💪 Breed Guide · Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Best Benebone Chews for Staffies

The Thorncombe Team · 6 min read · Staffies · Chewing · Benebone · Breed Guide

“We have Staffies. We test everything on them. They’ve had strong opinions about every chew we’ve ever stocked — and Benebone is the one that consistently survives.”

If you own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or two, you already know: they are not gentle with toys. Staffies have one of the highest bite-force-to-body-size ratios of any common breed in New Zealand, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for destruction and an almost bottomless need to chew. Buying cheap chews for a Staffie is a tax you pay weekly.

Here’s what actually works — and why.

Why Staffies need a specific chew strategy

Staffies chew with purpose. They’re not dainty nibblers — they grip, they pull, and they apply real jaw pressure. A standard rubber toy that might last a Labrador a month can be in pieces after a Staffie session. This creates two problems: cost, and safety (ingestible chunks from destroyed toys are a genuine hazard).

The solution isn’t to stop buying chew toys — it’s to buy the right ones. Staffies need high chew engagement to stay calm, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. The right chew is an investment in your dog’s wellbeing and your own sanity.

Why Benebone works for Staffies

The nylon is genuinely tough enough

Benebone’s nylon formulation is one of the harder nylon chews on the market, and it wears down gradually rather than breaking in chunks. A medium-to-heavy Staffie will work through a Benebone over weeks to months — which is exactly what you want. Compare that to rubber toys (days to weeks for most Staffies) or plush toys (hours).

The ergonomic grip keeps them engaged longer

Staffies get frustrated when they can’t get a good grip on a chew. The Benebone Wishbone’s curved ends mean they can pin it down with their paws and really get into it — which means longer sessions, more contentment, and less destruction of your furniture.

The flavour keeps them coming back

A Staffie who has lost interest in their chew is a Staffie looking for something else to chew. Benebone’s real flavour — infused throughout the nylon, not just on the surface — keeps them motivated to go back to the same chew repeatedly.

The Benebone lineup for Staffies

Best all-rounder: Wishbone Bacon or Wishbone Chicken — Large

The standard recommendation for most Staffies. Bacon is the starting point for most dogs; switch to chicken if yours is particularly food-driven and chicken-motivated. Almost always Large for a Staffie, even smaller ones — Staffies have stronger jaws than their weight suggests.

Best for scent-driven Staffies: Tripe Bone — Large

Staffies are notorious nose dogs. If your Staffie has shown middling interest in other chews, the beef tripe flavour is usually the one that flips the switch. The ergonomic shape is comfortable for the breed’s wide mouth. 

Best variety rotation: Add the Bacon Ring — Large

Once your Staffie has had the Wishbone for a while and interest is starting to dip, the Bacon Ring re-sparks everything. Same great bacon flavour, completely different shape. Staffies love to carry their toys around — the ring shape is perfect for a parade before a chew session.

What size Benebone for a Staffie?

What about Staffie puppies?

Staffie pups are famously enthusiastic chewers even before their adult teeth are fully in. Start with the Benebone Puppy range (softer nylon) until around 6 months and a full set of adult teeth. The Puppy Bacon Chews are a brilliant starting point.