Benebone has become one of the most popular chew toy brands in New Zealand, and for good reason. Their chews are made in the USA from real food ingredients infused into tough nylon, giving dogs a flavour they actually want to chew and a durability that lasts. Unlike edible chews that disappear in minutes, Benebones are designed for long-lasting chewing sessions that keep dogs occupied and satisfied.
But with multiple shapes, flavours, and sizes to choose from, it can be hard to know which Benebone is right for your dog. This guide breaks down the full range available at Petdirect so you can pick the perfect match for your dog's size, chewing style, and taste preferences.
What Makes Benebone Different
Real Flavour Throughout
Benebone infuses real food ingredients (like bacon, chicken, and fish) throughout the entire chew, not just on the surface. Your dog gets flavour from the first chew to the last.
Ergonomic Shapes
Every Benebone is designed with curves and ridges that make it easy for dogs to grip and hold with their paws. No more chasing a flat bone across the floor.
Built to Last
Made from tough nylon that stands up to aggressive chewers. Benebones are not edible and are designed for chewing, not consuming. Replace when the knuckle ends wear down or pieces start to break off.
The Benebone Chew Range
Benebone offers several distinct shapes, each designed for a slightly different chewing experience. Here is a breakdown of the chew toys available at Petdirect.
Wishbone
The Wishbone is Benebone's signature shape. The Y-shaped design gives dogs three prongs to chew on and makes it easy to grip with their paws. It is the most versatile option and a great starting point if you are new to Benebone. Available in Bacon and Chicken flavours.
Fishbone
The Fishbone is infused with real fish flavour, making it ideal for dogs who prefer seafood over meat. The ridged spine design provides a satisfying texture and helps clean teeth as your dog chews.
Maplestick
Designed to mimic the shape and feel of a natural stick, the Maplestick is infused with real maple wood flavour. It is a safer alternative for dogs who love picking up sticks on walks, without the risk of splinters or sharp edges.
Tripe Bone
Infused with real tripe flavour, this one is for dogs who go wild for strong, meaty smells. The curved bone shape is easy to hold and provides a satisfying chewing experience for dogs who need something extra enticing.
Bacon Ring
The Bacon Ring is a circular chew infused with real bacon flavour. The ring shape gives dogs a different grip angle and is great for dogs who like to hold their chew between their front paws.
Benebone for Puppies
Benebone makes softer, smaller chews specifically designed for puppies and their developing teeth and jaws. These puppy packs come in tiny sizes and are gentler than the adult range while still offering real flavour and long-lasting chewing.
Puppy Benebones are ideal for teething puppies who need something safe and satisfying to chew on. For more teething options, read our guide to the best puppy teething toys in NZ.
Benebone Bounce Range
The Bounce range is Benebone's line of interactive play toys. Unlike the chew range, these are designed for fetching, tugging, and bouncing rather than solo chewing. They are made from durable rubber and bounce unpredictably, keeping dogs engaged during active play.
Choosing the Right Flavour
Every dog has different taste preferences. Here is a quick guide to help you choose.
| Flavour | Best For | Available In |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | The most popular flavour. A safe bet for almost any dog. Rich, smoky scent that most dogs find irresistible. | Wishbone, Bacon Ring, Puppy Packs |
| Chicken | Great for dogs who prefer poultry. A milder flavour than bacon but still highly appealing. | Wishbone |
| Fish | Ideal for dogs with protein sensitivities or those who love seafood. A good alternative if your dog is not interested in bacon or chicken. | Fishbone |
| Tripe | For dogs who love strong, meaty smells. Tripe is a natural favourite for many dogs and can be especially motivating for fussy chewers. | Tripe Bone |
| Maple Wood | For dogs who love chewing sticks. A safer alternative to real sticks with a natural wood flavour. | Maplestick |
If you are not sure which flavour your dog will prefer, start with Bacon. It is the most universally loved and available in the widest range of shapes.
Choosing the Right Size
Getting the right size is important for both safety and enjoyment. A chew that is too small can be a choking hazard, while one that is too large may be difficult for your dog to grip and enjoy. Most Benebone chews come in multiple sizes. Check the product page for the specific size options available.
| Size | Dog Weight | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny (Puppy) | Under 7kg | Puppies, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers |
| Small | Up to 13kg | Jack Russells, Miniature Schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels |
| Medium | 13 to 27kg | Beagles, Border Collies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bulldogs |
| Large | Over 27kg | Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers |
When in doubt, size up. It is always safer to give your dog a slightly larger chew than one that is too small. For more guidance, read how to choose the perfect chew toy for your dog's size.
Safety Tips for Benebone Chews
Always Supervise
Benebones are designed for chewing, not eating. Always supervise your dog during chewing sessions, especially the first few times with a new chew.
Replace When Worn
Inspect the chew regularly. Replace it when the knuckle ends wear down to the point where pieces could break off, or when the chew becomes small enough to fit entirely in your dog's mouth.
Not for Gulpers
Benebones are not suitable for dogs who try to break off and swallow large chunks. If your dog is a gulper rather than a gnawer, consider a different type of chew.
Size Matters
Always choose the correct size for your dog's weight. A chew that is too small is a choking risk. When in doubt, go one size up.
Shop Benebone at Petdirect
Find the Perfect Chew for Your Dog
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Shop BeneboneFrequently Asked Questions
Are Benebones edible?
No. Benebones are designed for chewing, not eating. They are infused with real food flavours, but the nylon body is not meant to be consumed. Small shavings from normal chewing are generally fine, but replace the chew if larger pieces start to break off.
How long does a Benebone last?
It depends on your dog's chewing intensity. For moderate chewers, a Benebone can last several weeks to a few months. Aggressive chewers may go through one faster. Inspect it regularly and replace when the ends are worn down or pieces could break off.
Are Benebones safe for puppies?
The standard adult Benebones are too hard for puppy teeth. Use the dedicated Benebone Puppy range, which is softer and sized for developing jaws. Switch to the adult range once your puppy has their full set of adult teeth (usually around 6 to 7 months).
Which Benebone flavour is most popular?
Bacon is the most popular flavour by far. It has a strong, smoky scent that most dogs find irresistible. If your dog is not interested in bacon, try Fish or Tripe for something different.
Can Benebones help clean my dog's teeth?
Chewing on a Benebone can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup through the mechanical scraping action. However, it should not replace regular dental care like brushing and dental chews. For more tips, read dental care for dogs who hate brushing.
What size Benebone should I get?
Choose based on your dog's weight: Tiny for puppies and dogs under 7kg, Small for up to 13kg, Medium for 13 to 27kg, and Large for over 27kg. When in doubt, size up for safety.