With so many dog toys on the market, it can be difficult to know which toys are non-toxic. Fortunately, the number of non-toxic dog toys on the market is ever-increasing. Your furry friend deserves to play safely, so we’ve listed the best non-toxic dog toys to guarantee your pooch hours of safe, non-toxic play.
Non-toxic dog chew toys should be free from BPA, PVC, arsenic, lead, bromine, chromium, and many other harmful toxins. So, ready to find out about our top 10 picks? Read on with us today!
10 Best Non-Toxic Toys For Dogs
Our top picks for the best non-toxic dog toys are made without BPA, PVC, and many other harmful ingredients. However, manufacturing processes do change – be sure to check the label and the seller description before placing your order!
West Paw prides itself on producing dog toys made in the USA with no harmful materials. Each Zogoflex toy is made without harmful toxins and is 100% recyclable. As such, West Paw’s Zogoflex Hurley toy makes the top of our best non-toxic dog toys.
| Product Name | Top Feature | Material | Durability | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zogoflex Hurley | BPA-free | Thermoplastic rubber | 2.5 | 5 |
| Feeko Natural Rubber Toy | Super durable | Natural rubber | 5 | 4.9 |
| GOOLA Interactive Toy | Five squeakers | Natural cotton | 2.5 | 4.8 |
| Spunky Pup Cotton Toy | Organic material | Organic cotton | 1 | 4.7 |
| XRVUYCLH Squeaky Toy | Super durable | Natural rubber | 5 | 4.6 |
1. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
West Paw’s Zogoflex Hurley is popular amongst pet parents for several reasons. Most importantly, this chewy dog toy is BPA-free, latex-free, and made in the USA with 100% recyclable materials. It is also made with thermoplastic rubber, which is non-toxic, biodegradable, and plasticizer-free. As well as this, the Hurley bone is bouncy and floats on water. Along with its bright colors, this toy is sure to capture your pup’s attention for longer than many other dog toys. Lastly, this dog toy is available in three sizes and three colors.
However, the main issues among critical reviews are a lack of interest from dogs and a lack of durability. Some dogs show little interest in this toy, only using it once and then never paying any attention to it again. As well as this, despite the guarantee offered by the manufacturer, the toy may not withstand aggressive chewing. This toy is best used for games of fetch rather than chewing.
Pros
- Made with thermoplastic rubber
- Non-toxic
- Recyclable material
- Biodegradable
- Bright enticing colors
- Floats on water
- Available in 3 sizes
- Available in 3 colors
Cons
- Lack of durability
- Some dogs may not enjoy this product
2. Feeko Non-Toxic Natural Rubber Indestructible Dog Toys
Feeko Dog Chew Toy is made with 100% natural rubber. Its material is not only durable, but it’s flexible, eco-friendly, and non-toxic as well. The toy is circular in shape with ridges and bumps to add to its unpredictable bouncing and rolling quality of it, keeping your pup’s attention occupied. As well as this, the manufacturer is so confident that your dog will enjoy this toy that they offer a lifetime replacement service. Lastly, this toy is available in five colors and one size (large). Additionally, all of these qualities put this product near the top of our best non-toxic dog toy list!
Moreover, there are mixed reviews for the durability of this chew toy. Some pet parents also say that it’s too hard for their dogs. Others say that their dogs could destroy the toy within a few days. Another concern is the “chemical” or “rubber” smell from some toys.
Pros
- 100% natural rubber material
- Ridges and bumps to add bounce
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
- Available in 5 colors
Cons
- May be too hard or not hard enough
- “Rubber” or “chemical” smell reported
- One size listing (large)
3. GOOLA Interactive Durable Plush Toy
GOOLA Dog Squeaky Toy is made with premium natural cotton and is a great non-toxic option for your furry friend. As well as being non-toxic, this toy is sure to provide your pooch with hours of fun. It contains five squeakers as well as crinkle paper in its wings, adding to your pup’s playtime experience. Its rope limbs allow for immersive games of tug with your pooch. The toy is also machine-washable. Lastly, this squeaky dog toy comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
The main issue amongst critical reviewers is the toy’s durability. Some dogs may also be able to rip the toy open within the first day of playing with it. However, no critical reviews are complaining of a “chemical” smell or any issues with the product’s safety.
