Are Nylabones Safe for Dogs? My Biggest Concern Explained

Are Nylabones safe for dogs? Yes, Nylabones are generally safe for most dogs when used correctly, but I’ve seen too many worried pet parents in my 10+ years as a dog trainer rushing to the vet because their pup swallowed a chunk. Let me share what I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.

Last Tuesday, a client called me in panic. Her Dachshund, Jullie, had just swallowed a piece of his Nylabone. “Is she going to be okay?” she asked, voice trembling.

I get this question at least once a week.

And honestly? I had the same fear when I gave my first Nylabone to my rescue dog, Bailey, five years ago.

So let’s cut through the confusion together.

What Exactly IS a Nylabone? (And Why Your Dog is Obsessed)

Nylabones are synthetic chew toys made from thermoplastic polymer—basically a type of durable nylon. They’re NOT edible bones like rawhide or bully sticks.

Think of them as the “workout equipment” for your dog’s jaw, not a snack.

The company designed them to satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew while promoting dental health. When your dog gnaws on a Nylabone, tiny bristle-like projections help clean their teeth and control plaque buildup.

Pretty cool, right?

But here’s where it gets tricky…

The Three Types of Nylabones You Need to Know

Not all Nylabones are created equal. I learned this after Bailey destroyed three different types in her first month:

• Non-Edible Nylabones (the classic ones)
• Edible Nylabones (the Healthy Edibles line)
• Therapeutic Nylabones (for teething puppies)

The non-edible ones are what we’re mainly talking about today. These are the rock-hard chews that last forever—or at least they’re supposed to.

Are Nylabones Safe for Dogs Teeth? The Truth About Dental Damage

I’ll be straight with you.

Most Nylabones are safe for your dog’s teeth—IF you pick the right hardness level.

The American Veterinary Dental College warns that any chew toy harder than your dog’s teeth can cause fractures. I’ve seen this firsthand with my client’s German Shepherd who cracked a molar on a Nylabone that was too hard for him.

Here’s my rule of thumb: Press your thumbnail into the chew toy. If it doesn’t leave even a slight impression, it’s probably too hard.

Real-Life Example: The $800 Lesson

Remember Sarah from my training class? She bought the toughest Nylabone available for her aggressive chewer, a 2-year-old Pit Bull named Thor.

Two weeks later? Broken tooth. $800 vet bill.

The problem? She assumed “power chewer” meant “needs the hardest thing possible.” Wrong.

Even power chewers need some give in their toys. Just like choosing the right daily chew, matching the hardness to your dog’s chewing style is crucial.

Pro Tip: Start with a softer Nylabone and work your way up. Your wallet will thank you.

Are Nylabones Safe for Dogs to Ingest? This is My BIGGEST Concern

Okay, here’s where I get serious.

Nylabones are NOT meant to be ingested. Period.

But dogs don’t read instruction manuals.

When your dog chews on a Nylabone, tiny particles will naturally flake off. These microscopic pieces? Usually harmless—they’ll pass through your dog’s system like everything else they’re not supposed to eat. (Looking at you, Bailey, and that sock incident.)

The Danger Zone: Large Pieces

The real problem happens when dogs bite off large chunks. I’m talking pieces bigger than a pencil eraser.

These can cause:

1. Choking hazards (especially in small dogs)
2. Intestinal blockages (hello, emergency surgery)
3. Stomach irritation (vomiting, diarrhea, the works)
4. Mouth injuries (sharp edges cutting gums)

Last year, I worked with a Beagle named Charlie who swallowed a quarter-sized piece of his Nylabone. His owner didn’t notice until Charlie stopped eating and started vomiting.

Emergency vet visit. X-rays. The whole nine yards.

Thankfully, the piece passed naturally after 48 hours of monitoring. But it could’ve been so much worse.

Are Nylabones Safe for Dogs to Chew? My 5-Point Safety Checklist

After a decade of watching dogs destroy every chew toy known to mankind, here’s my battle-tested checklist:

✓ Size Matters: Choose a Nylabone too large for your dog to fit entirely in their mouth. Learn more about proper bone sizing here.

✓ Supervise Like a Hawk: Especially the first few sessions. I never let Bailey chew unsupervised until I knew her chewing style.

✓ Check Daily: Run your fingers over the Nylabone. Feel sharp edges? Toss it. See chunks missing? Replace it immediately.

✓ Replace Regularly: Even without visible damage, I replace Nylabones every 3-4 months for aggressive chewers.

✓ Know Your Dog: Is your pup a nibbler or a destroyer? Adjust accordingly.

Comparison: Nylabones vs. Other Popular Chews

Looking for safer alternatives? I always keep these healthy dog treats on hand for Bailey. They satisfy her chewing needs without the worry.

Are Nylabones Safe for Dogs to Eat? The Edible vs. Non-Edible Confusion

Here’s where people get confused.

Traditional Nylabones are NOT safe to eat. They’re designed to flake slightly, not be consumed.

