Nylon vs. rawhide vs. plant-based: choosing the best dog chew
Dogs need to chew. It's a natural instinct that helps relieve stress, keeps them busy and supports healthy teeth and jaws. But walk down any pet store aisle and you'll find dozens of chew bones that seem the same. They aren't. What a chew is made from matters, because your dog spends hours with it in their mouth.
Here's how the three most common types of dog chews compare.
Rawhide chews
Rawhide is made from the inner layer of animal hides, often bleached or chemically processed. It's been a go-to for decades because it's inexpensive and dogs love it.
The downsides: rawhide can soften and break into large pieces that pose a choking risk, and it can splinter into sharp shards. Many pet parents also dislike the smell and the stains it leaves on floors and furniture. That's why "rawhide alternative for dogs" is one of the most searched pet questions.
Nylon chew bones
Nylon bones are known for durability, and that's their biggest selling point. But nylon is a petroleum-based plastic. Many nylon chews also use artificial colors and flavors.
The downsides: nylon can be hard on teeth, and when dogs chew it down, those small pieces don't digest. Nylon also doesn't break down after it's thrown away. Pet parents looking for a nylon bone alternative usually want the same durability without the plastic.
Plant-based dog chews
Plant-based chews are a newer option designed to bridge the gap between natural and durable. BetterBone is made from Vernovoâ„¢, our proprietary blend of GMO-free cellulose and plant extracts.
The benefits:
- •     Made without nylon, rawhide or artificial ingredients
- Splinter-resistant, designed to gently flake instead of breaking into sharp shards
- Â Durable enough for daily chewing, with options for light, moderate and hard chewers
- No stains and no stench
- Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
Side-by-side comparison
|
 |
Rawhide |
Nylon |
BetterBone (plant-based) |
|
Made from |
Animal hide |
Petroleum-based plastic |
GMO-free cellulose and plant extracts |
|
Splinter-resistant |
No |
Varies |
Yes, flakes instead of splintering |
|
Long-lasting |
Often short |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Stains or smell |
Often |
Varies |
No |
|
Artificial ingredients |
Often |
Often |
No |
The bottom line
If you've been looking for a safer rawhide alternative or a more natural nylon bone alternative, plant-based is the best of both worlds: the durability dogs love and the ingredients you can feel good about.
Our newest chew, BetterBone GO, brings that plant-based formula to a classic bone shape made for chewing, fetch and training.
