The Chew

BetterBone partners with Co-operative Feed Dealers, Inc. to distribute sustainable, natural dog chews to retailers across the North Eastern United States!

BetterBone is now available through West Plains Veterinary Supply (WPVS), a trusted distributor serving veterinary clinics and pet retailers across the central and western U.S. Learn how this partnership expands access to our all-natural, sustainable dog chews and how to order BetterBone products through WPVS today.

We’re excited to announce that BetterBone has been featured in the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Modern Dog Magazine! Recognized for our natural, safe, and sustainable ingredient dog chews, BetterBone is proud to lead the way in offering healthier and more eco-friendly options for modern pet parents. Learn more about our story and why Modern Dog chose BetterBone as a must-have for happy, healthy dogs!

BetterBone is now available in the Pacific Northwest through Independent Pet Supply! Pet parents in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho can now shop our sustainable, PFAS-free dog chews locally. Crafted in Europe from all-natural ingredients, BetterBone offers an eco-friendly alternative to nylon and rawhide chews. Learn more about our partnership and how to stock BetterBone in your independent pet store today!

BetterBone is proud to announce that our dog chews have been officially lab teested PFAS-free by TÜV SÜD, a leading independent testing lab. Backed by strict European and U.S. chemical safety standards, our chews are proven safe, non-toxic, and free from harmful “forever chemicals” that can affect your dog’s health. Learn how BetterBone is setting the new gold standard for pet product safety.

BetterBone Partners with Zeigler’s Distribution to Expand Across the East CoastBetterBone, the award-winning sustainable dog chew brand, is now available through Zeigler’s Distribution—bringing eco-friendly, all-natural dog bones to more independent pet retailers across the Eastern U.S. Learn how this partnership makes it easier than ever to choose safer, healthier chews for your dog.

Discover why BetterBone was recognized by Pet Age's prestigious Editor’s Select program as one of the best pet care products of 2025! Celebrated for its sustainability, innovation, and unmatched quality, BetterBone is the eco-friendly chew designed to keep pets happy and healthy. Learn more about this award-winning product and why it’s a must-have for pet parents everywhere! 🐾

Discover BetterBone's latest partnership with Newco Distribution, bringing sustainable, all-natural dog bones to pet retailers across California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and more! With eco-friendly materials and innovative design, BetterBone products are perfect for pet parents seeking healthier, greener options for their furry friends. Learn how this collaboration makes it easier to find durable, planet-friendly pet products at your favorite stores. Together, we are revolutionizing pet care while protecting the environment.

Discover how BetterBone is revolutionizing the pet industry with sustainable, non-toxic materials that reduce CO2 emissions by 90%, eliminate over 60,000 pounds of plastic waste, and protect dogs from harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and PFAS. Through innovative all-natural materials and FSC-certified packaging, we've saved 179 metric tons of CO2 equivalent to taking 39 cars off the road. Plus, our partnership with Tree-Nation has planted 5,900 trees, offsetting 703 metric tons of CO2. Join BetterBone in creating a healthier planet for pets, families, and future generations. 🌍🐾

The best chew bone is the one that fits your dog's size, chewing style and age. Here's what to avoid, how to pick the right size and density, and the simple habits that keep every chew session safe.  

