Why Blue and I are Passing on the Benebone Wishbone: A Review of Nylon Risks
As Pitbull owners, we are always on the hunt for that "holy grail" of chew toys—something that can actually withstand the power of a blue-nosed Pitbull jaw without breaking the bank. Recently, Blue and I decided to give the Benebone Wishbone a try.
Blue seemed to like it well enough, but after some close inspection and research, I’ve decided it’s not the right fit for our home. While Benebone is a massive name in the industry, I have some serious concerns about the safety, the material, and the overall logic behind these nylon chews.
The "Bacon-Flavored Nylon" Paradox: Why Nylon Doesn't Make Sense
One of my biggest issues with the Benebone is the material itself. These toys are made from nylon, which is a non-digestible plastic compound. To make it "appealing," the company infuses it with flavors like bacon, chicken, or peanut.
Think about that for a second. It’s like giving your dog your smartphone to chew on because it’s durable, but flavoring it like a steak so they want to eat it. Why would you make a non-edible object taste like food?
In my opinion, it’s a recipe for trouble. Blue is a smart dog, but he doesn't know the difference between "flavored plastic" and "food." If it tastes like bacon, his instinct is to swallow it. But nylon is not healthy for dogs to ingest, and that leads to some scary possibilities.
Potential Health Risks: From Chipped Teeth to Blockages
When you have a dog with high chewing energy, you have to be their advocate for health. I’m not a veterinarian, but I know my dog, and I’ve seen what hard materials can do.
1. Dental Fractures and Gum Injuries
The Benebone is extremely hard. While that makes it "durable," it also makes it a major risk for dental damage. These toys are often harder than a dog’s teeth, which can lead to:
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Chipped or cracked teeth: Specifically the carnassial teeth used for heavy grinding.
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Gum abrasions: As the nylon wears down, it becomes jagged and sharp, which can slice into sensitive gums and cause bleeding.
2. Intestinal Obstructions
Because the toy is flavored, dogs often try to gnaw off chunks. If a piece of nylon is swallowed, it doesn't break down in the stomach. This creates a choking hazard or, worse, a life-threatening intestinal obstruction. A $12 toy can quickly turn into a $3,000 emergency surgery.
The "Take It Away" Logic: A Waste of Money?
One of the most frustrating things I found in the safety guidelines for these nylon bones is the instruction to "take the toy away" once it shows significant wear.
Let’s be real: you spend $8 to $12 on a chew toy specifically so your dog can chew on it. For a Pitbull, "wear and tear" happens in the first twenty minutes. To say that once a dog actually uses the product for its intended purpose it becomes a danger that must be thrown away is just backwards. Why buy a toy that is only safe as long as it isn't being used?
Safer Alternatives for Heavy Chewers
Since our mission at Cordova’s Corner is to find durable, value-packed, and healthy options for our pets, Blue and I are moving on to better alternatives. If you are looking for a "replacement" for the nylon wishbone, here are two we are currently looking into:
1. The KONG Goodie Bone (Extreme Rubber)
Unlike hard nylon, the KONG Goodie Bone is made from natural, durable rubber. It has enough "give" to be safe on the teeth and gums but is famous for its toughness. Plus, if a tiny piece of natural rubber is ingested, it is far less likely to cause the jagged internal damage that plastic shards can.
2. Playology Squeaky Pinecone
We are also checking out the Playology Squeaky Pinecone. What I like about Playology is that they use "Enciscent" technology—the scent is embedded in the material so the dog stays engaged without the toy needing to be made of flavored plastic. It’s often made from a heavy-duty TPE or rubber that feels much safer for Blue’s mouth.
At the end of the day, getting Blue relief from his allergies and keeping his body healthy is my #1 priority. I don't feel that a flavored plastic bone aligns with a healthy lifestyle for a blue-nosed Pitbull.
But I want to hear from you! * Do you think Benebone products are safe enough for your dogs?
Drop a comment below and let’s help each other keep our pups happy and healthy!