Pros
- Made with natural cotton canvas
- Contains five squeakers
- Crinkle paper wings for added texture
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- May not be durable enough for tough chewers
- Only comes in one size
4. Spunky Pup Organic Cotton Dog Toy
Spunky Pup Organic Cotton Dog Toy is made with non-toxic organic cotton, natural vegetable dyes, and natural coconut husk fill. This cute toy’s material is soft to the touch and thus gentle on your pup’s teeth and gums. As well as this, the only non-natural component of the toy is its internal squeaker. Pet parents love that the coconut husk filling gives the toy a little “crunch” when their pups play with it. Lastly, this toy is available in both small and large sizes.
We note that the tag on the product claims that the product is made with 80% cotton and 20% polyester, rather than 100% organic cotton. Reviewers also say that the tag claims that the product is made in China rather than India. And, although the toy is double-stitched and double-layered, it is not durable enough for chewers.
Pros
- Made with organic cotton and coconut husk
- Soft to the touch and gentle on the teeth and gums
- Coconut husk gives an extra crunchy texture
- Available in small and large sizes
Cons
- Amazon listing may not reflect the product’s true qualities
- Not durable enough for aggressive chewers
5. Squeaky Non-Toxic Indestructible Dog Toys
XRVUYCLH’s Squeaky Dog Chew Toy is made with natural rubber. The rubber is said to be non-toxic, BPA-free, and phthalate-free. As well as this, the toy is durable and should stand up to moderate chewing. Additionally, the company offers a lifetime replacement service if it does not stand up to your pup’s play. The toy also comes with a squeaker to keep your pooch occupied for longer. This is a great non-toxic dog toy for the more aggressive chewer.
Some pet parents say this toy is too hard, while others say it’s not durable enough for their dogs. Also, some pet parents don’t like that getting the toy to squeak takes a lot of force. We note that no critical reviews are complaining of a chemical odor.
Pros
- Made with natural rubber
- A more durable option for moderate chewers
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
- Comes with a squeaker
- Bright, enticing color
Cons
- May be too hard for some dogs
- No other sizes are available
6. Devil Dog Pet Co Yak Cheese Himalayan Dog Chew
Devil Dog Pet Co’s Yak Cheese Himalayan Dog Chew is a fantastically tasty treat for any dog. These non-toxic dog chews are hand-made in Nepal by experienced dairy farmers. To create these chews, just four ingredients are used: yak milk, cow milk, salt, and lime juice. Although dogs are lactose intolerant, the cooking process of the chew alters the proteins which makes them more easily digestible. Many pet parents also love how durable these chews are for their dogs. Lastly, these yak chews are available in several sizes. These also include monsters, extra large, large, and small.
However, the main issue among pet parents is the potential for splintering. Some dogs will chew on these cheesy treats until chunks or shards break off, which can be sharp. Always supervise your dog when they play with new toys, especially chew toys!
Pros
- Made using yak and cow’s milk
- Handmade in Nepal
- Suitable for aggressive chewers
- Available in four sizes
Cons
- Potential for splintering
7. HEYKEY Squeaky Dog Chew Toys
HEYKEY’s Squeaky Dog Chew Toy is made with natural rubber. This gives the toy extra durability and flexibility. As well as being non-toxic, this dog toy comes with a milk scent to entice your pooch to play. To add to your pup’ fun, the toy also comes with a squeaker to keep their attention. The leaf design at the top is crinkly too, adding extra fun texture for your pooch.
