Nylon Dog Chews vs Natural Dog Chews: What's Best for Your Dog's Teeth?

Dogs love to chew. It starts when they’re tiny puppies with those sharp little needle teeth coming through and your fingers and skirting boards all becoming fair game while they soothe their sore gums. But even as our pups get older, they still have a desire to chew. Sure, they might not be so chaotic about it, but they’ll often still find that one tiny hole in their toy and pull out every last bit of stuffing or decide your brand new pair of slippers look worth a bite.

That’s because chewing is a natural part of being a dog. Their ancestors chewed, our dogs chew, and no matter how many times we redirect them away from the furniture, they’re still going to need something safe and satisfying to get their teeth around. The important part for us as owners is making sure what they chew is suitable for them, for their size, age, teeth and chewing style, especially when there are so many different options out there.

For most owners, the choice often comes down to nylon dog chews vs natural dog chews, with a growing number of plant-based alternatives sitting somewhere in the middle. Nylon chews are usually built for durability and long-lasting gnawing while natural dog chews can offer a more edible option made from recognisable ingredients. Both have their place, but they also come with different things to think about like dental health, digestibility and supervision.

Nylon dog chews are hard, synthetic chew toys usually made from a strong thermoplastic material. You’ll often see them shaped like bones, rings, sticks or doughnuts, and many are flavoured with things like chicken, bacon or peanut butter to make them more tempting. The most important thing to know about nylon dog chews is that these are designed for chewing and not eating, so they’re very different from natural dog chews or edible dog treats.

Lots of dogs enjoy nylon chews because they’re tough and long-lasting, something they can still get their teeth around but will last much longer than any soft toy. They can also help redirect chewing away from shoes, skirting boards, chair legs and all the other household items dogs seem to think were made especially for them.

Some of the main benefits of nylon dog chews include:

• Durability: Nylon chews can last much longer than many edible treats, making them a popular choice for heavy chewers.
• Boredom relief: They can keep dogs occupied and give them something appropriate to focus on, especially during quieter parts of the day.
• Chewing satisfaction: The hard texture gives dogs a steady outlet for their natural chewing instinct.
• Dental scraping: As your dog gnaws, the chew can create friction against the teeth, which may help scrape away some plaque and tartar.

That said, nylon dog chews are not food and they aren’t digestible, so they should never be treated like an edible chew. Small shavings may come away during use, but if larger pieces break off or the chew becomes too worn, it should be removed and replaced. They also don’t offer the nutritional value you may get from some natural dog chews, such as antlers, yak chews, fish skins or bully sticks, so they’re best thought of as a chew toy rather than a treat.

Natural dog chews are usually made from recognisable animal or plant-based ingredients, rather than synthetic materials like nylon. Some are fully edible, while others are designed for longer chewing and slower wear, so they can feel more like a treat and enrichment activity rolled into one. They’re often chosen by owners who want something closer to what dogs would naturally enjoy chewing in nature, often using simple ingredients and fewer artificial extras.

This can include chews like antlers, yak chews, bully sticks, fish skin sticks, natural dental chews or plant-based options made with vegetable ingredients. The exact texture, hardness and digestibility will depend on the chew itself, which is why it’s worth choosing carefully rather than assuming every natural chew will suit every dog.

Natural dog chews can be a great option for dogs who enjoy chewing but also like the reward of something edible. Depending on the type you choose, they can keep your dog busy, support dental health, offer extra protein or minerals and give them a more satisfying outlet for their chewing instincts.

Some of the main benefits of natural dog chews include:

• Simple, familiar ingredients: Many natural chews are made from ingredients you can recognise which is always reassuring if you prefer to know exactly what your dog is chewing.
• Digestibility: Many natural dog chews are designed to be eaten, although this does depend on the chew, so always check the product guidance first.
• Dental support: Chewing can help scrape against the teeth, support gum health and reduce some plaque and tartar build-up over time.
• Enrichment: A good chew gives your dog something to focus on which can help with boredom and keep them occupied in a way that feels rewarding.
• Variety: From softer chews to longer-lasting options, there are many different types of natural dog chews to suit different pups and their chewing styles.

As with nylon chews, natural dog chews still need to be chosen carefully. Very hard chews may not suit puppies, senior dogs or dogs with sensitive teeth, and edible chews should be counted as part of your dog’s daily treats. And as always, the right choice depends on your dog’s size, teeth, chewing strength and tummy.

Choosing between nylon dog chews and natural dog chews is something most owners run into at some point, usually while staring at a wall of toys and treats in a pet shop and wondering which one is going to keep their pup happy AND healthy. Both options can have their place, but they each have their own things to consider, especially in regards to safety, longevity and ingredients.

Safety If Swallowed

Nylon chews are made for gnawing rather than eating which means they are not digestible. Tiny shavings may come away as they chew, which is normal, but if a larger piece breaks off, it can quickly become a choking risk or cause problems inside your dog’s stomach if it’s swallowed. On the other hand, natural dog chews like yak chews and bully sticks are often designed to be eaten. That said, they still need to be given under supervision because large chunks could become a choking risk if your dog tries to swallow them whole.

