Are you wondering if your furry friend can eat those tempting Nylabones? You’re not alone! As a pet parent who’s spent countless hours researching dog toys, I’ve noticed tons of confusion around this topic. Let’s clear things up once and for all about these popular chew toys and whether they’re meant to be consumed by our canine companions.
What Exactly Are Nylabones?
Despite their name suggesting something edible, Nylabones are NOT meant to be eaten by dogs. Created back in the 1950s, these popular chew toys are made from nylon (a type of plastic) and then coated with appealing flavors like bacon, chicken, or peanut butter.
The whole point of Nylabones is to give aggressive chewers something appropriate to gnaw on instead of your furniture or shoes. They’re designed to be long-lasting chew toys, not food items! This distinction is super important but often misunderstood by many pet parents.
Types of Nylabone Products
Nylabone actually makes several different product lines that can cause confusion
- Non-edible chew toys – These are the plastic/nylon toys meant for chewing only
- Edible chew treats – These are actually meant to be consumed (unlike the traditional Nylabones)
- Dental solutions – Products specifically designed for oral health
The confusion often stems from the fact that the same brand makes both edible and non-edible products. When someone asks “can dogs eat Nylabones,” they’re usually referring to the original non-edible nylon chew toys.
The Straight Answer: No, Dogs Should Not Eat Nylabones
Let me be crystal clear traditional Nylabones (the nylon ones) are NOT meant to be eaten or consumed by your dog They’re designed for chewing only,
According to veterinarian Dr. Jo Woodnutt, “Whether Nylabones are safe for dogs or not will depend a lot on your dog and their style of chewing. If your dog likes to eat things and has a powerful jaw, it’s possible they’ll swallow bits of Nylabone.”
She adds an important warning: “While the plastic is not in itself dangerous, if enough is swallowed it could cause a blockage (intestinal obstruction), which would require emergency surgery to remove.”
What Happens if My Dog Eats Pieces of a Nylabone?
If your dog manages to break off and swallow pieces of a Nylabone, several things could happen:
- Small fragments might pass through their digestive system without issue
- Larger pieces could cause choking
- Multiple pieces could create an intestinal blockage requiring surgery
- Sharp edges might damage the digestive tract
The risks are real! According to veterinary experts, intestinal blockages are serious medical emergencies that can be fatal if not addressed quickly.
Signs Your Dog May Have Swallowed Nylabone Pieces
Keep an eye out for these warning signs that might indicate your dog has swallowed pieces of a Nylabone:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or depression
- Abdominal pain (whining when touched)
- Constipation or straining to defecate
- Behavioral changes
If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your dog has eaten parts of a Nylabone, don’t wait! Contact your vet immediately.
Nylabone Safety Tips
If you do decide to give your dog a Nylabone, follow these crucial safety guidelines:
1. Choose the Right Size and Type
According to Nylabone’s own guidelines: “It is important to select the appropriate chew toy type, size, and formulation based on your dog’s age, breed, chewing style, and weight.”
They recommend getting a Nylabone large enough to encourage chewing from the side rather than straight down, as a dog’s jaw can exert up to 450 psi of pressure!
2. Regular Inspection is Non-Negotiable
After each use, check the Nylabone for:
- Signs of wear and tear
- Cracks or fractures
- Missing pieces
- Rough edges
3. Replace Worn Nylabones
From Nylabone’s FAQ: “Replace when the chew toy knuckle ends are worn down, or if it becomes too small for your dog to chew safely.”
4. Always Supervise Chew Time
Never leave your dog alone with their Nylabone. This way, you can immediately intervene if they manage to break off a piece.
5. Store Properly
Keep Nylabones out of direct sunlight when not in use. Heat can affect the plastic and potentially release harmful chemicals.
What About Nylabone’s Edible Products?
Nylabone does make edible chew treats that ARE designed to be consumed. These are completely different from their nylon chew toys. Here’s what Nylabone says about their edible options:
“Edible chew treats are ‘treat’ bones that are meant to be consumed, and all dogs consume edible treats at different rates of speed based on their jaw strength and chewing style.”
If you’re looking for something your dog can actually eat, these might be a better option, but remember:
- They’re not appropriate for puppies under 6 months
- Consumption should be monitored
- They may stain light-colored carpets or furniture
Cleaning Your Dog’s Nylabone
According to Nylabone’s FAQ, here’s how to properly clean their chew toys:
“Nylabone chew toys and chew treats should not be autoclaved or boiled, or placed in a dishwasher, washing machine, or convection or microwave oven. To clean Nylabone nonedible chew toys, scrub with a brush under warm water using mild, nontoxic detergent and rinse thoroughly. Inspect for wear while cleaning.”
