Minties vs. Greenies Dog Treats: Our 2024 Comparison

When you are looking for a good dental chew for your dog, it can be difficult to choose the right one. There are so many options available, plus reviews, opinions, and more importantly, questions. Sifting through the possibilities is hard, and can take the joy out of finding your pooch a delicious treat.

To help you with this issuer, we have reviewed and compared two of the most popular dental treats. Below, we will go in-depth between Minties Dental Chews and Greenies Dental Chews. We will talk about the differences in effectiveness, ingredients, source, brand recognition, plus much more.

Stick around to find out which option is the best bet for your pet.

A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Greenies

To give you a sneak peek of the winner, in our opinion we believe the crown must go to Greenies. Not only does Greenies have a well-rounded variety of products to choose from, but their natural formula is effective at removing plaque and tartar, plus they freshening your pets’ breath.

On the other hand, a close contender with also an all-natural formula is Minties. Where we draw the line is at some of the more questionable ingredients and a few other aspects that we will go over below.

Minties Dog Treats: At a Glance

Minties is a bone-shaped dental chew that comes in four sizes. The chew has one larger size with knobs to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your pet’s teeth. Not only that, but it also freshens their breath and cleans their teeth and gums.

Minties are made in the USA without wheat, soy, corn, artificial flavors, or any animal by-products. It is also a gluten-free treat with no added sugar or salt. They claim to be easy to digest, plus also provide additional nutritional benefits for your pet.

Owned by the parent company VetIQ, Minties has been a popular treat that rivals Greenies. Although each brand has similarities, they also have many differences that we will look into further below.

Effectiveness

Minties come in an extra small, small, medium, and large size to accommodate most size pups. The bone shape is larger on one size to make it easier for your pup to maneuver with their paws. The entire chew is covered in knobs and ridges to help clean your pet’s teeth and gums. What’s more, the texture of the treat will help remove plaque and tartar build-up.

This dental chew also helps freshen your pet’s breath using natural ingredients (which we will get into later). Although it is effective at turning bad breath in the right direction, the smell of the bones alone can be a little harsh. Overall, however, Minties are an effective oral hygiene solution for your dog.

Ingredients

Minties is an all-natural formula dog treat that is made without wheat, soy, and corn. They also do not contain any artificial flavors or animal by-products. This is a good option for any dogs that have wheat allergies as it is also gluten-free with no added sugar or salt.

The ingredients are fairly limited with only a few concerning factors, which we will go over below.

• Yeast: Yeast can have some nutritional benefits; however, it is not as healthy for your dog. Yeast can cause the stomach to expand causing gas and other digestive issues.
• Garlic: In concentrated forms, garlic can be toxic to canines. On the other hand, small doses are okay and can help with odors caused by bacteria.
• Lecithin: Lecithin is used as a source of fiber and can promote digestion. The only issue here is that this ingredient can sometimes be based on soy products, and if this chew claims to be soy-free, it is reasonable to assume that it is made from other materials.

Besides the primary ingredients in the Minties formula, they have also added several ingredients to enhance the breath-freshening capabilities.

• Alfalfa: Alfalfa is used as a cheap substitute for meat-based proteins. These ingredients reduce the acidity in your pet stomach, which can also promote strong teeth. That being said, Alfalfa can interfere with the absorption of nutrients in your pup.
• Parsley Leaves: Parsley contains antioxidants and vitamins, but it is also easy on the stomach, and also helps freshen their breath.
• Fennel: This ingredient contains vitamin C and A plus calcium and iron. These vitamins and minerals support your dog’s immune system plus can help fight bad breath.
• Dill: Dill is yet another ingredient that has proven effective at freshening your dog’s breath. Not only that but canines tend to like the taste so it is typically added to give a flavor, as well.
• Peppermint: Peppermint is a common breath freshener for humans as well as dogs. Although it is non-toxic, it can give your pet indigestion and other stomach upsets. This is the least concentrated ingredient, so your pet should not have an issue unless they already have pre-existing stomach issues.

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of the Minties Dental Chews is also important. The protein, fiber, fat, and calorie levels should be in line with the recommended daily diet restrictions for your dog. For example, experts recommend that a dog’s diet contains a minimum of 18 to 26% protein per day. Minties have 6% of protein. This is fairly low, however, if your dog is getting the required amount of protein in their normal meals, it should be fine.

