The Chew

Pups are always begging for a bone. If you're like most people, you probably give in and let them chew on a Nylon bone from time to time. Nylon bones are a popular dog chew toy, but are they safe for puppies and dogs? Let's take a closer look to see if it is safe for our furry friends!

Looking for a safer, sustainable dog chew? BetterBone is the eco-friendly alternative crafted from up to 90% cellulose, with vegetable oils from the European food industry making up the rest. Unlike traditional nylon, polypropylene, and PVC chews, BetterBone is free from harmful chemicals like BPA, PFAS, phthalates, and parabens, ensuring a non-toxic, natural chew for your dog. Our cellulose-based material offers lasting durability, multiple densities for all chewers, and benefits like gentle teeth cleaning and improved oral health. With BetterBone, you’re choosing a product that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your pup.

Puppies chew everything: shoes, table legs, your fingers. Much of that is teething, and the right puppy chew toy can make it easier on your pup and your furniture. But when can puppies have dental chews? Are puppy treats and chew toys the same thing? And what's safe for brand-new teeth? Here's a simple guide to the puppy teething timeline, when to start dental chews and chew toys, and how to choose safe puppy teething chews. The puppy teething timeline Puppies go through two sets of teeth, just like people do: Age (approximate) What's happening What helps 3–6 weeks Baby (deciduous) teeth come in Still with mom; no chews needed yet 8–12 weeks Settling into a new home with sharp baby teeth Soft chew toys and lots of supervised play 3–6 months Peak teething: baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in Gentle teething chews to soothe sore gums 6–7 months Most adult teeth are in Move to chews matched to adult chewing style Up to 12 months Adult teeth and jaw keep strengthening Size and density upgrades as your puppy grows Every breed develops a little differently, so ask your vet about your puppy's teeth at their checkups. Signs your puppy is teething Chewing on everything, especially hard or cold objects Extra drooling Red or swollen gums Small spots of blood on toys Finding tiny baby teeth on the floor (many puppies swallow them, which is normal) Mild fussiness or a smaller appetite When can puppies have dental chews and treats? It depends on whether you mean something your puppy eats or something your puppy chews. Edible dental chews and puppy treats Edible dental chews and chewy treats are food. Your puppy's digestive system is still developing, and new foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Many edible dental chews are labeled for dogs 6 months and older, so always follow the age and weight guidance on the package, and introduce any new treat slowly. Treats should also count toward your puppy's daily calories. Puppy chew toys A durable chew toy isn't food, so your puppy can use one as soon as they start chewing, as long as it's soft enough for baby teeth and big enough that it can't be swallowed. Chew toys give teething puppies relief without adding calories or upsetting their stomach. Why puppies need the right chew toy Teething relief. Gnawing on a gentle, textured chew helps soothe sore gums while adult teeth come in. Protects your stuff. A chew toy gives your puppy something they're allowed to chew, which makes training easier. Supports dental health. Textured chews help scrape away plaque and massage gums from an early age. Mental stimulation. Chewing is calming and helps a busy puppy settle down. How to choose safe puppy teething chews Choose a softer chew Baby teeth are sharp but fragile, and adult teeth are still forming under the gums. Very hard chews can damage them. 