Although the leaf portion of the carrot toy adds extra enrichment for your dog, it may be unsuitable for aggressive chewers. Some dogs may also be able to remove this portion. There are no poor reviews telling of a chemical smell. However, we do note that the leaves’ material and the origin of the milk flavoring are not described in the listing.
Pros
- Made with natural rubber
- Milk-scented for extra enrichment
- Crinkly leaves to keep your pup enticed
- Squeaker for added fun
Cons
- The leaf portion is unsuitable for aggressive chewers
8. SPOT by Ethical Products- Bambone Bamboo Stick
SPOT’s Bam-Bone Plus is made with non-toxic bamboo fiber and nylon with beef flavoring. This material is thus durable, long-lasting, and flavored to satisfy your dog’s natural desire to chew. This bamboo bone is designed with the look and texture of real wood too, making it a safer alternative to a stick that could splinter and harm your pooch. Lastly, this toy is available in medium and large sizes.
Some pet parents also dislike how small the medium Bam-Bone is. Others dislike how hard it is, saying that it may be unsuitable for young puppies. No reviews mention the presence of a chemical odor.
Pros
- Made with bamboo fiber and nylon
- Tasty beef flavoring
- Looks like a real wooden stick
- Available in medium and large
Cons
- The medium size may be too small for some dogs
- May be too hard for young puppies
9. Mutty Dog Chew Ring
Mutty’s Dog Chew Ring is made with 100% food-grade rubber. Its material is sturdy yet flexible. The toy is made in the USA with third-party testing and verified to meet the same standards as baby toys. Whether your pooch is a fan of chewing, tug-of-war, or playing fetch, this ring allows for hours of super fun play. Lastly, this toy is available in two colors.
We note that this dog toy is available in just one size. As well as this, it may not stand up to aggressive chewers. Lastly, there are no complaints of a chemical odor coming from this toy.
Pros
- Made with food-grade rubber
- Made in the USA
- Sturdy yet flexible for many types of play
- Available in two modern colors
Cons
- May not stand up to aggressive chewing
- Available in one size
10. Franklin Pet Supply Natural Rope Dog Toys
Franklin Pet Supply’s Natural Rope Dog Toys are made with natural cotton and hemp. Their durable design makes these toys suitable for fetch, tug-of-war and chewing. When buying this product, you receive four toys, adding variety to your dog’s playtime. Many dogs love the soft but durable texture of these toys.
We note that this toy only contains 1-2% hemp. As such, it’s better to class this dog toy as a natural cotton toy rather than a hemp toy. However, some pet parents do not like the product’s durability, as their dogs have been able to chew the toys apart within days. Because of these issues, this product is at the bottom of our top 10 best non-toxic dog toys list.
Pros
- Made with 1-2% hemp and natural cotton
- Pack of four toys for chewing, tugging, and fetch
Cons
- Contains just 1-2% hemp material
- Not as durable as other toys on the market
Why Are Toxic Materials in Toys Dangerous to Dogs?
As your pooch chews on, licks, or ingests parts of their toys, they risk ingesting harmful chemicals. These include BPA, lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, asbestos, and many others. So, if your dog is an aggressive chewer or is likely to eat parts of their toys, this risk greatly increases. Hence, it’s best to avoid dog toys containing toxic ingredients.
Toxic Materials for Dogs
Many toxic chemicals have been found in dog toys. These include, but are not limited to, BPA, bromine, chromium, cadmium, and formaldehyde. You may even find heavy metals in some dog toys, such as lead and arsenic in dog tennis balls.
BPA (Bisphenol A)
BPA stands for Bisphenol-A. This industrial chemical acts as an endocrine disruptor. In short, this means that BPA mimics or interferes with the body’s hormones. BPA makes certain polycarbonate plastics and resins, such as those found in water bottles and food containers. However, BPA sometimes appears in dog toys and dog food bags. Many studies show that laboratory animals exposed to BPA experience a higher risk of diabetes, mammary and prostate cancers, reproductive issues, obesity, and neurological issues. Additionally, in 2017, a study was done to examine dog food’s BPA content. The dogs who ate the BPA-containing foods showed increased BPA in their blood, higher plasma bicarbonate concentrations, and altered fecal microbiomes.