Digestibility

Nylon is a synthetic material which means your dog’s body can’t break it down like normal food. Meanwhile, most natural dog chews are generally digestible. Treats like rabbit ears and yak chews are fine to be swallowed in safe mouth-sized pieces while antler chews are much harder and are mostly designed for long-lasting gnawing rather than being fully eaten.

Dental Impact

Both nylon dog chews and natural dog chews can be really beneficial for your pup’s dental health with the chewing action creating friction against the teeth, working almost like a toothbrush and helping to scrape away some plaque and tartar. The thing to watch here though is hardness because very hard chews, whether they’re nylon, bones or antlers, may not suit dogs with sensitive teeth or existing dental problems. Sometimes a quick chat with your vet about this can help you decide which option is best for you.

Longevity

Nylon chews tend to last longer than many edible chews, sometimes weeks or months depending on your dog’s chewing style. Natural dog chews can vary much more with softer chews like dog dental sticks lasting just mere minutes, yak chews may last up to an hour and antlers lasting weeks.

Ingredients

Nylon chews are usually made from synthetic polymers and may include flavouring to make them more tempting while natural dog chews are usually made from more recognisable ingredients and often beneficial ingredients like protein, minerals or healthy fats depending on the chew. That said, natural does not automatically mean suitable for every dog, so it’s still important to choose based on your dog’s own diet and dental health.

If you’ve ever stepped into a pet shop, which we’re sure you have, we have no doubt you’ve stood in front of rows of dog toys, treats and chews and realised there’s no shortage of choice. Which is great, sometimes… but when you’re not entirely sure which one is best for your pup and their chewing habits, it can be a tad overwhelming.

The best choice usually depends on how hard your dog chews, how sensitive their stomach is and whether you want something that lasts for ages or something they can safely work through and digest in the end.

Here are some of the most popular types of natural dog chews and the types of dogs they’re typically best suited for:

Deer Antler Chews

Antlers are a tough, long-lasting option, often better suited to larger dogs or confident chewers with strong jaws. They’re naturally low in fat and contain minerals like calcium, potassium, zinc and iron, but they are very hard, so they need to be sized properly and may not be suitable for puppies, older pups or dogs with sensitive teeth.

Yak Chews

Pizzles or Bully Sticks

Fish Skin Sticks

Fish skin chews are often rich in omega 3 fatty acids which is great for supporting your dog’s skin, coat and joints. They’re usually lighter and crunchier than some meat-based chews, although they do have that fishy smell dogs adore but humans will have to tolerate.

Raw Bones

Raw bones can provide nutrients such as calcium and collagen but they need proper care, correct sizing and close supervision. Cooked bones should always be avoided because they can splinter, and very hard weight-bearing bones may be too tough for some dogs’ teeth.

Veggie Toothbrush Chews

Veggie dental chews can be a useful plant-based option, especially for dogs with certain sensitivities or owners who want something a little different from meat-based treats. Their shape and texture can help rub against the teeth and gums as your dog chews, making them a handy addition to a wider dental routine.

If you like the idea of a natural-style chew but want something longer lasting than a standard edible treat, the Woof HonestChew Ultra-Durable Antler Dog Chew Toy is a great middle-ground option. It’s designed as a tough, plant-based alternative to traditional bones and nylon chews while still giving powerful chewers something satisfying to gnaw without using anything non-digestible like petroleum, nylon or rawhide.

It’s entirely made from food-grade ingredients including cellulose, vegetable oil and vegetable broth and has a durable antler-style shape, smooth on one side, ribbed on the other, to give dogs different angles and textures to work at. It also comes in three sizes so it’s much easier to choose the right option for your pup’s breed and teeth.

And finally, one of the biggest benefits to the HonestChew is the splinter-resistant design. Instead of snapping into sharp pieces, it has been purposefully made to flake gradually which is always reassuring if you tend to be a little wary of traditional antlers, bones or harder chews. Its textured surface can also help rub against the teeth as your dog bites down so it not only satisfies their chewing urges but helps their dental health at the same time.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Made from food-grade, plant-based ingredients
• Petroleum-free, nylon-free and rawhide-free
• Hypoallergenic recipe
• Ultra-durable design for powerful chewers
• Splinter-resistant construction
• Designed to flake gradually during use
• Textured surface to help support dental health
• Available in three sizes

Every dog has their own chewing style. You’ll have the ones who carry a chew around proudly for half an hour before doing anything with it, the ones who nibble at the edge almost too politely and then there are the chaotic pups amongst us who prefer to go all-in a little too quickly. And all of this makes a difference to which chew is going to work best for them.

Equally, taking into account their age matters too. A chew that is going to suit a young dog with strong teeth is not going to be right for an older dog or even a puppy with weaker teeth. That’s why it’s worth choosing based on the dog in front of you rather than simply going for the toughest or longest-lasting option.

