Minties vs. Greenies Dog Treats Comparison 2024: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Doggie breath is the worst! Man’s best friend comes to show you affection, and then wham, doggie breath. With so many choices, it is hard to find a healthy dental treat with a good flavor that helps improve the dog’s breath.

I have recruited my dog Val to help find the best dental dog treat available. Val is a two-year-old Border Collie mix who needs a practical daily solution to help keep his teeth healthy and his breath fresh, and I dare say we have found a winner! But you’ll have to stick around to find out which treat Val likes best. First, let’s talk about which products we tried.

We selected four different dental treats to sample: two from Minties and two from Greenies. We tried Minties Dental Treats and Minties Twists. From Greenies, we tried Greenies Fresh Dental Treats and Greenies Anytime Bites. These are all good quality products from great brands, but Val has a favorite. Let’s have a look, and break down the details of each treat we considered.

At A Glance

About Greenies

Owned by Mars Inc. and proudly made in Kansas City, Greenies has been a beacon of innovation in the pet care industry. Greenies started to solve a problem like mine: to help a sweet dog with bad breath. Today, Greenies offers a diverse array of products, extending far beyond their signature dental dog treats.

The heart of the Greenies’ product line remains in dental dog treats, featuring a treat for every dog with options for teenie, petite, regular, and large-size dogs. In each of these size categories, there are also several flavors to choose from, satisfying even the most discerning doggie palate.

Whether your dog prefers original chicken, savory sweet potato, refreshing mint, or sweet blueberry, Greenies has you covered. But they don’t stop there. They have gone the extra mile to provide for specific dietary needs. Beyond just flavors, Greenies’ product range includes grain-free options for dogs with dietary sensitivities, weight management treats for those on a health journey, and aging care products to support senior dogs through their golden years.

Greenies treats have a unique toothbrush shape and texture that helps fight plaque and tartar, a common concern among dog owners. Greenies prioritize using natural ingredients and fortifying their treats with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. This ensures your dog not only enjoys a tasty snack, but it also benefits their health with every treat.

Greenies come highly recommended by veterinarians, reflecting their commitment to your dog’s oral health and overall well-being, making them a trusted choice for dog owners. No matter what breed of dog you have or how big your dog is, Greenies has the perfect treat to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

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.

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.

About Minties

Minties is owned by parent company VetIQ, a well-respected and established brand in the pet healthcare industry. VetIQ’s core mission is helping pets lead healthier, happier lives by delivering high-quality solutions to common problems. The brand collaborates with leading veterinarians, nutritionists, and experts to formulate products backed by science and proven to deliver results.

VetIQ Minties are Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved, signifying their effectiveness in maintaining oral hygiene and improving your dog’s dental health. This endorsement underscores VetIQ’s commitment to producing beneficial results.

VetIQ understands that pet care should be accessible to all. Affordability is a cornerstone of VetIQ’s philosophy, and Minties reflects that ethos. VetIQ Minties are renowned for being an affordable dental dog treat, ensuring pet owners can provide their pets with the best possible care without straining their budgets. They are committed to affordability, while maintaining a focus on quality, adhering to the highest standard of quality and safety.

Minties are proudly made in the USA with all-natural ingredients, completely free from artificial flavors and colors. This ensures that every Minties treat contributes positively to your dog’s overall health, not just oral hygiene.

These are all advantages of the VetIQ brand; however, it is worth mentioning that Minties offers a relatively limited selection of dental dog treats, with only two varieties available. While these options may be sufficient for some pet owners, those seeking a broader range of flavors and formulations may find this too limiting.

Overall, VetIQ Minties is a well-known pet healthcare brand that offers affordable dental dog treats that promotes your dog’s oral hygiene and overall health. Their commitment to quality and affordability makes them a valuable choice for pet owners.

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.

