Plaque Busters Original Dental Sticks Treat
Verified May 26, 2026
A dental chew treat for dogs that uses sweet potato as the main base ingredient with finely ground oyster shell to provide an abrasive texture that can help reduce plaque and tartar. The recipe is low in protein and fat, so it functions strictly as a chew, not a nutritional staple. It’s best suited as an occasional dental aid alongside a complete and balanced dog food and regular toothbrushing.
This is a straightforward dental chew designed mainly to give mechanical cleaning of the teeth rather than add significant nutrition. The ingredient list is simple and plant-based, with sweet potato as the main component and ground oyster shell for abrasive action, which can help with plaque and tartar when used regularly. It’s best used for medium and large dogs who are already on a balanced diet and who tolerate sweet potato well.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very simple ingredient list, which can be helpful for dogs that do better with limited, plant-based treats.
- Ground oyster shell provides a firm, abrasive texture that can help mechanically reduce plaque and tartar when chewed thoroughly.
- Low fat content makes this a lighter treat option for dogs that need to watch their fat intake.
- Calorie content is clearly stated per treat, which helps you factor this into your dog’s daily calorie allowance.
Considerations
- Very low in protein and fat, so this should only be used as an occasional treat and dental aid, never as a meal replacement.
- Each treat is relatively high in calories (about 70 kcal per stick), so portions need to be monitored, especially for smaller or less active dogs.
- Contains sweet potato, which is high in carbohydrate; this may not be ideal for dogs that need tight calorie control or have specific dietary restrictions around carbs.
- Plant-based, with no animal protein, which is fine for a treat but does not provide the amino acid profile dogs need from their main diet.
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.
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 Original Dental Sticks Treat has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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