Bromine
Bromine is a deep red, oily halogen element with a sharp smell. It is used in agricultural chemicals, dyes, insecticides, and fire retardants. In humans, bromine can cause upper respiratory issues like coughing, headaches, irritation to the mouth and nose, dizziness, and skin burns. We occasionally see bromide, an anion of bromine, used as an anticonvulsant drug for dogs. This also brings us to other dog products – you may find bromine compounds in dog beds as a flame retardant. It’s unlikely you’ll find bromine in your dog’s toys, but it does happen. According to HealthyStuff, the Kong Naturals Straw Ball contained 267.828 PPM of bromine in its straw in 2009.
Cadmium
Cadmium is a soft, silvery natural element found all around us – in the air, water, soil, and food. Despite this, cadmium is a highly toxic element when we are exposed to it in high doses. Acute exposure to cadmium fumes in humans causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and chills. As well as this, chronic exposure leads to anemia, kidney failure, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of cancer.
Studies have found that cadmium may be present in some dog foods. Under experimental conditions, cadmium is known to be toxic to dogs, but only at very high intake levels – such levels may cause kidney function decline. Regarding dog toys, cadmium may be used in batteries, alloys, electroplated coatings, and plastic stabilizers. Cadmium has been detected in some imported dog toys, but not to a highly toxic level. Even so, it’s best to steer clear of dog toys that contain cadmium!
Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace mineral. It exists in trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium, the latter of which is toxic. For humans, hexavalent chromium harms the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. At its worst, chromium exposure will cause lung cancer in humans. However, chromium is commonly used to make stainless steel and to produce many different metal alloys. It’s also used in dyes, paints, and in the tanning and dyeing of leather. For dogs, chromium is sometimes used as an insulin supplement, as it does not accumulate in the body and typically remains harmless. You will also find chromium in some dog foods, according to a 2021 study. Even so, chromium can be toxic in large amounts, so it’s best to avoid dog toys that contain this heavy metal.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde, also known as methanal, is a strong-smelling chemical used in many industries. You’ll find this chemical in glues and resins, dyes, preservatives, disinfectants, and textiles. Unfortunately, formaldehyde is also a highly toxic carcinogen. In humans, breathing in this chemical irritates the airways, skin rashes, shortness of breath, and changes in lung function. You may find formaldehyde in rawhide chews for dogs. In a study done on dogs, injections of formaldehyde caused necrosis of the kidneys and swelling of the liver. As such, it’s always best to avoid dog toys and chews containing this chemical.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is the third-most produced synthetic polymer of plastic. This polymer is found in wire insulation, food packaging, imitation leather, and flexible plastic toys. Unfortunately, the ingredients used to soften PVC can harm your pet when they chew, lick, or inhale the substances. There are, however, few studies on the effects of PVC ingestion in dogs. One study that does exist states that there were no significant differences in dogs who ingested PVC, despite looking into their body weight, blood counts, and microscopic examination of organs and tissues. Even so, it’s best to avoid toys containing high amounts of PVC, as it is known to be harmful to other animals.
Non-toxic Materials for Dogs
Fortunately, many non-toxic materials can be used to make safe toys for dogs. These include bamboo, hemp fiber, natural rubber, rice husk, and olive wood.
Bamboo
Bamboo comes from a diverse group of evergreen perennial plants. It is inherently toxic in its raw, natural state as it produces hydrogenic cyanide. However, proper preparation of the plant removes the cyanide from it. When handled properly, bamboo is safe for dogs to play with. Unlike plastic toys, bamboo will not easily shatter, removing the risk of harmful and sharp edges. It is said to outperform wood in terms of strength, too. As well as this, bamboo shoots are a great source of vitamins, calcium, and protein, making them a healthy snack for your pooch. However, do note that certain types of bamboo are indeed toxic to dogs. Heavenly bamboo, for example, contains cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of this type of bamboo causes respiratory failure and shock.
