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Quick answer: A plant-based dog chew is made primarily from renewable plant materials rather than nylon or animal-derived ingredients. BetterBone uses Vernovo®, a proprietary material combining plant-derived cellulose and renewable plant extracts, with a vegetarian scent system and FSC-certified packaging. |
Pet parents routinely read ingredient labels on dog food and treats. They ask where products are made, what they contain and whether the ingredients are safe.
But chew toys do not always receive the same level of scrutiny.
That raises an important question:
What is your dog actually chewing on?
BetterBone® was created because we believed dogs deserved an alternative to conventional nylon, rawhide and animal-derived chews—one built from plant-based materials from the ground up.
What Does “Plant-Based Dog Chew” Actually Mean?
A plant-based dog chew uses materials derived primarily from renewable plant sources rather than relying on petroleum-based plastics or animal-derived ingredients.
BetterBone is made using Vernovo®, a proprietary material combining plant-derived cellulose and renewable plant extracts.
Cellulose is a naturally occurring structural material found in plants. BetterBone combines it with plant extracts to create a durable, chewable composite.
BetterBone is also made without animal byproducts. Its scent options use vegetarian, hypoallergenic scent infusions rather than animal-derived flavoring.
Why BetterBone Chose a Nylon-Free Approach
Nylon has been used in dog chew toys for decades because it is inexpensive, moldable and durable.
But “traditional” does not necessarily mean it is the only option.
BetterBone began with a different question:
Could we create the durability and engagement dogs want using more thoughtfully selected, plant-based materials?
Instead of starting with an existing plastic chew and making small adjustments, BetterBone was developed around a different material system from the beginning.
The result is a chew made without nylon, rawhide or animal ingredients and offered in multiple densities to match different dogs.
Designed to Wear Differently
Wear is an important part of evaluating any dog chew.
BetterBone is designed to create small flakes or granules as dogs work on the surface. These particles are generally small, similar in size to grains of rice or oatmeal.
That differs from a chew producing sharp shards or large pieces.
Pet parents should still inspect every chew frequently. If large pieces break away, the product becomes a swallowing risk and should be replaced.
No chew toy is indestructible, and supervision should always be part of the experience.
Plant-Based Does Not Mean One-Size-Fits-All
The material is only part of the BetterBone approach.
Dogs differ in size, age, jaw strength and chewing intensity. That is why BetterBone offers multiple chewing densities:
· Light for puppies, seniors and gentle chewers
· Moderate for most everyday adult chewers
· Hard for aggressive and power chewers
Choosing the proper density matters. A stronger option is not automatically better for every dog.
A dog-first product should reflect how the individual dog chews—not simply offer the hardest product available.
More Than the Material Inside the Chew
For BetterBone, sustainability does not stop with using plant-based ingredients.
It extends to how products are manufactured, packaged and supported over time.
Renewable Materials
BetterBone uses plant-derived cellulose and renewable plant extracts rather than conventional nylon.
Lower-Impact Manufacturing
BetterBone reports that its manufacturing process reduces carbon dioxide emissions and the use of nonrenewable resources compared with conventional plastic chew production.
Material Efficiency
The manufacturing process is designed to minimize production waste and use materials efficiently.
More Thoughtful Packaging
BetterBone uses FSC-certified packaging made without glue and printed with non-toxic inks.
Reforestation Support
Through its partnership with Tree-Nation, BetterBone supports tree planting intended to help offset its environmental footprint.
These efforts are part of BetterBone’s larger commitment to measurable progress rather than relying on a single ingredient claim.
Why Transparency Matters
“Sustainable,” “natural” and “eco-friendly” are used frequently in consumer marketing. Those words alone do not tell you very much.
Pet parents should be able to ask:
· What materials are used?
· Are those materials renewable?
· Does the product contain nylon or animal ingredients?
· How is it manufactured?
· What type of packaging is used?
· What evidence supports environmental claims?
· How should the product wear?
· When should it be replaced?
BetterBone publishes information about its materials, production, packaging and environmental commitments because pet parents are asking sharper questions.
They deserve information that helps them make their own informed decisions.
Better Starts With Asking Better Questions
We created BetterBone because we did not believe pet parents should have to choose between a satisfying chew and a more thoughtfully made product.
Plant-based materials are not simply a marketing detail. They are part of a broader dog-first philosophy that runs through the material, the manufacturing and the packaging.
So the next time you pick up a chew toy, turn it over. Read the package. Learn about the material. Consider whether it was designed with your dog in mind.
Because when it comes to the products dogs put in their mouths every day, better questions can lead to better choices.
Learn more about BetterBone’s materials and environmental commitments on our Sustainability page.