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" and suggests a thumbnail test: "If you can't leave an indentation, the toy is too hard" (AAHA). Here's why softer chews are the right choice for puppies. Choose the right size, then size up A chew that's fine for a Yorkie puppy won't last a minute with a young German Shepherd, and a chew that's too small can be swallowed. Choose by your puppy's current weight, and size up if they're near the top of a range or growing fast. It's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small. Skip rawhide, real bones and hard nylon Rawhide can be swallowed in large pieces, cooked bones splinter, and hard nylon and antlers can be too tough for developing teeth. Learn more about why rawhide is risky for puppies, whether nylon bones are safe for puppies and which bones are safe or unsafe for dogs. Check the ingredients A short, clear ingredient list is easier on sensitive puppy stomachs. Look for chews without artificial colors, harsh chemicals or mystery flavorings. Know when to replace it Every chew toy has a lifespan. Inspect your puppy's chews often and replace them when they're worn, cracked or small enough to swallow. BetterBone Light: a gentle teething chew for puppies BetterBone Light is our softest durability, made for teething puppies, senior dogs and gentle chewers. It's easy on developing teeth and sore gums while still giving your puppy something satisfying to gnaw. Gentle for baby teeth. Light has give for sensitive gums and developing teeth. Dental enrichment textures. Ridges and nubs help massage sore gums and buff away plaque. Built to flake, not splinter. It wears into small, rice-sized flakes instead of sharp shards. Made from two plant-based materials. BetterBone is made with Vernovo, a blend of cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts, with no nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts. Independently tested. In February 2026, TÜV SÜD found no detectable PFAS, phthalates or BPA in our material. Puppy-friendly scents. Veggie, Beef and Venison are hypoallergenic, vegetarian scent infusions. Grows with your puppy. When your dog outgrows Light, move up to Moderate. If you pick the wrong durability, our Free Replacement Guarantee swaps it for free. Not sure which fits? The Chews-ing Guide matches your puppy in four quick questions. Tips for introducing a chew to your puppy Start with short sessions. Around five minutes at a time, then build up as your puppy gets older. Supervise. Stay close, especially the first few times. Make it interesting. Smear a thin layer of dog-safe spread, like plain pumpkin purée, into the ridges. For extra teething relief, freeze the spread on the bone before offering it. Trade, don't scold. When your puppy chews something off-limits, swap it for their chew toy and praise them. Watch how it wears. Small flakes are normal and generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your puppy breaks off larger pieces, take it away and move up a density or size. Keep it clean. Rinse with warm water and let it air dry. BetterBone is a chew toy, not a treat, and isn't meant to be eaten. See our dog chew safety guidelines for when to replace it, and try these homemade teething relief ideas too. Frequently asked questions When can puppies have dental chews? Many edible dental chews are labeled for puppies 6 months and older, so check the package. A non-edible puppy chew toy that's soft and sized correctly can be used as soon as your puppy starts chewing. What can I give my teething puppy to chew on? A soft, textured chew toy that's too big to swallow, like BetterBone Light. Chilled chew toys and homemade options like a frozen wet washcloth, used under supervision, can also soothe sore gums. How long does puppy teething last? Most puppies teethe from about 3 to 6 months of age, with most adult teeth in by 6 to 7 months. Are puppy chew toys and puppy treats the same? No. Treats and edible chews are food and add calories. Chew toys are meant to be chewed, not eaten, and can be used every day. Are dental chews good for puppies? Textured chews help clean teeth and massage gums, but they don't replace brushing and vet checkups. Choose a puppy-appropriate chew and start brushing early. Read our guide to the best dental chews for dogs. Help your puppy through teething the gentle way. Shop BetterBone Light puppy chew toys, or learn how to choose the best chew bone for your dog.

