Finding the best chew bones for dogs can feel overwhelming. Rawhide, nylon, antlers, rubber and plant-based chews all promise to keep your dog busy. Three questions narrow it down fast: how big is your dog, how hard do they chew, and how old are they?
Here's how to choose a chew bone that fits your dog, what to avoid, and how to keep every chew session safe.
What are chew bones for dogs?
Chew bones are chews shaped for gnawing. They come in all shapes and sizes and in many materials, from rawhide and nylon to rubber, antler and plant-based composites. Some are edible treats. Others, like BetterBone, are durable chew toys that aren't meant to be eaten.
A good chew bone gives your dog a healthy outlet for a natural instinct. Chewing can ease boredom and steer dogs away from shoes and furniture. Textured surfaces can also help clean teeth and massage gums while your dog works on them.
With so many options, it helps to know what to avoid first.
What are the types of chew bones for dogs to avoid?
It's tempting to grab the cheapest chew on the shelf, but a chew your dog will spend hours with deserves a closer look. Watch out for these:
- Chews that are too hard. The American Animal Hospital Association warns that "hard chews, such as bones, sticks, rocks, yak milk chews, antlers, and rawhides, can damage or fracture your dog's teeth" (AAHA). Match firmness to how your dog actually chews.
- Chews that break into sharp pieces. Cooked bones, sticks and some hard synthetics can splinter as they wear. Sharp fragments can injure the mouth and are a risk if swallowed. Choose a chew designed to wear down gradually instead.
- Rawhide. Many dogs chew rawhide without trouble, but large pieces are hard to digest and can cause choking or a blockage. Rawhide is also processed with chemicals, and some rawhide products have been recalled. Read more about why rawhide is bad for dogs.
- Chews that are too small. This is the easiest mistake to make. It's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small. A chew sized for a small dog can be a choking hazard for a bigger one, and every chew gets smaller as it wears.
Things to consider when choosing the best chew bones for your dog
1. Your dog's size
Size is the most important safety factor, so choose by weight rather than by what looks right in the store. Unsure about the best size to buy? Try the simple Chews-ing guide quiz to get your dog's best match in under 1 minute.
2. How your dog chews
Chewing style decides how firm the chew should be. A chew that's too soft wears down quickly; one that's too hard can be tough on teeth. BetterBone comes in three densities:
- Light is most similar to rawhide. It's made for teething puppies, senior dogs and gentle chewers.
- Moderate is the just-right durability for most daily chewers. If you're not sure, start here.
- Hard is most similar to nylon. It's built for power chewers that tear through rope and toys.
If your dog wears a bone down quickly or breaks off large pieces, move up one density. Still deciding? The Chews-ing Guide matches your dog's size, chew style and scent in four quick questions.
3. Your dog's age
Puppies have developing teeth and sensitive gums, so they need a softer chew. Light density is designed for teething puppies. Older dogs with worn or sensitive teeth often do best with Light or Moderate too; see our guide to chew toys for senior dogs. Healthy adult dogs can use Moderate or Hard, depending on how they chew.
4. What your dog needs from chewing
If your dog chews out of boredom or restlessness, a long-lasting chew in the right density gives them a calm, repeatable daily ritual. If clean teeth are the goal, look for ridges and nubs. BetterBone's dental enrichment textures help buff away plaque as your dog chews. A chew toy supports, but doesn't replace, brushing and regular dental checkups with your vet.
5. What it's made of
You read your dog's food label, so read their chew toy label too. BetterBone is made with Vernovo, a blend of just two plant-based materials: cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts. It contains no nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts. Our Veggie, Beef and Venison scents are hypoallergenic, vegetarian scent infusions. In February 2026, independent testing by TÃœV SÃœD found no detectable PFAS, phthalates or BPA in the material.
The best chew bone for your dog
The best chew bone is the one that fits your dog's size, chewing style and age. We built BetterBone so every dog can get that fit without nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts:
- A fit for every dog: multiple sizes, three densities and engaging hypoallergenic scent infusions to suit every pup, from a Light Mini for a teething Yorkie to a Hard Large for a power-chewing Lab.
- Splinter-resistant: built to flake, not splinter, to help keep dogs safer while chewing.
- Dental textures: ridges and nubs that help clean teeth and massage gums.
- Better for the planet: renewable, plant-based materials, packed in FSC-certified packaging made without glue, with trees planted through our Tree-Nation partnership. See our sustainable dog chew commitments.
- Free Replacement Guarantee: if you pick the wrong durability, donate it to a shelter and we'll send you the right one, free.
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How to keep chewing safe
BetterBone is a chew toy, not a treat, and it isn't meant to be eaten. A few habits keep every session safe:
Expect small flakes, not chunks. BetterBone wears into flakes about the size of a grain of rice or an oatmeal flake, which are generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your dog breaks off larger pieces, take the bone away and move up a density.
Supervise chew time, especially the first few sessions.
Replace it when it's worn. Swap in a new bone when the ends are about 50% worn, when it's small enough to swallow whole, or when it cracks. Our dog chew safety guidelines show exactly when to replace it.
Keep it clean by rinsing with warm water and letting it air dry.
Call your vet if you're ever concerned your dog swallowed a piece.
Frequently asked questions
Q:What is the best chew bone for aggressive chewers?
A: durable chew that's sized up. For BetterBone, that's Hard density, one size above your dog's weight range if they're near the top of it. Replace it as soon as it's worn to a swallowable size.
Q: What is the best chew bone for puppies?
A: softer chew that's gentle on developing teeth and gums. We recommend Light density in the size for your puppy's current weight. Move up a size as they grow.
Q: How long does a chew bone last?
A: It depends on your dog's size, chewing style and how often they chew. Choosing the right size and density gives you the longest-lasting chew.
Ready to find your dog's fit? Shop plant-based dog chews or take the Chews-ing Guide quiz.
