There are a lot of reasons why dogs chew on our stuff – mostly because of instinct, or maybe teething for puppies. But when a dog becomes an aggressive chewer, it might be caused by anxiety, territorial behaviors, or even just enthusiastic playfulness.
Dog bones are a great way to keep your pets entertained and distracted without any effort on your part. You can just give them their favorite dog bone and leave them to chew on it until they get tired.
They’re great for relieving your pet’s anxiety or to help them cool down after a vigorous play session. They are also helpful in diverting their attention from other things that they might chew on, like your furniture and shoes.
But if ordinary chew toys are not enough, or are getting boring for your dog, there are tough and durable dog bones in the market that are made to last against power chewers.
Table of Contents
Types of dog bones for aggressive chewers
Rawhide Dog Bones
Exactly as the title says, rawhide dog bones are made from rawhide. They are chewable, edible, and comes in a variety of type and sizes to cater to different breeds. The most common types of rawhide are made from the inner layer of a cow or horse’s hide. But some add more ingredients to them, like chicken liver or beef flavorings to make them more appealing to your pup.
Raw Bones
Raw bones, on the other hand, are literally animal bones that your pup can gnaw on. It has natural flavors that your canine companion will appreciate and love. Most raw bones available in the market has a little bit of meat and marrow left on the bone to make them especially yummy to your pooch.
Leg bones of pigs, lamb, or cows are where these raw bones come from. They are extremely strong and can withstand your dog’s enthusiastic chewing.
Reminder: Everyone might know already, but there’s no harm to point it out again. Chicken bones are extremely dangerous do dogs. They should not be fed to your pet be it cooked or uncooked. They become very sharp and can splinter inside a dog’s tummy and can possibly puncture their stomach.
Nylon
Nylon bones are inedible chew toys that are durable and can withstand your dog’s eager chewing. That is only if you get the right size and build for your specific dog breed. Since they are not edible, they might be harmful to your pet if ingested in great amounts. So pick a nylon dog bone size that is appropriate for your pup.
Antlers
Antlers are another natural chew toy that your dog can enjoy. They are usually made from shed antlers of deer or elks, and even moose and reindeer. Much like raw bones, antlers have a marrow that are irresistible to dogs. Depending on the size, antlers can be a long-lasting chew toy for dogs to enjoy.
Dental Dog Bones
Dental chew toys can be edible or inedible. The only distinguishing feature of a dental dog bone from the other chew toys is their construction. Dental toys will have rounded nubs or crevices that can fit into their gums, to help remove plaque and bits of food in between a dog’s teeth.
Pizzle or Bully Sticks
These are also natural chew toys that are usually made from bull penis. It has a natural scent that is irresistible to dogs and are a great distraction to them. Much like rawhide, they are completely edible and has organic flavors. They are very durable – even for aggressive chewers – but the downside to a pizzle stick is that they might smell and won’t be a good idea for indoor chewing sessions. However, if you’d like to try this type of dog chew treat, there are some that offer odor-free bully sticks in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of bones are safe for dogs?
All types of dog bones have its own pros and cons, but the thing to remember is how much your dog will spend time chewing on their toy. If you have an aggressive chewer, then synthetic dog bones are the best. But if you’re willing to give your dog more flavor, then you can give them thick rawhide or raw bones, as long as you check if they’re about to splinter or not so you can safely get it away from your dog before they accidentally swallow it.
Nylabone, Benebone, or Lumabone?
All of these brands offer plastic or synthetic dog bones that are constructed to last against vigorous chewers. The only thing owners should remember is that all of these are not edible. The dog bones that these brands offer are often made with nylon, plastic, or rubber. If big chunks of it get inside your dog, they might be harmful to their intestinal tracts.
You don’t worry too much about little bits that they might scrape off its surface, since it won’t be harmful if ingested. It will just pass through their body normally.
The only deciding factor that you can take note of is “function”. Nylabone, Benebone, and Lumabone all offer different types of toys that have a variety of other uses. Some are made to be dental chew toys, some can be inserted with treats or peanut butter, and some have interesting shapes that makes it easy for your dog to hold on to while chewing. It will depend on your dog’s preference or needs on what specific dog bone you’d eventually purchase.
How about raw bones, rawhides, and antlers?
The great thing about these raw dog bones is their natural flavor, scent, and most of all they are edible. Most dogs would jump at the chance to chew on raw bones or rawhides. Since they are made from real animals, then you are giving your dogs a chance to chew on something that they would have hunted long ago.
If you’re thinking that raw bones, rawhides, and antlers are not as durable as plastic chew toys, then think again. Once dried, they will become very sturdy and become a solid bone that your dog can chew on. Both raw bones and antlers have marrows in the middle that gives off a delectable flavor for dogs. Rawhide, on the other hand, may not be as flavorful, but chewy when softened with your dog’s saliva.
Although it’s still a danger for dogs to ingest big chunks of real bones, antlers, or rawhide, they are more susceptible to their stomach acids and will eventually dissolve inside their tummies. The real danger to them are sharp chunks that might harm the inside of their mouth, or if they accidentally swallow it.
When should you replace a dog bone?
Synthetic bones should be replaced when they become small enough to swallow, which can also apply to rawhide bones. Raw dog bones, on the other hand, should be thrown away before they splinter and potentially be dangerous to your dog.