More pet parents are looking for natural dog chews: simple ingredients, no mystery additives and nothing they wouldn't want in their dog's mouth. But "natural" doesn't automatically mean safe. Some of the most popular natural chew bones are hard enough to crack teeth, and others splinter or add extra calories. This guide compares the main types of natural dog chews and natural dog toys, explains what makes a chew safe for everyday chewing, and shows how to pick the right natural chew bone for your dog. What makes a dog chew "natural"? There's no single standard for calling a chew toy "natural," so it's worth reading the label. In general, natural dog chews are made from materials found in nature, such as animal parts, wood, plant fibers or natural rubber, instead of petroleum-based plastics like nylon. The best natural chews also skip artificial colors, artificial flavors and harsh chemical processing. When you compare natural dog chews, ask three questions: What is it made from? Look for a short, specific ingredient list. You read your dog's food label, so read their chew toy label too. How does it wear down? A safe chew wears gradually. It shouldn't splinter into sharp shards or break into large chunks. Is it hard enough to last but gentle enough for teeth? 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). Edible chews vs. chew toys Natural dog chews fall into two groups, and it helps to know which one you're buying. Edible natural chews are meant to be eaten. Bully sticks, dried animal parts and yak cheese chews fall into this group. They're food, so they add calories, contain animal proteins and are used up quickly by strong chewers. Large pieces can also be a choking risk if a dog swallows them before they soften. Natural chew toys are made to be chewed, not eaten. They last longer and add no calories, which makes them better for daily chewing, weight-conscious dogs and dogs with food sensitivities. BetterBone is a natural chew toy. Types of natural dog chews and natural dog toys Natural chew What it's made from Good to know Antlers Shed deer or elk antler Long-lasting and low-odor, but very hard. AAHA lists antlers among chews that can fracture teeth. Real bones Beef or other animal bones Very hard. Cooked bones are brittle and splinter easily; never give cooked or poultry bones. Bully sticks and dried animal parts Beef muscle and organs, trachea, ears Edible, so they add calories and animal protein. Strong chewers finish them fast; watch for the last small piece. Yak cheese chews Dried milk Edible and very hard; AAHA lists yak milk chews among chews that can damage teeth. Wood and sticks Tree branches Splinter into sharp pieces that can injure the mouth and throat. Here are the do's and don'ts of dogs chewing sticks. Natural rubber toys Rubber tree latex Soft and bouncy, great for fetch and stuffing. Check the durability rating for heavy chewers. Rope and fiber toys Cotton, hemp, jute Good for tug. Strands can be swallowed, so supervise and replace frayed toys. Plant-based chew bones Cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts (BetterBone) Durable and splinter-resistant. Wears into small flakes instead of shards. Not meant to be eaten. For a closer look at which bones to skip, read the ultimate guide on which types of bones are safe or unsafe for dogs. Rawhide is covered separately in why rawhide is bad for dogs. What about synthetic chew bones? Synthetic chew bones, usually made of nylon or hard plastic, are popular because they last a long time. The trade-off is hardness: many are tougher than a dog's teeth, and worn pieces can be sharp if they break off. That's why many owners who want natural dog toys are moving away from nylon. Learn more in are nylon bones safe for dogs? BetterBone: a natural chew bone made from plants We created BetterBone for dogs who love to chew and owners who want a natural dog chew without the drawbacks. It's a long-lasting natural chew toy with the durability dogs want and none of the nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts. Natural, plant-based materials. BetterBone is made with Vernovo, a blend of just two plant-based materials: cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts. Here's what a plant-based dog chew is and why it matters, and what cellulose is. Splinter-resistant. It's built to flake, not splinter. As your dog chews, it wears into small, rice-sized flakes instead of sharp shards. No artificial colors or flavors. Choose Veggie, Beef or Venison, all hypoallergenic, vegetarian scent infusions made without animal byproducts. Independently tested. In February 2026, TÜV SÜD found no detectable PFAS, phthalates or BPA in our material. Dental enrichment textures. Ridges and nubs help buff away plaque and massage gums as your dog chews. Better for the planet. Renewable plant-based materials, FSC-certified packaging made without glue, and trees planted through our Tree-Nation partnership. See our sustainability commitments. Find the right natural chew bone for your dog Every BetterBone comes in three sizes, chosen by your dog's weight: Size Dog weight Example breeds Mini natural chew bone Under 20 lbs Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Mini Poodles Small natural chew bone 20–50 lbs French Bulldogs, Corgis, Beagles Large natural chew bone Over 50 lbs Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds Each size also comes 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 If your dog is between sizes or chews hard, size up. The Chews-ing Guide will match your dog in four quick questions, and our Free Replacement Guarantee means you can swap for the right durability free if your first pick isn't right. How to keep natural chew time safe Whatever natural chew you choose, the same rules apply: Supervise, especially the first few times your dog tries a new chew. Size up. It's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small. Watch how it wears. With BetterBone, small flakes are normal and generally safe if accidentally swallowed. Large pieces are not, so take the bone away and move up a density. Replace worn chews. Swap in a new BetterBone when the ends are about 50% worn or it's small enough to swallow. Our dog chew safety guidelines show exactly when. Keep it clean. Rinse BetterBone with warm water and let it air dry. Frequently asked questions What are the safest natural dog chews? The safest natural chews are sized so your dog can't swallow them, firm enough to last but not so hard they crack teeth, and designed to wear down gradually instead of splintering. A plant-based chew toy like BetterBone meets all three. Are natural chew bones better than nylon bones? Natural chew bones made from renewable materials avoid petroleum-based nylon, and softer options are gentler on teeth. Compare hardness and how the chew wears, not just the material. Are antlers and real bones safe natural chews? They're natural, but very hard. The AAHA warns that bones and antlers can damage or fracture teeth, and cooked bones can splinter. Are natural dog toys good for puppies? Yes, if they're soft enough for developing teeth. For teething puppies we recommend BetterBone Light. See choosing a softer chew for puppies. Can my dog eat BetterBone? No. BetterBone is a natural chew toy, not a treat, and isn't meant to be eaten. Ready to switch to a natural chew bone? Shop natural, plant-based dog chews or learn how to choose the best chew bone for your dog.

When it comes to bones for big dogs, getting the size right is everything. A chew that's too small can be swallowed whole or become a choking hazard. One that's too hard or brittle can crack teeth or splinter. Big dogs have big jaws, so they need a chew built for their size and strength.