Fiber and fat are also important in your pet’s diet. In this case, the fiber content is 2.5% while the fat content is 1.5%. Both of these are in good standing with a healthy and nutritious snack. On the other hand, the calories are on the high side. Minties have 67.2 KCAL per treat.

Manufactured & Sourced

Minties is owned by VetIQ. They are an Idaho-based company with several other offices around the USA. Minties are made and manufactured in the USA. What is harder to find is where their ingredients are sourced. That being said, VetIQ sources their ingredients in the USA from states such as Utah, Texas, and Florida.

Concerns

As with any product, there are some concerns with the Minties Dental Chews. First, they are not recommended for dogs under nine months of age. Second, like a lot of dental treats, they can be difficult to digest, and they do not break down well.

Due to their harder nature, it can cause two additional concerns. First, as they do not break down quickly in your dog’s system, choking hazards can be very real. Even small pieces that get stuck in your pet’s esophagus can be fatal. It is very important that you monitor your pet, plus make sure they have plenty of water.

The second cause for concern is that the treats can be hard to digest. This can cause stomach problems such as indigestion, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and overall poor health. Dogs that have pre-existing digestive or stomach issues are not recommended without a vet’s approval.

Another note is regarding the smell of these treats. They have a strong mint flavor that is almost chemical-like. Some dogs are turned off by this and will not eat them. Finally, to end on a positive note, Minties are approved by the VOHC.

Greenies Dog Treats: At a Glance

Greenies is a dental chew that comes in regular, teenie, large, and petite to suit all size dogs and breeds. They also offer grain-free, weight management, and aging care options, plus several different flavors such as blueberry.  Greenies have been one of the more popular dental treats since these types of chews became mainstream.

The chews are shaped like a toothbrush complete with ridges and texture to clean your pups’ teeth and gums of tartar and plaque. They also help to make your dog’s teeth pearly white and reduce bad breath.  They are approved by the VOHC and made with all-natural ingredients.

Like Minties, Greenies have some drawbacks that you should be aware of which we will go over below.

Effectiveness

Greenies are an effective way to clean your dog’s teeth. They will whiten, reduce plaque and tartar build-up, plus spread out brushings. The toothbrush-like shape has ridges and texture that scrape the teeth, gums, and tongue of your dog while they are chewing.

Dental chews such as these are a good option for pets that are reluctant to have their teeth brushed. Oral hygiene is extremely important for your canine as decaying teeth, gingivitis, and other dental issues can have serious consequences.

Ingredients

Greenies use all-natural ingredients without any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Their products are manufactured in a facility that is governed by AAFCO guidelines. Not only that, but they also have grain-free, weight management, and senior diets for those pups that have special dietary needs.

That being said, even formulas made with natural ingredients can have some concerns which we will go over below.

• Wheat: Wheat is a common ingredient in dog food. Unfortunately, wheat contains gluten which many dogs are sensitive to. Gluten allergies can cause stomach upset digestion issues and other issues.
• Powdered Cellulose: Powdered cellulose is another common ingredient found in dog food and treats. This is an ingredient that can help keep the shape of the shoe intact. Though in its plant-derived form this mineral is harmless, many dog food manufacturers use cellulose that is not meant for human consumption. What this means is that it could be formulated with wood or sawdust.

On a brighter note, there are many ingredients in Greenies that have a lot of benefits of oral health.

• Potassium Iodide: Potassium iodide is a beneficial supplement for metabolism; plus, it produces thyroid hormone that your dog needs to eat healthily.
• Choline Chloride: This is a B-Complex supplement that is beneficial to your pup. Please note however that this is a water-soluble ingredient so its effects can vary based on the formula.
• Biotin: Biotin aids in boosting other vitamins and minerals. It makes them more effective and allows them to seep into your dog’s system more readily.

Our favorite Greenies treats:

Nutritional Value

As we mentioned above, the protein, fat, and fiber levels supplement your pet’s daily dietary needs. In this case, Greenies offers 30% crude protein which is excellent for this type of treat.

On the other hand, the fat content is somewhat high with a minimum of 5.5% and a maximum of 7%. Typically, dogs need more fat than humans. They turn this material into energy that boosts their metabolism. Also, the fiber content is 6% which is not great but not bad, either.

