Is BetterBone safe for puppies?
BetterBone is ideal for puppies to help alleviate teething pain, promote good dental health, and encourage chewing in a non-destructive way (in other words, keep them from destroying your couch or favorite running shoes). Since puppies have gentler teeth that are still growing in, we recommend the Soft BetterBone durability, which is softer on teeth.
What is BetterBone made from?
BetterBone is a plant-based dog chew toy made with Vernovo™ material by Blue Standard. BetterBone's proprietary formula combines GMO-free plant-derived cellulose and GMO-free plant extracts to create a durable, splinter-resistant chew bone that's designed to be safer for dogs and better for the planet.
How long does BetterBone last?
Every dog chews differently, so no two BetterBones will wear at the same rate. Lifespan depends on your dog's size, chewing style, chewing frequency, and the durability level selected. For the longest-lasting experience, choose the correct size and durability for your dog. Aggressive chewers may benefit from sizing up or selecting a harder density, while moderate and gentle chewers can enjoy months of regular enrichment from a single BetterBone.
My dog's BetterBone is flaking - is that ok?
Yes! Your dog's BetterBone chew toy is designed to flake—not splinter—for a safer chewing experience. These small granules (usually the size of a grain of rice or piece of oatmeal) prevent sharp shards from breaking off, which could injure your dog's mouth. While flakes are normal, large chunks of bone breaking off are not. If your dog wears down the bone easily, we recommend moving up a durability level.
When should I replace my dog's BetterBone?
Inspect your BetterBone regularly and replace it when it shows moderate signs of wear or becomes small enough to present a swallowing hazard. As with any dog chew toy, choosing the correct size and durability—and replacing worn products when needed—helps ensure a safe and enjoyable chewing experience.
My dog's gums bleed a little when they chew their toy – is this normal?
A small amount of gum bleeding can happen if your dog has sensitive gums, existing dental disease, or is chewing too aggressively. If the bleeding is minor and stops quickly, it may not be cause for concern. However, persistent bleeding, swollen gums, signs of pain, or frequent bleeding should be evaluated by your veterinarian. If your dog is new to BetterBone, consider switching to a softer density and always supervise chewing sessions.
Is BetterBone good for my dog's teeth?
Yes! BetterBone features dental-enrichment textures that help gently clean teeth, massage gums, and reduce plaque buildup as your dog chews. The textured surfaces keep dogs mentally engaged while supporting healthy chewing habits and better oral health. For the safest chewing experience, always choose the durability level that matches your dog's age, size, and chew strength.
What makes BetterBone different from other dog chew toys?
BetterBone combines durability, enrichment, safety, and sustainability in one innovative chew toy. Made from plant-based materials, BetterBone is designed to be gentler on teeth, splinter-resistant, and available in multiple durability levels for every type of chewer. It also features dental-enrichment textures and hypoallergenic vegetarian scent infusions to keep dogs engaged and satisfied.