Benebone Wishbone
✅ PROS
- Real bacon flavor infused throughout the nylon, not just coated on the surface
- Curved wishbone shape lets dogs grip it comfortably with both paws while chewing
- Holds up for weeks with aggressive chewers, unlike rawhide or bully sticks
❌ CONS
- Nylon material has a strong initial smell that some owners find off-putting
- Not indestructible — determined power chewers will eventually wear it down
- Too hard for puppies or senior dogs with sensitive teeth
The Verdict
You’ve watched your dog destroy yet another “indestructible” toy in under an hour. I get it. The Benebone Wishbone has earned its reputation as one of the few chews that actually survives contact with a determined dog, and with 235 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, the buzz is warranted. But is it right for your dog? Let’s dig in.
What You Actually Get
The Benebone Wishbone is a single-piece nylon chew shaped like—you guessed it—a wishbone. It’s roughly the size of your hand, with curved ends that make it easy for your dog to grip between their front paws. The version I’m reviewing is the bacon flavor, though Benebone also offers chicken, peanut butter, and original flavors.
The key detail here is that the flavor is infused into the nylon, not sprayed on top. This matters because coated flavors wash off within days, leaving a useless plastic stick. Benebone’s approach means the bacon smell and taste last for the life of the chew—which, for moderate chewers, can be months.
Build Quality and Real-World Performance
This thing is dense. The nylon is food-grade and pressure-molded, not injected, which makes it significantly harder than typical plastic chews. It’s designed to withstand the jaw pressure of breeds like German Shepherds, Labs, and Pitties.
The ergonomic design isn’t marketing fluff. The wishbone curve lets your dog brace it against the floor while gnawing on the raised knobs. Most dogs figure out how to hold it within minutes, which means less frustration for them and less boredom-induced furniture destruction for you.
One owner in the reviews put it plainly: “My 70-pound lab mix has gone through every toy we’ve bought. The Benebone is the first thing that’s lasted more than a week. He chews it daily and it’s barely showing wear after two months.”
Another reviewer noted: “My dog is a super aggressive chewer and this is the ONLY thing that keeps him busy. The bacon smell is strong but he loves it.”
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the downsides.
The smell is real. When you open the package, the bacon fragrance is intense. Some owners describe it as artificial and unpleasant. It fades after a few days, but if you’re sensitive to scents, this could be a dealbreaker.
It’s not actually indestructible. Power chewers will eventually wear down the nylon knobs. Benebone acknowledges this—the chew is designed to be replaced when the knobs get low. The good news is that the nylon wears in small, dull pieces rather than sharp shards, which is safer if your dog swallows some.
Hardness is a concern for some dogs. This is genuinely tough material. Puppies with baby teeth or seniors with worn molars may find it too hard and lose interest. If your dog has dental issues, this isn’t the right choice.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You have a medium-to-large dog (15+ pounds) who’s a determined chewer. It’s ideal for breeds that destroy plush toys in minutes and ignore rubber balls. It’s also great for dogs that need a long-lasting solo activity while you work.
Skip it if: You have a puppy under 6 months, a senior dog with dental problems, or a small dog under 10 pounds. The size and hardness simply won’t match their needs. Also skip it if you’re looking for a soft, interactive chew—this is for independent chewing, not tug-of-war.
FAQ
Is the Benebone Wishbone safe for aggressive chewers? Yes, for most. The nylon is food-grade and designed to resist heavy chewing. It wears down gradually in small pieces rather than splintering like wood or bone. That said, no chew is truly indestructible—supervise your dog initially and replace the chew when the knobs are worn down.
How long does the bacon flavor last? Weeks, not days. Because the flavor is baked into the nylon during manufacturing, it doesn’t wash off. The smell gradually fades over a month or two, but the taste remains noticeable to dogs. If your dog loses interest after a few weeks, try the chicken or peanut butter flavor—some dogs have strong preferences.
Will this clean my dog’s teeth? It helps with mechanical scraping, similar to a dental chew. The raised knobs do reach molars and can reduce plaque buildup. However, it’s not a substitute for professional dental care or regular brushing.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
The Benebone Wishbone is one of the most reliable heavy-duty chews on the market. It’s durable, thoughtfully designed, and the flavor infusion is a genuine advantage over competitors. The downsides—the smell, the hardness, the eventual wear—are real but manageable.
Buy it if you have a power chewer who destroys everything else. Skip it if you have a puppy, a senior dog, or a dog with dental sensitivities. For the right dog, this is a buy-once, lasts-for-months investment that’ll save your furniture, shoes, and sanity.
Check the product images to see the actual size relative to a standard hand—make sure you’re getting the right dimensions for your dog’s mouth.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.