Experts recommend that your dog gets approximately 30 calories per pound of body weight per day. So, for example, if your pet weighs 40 pounds, they need to have a roughly 1200 calorie diet. Greenies have 55 KCAL / treat ME. This can be somewhat high depending on your pet’s needs.

Manufactured & Sourced

Greenies was originally started by Joe and Judy Rosolie in Kansas City in 1996, however, they passed the business along to Mars Petcare in 2006. Greenies maintains their headquarters in Kansas City, but they also have other office locations across the United States.

These dental chews are made and manufactured in the United States. That being said, their ingredients are sourced around the world. The company claims to use all-natural ingredients with an eye to your pet’s overall well-being.

It is important to note, however, that the FDA does not have any regulations regarding the term “natural”. If there is no concrete definition, you must check labels to ensure that the ingredients are organic and well-sourced.

In the case of Greenies, based on their ingredients list, the formula seems to be all-natural without any artificial or synthetic ingredients. They also do not use any animal by-products that can be detrimental to your pet’s health.

Concerns

As with Minties, Greenies also have choking concerns. The hardness of the chew, coupled with the fact that they do not break down easily, can cause the treats to get stuck in your pet’s throat. That being said, these treats also can be more difficult to digest for some dogs. This is especially true if they have any type of gluten, wheat, or grain sensitivities. Keep in mind, however, that they offer a gluten-free option.

For pets that have a pre-existing dental condition. Greenies have some give, but they are on the harder side. Pets with gingivitis, broken teeth, or other ailments should acquire a vet’s approval before eating this treat. Also, your pet should be monitored while they eat this snack.

The 2 Most Popular Minties Dog Treat Recipes

Take a look at our two favorite Minties recipes:

1. VetIQ Minties Maximum Mint Dog Dental Bones

The Minties Maximum Mint formula is an effective way to treat your dog’s plaque and tartar buildup not only does it promote good oral hygiene, but it is also great for reducing bad breath. What’s more, if your pet suffers from any gluten allergies, the formula does not contain any soy wheat or corn.

The mint flavor can be a bit strong, as well as the smell. If your pet does not like mint flavors, these might not be the right option for you. On the other hand, this is a great VOHC-approved product that is made with all-natural ingredients. Finally, we note that these choices can be a bit more difficult to digest.

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2. Minties Maximum Mint Dental Bone Treats For Large Dogs

The Minties Maximum Mint bone treats are meant for medium to large size breeds. They are made in the USA with all-natural ingredients. They also do not contain any corn, wheat, or soy that may upset your pet’s stomach. These chews are effective at cleaning your pet’s cheek and removing plaque and tartar.

You will also know that this formula is effective at reducing bad breath. That being said, some of the odor-fighting ingredients have some drawbacks including the garlic and peppermint that can be toxic to dogs in high doses. Also, you do want to note that these larger size chews are harder to break down and can cause a choking hazard. Otherwise, this long-lasting treat is a popular option for your pet.

The 3 Most Popular Greenies Dog Treat Recipes

Next, check out our three favorite options from Greenies Dental Dog Chews:

1. Greenies Breath Buster Bites

Greenies Breath Buster Bites all right enough active breath freshening and tartar reducing auction for your pet. unlike their normal-sized choice, these are small bite-sized treats that can be given more frequently. Not only that, but they are made with an all-natural formula, as well.

These smaller snacks are great for little dogs, but can also be given to larger dogs to snack more often. Note, however, that bigger dogs do run the risk of getting this treat spot in their throat. on the other hand. This is a great option for any dogs with gluten sensitivities as it is made grain-free. Finally, you do want to consider that this auction has a shorter shelf life than their normal size Dental.

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2. Greenies Original Teenie Dental Treats

One of the more popular options for Greenies Dental Chews is their variety pack. This option offers 3 flavors including their original blueberry, and fresh. Made in the USA, these toothbrush-like shaped treats are effective at removing tartar and plaque buildup and freshening your dog’s breath.

This option is made with all-natural ingredients, plus it is recommended by the VOHC. Furthermore, you will not find any artificial ingredients in the formula. One thing to note, however, is that these treats can be hard to digest. Not only that but small pieces can get lodged in your pet’s throat and cause a choking hazard. Otherwise, this is a great oral hygiene dental chew.

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3. Greenies Grain-Free Natural Dental Dog Treats

Our last option is the Greenies Grain-free Natural Dental dog treats. As the name suggests, this is a gluten-free option that is good for pups with food allergies that could upset their stomach. It is an all-natural formula that also Has additional vitamins and minerals to support your pet’s well-being.