Puppies: Puppies are often desperate to chew, especially when their adult teeth are coming through and their little mouths are uncomfortable. At this stage, softer puppy-safe toys and chews are usually the safest place to start, while very hard antlers, bones or dense chew toys are best saved until they’re older and their teeth and jaws have had time to develop properly.

Adult Dogs: Adult dogs tend to have the widest choice, but their chewing habits still matter. A dog who loves a proper gnaw may suit tougher natural chews or durable antler-style toys like the HonestChew, while a smaller dog or a dog who prefers more of a nibble may be happier with softer natural treats or veggie dental chews. Some dogs also have sensitive stomachs or allergies, so ingredients are something to take into account too.

Senior Dogs: Older dogs can still enjoy chewing, but worn teeth, missing teeth or sore gums can change what feels comfortable for them. Softer chews and easier-to-manage treats are usually better choices for seniors, especially if they’ve had dental work or seem less keen to chew than they used to. If they start dropping food, pawing at their mouth, chewing on one side or avoiding treats they used to love, it’s worth speaking to your vet.

Whatever age or breed your dog is, the chew should be big enough that they can’t swallow it whole, and it should be removed once it becomes too small or sharp on any of the edges. With non-edible chews and toys, watch for larger pieces breaking away while with edible natural chews, keep an eye out for greedy gulping.

Edible natural chews should also be treated as part of your dog’s diet rather than an unlimited extra. As a general guide, treats should make up no more than around 10% of their daily calories, which is especially important for smaller dogs, dogs prone to weight gain or richer chews like pizzles and bully sticks. If your dog has allergies, pancreatitis, digestive issues or existing dental disease, we suggest checking with your vet first before adding in any extra treats or chews into their diet.

Nylon chews and very hard natural chews, such as dense antlers or raw bones, can be useful for dogs who love a proper gnaw, but they still need a bit of common sense. A chew might be well-made and suited to lots of dogs, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s right for every mouth.

Supervision tips:

• Always keep an eye on your dog when they’re chewing, especially when you’re giving them something new for the first time.
• Remove the chew if your dog tries to gulp it, bite off large chunks, crack pieces away or seems uncomfortable at any point.
  
  

Inspection and replacement:

• Check chews regularly for sharp edges, deep cracks, missing pieces or areas that have become too rough.
• Replace the chew once it becomes small enough to be swallowed, or if a larger piece breaks away during use.
  
  

Know your dog:

• Smaller breeds, dogs with past dental fractures, dogs with weaker enamel and dogs who bite down hard instead of steadily gnawing may not be suited to very hard nylon chews, antlers or raw weight-bearing bones. Softer natural chews, plant-based dental chews or more flexible chew toys may be a better fit.
• Introduce any new chew slowly and stop using it if you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, reluctance to eat or any change that makes you think something isn’t right.

As much as our pups might wish their chews were a full replacement for cleaning their teeth, they’re sadly not a full replacement. So while chews can play their part in a dog’s dental routine, taking the time to clean their teeth properly with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste is still important. As are regular vet checks to make sure they’re happy with how their gums and teeth are looking.

Periodontal disease is extremely common in dogs, with research often reporting that over 80% of dogs show signs by the time they reach three years old. This is why everyday dental care matters, even if your dog’s teeth look fairly clean.

Here is how chewing helps:

• Mechanical abrasion: Textured dog chews can rub against the surface of the teeth as your dog gnaws, helping to scrape away some plaque before it has chance to build up. This can be especially useful around the back teeth, where a lot of dogs do their hardest chewing.
• Saliva production: Chewing encourages saliva flow which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. It’s not glamorous, but saliva is part of your dog’s natural mouth-cleaning system, and a good chewing session can help get it moving.
• Breath management: Dog chews can also help with bad breath by reducing some of the bacteria sitting on the teeth and gums. They won’t fix an underlying dental problem, but they can help keep everyday dog breath a little more kissable.

But for most dogs, the strongest dental routine is a mix of brushing where possible, regular dental check-ups and suitable natural dog chews or durable chew toys that match how they chew. Chews can help, but they work best as part of a routine rather than the whole routine on their own.

So, to confirm, yes, dogs chew, and they absolutely deserve to chew. We just need to make sure they’re chewing the right things! When it comes to nylon dog chews vs natural dog chews, the key thing to remember is that they’re usually designed for different purposes.

Nylon chews are usually chosen because they’re tough, long-lasting and useful for dogs who enjoy settling down for a proper gnaw. But, they aren’t edible or digestible, so they need to be treated as chew toys rather than treats. Natural dog chews, on the other hand, are often made from more recognisable ingredients and many are designed to be eaten, while also offering benefits like enrichment, dental support and, depending on the chew, added protein, minerals or healthy fats. The right choice will always come down to your dog, because their age, size, teeth, chewing style, tummy and dental health all matter.

As dog owners ourselves, we know how important it is to find high-quality chews that feel safe, suitable and genuinely enjoyable. That’s why here at WOOOF, we stock a wide range of natural dog chews and chew toys to suit your individual pup and their preferences.

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