I have two dogs with completely different personalities. One is always happy and active, while the other is lazy, stubborn, and under constant discomfort or stress. Therefore, I decided to introduce chew toys for his mental stimulation and relief from boredom or discomfort.
While looking for a good chew toy for my dog. I saw that many people buy nylon dog bones. They seem very popular. But when I tried to find out if they are safe for dogs, I was surprised by the lack of clear, reliable information. Therefore, I decided to examine nylon dog bones by myself, ask other fellow vets, and then share what I learned with fellow dog owners curious about nylon dog bones’ safety.
In this blog post, I’ll answer all your questions about nylon dog bones, such as, are nylon dog bones safe? And are nylon bones safe for puppies? etc. So keep reading.
What Are Nylon Dog Bones?
Before moving to our main topic, are nylon bones good for dogs? It’s better to first understand what nylon dog bones are.
Nylon is a synthetic polymer invented in the 1930s by DuPont, originally used in fabrics and industrial materials. Later, manufacturers found that it could be shaped into durable dog chews. Most nylon dog bones are made today by well-known pet brands like Nylabone, Benebone, and KONG. They are mainly produced in countries with large pet product industries, such as the United States, China, and some parts of Europe.
Nylon is a tough, strong synthetic material therefore nylon dog bones last longer. That is why these nylon dog chews are often recommended for aggressive chewers. These toys are designed to keep dogs busy, help their teeth stay clean, and prevent them from chewing on shoes, furniture, etc. Nylon dog bone comes in various shapes and sizes to suit different dogs.
Some nylon bones have flavors added to them, like chicken or peanut butter, to make them more fun for dogs. Others are plain and free of added flavors. The flavored ones are great for picky chewers. But for a dog with a sensitive stomach non-flavored bone is better.
How Nylon Dog Bones Are Different from Other Chew Toys
First, nylon bones are much more durable than rubber or plush toys, making them ideal for aggressive chewers. Unlike edible chews like rawhide or bully sticks, nylon bones don’t get eaten up quickly and can last for months.
Second, they are safer than real bones, which can splinter and cause injuries. They are also easy to clean and don’t rot or smell bad like real bones. You can simply wash them with soap and water to keep them clean and hygienic.
Are Nylon Dog Bones Safe for Dogs?
Nylon dog bones are safe for dogs to chew but they are unsafe for eating. Nylon is similar to tough plastic, which means nylon bones are strong and do not break easily. Therefore, these are good for dogs who like to chew a lot. But the downside is some dogs chew it too aggressively which can hurt their teeth or even crack them. Some vets say nylon bones can also wear down a dog’s teeth over time, making them weak or painful.
Another risk is that nylon bones can break into small pieces, especially if a dog chews aggressively or chewed for a long time. If a dog swallows these broken pieces, they can get stuck in their throat or stomach. This is very dangerous and can make the dog choke or need surgery to remove the piece.
In addition, some nylon dog bones may contain chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) or artificial dyes. Both of them are harmful to dogs. BPA is a chemical used in plastics that is unsafe for humans and animals including dogs. While many pet product manufacturers claim their nylon bones are BPA-free, it is still important to check labels and choose products from trusted brands.
The good news is that nylon bones (BPA-free) are not toxic, so small pieces won’t poison your dog. But nylon bones are not food, so dogs cannot digest them, and they can cause serious problems inside a dog’s body such as choking, blockages, or an upset stomach.
In addition to risks, the major benefit of nylon dog bones like other dog chews is that they mentally engage the dog by providing a chewing activity. Chewing is a natural behavior that helps relieve boredom, reduce stress, provide mental stimulation to the dog, and prevent destructive chewing on furniture or shoes.
To keep your dog safe, always supervise them while they chew and replace any damaged bones before they start splintering into pieces.
Are nylon bones safe for puppies?
Nylon bones are not safe for puppies because they have soft teeth and growing jaws, and they are very hard. If a puppy chews on a nylon bone, it can hurt its teeth or even break them. Some puppies also chew too hard and may swallow small pieces if the bone starts to break, which can cause choking or stomach problems.
