NylaBones vs. Bully Sticks

[Steve, Maria & Sammy]

Sammy is a little over 4 months old and still chewing/mouthing on everything and everyone, so we decided to get him something, and purchased a non-edible NylaBone. I was going to get him a Bully Stick, but the girl at PetCo recommended the NylaBone instead. I was just wondering if one is better than the other. When I searched online I saw horror stories about each, but after watching Sammy chew on this NylaBone (which he LOVED), it frayed pretty easily and after reading the packaging it is made out of polymer, which to me sounds basically like plastic? Is this okay? He wasn't eating big chunks of it like the the packaging says to look out for, but he was having an easy time making a dent in it. Any suggestions or help?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I personally don't like Nylabones at all (for reasons you have stated).  Why don't you try antlers?  Many people on DK are big fans - they last a long time. My dood loves hers. Go to antlerpantry.com (cheaper than local pet stores).

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I second the antler suggestion.  If your dood is an extra strong chewer like my Luna you'll want to try to get an elk antler, they're a bit larger and sturdier. 

Luna has a white nylabone (the "durabone" extra hard ones) - but she dents them pretty quickly and this will be her last one.  If anything I would say those ones are the safest of the nylabones because it's really hard for them to chew off big pieces.

[Kim, Abby & Beckett]

I've used deer antlers since I got Abby at 8 weeks. She really likes to chew on those, as well as cow hooves. I will occasionally give her a pig's ear or bully stick, but her everyday go to is the antlers. They are safe and I've read they have certain minerals that are good for your dog.

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

I would go with the antler! Parker loves his! Make sure there isn't a huge chunk of marrow exposed though...they last longer with less exposed! I got him a deer antler and it lasted a few months but I got him a slice of a moose antler and he's eaten half in 2 weeks (with me taking it away and making him take a break) because more marrow was exposed on the moose antler!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My dogs LOVE Nylabones  but we get the strong chewer ones.  They also love antlers and hollow bones you can fill.  Bullysticks, ears, hooves last NO time for my guys (plus they gross me out). Some dogs love kongs.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Ditto-Powerful chewers Myla takes on the huge Turkey leg sizes and all!! Never any problems here. I know a lot of people don't like these though!

[Dawn]

I just bought a bullystick and I'm ready to throw it out....it looks so gross and it stinks.  However, it is the one thing that will keep Lucy still while we brush her.  It sounds like I need to try the antlers. 

dawn

[Susan and Sasha]

Sasha loves the antlers that are split...so she can get to the marrow.

I also get beef marrow bones...and they are safe and great for "hearty chewers".

I buy them fresh...and she has them for one day. She just loves them...and that marrow!  Yum!!

Then I boil them for about ten minutes or so...to sterilize them...and then this bone becomes her Prize Treat!!

Really!  She walks around with it Everyday!!  She just loves it!

She does have a strong chew nylabone...and she does chew on it sometimes.

The antlers and beef marrow bones are the favorites though...

 

[K and Racey]

I second the beef marrow bones.

[Christine & Shelby]

I use both Nylabones (power chewer strength) and Antlers with my Shelby.  I know some people aren't a fan of the nylabones, but given Shelby's chewing behavior... and the fact that she likes them better than her antler on most days... I use them.

Given Sammy is 4 months - the moderate chewer one's may be more appropriate (assuming she still has her puppy teeth).  Once her adult teeth come in or once she can bite through the moderate chewer one (the polymer), then it's time to upgrade.

Shelby loves bully sticks too... but they can be expensive and only last her about 20-30 minutes so they are now more of a special treat.... not something that I rely on for a puppies need to chew!

 

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Antlerz or antlers.  They are the best, last long, don't splinter and dogs love them.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Oliver is a very agressive chewer and I have to get him the Nylabone type chews because he chews thru everything else.  As a treat I give the bully sticks but he polishes them off in no time.  I brought a bag of Elk antlers and he loves them, they last a very long time and seem to clean his teeth really well.  He wears them down after a few months and when they get to be about 5 inches I toss them and give him a new one.  The antlers keep him busy for hours on end.  I have yet so see one chip, break, or split.  Ollie can get small pieces off the Nylabone if he chews hard and long enough, but the antlers he just wears down.  Oliver has also destroyed Kongs so that will give you an idea of how much of strong chewer he is - LOL.  The Elk antlers are pricy but well, well worth it because they last so long.