Dogs are natural chewers, and a good chew can keep them busy, calm and happy. But not every dog chew treat is a good fit for every dog. Some are hard enough to crack teeth, some are easy to swallow in big pieces, and some are rich enough to upset a sensitive stomach. This guide covers how to choose safe dog chew treats, which chews and treats to be careful with, and how to give chews responsibly so chew time stays fun. Chew treats vs. chew toys It helps to know what you're buying: Chew treats are edible. Bully sticks, pig ears, rawhide and dental treats are all eaten, so they add calories and can upset some stomachs. Chew toys are made to be chewed, not eaten. They last longer and add no calories, which makes them easier to give every day. Many dogs enjoy both. The key is choosing each one with your dog's size, age, chewing style and health in mind. How to check if a dog chew is safe No chew is risk-free, but these checks help you pick a safer one: Hardness. If a chew is harder than your dog's teeth, it can damage them. The American Animal Hospital Association suggests pressing your thumbnail into the surface: "If you can't leave an indentation, the toy is too hard" (AAHA). Choking risk. Could your dog swallow the chew whole, or once it's been chewed down? The chew should be too big to fit entirely in your dog's mouth. Blockage risk. Does it break into large chunks that could be swallowed and get stuck in the stomach or intestines? How it wears. A safer chew wears down gradually. Avoid chews that splinter into sharp pieces or shred into stuffing and strings. Size and shape. Rings and hollow shapes can trap a tongue or lower jaw. In homes with dogs of different sizes, choose chews sized for the biggest dog. Ingredients. Look for a short, clear ingredient list, especially for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. You read your dog's food label, so read their chew toy label too. Easy to clean. Chews your dog uses every day should be easy to rinse and dry. Dog chew treats to use with caution Rawhide Rawhide is widely available and affordable, and many dogs chew it without trouble. The risk comes when dogs bite off and swallow large pieces, which can cause choking or a digestive blockage. Knotted rawhide is especially risky if the knots break off. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis or stomach issues, talk to your vet first. Learn more about why rawhide can be bad for dogs and rawhide alternatives. Bully sticks Bully sticks soften as dogs chew, so they're less likely to fracture teeth than very hard chews. But the last small piece can be a choking hazard, and some dogs try to swallow bully sticks whole. They're also rich in protein and calories. Use a bully stick holder, take the stick away when it gets small, and ask your vet before giving them to a dog on a restricted diet. Pig ears Pig ears are chewy and popular, but they're high in fat. Fatty treats can contribute to weight gain and, in some dogs, stomach upset or pancreatitis. Pig ear treats have also been linked to Salmonella recalls, so buy from sources you trust and wash your hands after handling them. Cow hooves, antlers and real bones These are very hard. Like other hard chews, they can crack teeth, and some can break into sharp pieces. The AAHA lists bones and antlers among chews that "can damage or fracture your dog's teeth." See our guide to which bones are safe or unsafe for dogs. Nylon chews Nylon chews are long-lasting but often very hard, and swallowed pieces aren't digestible. Read are nylon dog chews safe? Human foods that don't make good dog treats Some foods people are tempted to share are a poor choice for dogs: Chocolate and coffee. They contain theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. Bacon and other fatty meats. High in fat and salt, and can upset a dog's stomach. Cooked bones from the table. They're brittle and can splinter. If your dog eats something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control line right away. How to give dog chews responsibly Match the chew to your dog. Consider size, age and chewing style. Puppies and seniors need gentler chews; power chewers need more durable ones. Size up. It's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small. Here's how big is too big for big dogs. Supervise. Stay nearby, especially with a new chew. Take it away when it's small. Any chew worn down to a swallowable size becomes a choking hazard. Count the calories. Edible chews and treats should fit into your dog's daily food intake. Introduce new chews slowly. Short sessions help you see how your dog chews and how their stomach reacts. Watch for warning signs. Call your vet if your dog is gagging, vomiting, straining or seems to be in pain after chewing. BetterBone: a chew toy designed for everyday chewing If you're looking for a daily chew that isn't a treat, BetterBone is a durable chew toy made from plants. No chew toy is indestructible, but BetterBone is designed to address many of the risks above: Designed to flake, not splinter. As your dog chews, BetterBone wears into small, rice-sized flakes rather than sharp shards. A density for every chewer. Light for puppies, senior dogs and gentle chewers, Moderate for most daily chewers, and Hard for power chewers. No calories. It's a chew toy, not a treat, so it doesn't add to your dog's daily food intake. Simple, plant-based materials. BetterBone is made with Vernovo, a blend of cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts, with no nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts. Learn what BetterBone is made of. Hypoallergenic scents. Veggie, Beef and Venison are 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. Easy to clean. Rinse with warm water and let it air dry. Not sure which fits? The Chews-ing Guide matches your dog in four quick questions, and our Free Replacement Guarantee swaps the durability for free if your first pick isn't right. Like any chew, BetterBone should be used with supervision. Small flakes are normal and generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your dog breaks off larger pieces, take it away and move up a density. Replace it when the ends are about 50% worn or it's small enough to swallow. See our dog chew safety guidelines. Frequently asked questions What are the safest chew treats for dogs? There's no chew that's 100% safe for every dog. The safer choices are sized so they can't be swallowed, soft enough to pass the thumbnail test, and wear down gradually instead of breaking into large or sharp pieces. Always supervise your pup while chewing. Are bully sticks safe for dogs? Many dogs enjoy them, but the last small piece can be a choking hazard, and they're high in calories. Use a holder and take the stick away when it gets small. Are pig ears safe for dogs? Pig ears are high in fat, which can upset some dogs' stomachs, and pig ear treats have been linked to Salmonella recalls. Give them sparingly, if at all. Is rawhide safe for dogs? Rawhide carries a risk of choking and blockages if dogs swallow large pieces. Supervise closely, avoid knotted rawhide, or choose a rawhide alternative. How often should I give my dog a chew? Many dogs enjoy a daily chew session. Edible chews should fit within daily calories; a non-edible chew toy like BetterBone can be part of a daily routine. Find a daily chew you can feel good about. Shop BetterBone plant-based chew toys or learn how to choose the best chew bone for your dog.