What Happened With My Dogs
Both of my dogs are medium-sized, but their chewing habits are entirely different. One is an aggressive chewer, while the other is calm and gentle. I decided to test nylon dog bones on both of them to see how they would react and how long the bones would hold up. For this, I allowed both of them to chew on nylon bones for 15-20 minutes, five days a week, always under my supervision. Initially, both of my dogs and their bones were alright.
Aggressive Chewer
But after 4-5 weeks I noticed that the bone of my dog who’s an aggressive chewer started breaking into little pieces. If I continuously give him the same bone, he might swallow the broken pieces, which could be dangerous. So I borrowed a new bone for him. However, after just one week with the new bone, he stopped chewing altogether. Upon closer inspection, I realized he was experiencing gum pain, likely caused by the hard nylon material.
Calm Chewer
On the other hand, my second dog who is a gentle chewer, was still chewing the same nylon bone even after 7 weeks. He showed no signs of discomfort, and the bone remained intact without any visible damage.
How to Choose the Right Nylon Dog Bone?
Not all nylon dog bones are the same. Some are made with better materials and are safer for dogs. The others are cheaper ones that may have harmful chemicals like BPA or artificial dyes. Additionally, some nylon bones are also harder than others, which can hurt their teeth. So, here the question arises how to choose the nylon dog bone that best suits my dog?
Look at the Ingredients
First and most important, check if the bone is made from safe materials and does not contain BPA, artificial dyes, or strong chemicals. Look for “BPA-free” or “non-toxic” on the label.
If you’re choosing a flavored nylon bone, then make sure the flavoring is safe and not made with harmful chemicals.
Check the Hardness
Some nylon bones are very hard. If they don’t bend a little when pressed, they might be too hard. Hard bones can break your dog’s teeth. Pick one that is firm but not rock-hard.
If you are buying online look for words like: “Moderate chew” or “gentle chew” → Softer and safer for teeth. If this is not present then go to reviews and see what people say about their hardness.
Select the Right Size
The bone must match your dog’s size. A big dog needs a big bone, and a small dog needs a small one. If the bone is too small, your dog might swallow it. If it’s too big, your dog may not enjoy it.
Read Reviews
Before buying, check what other dog owners say about the bone. If many people say it’s good and safe, it’s a good choice. If people complain about broken teeth or a bad smell, avoid it.
Nylon Dog Bone VS Other Chew Bones?
1. Nylon Bones vs Rubber Chew Toys
Rubber chew toys are softer and bouncy as compared to nylon chew toys which are harder. They are great for dogs who like to play and chew at the same time.
If your dog is a super strong chewer, nylon bones might be better. But if your dog likes to play fetch or tug-of-war, rubber toys are more fun.
2. Nylon Bones vs Natural Bones
Natural bones are real bones from animals. They are very hard and can easily splinter especially the cooked ones. Therefore, nylon bones are safer than natural bones.
But some dogs love the taste of natural bones. If you decide to give natural bones, always choose the raw ones because these are less likely to splinter as compared to cooked ones. Also, watch your dog while they chew.
3. Nylon Bones vs Edible Chews
Edible chews are the ones that your dog can eat. The main edible chews are bully sticks, dental chews, and rawhide.
In conclusion, choose edible chews if you want something your dog can eat. But nylon bones are better if you want something that lasts a long time. Just remember, nylon bones are not food.
Conclusion: Are Nylon Dog Bones Safe?
Nylon dog bones can be safe for dogs. They are also durable, long-lasting, and great for aggressive chewers. However, they are not edible, so if chewed too hard, they can break into small pieces, which can be highly dangerous if swallowed.
Therefore, always supervise your dog while they chew and replace the bone if it shows any signs of wear. For puppies or dogs with sensitive teeth, nylon bones may be too hard and could cause damage.
Also make sure you choose BPA-free, non-toxic nylon bones from trusted brands, and pick the right size and hardness for your dog.