The 2 Most Popular Greenies Dog Treat Recipes

1. Greenies Fresh Dental Treats

Greenies Fresh Dental Treats have a unique toothbrush-shaped design and a chewy texture that helps in maintaining clean teeth and combating the buildup of plaque and tartar. They are also highly effective in refreshing your dog’s breath.

Greenies Fresh Dental Treats are veterinary recommended and made with natural ingredients. And as a bonus, they have additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help to contribute to your dog’s overall health. Greenies Fresh Dental Treats are available in teenie, petite, regular, and large varieties making them a good choice for a dog of any size. If the fresh flavor doesn’t appeal to your dog, these treats are also available in sweet potato, blueberry, and original chicken flavors. This variety allows you to find the perfect flavor your dog will love.

With all the size and flavor choices you are sure to find a Greenies dental treat your dog will love. Greenies Fresh Dental Treats make dental care a tasty and enjoyable experience.

Guaranteed Analysis

Nutritional Breakdown

 

Calories per cup: 26 kcal/treat

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2. Greenies Anytime Bites

Small in size, but packed with flavor Greenies Anytime Bites are only 15 calories each and are designed for frequent use. These treats are available in three delicious flavors: original chicken, blueberry, and fresh mint.

Greenies Anytime Bites are made with natural ingredients and enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to promote your dog’s overall health. They also have a chewy texture that your dog will love. Greenies Anytime Bites contain highly soluble ingredients making them easy to digest providing a wholesome treat option for your dog.

It is important to note that Greenies Anytime Bites are not recommended for dogs less than five pounds or dogs less than 6 months old. There are also feeding guidelines based on your dog’s weight for how many treats you should give your dog in a day.

While Greenies Anytime Bites offer premium quality and flavor, they come at a slightly higher price than your average dog treats.

Guaranteed Analysis

Nutritional Breakdown

 

Calories per cup: 15 kcal ME/treat

The 2 Most Popular Minties Dog Treat Recipes

1. Minties Dental Treat Clean Teeth

Minties Dental Treats are bone-shaped with a bumpy texture that encourages your dog to chew, which helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup. These dental treats help to freshen your dog’s breath by addressing the odor-causing bacteria and enzymes in your dog’s mouth. They contain five natural breath-freshening ingredients: alfalfa, peppermint, parsley, fennel, and dill. They are also gluten-free, with no wheat, corn, soy, or added sugars or salt.

Custom-made for your dog’s size and weight, these dental treats come in two sizes, tiny/small dogs or medium/large dogs. Approved by the VOHC, Minties are made with all-natural ingredients with no artificial flavors or animal by-products.

Minties Dental Treats have a strong smell, which some dogs may not like. They are also very hard and can break off into large pieces. This causes concern that they may be a possible choking hazard. The company recommends monitoring your dog when consuming these treats.

Guaranteed Analysis

Nutritional Breakdown

Calories per cup: 67.2 kcal/bone

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2. Minties Twists

Minties Twists look very appealing, like something you would find in a human candy store. The unique twisted design helps remove plaque and tartar while the blend of peppermint, vanilla, and parsley helps freshen your dog’s breath.

Minties Twists are made in the USA, adhering to high-quality standards. They do not contain any common allergens, with no corn, wheat, or soy, and have no added sugar or salt. Minties Twists are infused with collagen from pork to help strengthen your dog’s teeth and gums.

With the vanilla and peppermint combination, these treats have a strong smell that can be rather unpleasant. The treats are also very hard and may break off into pieces too large to swallow, which can cause a concern for choking. Minties recommends monitoring your dog at all times when chewing on these treats.

Guaranteed Analysis

Nutritional Breakdown

 

Calories per cup: 65 kcal/bone

 

Minties vs Greenies: Head-To-Head Comparison

Best Value

Both Minties and Greenies are produced with good quality ingredients, but Minties are the more affordable choice. They have a generally lower price point than the Greenies while still using all-natural ingredients.

Availability

Greenies have a wider selection of products and flavors that are easy to find in stores and online.

