Fresh Kisses Coconut Oil & Botanical Oils Medium Dog Dental Chews
Verified Jun 20, 2026
A dental chew treat for medium-sized dogs designed to help clean teeth and freshen breath. It uses plant-based starches as the base with added gelatin for texture, and is infused with coconut oil and botanical oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and rosemary. This is intended as a daily chew to support oral hygiene rather than a complete diet.
This is a thoughtfully formulated dental chew for medium dogs, using tapioca and pea starch as the main base instead of heavier fat- or sugar-rich ingredients. The added coconut and botanical oils can help with breath freshness, and the chew’s texture is designed to provide some mechanical cleaning as the dog chews. It’s best used as an occasional or daily dental treat alongside regular toothbrushing and a balanced main diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Moderate protein level for a treat, with gelatin contributing to a firm, chewy texture that can help with mechanical tooth cleaning.
- Relatively low fat for a dental chew, which can be helpful for dogs that need to avoid rich, high-fat snacks.
- Uses coconut oil and botanical oils (peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary) aimed at improving breath odor.
- Clear calorie information per chew (about 111 kcal), which makes it easier to factor into your dog’s daily calorie allowance.
Considerations
- This is a treat only and not a complete and balanced diet, so it should make up a small portion of your dog’s daily calories.
- The main ingredients are starches, which provide chewing texture but limited nutritional value beyond calories.
- Contains pea starch, which is fine in a treat but may be worth noting if your dog already eats a legume-heavy diet from other sources.
- Gelatin and flavorings may not suit dogs with very sensitive stomachs or specific protein sensitivities.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is a purified carbohydrate used in pet foods mainly as a thickener, binder and easily digestible energy source, contributing virtually no protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. It is low‑allergy and gluten‑free, but because it is a high‑glycemic, low‑nutrient filler it should be limited in diets for overweight or diabetic pets and not relied on for essential nutrition.
02
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
03
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a plant-derived humectant and sweet-tasting solvent commonly used in pet foods and treats to retain moisture, improve texture, dissolve flavorings or vitamins, and enhance palatability. It provides usable calories, is generally regarded as safe for dogs and cats in typical amounts, but excessive intake can cause digestive upset and may be a consideration for diabetic pets or those needing calorie-restricted diets.
04
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
05
Gelatin
Gelatin, a collagen-derived gelling agent and binder, is commonly used in pet treats, chews and wet foods to improve texture, moisture retention and as an ingredient in joint or skin supplements. It provides collagen-related amino acids (e.g., glycine and proline) that may support joint and coat health but is not a complete protein—lacking essential amino acids such as tryptophan and taurine—so it should not replace balanced animal protein; source and quality (bovine vs. porcine) can matter for dietary preferences and safety concerns.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Merrick offers premium dog and cat food made with real, whole ingredients and regional produce. The brand is known for its recipes such as 'Grain Free', 'Backcountry', and 'Classic'. Merrick targets pet owners seeking natural and grain-free diets for their pets, with an emphasis on U.S.-sourced meats and fresh, farm-to-bowl ingredients.
Visit MerrickManufacturer
Merrick Pet Care manufactures its food in company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. The company maintains in-house quality control and safety testing, adhering to USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards. Merrick emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and audits suppliers for quality and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Merrick Fresh Kisses Coconut Oil & Botanical Oils Medium Dog Dental Chews has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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