Nylabone vs West Paw Toppl: Nylon or Natural Rubber?
Both are genuinely durable, well-regarded chew toys built for real dogs, not just marketing photos. The difference is material: Nylabone is petroleum-based nylon and plastic; West Paw's Toppl is natural rubber that's also recyclable through West Paw's own take-back program.
Quick answer: West Paw's Toppl is made from natural rubber and can be recycled through West Paw's own take-back program. Nylabone Durachew is made from petroleum-based nylon and plastic, which is durable but not biodegradable or recyclable at end of life.
Winner: West Paw Toppl
West Paw wins on material — natural rubber that doesn't rely on petroleum feedstock and can be recycled back to West Paw at end of life, something Nylabone's nylon/plastic construction can't offer. Nylabone remains a genuinely durable, well-tested option for aggressive chewers at a lower price.
Nylabone Durachew
Nylabone
- ✓Genuinely durable — built to survive aggressive, persistent chewers
- ✓Widely available at every US pet retailer
- ✓Decades of safety track record for this exact product category
West Paw Toppl
West Paw
- ✓Made from Zogoflex, a material West Paw will recycle into new toys through its 'Join the Loop' take-back program
- ✓Manufactured in Bozeman, Montana rather than overseas
- ✓Durable and dishwasher-safe, so it doesn't need frequent replacing like cheap chew toys
Frequently Asked Questions
What does West Paw's take-back program actually do?
West Paw accepts worn-out toys made from their Zogoflex material back for recycling into new products, keeping them out of landfill at end of life — something a standard nylon chew toy doesn't offer.
Is nylon dangerous for dogs to chew?
Nylon chews are considered safe under normal use per standard pet-product safety guidelines, but any hard chew toy should be replaced once it's worn down to avoid a dog swallowing hard fragments.
Not sure which is right for you?
Take our quiz for a personalised recommendation based on your household and budget.
Take the free quiz →