Best Materials for Homemade Dog Toys: Safe, Fun, and Affordable Options
Playtime is loved by dogs, and supplying them with entertaining and safe toys to play with is one of the greatest ways to make sure that they stay happy and healthy. On the flip side, dog toys can be pricey, and some toys are manufactured with components that aren’t suitable for your pupper! Why not make your own homemade dog toys? This guide will show you the best materials for homemade dog toys in a way that is cheap and safe for your furry friend.
Why Make Homemade Dog Toys?
Let’s quickly touch on why making homemade dog toys is such a good idea before we jump into the materials:
- Cost-Effective: Prepackaged doggy toys can really catch up. DIY Toys: Making toys for your dog allows you to entertain your dog without spending money.
- Customization: Because you are designing the toys yourself, you can customize them to meet your dog’s individual needs, such as a chewy toy for a teething pup or a tug toy for an active adult dog.
- Safety: Most store-bought toys are made with materials that might not be the safest choice for your pet. When you build your homemade dog toys, you know exactly what you are giving to your dog to play with.
The 7 Best Dog Toy Materials You Can Use At Home
Below are some of the most popular materials to consider while creating homemade dog toys:
Old T-Shirts or Fabric Scraps
Old t-shirts, remnants of fabric, even towels make great stuff for crafting soft homemade dog toys. You could make rope toys, stuffed toys, or just simple knots for your dog to chew on. There are puppy-safe, soft fabric options available (not to mention some dogs have sensitive teeth).
Benefits:
- Soft on your dog’s teeth.
- Easy to work with.
- Recycle old clothes and lessen the trash.
How to Use: Sewing together strips of fabric and braiding it makes a good chew toy or tug rope (tie knots at the ends).
Rope or Sisal Twine
Durable chew toys, tug toys, or interactive play items can be made from sisal twine or just about any thick, strong rope. Sisal is especially good because it is natural and non-toxic. It’s durable enough to hold its own against tough chewing, so this can be a good option for aggressive chewers.
Benefits:
- Great for aggressive chewers.
- Natural, safe material.
- Great for toys ranging from chew to fetch toy.
How to Use: Tie the rope into a ball or braid it into a long strand for tug-of-war. Alternatively, you could attach the rope to something solid, making another toy for them to have fun with.
PVC Pipe
Homemade dog toys are often made out of materials like rope. These are strong and can be used in countless creative ways. You can cut them into small pieces and link them together to build interactive puzzles or even make a homestyle treat dispenser.
Benefits:
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Can be used for puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
How to Use: You can cut PVC pipes into different sizes and fit them with each other into different shapes. You can stuff them with treats or food and have your dog work for it. Avoid sharp edges, which can injure your pet.
Tennis Balls (Used)
Dog balls can also be made out of old, used tennis balls. You can also transform them into interactive toys by cutting a slit in them to hide treats inside or tying them to ropes for a tug-of-war-style game. Just ensure that the ball is free of cracks or holes that could present a choking hazard.
Benefits:
- Easy to find and inexpensive.
- Ideal for fetch games and chew toys.
- Safe if used correctly.
How to Use: If you want it to be a treat dispenser, cut a small slit in the ball and stuff it with treats. You can also thread a rope through the hole for tug, too.
Cardboard
Although it may sound improbable, cardboard is actually a great option for making homemade dog toys. It’s easy to cut, lightweight, and entertaining for dogs to destroy. They may not last as long as other materials, but cardboard toys make great items for tearing to pieces for dogs.
Benefits:
- Free and easily accessible.
- Non-toxic for dogs to chew and shred.
- Great for puzzle toys.
How to Use: You can turn cardboard boxes into puzzle toys or simply crinkle them into balls for a fun and easy chew toy.
Fleece
Fleece is a soft and safe cloth material to use for making homemade dog toys at home. It’s easy and gentle on dogs’ mouths and teeth, meaning it’s a suitable option for puppies or older dogs with sensitive gums. Fleece material is also really strong and can hold up against plenty of chewing and tugging.
