KONG vs Nylabone: Which Chew Toy Is Best for Your Dog?

Two of the most iconic names in dog chew toys. Walk into any pet store and you’ll find both KONG and Nylabone prominently displayed, each promising to satisfy your dog’s chewing instinct. But which one is actually better for your dog?

After testing both products extensively with our panel of dogs — ranging from gentle chewers to determined destroyers — we have a clear answer. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown. You can also read our standalone KONG Classic review for a deeper dive into KONG’s performance across 90 days of testing. If you’re shopping for the most durable options overall, see our best dog toys for aggressive chewers roundup.

At a Glance: KONG Classic vs. Nylabone DuraChew

Before we dig into the details, here’s the high-level comparison:

Durability: A Close Match

Both the KONG Classic and Nylabone DuraChew are built to withstand serious chewing, but they take fundamentally different approaches.

KONG Classic Durability

The KONG Classic is made from natural rubber that flexes under jaw pressure rather than resisting it. This flex is actually a durability advantage — the material absorbs the force of chewing rather than fighting against it, which makes it extremely difficult to tear or break apart.

In our testing, the red KONG Classic survived 90 days of daily use by average to heavy chewers with only cosmetic wear (surface scratches and tooth marks). For power chewers, the KONG Extreme (black rubber) provides even greater resilience.

The downside of rubber construction is that a truly determined power chewer can eventually gouge small pieces from the rim. This is rare with the Extreme version but possible with the Classic. We recommend the Extreme for dogs that have destroyed other “indestructible” toys.

Nylabone DuraChew Durability

The Nylabone DuraChew is made from rigid nylon that resists chewing through sheer hardness. It doesn’t flex — it simply withstands. Over time, dogs wear down the surface gradually, creating small bristle-like projections that Nylabone claims provide dental cleaning benefits.

In our testing, the DuraChew held up well for most dogs over 90 days. However, two of our most aggressive chewers managed to chip off small pieces of nylon by week six — a concern that KONG’s rubber construction avoids.

Verdict: Tie. Both are highly durable, but they fail in different ways. KONG can be gouged; Nylabone can be chipped. Neither is truly indestructible, but both last far longer than standard dog toys.

Safety: KONG Takes the Lead

This is where the KONG Classic pulls ahead, and it comes down to material science.

KONG Safety Advantages

Natural rubber has inherent give — it compresses under jaw pressure and springs back. This flex serves two critical safety functions:

1. It’s gentle on teeth. The rubber’s flexibility means it doesn’t create the kind of impact forces that can fracture teeth. Veterinary dentists consistently recommend toys with some flexibility over rigid alternatives.

2. It doesn’t chip. When rubber fails, it tends to tear or gouge in relatively large, visible pieces rather than chipping into small fragments. This makes it easier to monitor wear and replace the toy before it becomes a safety concern.

The KONG is also free of BPA, and its natural rubber formula has been used safely for over 45 years with millions of dogs worldwide.

Nylabone Safety Considerations

Nylon is rigid and doesn’t flex under jaw pressure. This creates two potential concerns:

1. Tooth fracture risk. Hard nylon toys can cause slab fractures in the upper fourth premolars — one of the most common dental injuries seen by veterinary dentists. This risk is higher in dogs with aggressive chewing habits and strong jaws.

2. Chipping. When nylon wears down, it can chip into small pieces. Nylabone states that tiny pieces (the size of a grain of rice or smaller) are designed to pass through the digestive system without issue. However, larger chips can pose a choking or intestinal blockage risk. Regular inspection and timely replacement are essential.

To be clear: millions of dogs use Nylabone products safely every day. But from a purely risk-assessment standpoint, the KONG’s rubber construction presents fewer potential dental and ingestion concerns.

Verdict: KONG wins. The flexible rubber is gentler on teeth and doesn’t chip, giving it a meaningful safety advantage.

Enrichment Value: KONG Dominates

This is the KONG Classic’s biggest competitive advantage and the factor that pushes it to the top of our recommendation.

KONG: A Toy and a Puzzle

The KONG Classic’s hollow interior transforms it from a simple chew toy into a versatile enrichment tool. You can stuff it with:

• Peanut butter for 15-25 minutes of licking and chewing
• Kibble mixed with wet food for 20-35 minutes of engagement
• A frozen mixture of treats, broth, and food for 45-90 minutes of sustained activity

This enrichment capability makes the KONG invaluable for:

• Crate training: A frozen stuffed KONG provides a positive association with crate time
• Separation anxiety: The focused licking and chewing releases calming endorphins
• Meal time enrichment: Replacing a portion of bowl-fed meals with KONG feeding slows eating and provides mental stimulation
• Rainy days and low-activity periods: When outdoor exercise isn’t possible, a KONG provides indoor mental stimulation

Nylabone: Chewing Only

The Nylabone DuraChew is a solid chew toy. It doesn’t offer any enrichment beyond the satisfaction of gnawing. While the flavored options provide some taste-based motivation, the engagement drops off quickly once the surface flavor diminishes.

This isn’t necessarily a flaw — the Nylabone does exactly what it’s designed to do (provide a durable chewing outlet). But in terms of total value to your dog’s mental and emotional well-being, the KONG’s stuffable design offers substantially more.