Natural Ingredients

Both Greenies and Minties are made with all-natural ingredients. But Greenies also have added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, increasing their nutritional value.

Eco-Friendliness

Mars Inc. has a sustainability plan with a program called Healthy Planet. They have been making progress toward the goal of sending zero waste to landfills. Mars Inc. also has a goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. They are planning for the future.

Recall History

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.

Our Experience

Greenies Dental Treats

Val loves the Greenies Fresh Dental Treats. Not only does he enjoy the taste, but I also noticed a significant improvement in his breath. I know oral hygiene is crucial, but Val hates to have his teeth brushed. He is a two-year-old Border Collie with better things to do than worry about his oral hygiene. The Greenies Fresh Dental Treats have a unique shape and texture that helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup and promote healthier gums and fresher breath. Val thinks he is getting just another delicious treat, but I know it is as beneficial as it is enjoyable. Val eagerly anticipates his daily Greenies, making it easy to include in his dental care routine. Greenies Fresh Dental Treats didn’t have as strong of a smell as other dental treats we tried, which also made them more appealing. Most importantly, they have proven to be very effective in helping to clean Val’s teeth and freshen his breath.

Anytime I am going to use a pet product regularly, I am also concerned about the ingredients and the overall effect on Val’s health. With Greenies Fresh Dental Treats, I am very pleased with the all-natural ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the treats. Greenies Fresh Dental Treats are also easily digestible and did not cause any issues for Val. I am confident that they are a safe choice to give him daily.

I am very excited to have found Greenies Fresh Dental Treats. When I want to reward Val for good behavior, instead of giving him junk food, I now have a healthy alternative that he loves but that also contributes to his overall oral health. And now when he wants to come show me affection, I can fully embrace the love because I am no longer hit by that dreaded doggie breath.

Minties Dental Treats

Val likes the Minties Dental Treats. The bone shape of the Minties helps him hold the treat between his paws so he can enthusiastically chew away. The bumps and divots are designed and positioned to remove plaque and tartar. Val likes the texture and enjoys chewing on the treats. I also noticed that the Minties are very effective in freshening his breath.

I am a little concerned with how the treats break down as he is enjoying them. Sometimes he breaks off pieces a bit larger than I would like, raising concern about potentially being a choking hazard. Safety is a priority, so I have made sure to supervise Val as he is eating these treats to address this concern. I did have to pick up and discard some of the larger fragments so that Val would not eat them.

I really like that the Minties dental treats are made in the USA with all-natural ingredients. For dogs that have more restrictive diets, they are even gluten-free. No wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or animal by-products. There is also no added sugar or salt. Even though Val doesn’t have any special dietary needs, I like that Minties are a healthy, all-natural option for Val.

Val didn’t have any issues digesting the Minties Dental Treats and they are effective in helping to freshen his breath. These treats are vet recommended so I am confident they are a healthy choice for Val’s dental care and overall health. Even though the Minties were not Val’s favorite dental treat, I believe they are a high-quality, effective product.

Conclusion

Val had such a great time trying Minties and Greenies dental treats. All four of the products we sampled are good quality choices. They are all made in the USA with high-quality ingredients and are very effective in helping to clean Val’s teeth and freshen his breath. Because of this, it was a hard choice.

But there can only be one winner. Val’s favorite is… Greenies!

Val enjoys the flavor of the Greenies more than the Minties. Greenies have a wider variety of products to choose from and have vitamins, minerals, and nutrients added to help support Val’s overall health.

Minties have an advantage over Greenies because they are gluten-free, but Val doesn’t have any dietary restrictions, so this was not a factor in our choice. If you are on a tight budget, Minties is a more affordable option and may be the better choice for you. But for Val, Greenies are his preference.

I know your pet’s health is a top priority, so I hope Val’s experience has provided some insight to help you make the best choice for your dog and their overall oral health.

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