You probably read your dog's food label. But what about their chew toy? Your dog may spend hours a day with it in their mouth, so what it's made of matters just as much.
Many traditional dog chew toys are made from nylon, artificial ingredients, and other harmful materials. BetterBone is different: it's made from natural, plant-based materials. Here's what goes into BetterBone, what we leave out, how it's tested, and why we built our chew toys this way.
What are most dog chew toys made of?
Most long-lasting chew toys are made from nylon, which is typically made from petroleum. These materials are super durable, but they come with trade-offs:
- Hardness. Many plastic chews are harder than a dog's teeth and can crack them.
- Additives you can't see. Some plastics are made with additives such as BPA or phthalates, and PFAS are used in some materials for water and heat resistance. A chew toy label rarely tells you either way.
- Plastic that sticks around. As a nylon chew wears down, the worn-off bits are microplastic, and a used-up nylon chew persists in the environment for a very long time.
Learn more in are nylon dog chews safe?
What is BetterBone made of?
BetterBone is made with Vernovo, our proprietary blend of just two plant-based materials:
- Cellulose from tree fibers. GMO-free cellulose, responsibly sourced from sustainably managed softwood. It gives BetterBone its structure and durability.
- Plant extracts. Renewable, GMO-free plant-based inputs from corn and other crops. They bind the material and give it the right amount of flex.
That's it. No nylon, no rawhide, no animal byproducts, and no artificial colors or flavors. Our Veggie, Beef and Venison scents are hypoallergenic, vegetarian scent infusions.
Why we chose cellulose
Cellulose is the fiber that gives plants their structure. It's one of the most common natural materials on Earth, and food-grade cellulose is used in many everyday foods. In a chew toy, it brings durability and a satisfying texture without petroleum-based nylon. Read more about what cellulose is and why we use it.
What's not in BetterBone
We don't just say it. We test it. In February 2026, TÃœV SÃœD Product Service tested our Vernovo material and found:
- No detectable PFAS ("forever chemicals")
- No phthalates
- No bisphenol A (BPA)
- No heavy metal stabilizers or brominated flame retardants
- A pass on the EN 71-3 Category III heavy-metal limits, the strictest category, for materials that are bitten, sucked or licked
Full results are in our 2025 Environmental Report. For a closer look at ingredients sensitive dogs should avoid, see what's not in BetterBone.
How BetterBone's material benefits your dog
Built to flake, not splinter
BetterBone is designed to wear down gradually. Instead of breaking into sharp shards, it wears into small flakes about the size of a grain of rice or an oatmeal flake. That helps protect your dog's mouth and teeth.
Gentler on teeth
Because Vernovo can be made in different densities, we can match firmness to your dog. Our Light and Moderate densities are gentler on teeth than hard nylon, while Hard gives power chewers nylon-like durability.
Dental enrichment textures
Tiny ridges and nubs on every BetterBone help buff away plaque and massage gums as your dog chews, supporting cleaner teeth and fresher breath.
Three densities for different dogs
Every BetterBone is made from the same plant-based material in three densities:
- Light for teething puppies, senior dogs and gentle chewers
- Moderate for most daily chewers (start here if you're not sure)
- Hard for power chewers who tear through rope and toys
Not sure what to pick? The Chews-ing Guide matches your dog in four quick questions.
What if my dog swallows some BetterBone?
BetterBone is a chew toy, not a treat or a meal, and it isn't meant to be eaten. Small flakes from normal chewing are generally safe if accidentally swallowed.
Cellulose is an insoluble fiber, which means dogs don't digest it. If a dog swallows more than a few flakes, usually because they're breaking pieces off a density that's too soft for them, you may notice:
- More frequent or larger bowel movements
- Loose stools
- Mild gas or bloating
These usually pass on their own. They're also a sign to move up one density, because a dog breaking off larger pieces needs a firmer bone. If your dog is vomiting, lethargic, straining or seems in pain, or you think they swallowed a large piece, call your veterinarian.
Always supervise chew time, and replace the bone when the ends are about 50% worn or it's small enough to swallow. See our dog chew safety guidelines for details.
Better for the planet, too
The same material choices that make BetterBone better for dogs also make it lighter on the planet:
- Renewable, bio-based inputs instead of virgin petroleum-based plastics.
- Lower carbon footprint. An independent life cycle assessment by nova-Institut found Vernovo generates 67–79% less CO₂ than virgin plastic (ABS).
- Non-persistent. Vernovo biodegrades in industrial composting conditions. Please don't put BetterBone in a home compost pile.
- Zero-waste production. Off-cuts and trimmings are reground and reused, so no manufacturing waste goes to landfill.
- Low-waste packaging. FSC-certified packaging made without glue and printed with non-toxic inks. See our packaging story.
- Reforestation. Through our partnership with Tree-Nation, we planted 8,675 trees in 2025.
Learn more on our sustainability page.
Frequently asked questions
What is BetterBone made of?
BetterBone is made with Vernovo, a blend of two plant-based materials: GMO-free cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts from corn and other renewable crops.
Is BetterBone non-toxic?
Yes. Independent testing by TÃœV SÃœD in February 2026 found no detectable PFAS, phthalates or BPA, and the material passed EN 71-3 Category III heavy-metal limits.
Does BetterBone contain plastic or nylon?
No. BetterBone contains no nylon and no virgin petroleum-based plastics. It's made from plant-based materials.
Is BetterBone safe if my dog swallows it?
BetterBone isn't meant to be eaten. Small flakes from normal chewing are generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your dog is breaking off larger pieces, take the bone away and move up a density.
Is BetterBone good for dogs with allergies?
BetterBone's scent infusions are hypoallergenic and vegetarian, with no animal byproducts. Because our plant extracts include corn, check with your vet if your dog has a confirmed corn allergy. Read what a hypoallergenic dog chew is.
Know exactly what your dog is chewing on. Shop BetterBone plant-based chew toys or read what a plant-based dog chew is and why it matters.
