Do vets approve of Nylabones

Should Dogs Eat Nylabones? Learn About Safer Alternatives

It's no secret that dogs love chew toys. Getting a chew toy for your dog is a great way to keep them occupied, keep their teeth strong, provide mental stimulation, and help them cope with anxiety. If you're a pet owner, you've probably heard about nylabone chews. Available in all shapes and sizes, nylabones are some of the most popular chew toys out there - but are nylabones safe for dogs?

Read on to learn more about nylabone chew toys and whether they are an appropriate chew toy type for your pup. We also share some alternative dog chew toys and bones that are better for your pup and our planet.

What are Nylabone dog toys?

Nylabone chew toys are popular chew toys amongst dogs. Nylabone isactually a brand name and the maker of the original Nylabone. However, there are other brands now that make them. They are typically made of plastic ornylon. Because of their synthetic nature, many pet owners may wonder if they're safe for their canine companions to eat. More about that later.

Edible Nylabone treats are also available by the Nylabone brand as well as others. These edible chew toysmay look like regular nylabones, but instead, they areusually made from differentproteins,starches, andflavorings andare digestible. Most also contain lessthan-desirable added binders, fillers and other ingredients. Non-edible chewsshouldn't be digested. Regardless of whether they are made from natural or artificial material, they are molded into bone-shaped objects.

Can Dogs Eat Nylabones?

The short answer is: no. Dogs can chew safely on nylabones but consuming them can be potentially dangerous. In fact, nylon dog chew toys can be a downright choking hazard. Ingestion of these chew toys can also cause an upset stomach or an allergic reaction. Even with edible chews, it's always safer to err on the side of caution when giving them to your dog or puppy.

Are Nylabones safe for dogs?

While Nylabones are designed to encourage healthy chewing habits for dogs, they are not completely 100% safe for dogs and puppies. There is always the risk that they may damage their teeth, have an allergic reaction, choke, or have an upset stomach. If you suspect your dog ate either a small piece or large chunks of nylabone products, contact your veterinarian immediately. In addition, nylon dog toys aren't great for our planet either.Traditional Nylabones are made from plastic and nylon. When dogs chew them, they end up creating microplastics that end up on the floor and in their stomachs. Neither is good.

How Do I Choose a Safe Toy for My Dog?

When it comes to chew toys, the best way to ensure your dog's safety is by buying the right chew toy for its size. This means it must be big enough that they won't be able to swallow it. You should also pick a chew toy that matches your dog's chewing style, considering your dog's age, breed, health condition, and weight. Make sure the chew toy is not too hard that it will damage your dog's teeth or too soft that it shreds easily. Finally, supervise or check up on your dog and the toy periodically - they should never be left alone with chew toys.

No chew toy is 100% risk-free because no toy is 100% indestructible. However, if you pick the right size chew toy for your pet, you don't need to avoid chew toys altogether. Make sure you supervise your dog while chewing and contact your vet immediately if you suspect they have swallowed any pieces.

Planet Friendly Safe Alternatives to Nylabones

We value products that are safe for your pup and our planet. That's why we only source sustainable chew toys made from organic materials that can withstand rough play for the aggressive chewers out there. Here are some of our favorite natural dog chews:

BetterBone

This BetterBone HARDboneis the perfect dog chew toy for aggressive chewers who may or may not have a destructive chewing style. BetterBone SOFT is made for puppies and seniors who need something with a softer bite.

Durable and free from allergens and microplastics,BetterBones an excellent alternative for your dog's Nylabone and bully stick. Trythemwith this cool Treat Holder in metal. It keeps a bone or treat in place for your dog to tug and chew on for hours.

Organic Cotton Dog Rope Toy

This 100% organic cotton rope toy for dogs is perfect for days of tug of war, tossing, fetching, or flossing. The natural fibers of the rope are beneficial for your dog's teeth and support dental health as theyfloss your pup's teeth while stimulating their gum.Plus, plastic-free construction is good for our planet.

Hemp Dog Bone Toy

This organic dog bone is made with hemp and 100% organic cotton filling and thread. We love it because it's 100% compostable and completely biodegradable. It's a great chew toy regardless of your dog's age.

That's the low down on nyla bones for dogs and ourfavorite alternativesto keep your pet and the planet safe. We hope you found this helpful!