Safer Alternatives to Nylabones
If you’re worried about the safety risks of Nylabones, here are some alternatives that might work better for your pup:
- Kong toys – Durable rubber toys that can be stuffed with treats
- Natural chews – Options like bully sticks or himalayan yak chews (always supervise)
- Rubber chew toys – Many brands make durable options for aggressive chewers
- Rope toys – Good for interactive play and gentle chewing
- Specially designed dental chews – Look for veterinarian-approved options
I personally love Kong toys for my super chewer because they’re virtually indestructible and can be filled with peanut butter or yogurt for extra entertainment value.
What Nylabone Has to Say
According to Nylabone’s own FAQs, they acknowledge that their products require proper selection and supervision:
“If you have more than one dog in your household, select chew toys that are appropriate for your largest, strongest chewer.”
They also offer guidelines for specific chew strengths on their website to help pet parents make appropriate choices.
Where Are Nylabone Products Made?
Many pet parents care about where their pet products come from. According to Nylabone’s website:
“All Nylabone chew treats are proudly made in the USA, and most Nylabone products are made in our facility here in Neptune City, New Jersey. All USA-made Nylabone chew toys, chew treats, and dental care solutions have the American flag on the package.”
However, they do acknowledge that “A few of our products are made in China,” but assure customers about quality control standards.
The Bottom Line on Nylabones
So, to answer the original question one more time: No, dogs should not EAT Nylabones (the nylon variety). They are chew toys designed for chewing only.
While many dogs use Nylabones safely for years, there are inherent risks if your dog is an aggressive chewer who tends to destroy and consume their toys. Every dog is different, and what works safely for one might be dangerous for another.
As a responsible pet parent, you need to:
- Know your dog’s chewing style
- Choose appropriate toys
- Always supervise chew time
- Replace worn toys promptly
- Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has swallowed toy pieces
My Personal Experience
We’ve tried basically every chew toy under the sun for our lab mix who can destroy almost anything. While Nylabones lasted longer than many options, I’ve personally moved away from them after noticing small pieces missing and worrying about where they went.
For us, rubber toys like Kongs and West Paw designs have been a safer bet, plus frozen stuffed Kongs keep him busy much longer anyway!
FAQs About Dogs and Nylabones
Can puppies have Nylabones?
Nylabone makes specific products for puppies with a more flexible polymer formulation designed for teething. Regular adult Nylabones are too hard for puppies’ developing teeth.
How long do Nylabones typically last?
This varies dramatically depending on your dog’s chewing style and strength. Some might last months, while others could be damaged in days with an aggressive chewer.
Are Nylabones better than rawhide?
Both have risks. Rawhide can break apart and cause choking or blockages, while Nylabones can splinter if damaged. Neither is perfect, and both require supervision.
Can I put my dog’s Nylabone in the dishwasher?
No! According to Nylabone, their products should never be placed in dishwashers, microwaves, or washing machines.
What if I bought the wrong chew for my dog?
Nylabone states: “If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, please return it to Nylabone within 30 days. If you provide your dog’s breed, age, weight, and your mailing address, we can replace it with something more appropriate.”
Remember, when it comes to your furry friend’s safety, it’s always better to be cautious. While many dogs enjoy Nylabones without incident, knowing the risks and taking proper precautions is essential for being a responsible pet parent.
Have you had experiences with Nylabones? What chew toys work best for your dog? Every pup is different, and finding the right options can take some trial and error!
What are Nylon Bone Chew Toys?
Nylon bone chew toys are popular chew toys amongst dogs. They are typically made of plastic or nylon. Because of their synthetic nature, many pet owners may wonder if theyre safe for their canine companions to eat. More about that later.
Edible nylon bone treats are also available. These edible chew toys may look like regular nylonbones, but instead, they are usually made from different proteins, starches, and flavorings and are digestible. Most also contain less than-desirable added binders, fillers and other ingredients. Non-edible chews shouldnt be digested. Regardless of whether they are made from natural or artificial material, they are molded into bone-shaped objects.
Are Nylonbones safe for dogs?
While nylon bones are designed to encourage healthy chewing habits for dogs, they are not completely 100% safe for dogs and puppies. There is always the risk that they may damage their teeth, have an allergic reaction, choke, or have an upset stomach. If you suspect your dog ate either a small piece or large chunks of nylonbone products, contact your veterinarian immediately. In addition, nylon dog toys arent great for our planet either. Traditional nylon bones are made from plastic and nylon. When dogs chew them, they end up creating microplastics that end up on the floor and in their stomachs. Neither is good.