Plaque Busters Bacon Dental Sticks Treat
Verified Jun 15, 2026
A dental chew treat for medium and large dogs, made with sweet potato as the base and bacon flavour for palatability. Ground oyster shells provide an abrasive texture to help reduce plaque and tartar, while the relatively high fiber content makes this a firm, chewy stick. This is designed as an oral-care supplement to a complete diet, not as a primary food source.
This is a thoughtfully designed dental chew for dogs that uses sweet potato and citrus fiber as the main components, with oyster shells added to help mechanically clean teeth. The protein and fat levels are low, which is typical for a plant-based chew, and the calorie content (about 70 kcal per treat) is important to factor into your dog’s daily intake. It can work well as an occasional dental aid for dogs who tolerate sweet potato and bacon-flavored products, but it should be used in moderation due to the caloric density.
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
- Uses sweet potato and citrus fiber as primary ingredients, which provide a firm, fibrous chew that can help with mechanical cleaning of teeth.
- Includes finely ground oyster shells to enhance abrasion against the tooth surface and support plaque and tartar reduction.
- Relatively low fat content (0.5% min), which can be helpful for dogs that need lower-fat treats compared to many meat-based chews.
- Clear calorie information per treat (about 70 kcal) allows owners to account for this in the dog’s daily calorie allowance.
Considerations
- At roughly 70 kcal per stick, these are fairly high-calorie treats, so portions should be limited, especially for smaller or less active dogs, to avoid unwanted weight gain.
- Very low protein content (4% min) and plant-based composition mean this is purely a treat and not nutritionally balanced; it should only supplement a complete and balanced dog food.
- Contains bacon flavour and liquid smoke, which may not suit dogs sensitive to strongly flavored or smoked products.
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
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
02
Citrus Fiber
Citrus fiber is a plant‑based source of soluble and insoluble fiber derived from the pulp, peel and membrane of citrus fruits and is commonly used in pet foods as a binder, water‑holding agent and texture stabilizer to improve kibble structure and wet‑food viscosity. It can support gastrointestinal health and stool quality and aid caloric dilution for weight management, but it is not a significant source of vitamins or protein, should be used in moderation to avoid digestive upset (cats have lower fiber needs than dogs), and must be properly processed to remove bitter oils and minimize any citrus sensitivity concerns.
03
Coconut Glycerin
Coconut glycerin is a plant-derived glycerol used in pet foods as a humectant and mild sweetening/texture agent to retain moisture, improve mouthfeel and palatability, and serve as a solvent or mild preservative in soft treats, toppers, and wet formulas. It provides easily metabolized calories and is generally safe for dogs and cats in small amounts, but high levels can cause gastrointestinal upset or laxative effects, so manufacturers should ensure purity, account for added calories, and note that it is not the dog-toxic sweetener xylitol.
04
Oyster Shell
Oyster shell is used in pet foods primarily as a natural source of calcium (mainly calcium carbonate) to help meet dietary calcium requirements for bone growth, maintenance, and metabolic functions in dogs and cats. It is a convenient calcium supplement but must be balanced with dietary phosphorus to maintain an appropriate Ca:P ratio; excessive use can lead to hypercalcemia or mineral absorption issues, so products should follow AAFCO/NRC guidelines and be sourced/tested to avoid contaminants.
05
Liquid Smoke
Liquid smoke is used primarily as a flavoring agent in pet foods to impart a smoky aroma and boost palatability rather than to provide nutrients. It contributes negligible nutritional value and is generally safe in small, commercially refined amounts, though some formulations may contain added salt or trace smoke-derived compounds, so owners of pets on sodium-restricted diets or with respiratory/smoke sensitivities should monitor intake.
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
A line of Crumps' Naturals dental chews designed to help clean dogs’ teeth naturally using ingredients like sweet potato and oyster shell for abrasive texture.
Visit Plaque BustersManufacturer
Crumps' Naturals manufactures all its treats in-house in their own facility in Ontario, maintaining strict quality control and ensuring the use of North American ingredients. They follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and are regulated under Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversight for pet food safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Plaque Busters Plaque Busters Bacon Dental Sticks Treat has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedPost your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Plaque Busters ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Plaque Busters. 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.