A vet's guide to safe dog chews for aggressive chewers

Finding safe dog chews for aggressive chewers is likely high on your priority list if you have a canine companion who demolishes regular treats and chews in record time. While all pups love to sink their teeth into things, dogs who engage in aggressive or destructive chewing behavior benefit from the longest-lasting dog chews because of their safety and durability.

Its worth pointing out that big breeds with strong jaws arent necessarily always aggressive chewers, there are plenty of small breeds that can destroy the best dog toys and treats in record time, so be sure to observe your pups chewing behavior before deciding on the kind of chew to purchase.

If your dog chews with so much energy that it can easily shred or swallow the object theyre chewing on in a matter of minutes, then its safe to say that you have an aggressive chewer on your hands. In this instance, youll want a chew that will slow them down and is made from durable materials.

To help you find the most suitable option for your fur friend, Dr. Elizabeth Racine outlines below the various dog chews available, including the risks that come with edible chews and how to choose the safest one. Check out our guide to the best durable dog toys or read on to find a suitable chew for your canine companion.

Elizabeth RacineSmall Animal General Practice Veterinarian

Dr. Elizabeth Racine is a small animal general practice veterinarian with a bank of knowledge on all things pet health and wellness. She is especially interested in veterinary behavior, nutrition, and internal medicine.Dr. Racine also has experience writing content for the American Kennel Club, Merck Animal Health, Bayer PetBasics, Elanco, and CareCredit.

What's the safest thing for a dog to chew on?

Dog chews come in many forms, but edible and non-edible chews are the two main categories. Non-edible chews are made of a material such as rubber, nylon, or plastic that is not intended to be consumed. Edible chews provide your dog with entertainment and a delicious treat.

For aggressive chewers, non-edible chews are often a safer choice. Some of these chews have compartments where you can store treats for your pet. This is a great way to give your dog a tasty treat without the risks that come with many edible chews. These toys often provide an added level of difficulty for your pet and require them to work for their food. This is a great way to make the softer dog treats last a little longer for aggressive chewers.

What are the risks of edible dog chews?

For aggressive chewers, picking a safe edible chew can be difficult. Aggressive chewers often dont know their limits and can be destructive. Soft chews, such as the best dental chews for dogs, are gobbled up quickly and provide very little entertainment for your pet.

However, harder chews are not always the answer. Many hard edible chews pose an increased risk of injury and can be difficult for your pet to digest. Bones can splinter and harm your pets mouth and digestive tract.

While this is more commonly seen with cooked bones, it is still a risk when feeding raw bones to an aggressive chewer. Likewise, aggressive chewers are more likely to consume these edible treats quickly. These chews can be very rich and are meant to be eaten over time. Consuming the chew too quickly can cause diarrhea in dogs and other signs of digestive upset.

Let's take a closer look at some of the chews that are currently on the market...

Antlers

In recent years, elk antlers and other types of antlers have become increasingly popular in pet-supply stores as a chew toy for dogs. On the plus side, the risk of bacterial contamination or toxicity associated with antlers is low, compared to bones and some other types of chews. On the downside, however, antlers are very hard and unyielding. Chewing antlers can easily lead to dental fractures, especially of the carnassial teeth (the large chewing teeth on either side of the upper jaw, below the eye). Carnassial fractures are painful for your dog and typically require extraction of the affected tooth or advanced dental procedures (such as a root canal). Additionally, swallowed antler fragments can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction. Therefore, many veterinarians recommend against the use of antlers as a chew toy.

Bones

Bones have long been regarded as a typical or traditional chew toy for dogs. Unfortunately, there are a number of health risks associated with the use of bones as a dog chew. Giving your dog uncooked bones can lead to food-borne infections, such as Salmonella and E.coli. Bones can also be very hard, causing tooth fractures. Finally, swallowed bones and bone fragments can cause gastrointestinal obstruction. Some individuals cook their dogs bones to reduce the risk of food-borne illness, but cooked bones are more likely to splinter when chewed. These splinters can cause significant damage to the oral cavity and the intestinal tract, making cooked bones an especially risky option.

Nylabones

Nylabones are a popular chew toy for dogs. However, like antlers and bones, Nylabones often have a very hard consistency, making them a source of dental fractures among dogs. When purchasing a Nylabone for your dog, look for a soft, flexible Nylabone chew. These chews have some give when they are chewed, decreasing the risk of tooth fractures. Even soft Nylabones are not entirely free of risks, though. If your dog chews through a Nylabone and swallows a piece, this could cause an intestinal obstruction, requiring emergency surgical treatment. Soft chews are the best Nylabone option, but they should only be used under close supervision.