BetterBone is proud to announce that our new moderate density BetterBone has won the prestigious 2024 Pet Products News Editor's Choice Award! Recognized for its innovation, durability, and eco-friendly design, this award highlights our commitment to creating sustainable and safe products for dogs. Our moderate density bone is designed to offer the perfect balance of toughness and comfort, ideal for enthusiastic chewers. This recognition further strengthens our mission to provide high-quality, environmentally responsible dog supplies. Discover more about this award-winning product and why it’s loved by dogs and pet parents alike!

Discover how BetterBone, the leader in sustainable dog products, is partnering with Pet Palette Distribution to bring eco-friendly pet products to the entire lower 48 states! Learn about our shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and how this partnership empowers independent pet retailers with premium, environmentally-conscious products that pet owners love. Explore the full range of BetterBone products now available nationwide through Pet Palette’s trusted distribution network.

Award-Winning BetterBone: The Best Rawhide Alternative for Your DogBetterBone, winner of the 2024 Independent Pet Innovation Award for "Rawhide Alternative Product of the Year," offers a healthier, eco-friendly dog chew made from sustainable materials, natural and free from harmful chemicals, BetterBone is the new standard in dog chews, providing a superior experience for your dog while protecting the planet. Make the switch to BetterBone today!

BetterBone is now available in Poland through our new partnership with BubaPet! Polish pet parents can now access our innovative, eco-friendly dog chews, offering a natural alternative to traditional pet products. Discover how BetterBone and BubaPet are bringing sustainable pet care to Poland!

BetterBone expands into Portugal and Spain through a new partnership with Citania Animal, the company behind "Animall – All For Pets." This collaboration brings BetterBone's sustainable and eco-friendly pet products to a broader audience, aligning with Citania Animal's mission to promote animal welfare and environmental protection. Discover more about this exciting partnership!

An exciting new partnership between BetterBone and Pawvy, a premier pet products distributor in Singapore. This collaboration marks another significant milestone in BetterBone’s global expansion, bringing our innovative and sustainable pet products to a new audience. With Pawvy’s exceptional customer service and deep market understanding, pet owners in Singapore can now access BetterBone’s high-quality, eco-friendly products. Join us as we revolutionize the pet industry together, promoting healthier, happier lives for pets and a more sustainable future for our planet. For more details, visit www.pawvy.co.

We're happy to announce our new partnership with Frontier Distributing! Now, you can find BetterBone's full line of sustainable, innovative pet products in pet stores across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Frontier Distributing, known for its commitment to exceptional service and community values, is the perfect partner for BetterBone. Visit your local pet store today and give your furry friend the best in eco-friendly pet care with BetterBone. Together, we're making the world a better place for pets, one bone at a time!

We’re excited to announce that BetterBone has been recognized as one of the top 20 most sustainable pet brands by the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) for 2024! This incredible honor highlights our commitment to creating eco-friendly, high-quality pet products. Join us at SuperZoo 2024 in booth #6265 and visit the PSC Booth #1888 to learn more about our sustainable journey and how we’re making a positive impact on pets, people, and the planet. Discover more about our story and the PSC’s mission at www.petsustainability.org. Let’s make the world a better place, one pet product at a time!