Benefits:
- Soft and gentle on teeth.
- Washable and easy to clean.
- Pretty tough for most play sessions.
How to Use: Cut or braided strips of fleece can be tied to create chew toys, tug toys, or even soft fetch toys.
Silicone (Non-Toxic) or Rubber
If you have a chewer, the best choices are non-toxic rubber or silicone. Long-lasting and tough chewing experience – these rubber toys stand up to the most aggressive chewing and provide your dog a rewarding chewing experience. Insert treats into them to keep your dog occupied.
Benefits:
- Doesn’t contain toxic materials to chew on.
- Can use for treat-dispensing toys.
- Easy to clean.
How to Use: Rubber or silicone can be shaped or used as the base for treat-dispensing toys. Just be sure it is non-toxic, pet-safe rubber for this application.
How to Make a Dog Toy from Rope at Home
Rope, especially sisal or cotton rope, is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to make homemade dog toys. These products aren’t just safe and durable; they’ll help you easily create different types of toys that your dog will love. This is a simple how-to for creating a durable rope toy for your dog.
Choose the Right Rope
Sisal Rope – This is one of the best materials for homemade dog toys since it is durable fabric made from natural fibers. (That makes it a good choice for aggressive chewers.) Sisal rope is available from most craft shops or online. Cotton rope is also a great choice, especially for puppies or dogs with sensitive mouths, if you want a softer option.
Cut the Rope to Size
For small dogs, cut lengths of rope 2 feet long, and for large dogs make sure to cut lengths between 3-4 feet. A little rope in your hands is dangerous; a lot of rope is versatile. You can knot it into a basic rope tug toy or braid it into a bigger, tougher rope for more heavy-duty play.
Tie Knots or Braid the Rope
If all you’re doing is creating a simple chew toy, tie knots around each end of the rope to create a handle. For a roped toy, braid the rope into three parts and braid tightly. You can also weave together multiple strands of rope to make a giant toy suitable for larger dogs.
With a Ball or Toy (Optional)
You could also put a ball in between the rope to make it a more interactive toy. Just put the ball in the middle of both pieces and tie both sides to keep it in place.
Test the Toy
When your toy is finished, tug on it a little and see how it does. It can be used for tug-of-war games, fetch, or just as a chew toy. To ensure they are safe, never leave your dog alone with homemade dog toys.
Rope toys are a great, simple, engaging, and super safe toy for your dog. A few simple materials, and you have hours of playtime set!
FAQs:
Is it safe to make my own dog toys?
Yes, provided that you use nontoxic, pet-safe materials and regularly check the toys for wear and tear. Whenever possible, supervise your dog at play, especially with homemade dog toys.
Is it possible to use old garments to make dog toys?
Yes! Old rags, towels, or fabric scraps can be cut into strips and braided together to make chew toys or tug ropes that stand up to heavy use.
Which material is best for aggressive chewers?
Both sisal rope and rubber are excellent materials for aggressive chewers. They’re durable and can handle heavy chewing sessions.
Can I make fetch toys at home?
Yes, but the toy must be durable and strong enough to withstand being thrown about and chewed.
Can homemade dog toys be treat-dispensing?
Absolutely! Small treats can also be placed in PVC pipe, rubber, and tennis balls to create homemade dog toys. Just make sure that the holes are large enough that treats can fall through but too small for your dog to swallow them.
How often do I need to replace homemade dog toys?
Check your homemade dog toys frequently for wear and tear. For any toy that is falling apart or has small components your dog may swallow, replace it.
Conclusion:
Save some money by making these homemade dog toys at home. The materials you use affect the durability and safety of the toy you’re creating, and it’s up to you to select materials that are suitable for your dog’s chewing habits. Be it rope, fleece, rubber, or even cardboard, your fuzzy buddy will love that you took the time to make toys just for them!
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So are you ready to make your own homemade dog toys? Gather your supplies and get crafty today! Tell us about your DIY toys in the comments below and share what your dog’s favorites are