But… Nylabone makes an “Edible” line called Healthy Edibles. These ARE meant to be eaten, made from natural ingredients and starches.

I wish they’d named them differently. The confusion is real.

Quick Identifier:

• If it says “Healthy Edibles” on the package → Safe to eat
• If it’s the hard plastic-like bone → Not for eating

Think of it like knowing what dogs cannot eat—you need to know the difference to keep your pup safe.

Are Nylabones Safe for Dogs to Swallow? What to Do in an Emergency

Let’s say the worst happens. You turn around, and your dog has swallowed a chunk of Nylabone.

Don’t panic. (Easier said than done, I know.)

Here’s my emergency protocol:

1. Assess the size: Smaller than a dime? Monitor closely. Bigger? Call your vet NOW.
2. Watch for symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, straining to poop
3. Don’t induce vomiting unless your vet specifically tells you to
4. Keep your dog hydrated: Helps things move through their system
5. Monitor their stools: You’re looking for the piece to pass (I know, gross but necessary)

[Photo Suggestion: Infographic showing warning signs that require immediate vet attention]

When my client’s Lab swallowed a Nylabone piece, I told her to feed him canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) to help move things along. Worked like a charm.

But seriously—when in doubt, call your vet. I can’t stress this enough.

Key Takeaway: Prevention beats emergency vet bills every single time. Trust me on this one.

My Personal Nylabone Rules (After 10 Years of Trial and Error)

Look, I still give Bailey Nylabones. She loves them, and they keep her from destroying my furniture.

But I follow these rules religiously:

Rule #1: Never leave her alone with one. Ever. I use a dog camera when I’m away to make sure she’s not getting into trouble.

Rule #2: I check it before and after every chew session. Takes 10 seconds. Saved me countless headaches.

Rule #3: When she loses interest, I rotate it out. Bored dogs are destructive dogs. That’s why I love brain training activities to keep her mind sharp too.

Rule #4: I match the Nylabone to her chewing intensity, not what I think she needs.

Rule #5: I keep proper nutrition as my priority. A well-fed dog with the right nutrients is less likely to aggressively destroy chew toys out of nutritional desperation.

What About Puppies?

Puppies are a whole different ball game.

Their teeth are softer, their jaws are weaker, and they have zero impulse control. (Kind of like toddlers with fur.)

For puppies, I recommend:

• Nylabone Puppy Chew toys specifically
• Extra supervision (they’ll try to eat ANYTHING)
• Frozen washcloths (great for teething)
• Safe treats formulated for puppies

And please, for the love of all things holy, know what foods are dangerous. Puppies are notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t.

Better Alternatives? Let’s Talk Options

Sometimes Nylabones just aren’t the right fit. And that’s okay.

I’ve had aggressive chewers who destroyed Nylabones in 20 minutes. For them, I recommend:

• Natural antlers (last forever, less splintering risk)
• Rubber Kongs (stuff with treats, freeze them—game changer)
• Bully sticks (are bully sticks really good for dogs? Spoiler: yes!)
• Himalayan cheese chews (long-lasting and digestible)

For anxious chewers, sometimes the issue isn’t the toy—it’s stress. That’s when I turn to calming treats to address the root cause.

Plus, keeping your dog mentally stimulated with brain training exercises can reduce destructive chewing behavior significantly.

The Bottom Line: My Honest Opinion on Nylabone Safety

After 10+ years working with hundreds of dogs, here’s my take:

Nylabones are safe for MOST dogs when used correctly—but they’re not foolproof.

They require active supervision, regular inspection, and matching the right toy to your dog’s chewing style.

Are they worth it? For many dogs, absolutely. Bailey’s Nylabone sessions have saved my baseboards, my shoes, and probably my sanity.

But they’re not set-it-and-forget-it toys.

You need to stay involved. Check in. Replace when necessary. And always—ALWAYS—put your dog’s safety first.

Final Recommendations:

✅ Start supervised: Never give a Nylabone and walk away the first time

✅ Right size, right hardness: Match it to your individual dog

✅ Inspect religiously: Make it part of your routine

✅ Replace proactively: Don’t wait for a problem

✅ Consider alternatives: One size doesn’t fit all dogs

✅ Support overall health: Use quality supplements and proper nutrition to reduce destructive chewing

✅ Track their health: A dog health tracker can help you notice changes in behavior that might indicate a problem

And hey, if you’re still nervous? That’s completely valid. Trust your gut. Some dogs need different treats altogether, and there’s no shame in that.

Keep your pup hydrated with a quality water fountain, maintain their health with proper supplements, and consider getting an ESA letter if your dog provides emotional support—they deserve the recognition.

What’s your experience with Nylabones? Has your dog ever had a scare? Drop a comment below—I read every single one, and your story might help another worried dog parent.

Remember: A safe dog is a happy dog. And a happy dog makes for a happy you.

Now go supervise that chewing session!

Want more dog safety tips? Check out my guide on whether calming treats are safe or browse our full collection of trusted dog treats here.