Nylabones are a common dog treat but can they eat them? In this post we will cover everything you need to know about serving your dog nylabones.
Since a lot of dogs are tempted to munch on the toy, a lot of concerned dog owners have been wondering “can dogs eat Nylabones?”.
In this article, we’ll answer this question, so you can figure out whether your dog is allowed to eat the chewing toy. Let’s jump right in!
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Nylabones?
“Nylabone” is the brand name of a popular chew toy for dogs. However, due to its popularity, it became a generic term to describe any type of plastic toy that dogs and pups can chew.
The edible ones are made of beef, chicken, and wheat, which are safe for dogs and easily digested. One of the most popular ones being a Greenie (dog dental chew). However, plastic toys made from nylon and rubber are not edible and are only meant for chewing.
However, no matter how durable the toy is, dogs eventually find a way to break them into smaller pieces. For that reason, it’s extremely important to check the packaging of the chewing toy to make sure that it’s from the edible variety.
Benefits of Nylabones
Most people who have had a puppy or energetic dog know and love Nylabones! A few key benefits of Nylabones for dogs are:
- Dental Health: Nylabones help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthier teeth and gums as dogs chew.
- Chewing Outlet: Nylabones offer a satisfying chewing experience that can help redirect destructive chewing behaviors towards an appropriate item.
- Long-Lasting: Designed to withstand aggressive chewing, Nylabones are durable and can provide extended entertainment.
- Variety: They come in various shapes, sizes, and textures to cater to different dogs’ preferences and chewing styles.
- Mental Stimulation: Chewing on Nylabones can provide mental stimulation and relieve boredom, especially for active dogs.
- Teething Relief: Nylabones can be helpful during puppy teething stages by soothing sore gums.
Risks of Nylabones
Nylabones are not 100% safe for dogs. A few risks of feeding Nylabone to dogs include:
- Ingestion: They are made of inorganic materials that your dog should not ingest. Once the Nylabone begins to break down, it should be thrown away to prevent your dog from ingesting the plastic pieces.
- Tooth Damage: Heavy chewers can injure their teeth on the tough plastic.
- Choking: If the Nylabone breaks into pieces, it can pose a chocking risk.
How to Give Nylabones Safely?
Non-edible Nylabones are considered a choking hazard when they break and can also damage the digestive canal, both of which can be extremely serious and require x-rays and surgeries to remove.
So in order to safely give Nylabones, there are few things to keep in mind. Always supervise your pup when giving them a Nylabone and watch for signs of wearing.
A worn-out toy is much more likely to break into smaller chunks. When the toy starts to show signs of wear and cracks, throw it away and replace it with a new one.
Important Safety Tips for Nylabones
Now that you have a better idea about Nylabones and whether they’re safe to consume or not, here are some valuable safety tips while dealing with Nylabones:
- Always Keep an Eye on Your Dog: When dogs play with their Nylaobone, they can quickly crack the toy, which makes it more likely to swallow on a small chunk that can be a choking hazard.
- Maintain Proper Care of the Toy: Never expose the plastic toy to direct heat or sunlight because they shorten the toy’s lifespan and make them prone to cracking.
- Pick a Suitable Size for Your Dog: A chew toy that is too small for the dog is easier to break off, putting your dog at the risk of choking as well as poisoning.
- Check with the Vet Before Getting Your Young Dog a Toy: chew toys are suitable for dogs with a full set of permanent teeth. A vet must check the pup’s teeth first before you give your puppy a toy.
Nylabones vs Greenies
Nylabones and Greenies are two popular choices for satisfying your dog’s chewing instincts, but they offer distinct features to cater to different needs.
Nylabones are durable and long-lasting chew toys designed to promote healthy dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup as dogs gnaw on them. They come in various shapes, sizes, and textures to accommodate different chewing preferences.
Greenies, on the other hand, are edible dental chews formulated to support oral health through mechanical cleaning action. They’re designed to be chewed and consumed, aiding in reducing bad breath and maintaining healthy gums (all about Greenies for dogs here).
While Nylabones focus on providing lasting chewing satisfaction, Greenies serve as a tasty dental treat with the added benefit of promoting cleaner teeth. Your choice between the two depends on your dog’s chewing habits, oral health needs, and preferences.
Conclusion
This wraps it up for today’s guide where we tackle one of the most common concerns of dog owners.
As you can see, Nylabones isn’t a single type of chew toy, but rather a large company that sells a variety of related products.
It’s extremely important to check the material that your dog’s Nylabones are made of. If they’re made of rubber and plastic, then they’re not edible.
That being said, the company does have a line of edible treats that is shaped like a bone, which is where the confusion may have started.