Hemp Plant Fiber
Hemp is a class of cannabis plant grown primarily for industrial use. As such, it’s commonly found in paper, rope, textiles, paint, and animal feeds. For dogs, hemp is considered safe. It contains extremely low levels of THC, which causes one to feel “high,” – so your dog won’t be adversely affected by it. You’ll find hemp in many eco-friendly dog rope toys. Also, these hemp rope toys are entirely digestible, so your dog can play without worry.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is harvested from one of several rubber tree species and the common dandelion. Its non-toxic latex is a sticky colloid drawn off by “tapping” the bark. The substance is then refined into rubber. Natural rubber is found in many products, either alone or in combination with other substances. As such, there are plenty of dog toys made with natural rubber. So, natural rubber is not inherently dangerous to your dog unless it is coated in toxic chemicals.
Olive Wood
Olive wood, farmed from trees of Olea europaea, is a hard and rich-colored wood prized for its rippled appearance. This incredibly dense hardwood is less prone to stains, odors, and bacterial buildup than other types of wood. These qualities make it great for dog chew toys. Olive wood is also high in fiber and minerals like iron and magnesium, making it a perfect chew to complement any dog’s diet. Its super strong material makes it safer for your dog to chew, drastically reducing the risk of splinters. And, when pieces do break off, they are typically soft and pulpy, making them safer for dogs to eat.
Rice Husk
Rice husks are the hard coverings of grains of rice. You’ll find rice husks in some pet foods as a filler ingredient. More recently, rice husks have been used as fillers in natural rubber to make dog toys. The rice husks make the toys that little bit stronger to withstand your pup’s chewing and nosing. As well as this, rice husks are rich in vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, and iron.
How to Identify Toxic Toys for Dogs
Although there is no all-encompassing database for every pet toy on the market, some resources allow you to check for tests done on your new dog toys. Healthy Stuff, a project of The Ecology Center, once provided a library of test results for dog toys. 45% of the toys tested contained detectable levels of toxins. The FDA also keeps a list of pet products that have been recalled.
Ask the manufacturer about the use of harmful toxins in your dog’s new toys. These might include PVC, BPA, lead, and arsenic. As well as this, be especially wary of toys made overseas with no verification for what’s inside them – as well as cheap dog toys made in the USA.
Non-toxic Dog Toys: FAQs
Have any more questions or concerns about non-toxic dog toys? Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more details. If in doubt, always contact your vet for the advice!
Some of the safest materials in dog toys include rice husk, natural rubber, olive wood, and hemp fiber. These materials are usually completely natural and free from harsh chemicals. They are also safer if your dog manages to ingest them.
Durable dog toys have no sharp edges and are free from toxic chemicals are safe for most dogs. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, it’s safest to opt for a super durable dog toy. This helps to prevent your pooch from swallowing small parts or injuring their mouths on broken pieces.
Pig ears are generally safe for dogs to chew on. However, it’s important to supervise your pup whilst they chew. If your dog bites off a large chunk, it brings a risk of choking or intestinal obstruction. As well as this, poorly processed pig ears can carry salmonella. Others may contain additives like liquid smoke or unnecessary preservatives. Be sure to read the label carefully.
Bamboo fiber dog toys are generally safe for dogs. Unlike plastic and wood, bamboo fiber does not shatter easily. This reduces the risk of your pooch hurting themselves on sharp edges. Bamboo is also a great source of vitamins and protein. However, it’s always best to supervise your dog with their new toys.
To conclude, it’s best to stick with dog toys made using non-toxic or organic materials. Always check the label or ask the manufacturer about your new dog toy’s ingredients.