Verdict: KONG wins decisively. The ability to stuff and freeze the KONG creates an entirely different category of engagement that the Nylabone can’t match.

Variety and Options: Nylabone Wins

If you love having options, Nylabone is the clear winner.

Nylabone’s Extensive Lineup

Nylabone offers an enormous range of products:

• Multiple shapes: bones, rings, wishbones, sticks, and keys
• Multiple sizes for every dog from toy breeds to giants
• Multiple flavors: bacon, chicken, peanut butter, and more
• Multiple chewing intensity levels: Puppy, Moderate, Power Chew
• Some products carry the VOHC seal of acceptance for dental health

This variety means you can find a Nylabone for virtually any dog, any preference, and any chewing style.

KONG’s Focused Lineup

KONG keeps it simpler. The Classic shape comes in six sizes and four rubber formulas (Classic, Extreme, Puppy, Senior). KONG also makes other shapes (KONG Bone, KONG Wubba, KONG Ball), but the core product is the snowman-shaped Classic.

What KONG lacks in shape variety, it makes up for in stuffing variety — the number of possible KONG recipes is essentially infinite.

Verdict: Nylabone wins. More shapes, sizes, flavors, and specialized options.

Dental Benefits: Nylabone Has the Edge

Nylabone’s Dental Design

Nylabone designed the DuraChew with dental health in mind. As your dog chews, the surface gradually wears down and creates tiny bristle-like projections that provide a gentle abrasive cleaning action. Some Nylabone products have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, meaning they’ve been shown to reduce plaque and tartar in independent testing.

KONG’s Dental Contribution

The KONG Classic’s smooth rubber surface doesn’t provide much mechanical cleaning action. While the act of chewing does produce some saliva (which has natural antibacterial properties), it’s not a significant dental hygiene tool. KONG does make a “KONG Dental” line with grooved textures for dental cleaning, but the standard Classic doesn’t prioritize this function.

Verdict: Nylabone wins. If dental cleaning is a priority, Nylabone’s textured surface and VOHC-accepted products offer more tangible dental benefits.

Value for Money: Both Excel

Both the KONG Classic and Nylabone DuraChew represent exceptional value in the pet product market.

The Nylabone edges ahead on pure price — starting at $5-8 for most sizes compared to $8-16 for the KONG Classic. For owners on a tight budget or those who want to buy multiple chew toys in rotation, Nylabone is the more wallet-friendly option.

However, the KONG’s enrichment value (serving as both a chew toy and a puzzle feeder) arguably makes it the better overall value despite the higher price point. A $12 KONG that replaces both a chew toy and a $15-20 puzzle feeder is actually a bargain.

Verdict: Tie. Nylabone wins on sticker price; KONG wins on total value delivered. Both are excellent buys.

Who Should Choose KONG

The KONG Classic is the better choice if:

• Your dog benefits from mental stimulation and enrichment (most dogs do)
• You’re working on crate training or managing separation anxiety
• Your dog is a fast eater and would benefit from meal feeding via KONG
• You have a puppy (the KONG Puppy formula is excellent for developing teeth)
• You have a senior dog with sensitive teeth (KONG Senior is softer)
• You want a versatile toy that serves multiple purposes
• Your veterinarian has expressed concerns about hard chew toys and dental fracture risk

Who Should Choose Nylabone

The Nylabone DuraChew is the better choice if:

• You’re on a tight budget and need affordable, durable chewing outlets
• Your dog enjoys the act of gnawing on a rigid surface (some dogs genuinely prefer this sensation over rubber)
• Dental cleaning is a priority and you want the added benefit of the textured surface
• You want variety in shapes and flavors to rotate and keep things novel
• Your dog isn’t interested in stuffable toys and prefers straightforward chewing
• You need multiple chew toys at once (Nylabone’s lower price makes stocking up easier)

Our Recommendation: Get Both

Here’s the honest answer: KONG and Nylabone serve different purposes, and the ideal setup for most dogs includes both.

Use the KONG Classic (or KONG Extreme for power chewers) as your primary enrichment toy. Stuff it, freeze it, and use it for crate training, meal time enrichment, and mental stimulation. It’s your go-to tool for keeping your dog’s brain engaged.

Use the Nylabone DuraChew as a dedicated gnawing outlet for when your dog just wants to chew. Keep one or two in rotation for variety, and appreciate the dental cleaning benefits as a bonus.

Together, they cover the full spectrum of your dog’s chewing needs: enrichment, dental health, stress relief, and pure chewing satisfaction.

If you can only pick one, we recommend the KONG Classic for its superior enrichment value and safety profile. But if budget allows, you don’t have to choose — your dog will thank you for having both.

You Might Also Like

• KONG Classic Review — Our full 90-day hands-on review of the KONG Classic
• Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers — Seven durable options tested with power chewers
• Dog Dental Care Guide — How chew toys fit into a complete oral hygiene routine
• Puppy Crate Training Guide — The KONG is essential for successful crate training
• First Week With Your New Puppy — Best chew toy picks for new puppies
• Best Dog Grooming Tips — Pair good toys with a complete care routine
• Golden Retriever Breed Guide — A retrieving breed that loves carrying and chewing toys

Frequently Asked Questions