Yak chews

Himalayan yak chews are made by boiling yak and cow milk, then drying it over a period of several weeks to create a firm chew. While this might seem to create a natural chew that would be beneficial for dogs, its important to understand that yak cheese is very hard once it is dried. Therefore, yak chews can pose the same risk of dental fractures as antlers and hard Nylabones. On the plus side, yak chews are intended to be digestible. If your dog does break off a fragment of a yak chew and swallow it, a gastrointestinal obstruction is unlikely.

Tendons

Beef tendon chews may be a bit safer for your dogs teeth than hard chews, assuming that the tendons are processed in a way that still allows them to have a little bit of give. Evaluate tendon chews on a product-by-product basis. Youre looking for something with a jerky-like consistency; if the tendon chew is as hard as a bone, it could pose a risk to your dogs teeth. Like any other chew, tendon chews should only be offered under supervision. When the chew becomes small enough to potentially swallow, take the chew away to prevent ingestion and a possible intestinal obstruction.

Dental chews

Dental chews are probably your dogs best option, but only if you select the right chew. While there are a wide variety of products marketed as dental chews, only a small number of dental chews actually have proven oral health benefits. When shopping for a dental chew, look for a seal indicating that the chew is VOHC accepted or select a chew from this list. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal indicates that the product has undergone testing to verify its claims of supporting dental health. However, its important to note that the VOHC seal only reflects dental benefits and safety. Even products with the VOHC seal could cause an intestinal obstruction if ingested, so its important to monitor your dog closely and take chews away when they become small enough to swallow.

How to pick the safest dog chews for aggressive chewers

1. Consider how hard it is

When looking for a safe dog chew, it is critical to consider how hard it is. Chews that are too hard can cause fractured teeth and other injuries to the mouth. It is best to pick chews that have some give in them. One way to test how hard a chew is is to tap it against your knee. If the chew is hard enough to hurt your knee, it is too hard for your pet.

Another test you can do to test the material of dog chews is the fingernail test. When you press your fingernail into the chew, you should feel some give and be able to cause an indentation. Much like the knee cap test, if you cannot do this, the chew is too hard for your dog and may cause injury.

For a non-edible chew, consider toys made of durable rubber. These chews are sturdy and hold up to the wear and tear from aggressive chewers. Use the fingernail test to make sure the rubber is not too hard. Avoid chews that are made of hard plastic or have no give to them.

2. Pick an appropriately sized chew

When picking a chew for any dog, size is essential.Dog chews that are too small for your dog do not last long enough and can become a choking hazard. This can be of particular concern with aggressive chewers. Aggressive chewers tend to devour chews quickly and may accidentally inhale a smaller chew in their excitement.

Most chews have a size and weight recommendation on the label. Never pick a chew labeled for dogs smaller than your own. When in doubt, go for the larger chew. Selecting a chew designed for a slightly larger dog may be more durable and last longer with an aggressive chewer. If you are using an edible chew, be cautious in how much you allow your dog to eat in one sitting.

3. Supervise your pet

All dog chews have the potential to become dangerous for your pet, especially when you have an aggressive chewer. You must understand the risks when introducing your dog to a new chew. As mentioned, these risks include injuries to the mouth, choking hazards, and potential ingestion. Examine the chew closely and pay attention to any warning on the packaging.

If your dog is normally rough on chews, ensure they only have access to the chew under supervision. Keep a close eye on your dog and remove the chew if the chew becomes too damaged. While the tips in this article can help you pick a safer chew, no chew is without risk.

Be careful with all dog chews

Finding a safe dog chew for an aggressive chewer can be a difficult task. These dogs can be quite destructive when it comes to their chews and go through them very quickly. Not only can this behavior be frustrating, but it can also put your pet at an increased risk of injury.

If you have concerns about whether a chew is suitable for your dog, consider discussing it with your veterinarian. Veterinarians often deal with the injuries associated with dog chews and can help you determine what is appropriate for your dog. Hopefully, these tips will give you something to consider the next time you look for a new chew for your pet.

Enjoyed this piece and looking for more great canine content? Check out our guide to how to stop your dog chewing their bed.