Fresh Kisses Mint Dental Chews Treats for Medium Dogs
Verified May 26, 2026
A dental chew treat for medium-sized dogs designed to help mechanically clean teeth and freshen breath. It uses tapioca and pea starch as the base, with gelatin for texture and peppermint and spearmint oil for a minty aroma. This is meant as an oral-care snack, not a complete diet, and should be fed in moderation alongside a balanced dog food.
This is a thoughtfully formulated dental treat aimed at supporting oral hygiene and freshening breath in medium-sized dogs. The ingredient list is relatively simple, with starches providing structure and gelatin adding chew, and the calorie content per chew is clearly stated so you can factor it into your dog’s daily intake. It’s best suited for otherwise healthy adult dogs as an occasional or daily chew in addition to a balanced diet and regular dental care.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Simple, limited ingredient list based mainly on starches and gelatin, which can be easier to tolerate for many dogs compared with meat-heavy treats.
- Designed specifically as a dental chew to help provide some mechanical cleaning of teeth and freshen breath with peppermint and spearmint oil.
- Clear calorie information per chew (111 kcal), which makes it easier to avoid overfeeding and manage your dog’s weight.
- Moderate protein and very low fat content for a treat, which can be helpful for dogs that need lower-fat extras.
Considerations
- This is a treat, not a complete and balanced food, so it should make up only a small portion of your dog’s daily calories.
- Contains pea starch, which is fine in treats but should be considered alongside the main diet if your dog is on a legume-heavy grain-free food and you’re watching overall pulse intake.
- Mint oils and flavorings may not agree with all dogs; introduce slowly and watch for any digestive upset.
- Each chew is relatively calorie-dense (111 kcal), so portion control is important, especially for dogs prone to weight gain.
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 Mint Dental Chews Treats for Medium Dogs 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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