These chews clean your pets’ teeth down to the gum line and help to reduce tartar and plaque buildup. Although they are designed to be easy to digest, they can be hard to break down in your dog’s system. For that reason, any pets with pre-existing digestive issues should steer clear. Also, you should note that this option can cause a choking hazard so you should monitor your dog while they are eating the snack. On a brighter note, you will find these chews to be an effective way of brushing your dog’s breath.

Minties vs. Greenies Dog Treats Comparison

Now let’s dig into the differences between these two brands and products. Greenies and Minties have a lot in common — but there are some major differences. First, let’s start with overall effectiveness.

Effectiveness

Both Minties and Greenies use the texture of their treats to clean your dog’s teeth and remove and reduce tartar and plaque buildup caused by bacteria. Both options are also effective at reducing bad breath.

The Minties Dental Chews is a dog bone-shaped treat that is one size larger than the other making it easier for your dog to hold. The green snack is covered in knobs that will scrape your dog’s chompers to remove bacteria. On the other hand, Greenies is a toothbrush shaped option that has ridges to remove plaque and tartar.

Both options are effective at their job, plus they are both equally as hard and difficult to break down. Also, each one is effective at freshening breath. That being said, Minties has specific ingredients within its formula to fight bacteria-causing odor. For example, they use things such as garlic, alfalfa, peppermint, and fennel to freshen breath. While these things are effective at reducing odors, they can also be toxic to your pet in high doses.

Greenies, on the other hand, uses breath-freshening supplements. Therefore, they are slightly less effective at freshening breath; yet their formula is healthier for your pet.  Something else to take note of is the overall makeup of both products. As mentioned, both Greenies and Minties are harder so they are more difficult to break down. This can cause an issue if pieces of the treat get stuck in your pet’s throat. Monitoring your pet while they are eating these chews is essential. And don’t forget to provide your pup with a lot of water!

Ingredients

Both options have all-natural formulas. That being said, Minties are gluten-free and do not contain any wheat, soy, corn, or artificial flavors. They also do not have any animal by-products.

On the other hand, Greenies contain wheat and other gluten products. They provide a gluten-free option for those pets that have sensitivities, however. Another difference between the two is also the fact that Greenies provide more additional vitamins and minerals then Minties.

Something else to consider is the nutritional value of both products. Greenies have great levels of protein, fat, and fiber. Their calories, while not great, are not terrible either. Minties, on the other hand, have lower amounts of protein, fat, and fiber. Not to mention, they have a higher calorie per treat ratio.

Manufactured & Sourced

Another common question of pet owners is where the ingredients are sourced, plus where the treats are being manufactured. Both Greenies and Minties are made in the USA. That being said, Greenies source their ingredients from countries around the world. However, they state that their facilities are run by AAFCO guidelines.

Minties, on the other hand, are made in the USA. The sourcing of the formula is not as clear, though. Again, they also maintain their formula is all-natural.

Other Concerns

A few other concerns of note include the price, variety, ease of shopping, and customer support. First, Minties are considerably less expensive than Greenies. On the other hand, Greenies provides a lot more options than Minties within their formulas.

Both of these brands can be found on sites such as Amazon, Chewy, and PetSmart. They can also be found in stores like Walmart, Target, and other pet shops. Both of their sites are easy to navigate, and they also each have decent customer support.

Recall History of Minties and Greenies

At the time this article was written, neither Minties nor Greenies have had any recalls on their products. It is also important to note that both parent companies VetIQ and Mars also have not had any recalls.

With an effort to be transparent, however, you should note that the Mars company has been involved in two lawsuits regarding their products. Both were settled quietly out of court, however. Otherwise, both companies have not had any major disruptions or contamination issues with their product.

Minties vs Greenies: Which Should You Choose?

We hope you have enjoyed our review and comparison of Greenies and Minties dental dog treats. In our opinion, when it comes to Minties vs Greenies, Greenies wins—but not by much. They have a more well-rounded variety of products, better breath-freshening effectiveness, and better nutritional value.

On the other hand, Minties is also a solid choice. This brand is very effective at promoting oral health in your pet. The all-natural, gluten-free formula is healthy for your pet. Plus, this is the less expensive option.

• See also: Best Dental Chews for Dogs – Reviews & Top Picks