Best Dog Bones for Aggressive Chewers
Best Nylon Dog Bone for Aggressive Chewers – Benebone Wishbone Durable Chew Toy
The defining feature of the Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy is its ingenious shape. It is shaped like a wish bone so your dog can handle it easily and keep it still while their gnawing on its ends. This dog bone is also packed with real flavors and smell that help entice your dog into chewing on them. Although not edible, it will definitely last long and can withstand aggressive chewers.
Key Features:
- Wishbone shape to make it easier to hold down
- Real flavor and smell to keep dog interested
- Durable and great for aggressive chewers
- Available in more flavors and sizes
Reminders:
- Although durable and not likely to break off, worn down sides may harm your pet’s gums
- Not for teething puppies
Long-Lasting, Textured Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers – Nylabone Power DuraChew
Textured chew toys are great for keeping your dog entertained and their gums relatively clean. The little nubs on the surface of the Nylabone Power DuraChew will help remove bits of food between their teeth. They will also have fun chewing on this toy for a long time, since they are built to last and can occupy your dog’s attention for hours.
The Nylabone Power DuraChew is also available in different flavors, so you can pick what type is suitable for your dog. It’s only available in one size though but can cater to medium and large dog breeds.
Key Features:
- Textured surface to keep dog entertained and keep gums clean
- Available in different flavors
- Extremely durable and great for aggressive chewers
- Perfect for medium to large dogs
- Can entertain your dog for a long time
Reminders:
- Strong construction may damage your dog’s teeth; check with your veterinarian if your pups have teeth or gum problems first before purchasing this chew toy
- Keep off the floor to avoid painful human accidents
Rawhide Treats That Can Last A Whole Day with Aggressive Chewers – Scott Pet Premium Pork Chomps
Rawhide can be a tasty treat for your pup, and they can also last long with aggressive chewers. Scott Pet Pork Chomps offer a number of all-natural rawhide so your dog will have a tasty treat after another that can last you a long time.
This particular pack are made with thick, rolled up rawhide that can last all day long with your dog. It can be an adequate distraction when you are out or if you need to rest after playing with your pet. Rawhide also means that they can ingest bits of the treat without harming them.
Key Features:
- Tasty treat that your dog can gnaw on all day long
- Thick and durable edible treats for your aggressive chewer
- Contains a number of rawhide rolls in one pack to last for a few weeks
- Can be ingested without harming your dog
- Will keep them occupied with its taste and texture
Reminders:
- Dog must be observed while chewing because they might break off big pieces that can harm them if swallowed
- Should be thrown away when small enough to be swallowed
Long-Lasting Antler Chew Treat for Aggressive Chewers – Gnawtlers Premium Elk Antlers
Gnawtlers Elk Antlers are a great natural chew treat for aggressive chewers and teething pups. On top of its natural flavoring that dogs will love, it will last a long time with puppies and dogs. Antlers are soft enough that they won’t splinter when chewed on, but it has enough texture to keep your dog occupied.
They also have a variety of sizes to fit your dog. Packed with nutrients, they are also very healthy treats, that will benefit your dog. Gnawtlers are specially selected antlers and does not have any odor for sensitive owners. They are cut, cleaned, and sanded to be a perfect chew treat for your precious pup.
Key Features:
- Natural antlers for natural flavoring
- Durable but soft enough that it won’t splinter
- Packed with nutrients beneficial to your dog
- No odor and no mess treat
- Available in a variety of sizes for different breeds
- Great for aggressive chewers and teething puppies
Reminders:
- If you have a really determined dog, these may last only for a few hours
- Some dogs may not like the flavor of antlers
Best Dental Dog Bone for Aggressive Chewers – Benebone Dental Chew
For an extremely durable chew toy that is specifically made to improve your dog’s dental health, then the Benebone Dental Chew is the perfect choice. It has a design that makes it easy for dogs to handle and ridges that will remove plaque and food bits from between their teeth.
The Benebone Dental Chew is not edible, but it is equipped with real flavors that can entice your dog into chewing. It’s even available in several flavors and sizes so your dog can have a variety if they happen to love this chew toy.
Key Features:
- Durable chew toy which also helps maintain dental health
- Ergonomic design that makes it easy for your dog to get a hold of
- Has real flavors to encourage your dog to chew
- Available in different flavors and sizes
- Best for aggressive chewers
Reminders:
- Supervise your dog, especially if the sides are getting worn down to make sure they don’t bite off a piece that they can’t swallow
- Not for dogs with teeth problems or puppies
Long-Lasting and Tasty Bully Stick for Aggressive Chewers – Jack&Pup 6” Bully Sticks
Bully sticks may be a little iffy for some owners, but they do last a long time even against power chewers. Jack&Pup bully sticks are one of the best in the market. They even offer odor-free sticks if you don’t want them to stink up your home. Their natural odor, however, are very desirable to dogs and they will definitely enjoy chewing on these treats.
Jack&Pup’s bully sticks are 100% digestible and made form premium bull pizzle. Each stick can last for a long time and are great for medium to large dogs. They are 60% thicker than the standard bull pizzle, making it resistant to extreme chewing or gnawing.
Key Features:
- Odor-free bully sticks for power chewers
- Has natural flavor and scent that will entice dogs to chew
- 100% digestible and made from premium-grade pizzle
- 60% thicker than standard pizzle stick, making it last longer
- Also help maintain dental health
Reminders:
- Supervise your dog while chewing, especially when stick becomes small enough to swallow
- Throw away used pizzle after a few days even if not chewed on thoroughly