects: Something lodged between your dog’s teeth can start to smell pretty fast—especially if it’s organic material.
- Infections or Growths: Oral infections or tumors can cause foul-smelling breath, particularly if there are open sores involved.
- Diabetes: A sweet, fruity smell could be a sign of diabetes and a reason to call your vet.
- Kidney Trouble: Breath that smells like ammonia? That could signal kidney disease—definitely something to have checked out.
Whatever the cause, it’s worth investigating rather than just dealing with it.
How Nextrition Can Help
You’ve heard the saying “you are what you eat”—and that goes for dogs too. A healthier diet means a healthier body, and that includes fresher breath.
Cold-pressed dog food like Nextrition is loaded with nutrients thanks to our low-temp cooking method. That means more of the good stuff stays in—no fillers, no harsh processing. A better diet helps support your dog’s immune system and digestive health, both of which play a role in reducing bad breath.
While our cold-pressed food isn’t designed to scrape teeth like kibble, it’s gentle on the stomach and full of clean, quality ingredients. You can also toss your dog a Tummy Treat now and then—great for chewing, great for their gut, and helpful for loosening up plaque and tartar.
Fresh Breath Starts With a Plan
If your dog’s breath is knocking you over, don’t ignore it. Sometimes all it takes is a dietary switch to clean things up. Other times, it could be a sign of something more serious. When in doubt, check with your vet.
And if you're ready to try a food that supports whole-body health (including oral health), take a look at
Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. Your dog—and your nose—will thank you.
