Benebone Wishbone Review: Worth It for a Border Collie?
Our verdict
The Benebone Wishbone is one of the best long-lasting chews for a Border Collie that likes to grind on something hard. The curved shape is easy to hold, the real bacon flavor keeps dogs interested, and it outlasts most rubber toys. Get the medium for most Collies, and swap it out once the ends get rough.
- Best for: Steady chewers who need a long-lasting outlet
- Not for: Dogs with dental problems or puppies under 6 months
- Size for most Border Collies: Medium
Benebone is a small US company that makes nylon chew toys with real food flavor worked into the material. The Wishbone is its best-known shape: a curved, three-legged chew that stands up off the floor so a dog can get its teeth in without chasing it around.
For a Border Collie that chews when bored, a long-lasting chew is a useful tool. Here’s what the Wishbone does well, where it falls short, and who it suits.
What the Benebone Wishbone is
It’s a hard nylon chew in a wishbone shape, flavored with real bacon (there are also peanut, chicken and other flavors). It’s not edible and isn’t meant to be swallowed. As a dog chews, it slowly wears the surface down into tiny shavings.
The shape matters. Because the three ends hold it up off the floor, a dog can lie down, pin it with a paw and chew from the side, which is how dogs naturally chew.
Key specs
| Material | Nylon, with real bacon flavor |
|---|---|
| Shape | Curved wishbone, three legs |
| Sizes | Tiny, Mini, Small, Medium, Large, Giant |
| Made in | USA |
| Edible | No |
| Best size for a Border Collie | Medium |
Which size should you get for a Border Collie?
Medium suits most adult Border Collies in the 30 to 55 lb range. It’s big enough that it can’t be swallowed and small enough to hold comfortably.
For a large male Collie or a very strong chewer, the Large is worth considering. For puppies, Benebone makes a separate, softer Puppy range.
Pros
It lasts a long time
Benebone describes its chews as tougher than real bones, and owners commonly report they last weeks or months. For a dog that destroys rubber toys in a day, that’s a big difference.
The shape is easy to chew
The raised ends let a dog grip it without it sliding away. That keeps chewing comfortable and stops the frustration of a toy that keeps rolling off.
Real flavor keeps interest
Many nylon chews have a faint coating that fades. Benebone works real bacon into the material, so dogs stay interested for longer.
Made in the USA
Benebone makes and sources its chews in the USA, which matters to many owners.
Cons
It’s hard
Like any nylon chew, it’s hard on teeth if a dog chews obsessively for hours. It’s not a good choice for dogs with dental issues or worn teeth.
Ends can get rough
As it wears, the ends can become sharp and bristly. Check it regularly and replace it when that happens.
Some dogs ignore it
A minority of dogs simply aren’t interested in hard chews. If your Collie prefers to shred or tug, a rubber or tug toy may suit it better.
Pros
- Very long-lasting
- Easy-to-hold wishbone shape
- Real bacon flavor
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Hard on teeth for some dogs
- Ends get rough with wear
- Not every dog likes hard chews
Tips for using it safely
- Supervise the first few sessions to see how your dog chews it.
- Replace it when the ends get sharp or it’s small enough to fit fully in the mouth.
- Rotate it with softer toys so your dog isn’t chewing hard nylon all day.
- Don’t give it to puppies still losing baby teeth. Use the Puppy range instead.
Alternatives worth a look
If your dog needs something to stuff with food as well as chew, a KONG Extreme Goodie Bone combines tough rubber with a reward. If you want a different nylon option at a lower price, the Nylabone Power Chew is the obvious comparison, and we’ve reviewed it separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Benebone Wishbone safe for Border Collies?
Generally yes, with supervision and the right size. Replace it when it gets rough, and skip it for dogs with dental problems.
What size Benebone for a Border Collie?
Medium suits most adult Border Collies. Very large or strong chewers may prefer the Large.
Can dogs eat Benebone?
No. It’s not edible. Small shavings may come off with chewing, but large pieces shouldn’t be swallowed.
How long does a Benebone last?
It depends on the dog, but many last weeks to months. Replace it once it’s worn down or the ends are sharp.
Bottom line
The Benebone Wishbone is a solid buy for a Border Collie that needs a long-lasting chew. It’s tough, well-shaped and flavored with real bacon, so dogs actually use it. Buy the medium, supervise at first, and replace it when it gets rough.
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