Fresh Kisses Pumpkin & Cinnamon Dental Chews Treat
Verified Aug 22, 2026
A dental chew treat for large dogs designed mainly for teeth cleaning and breath freshening rather than full nutrition. It uses tapioca and pea starch as the base, with gelatin providing some animal protein and pumpkin and cinnamon for flavor. This is meant to be an occasional chew alongside a complete and balanced dog food, not a primary diet.
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Top Pick
This is a moderately high-calorie dental chew formulated to help mechanically clean teeth and freshen breath for large dogs over 50 pounds. The ingredient list relies mostly on starches with a modest amount of gelatin for protein, which is perfectly fine for a treat but not especially nutrient-dense compared with some other functional chews. It can fit well into a healthy dog's routine as long as you account for the extra calories and use it alongside a balanced dog food.
Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Designed specifically as a dental chew, with a texture intended to stay in contact with the teeth and help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Simple, grain-free starch base (tapioca and pea starch) that most healthy dogs tolerate well.
- Contains pumpkin and cinnamon, which many dogs find palatable and which may help with breath freshness.
- Clear calorie information per chew (181 kcal), which makes it easier to factor into your dog's daily intake.
Considerations
- Very calorie-dense at 181 kcal per chew, so portions of regular food often need to be reduced to prevent weight gain, especially in less active large dogs.
- Protein content is fairly low for the number of calories, and most of the formula is starch, so this should remain an occasional treat rather than a frequent, large part of the diet.
- Contains pea starch; while much less concerning than whole peas used heavily in diets, owners actively avoiding legume ingredients may want to be aware of this.
- Includes gelatin and natural flavor, which are animal-derived and not suitable for households strictly avoiding animal by-products in treats.
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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.
Manufacturer
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
No recall is listed for Merrick Fresh Kisses Pumpkin & Cinnamon Dental Chews Treat.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Sep 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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