Crumps' Naturals Plaque Busters: The Probiotic Secret to Fixing "Dog Breath"
PetsCareLab’s conclusion: A high-performing, natural dental chew that uses oyster shells and probiotics to scrub away tartar. Best for dogs of all ages, especially those with sensitive stomachs or picky palates. Overall Rating: ★★★★½ 4.5/5.
We’ve all been there: your dog leans in for a sweet morning kiss, and you’re hit with a smell that could peel paint. That dog breath isn't just a nuisance; it’s usually a sign of plaque buildup and a neglected oral microbiome. I decided to put Crumps' Naturals Plaque Busters to the test because they offer a "lazy person's" dream—a treat that claims to clean teeth and balance mouth bacteria with 1 billion CFU of probiotics in every stick.
Product Profile (At a Glance)
Raw Material and Facts
These sticks aren't your typical starch-filled dental treats. The base is sweet potato, which provides a chewy texture, while finely-ground oyster shells act as a natural abrasive to gently "sand" away tartar. The Advanced formula includes 1 billion CFU of probiotics to help crowd out the bad bacteria that cause bad breath.
Unlike some dental chews that smell like industrial chemicals or fake mint, these have a very mild, earthy scent and slightly sweet profile thanks to the sweet potato. The firm texture has a bit of "give," making it less of a tooth-cracking risk than harder nylon bones.
Our team at Petscarelab checked the label, and there's no Xylitol, grain, or artificial colors here. It uses coconut glycerin and citrus fiber, which are grain-free and much easier on the gut than the synthetic binders found in cheaper brands.
The "User Experience" (Pet & Owner)
The sticks feature a unique flower ridge design. These ridges are meant to reach those awkward spots in the back of the mouth and target molars that a flat treat would miss.
Our test pups went crazy for these. Even the picky eaters who usually turn their noses up at minty dental sticks treated these like high-value rewards. It seems the sweet potato base is a massive win for flavor.
It’s a 10/10 for ease. You just hand them the stick and let them do the work. There's no messy gel or foaming toothpaste to deal with.
We didn't notice any digestive upset, which is common with some "green" dental treats. Since these are grain-free and use limited ingredients, they stayed "down" without any issues.
Effectiveness: Does It Actually Work?
The stinky breath factor improved almost immediately. It’s not just masking the smell with mint; the probiotics seem to start working on the odor-causing bacteria right away.
This is where the oyster shells shine. After about three weeks of long-term use, we noticed the yellowing along the gum line on a 12-year-old dog began to soften. While it won't replace a professional veterinary scaling for severe cases, it’s a powerhouse for maintenance.
You can actually see the mechanical action working. The teeth looked visibly polished, and the slight redness at the edge of the gums appeared calmer, indicating better gum health.
Pros & Cons
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5 Stars)
This is perfect for pet parents who want a natural, effective way to manage dental health without the chemicals. It’s a must-have for senior dogs where anesthesia for professional cleaning is a risk.
At around $11-$12 for a 9.5oz bag, it’s a solid investment in preventative health and long-term oral hygiene.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely. It’s rare to find a dental chew that dogs actually enjoy eating that also provides a measurable difference in breath and plaque.
Pro-Tips for Better Results
To get the most out of Crumps' Naturals Plaque Busters, try giving them to your dog after their last meal of the day. This allows the probiotics to work in the mouth overnight with less interference from food. If your dog is a "gulper," hold one end of the stick while they chew to force them to use those back molars!
