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Non-toxic dog toys are made from materials that are considered safe for your pet.
Unlike most regular toys, they're free from BPA, PVC, lead, and formaldehyde, and won't harm the environment.
When I discovered some of the toxic chemicals present in most shop-bought dog toys, I knew I didn't want our beloved labradoodle Mille anywhere near them.
I've been around dogs all my life and have seen my fair share of the good, the bad, and the downright toxic.
So, I thought it was about time I used this knowledge (and my love of research) to put together a list of the best non-toxic dog toys available in 2026.
Millie and I are very much on the same page with West Paw. She loves its toys and treats, and I love its eco-ethics.
Designed for tough chewers, this highly popular bone is a safer alternative to wooden sticks, perfect for dogs that love to gnaw and play fetch.
Crafted from Zogoflex material (more on this in a second), this chew toy has excellent durability, buoyancy, and bounce.
I always have a Hurley handy when walking with Millie, just in case we stumble across a lake or stream for her to play catch in. Spoiler Alert: We ALWAYS find water!
Zogoflex is an incredibly durable, non-toxic, and recyclable plastic used by West Paw to make an entire range of its toughest dog toys. It's an environmentally friendly material that leaves virtually no waste during manufacturing.
This best-selling dog bone comes in four colors and three sizes.
The dog toy market is unregulated, but West Paw has gone above and beyond with the FDA-compliant and CE-marked Hurley.
This rubber dog toy is another of Millie's absolute favorites. Its unpredictable bounce adds excitement to interactive playtime (especially when little bits of kibble have been added and keep falling out as it rolls).
KONG Classic + peanut butter and dog food + freezer = one contented and occupied Millie!
Our current KONG has survived years of boisterous play and is only now showing signs that it might need replacing soon.
Get your dog's tail wagging with this gold standard of dog toys. With over forty years of industry expertise, KONG knows how vital play is to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
✔ Sustainably-Harvested Hemp Rope
✔ Cruelty-Free
✔ Charitable Donations
This is another dog toy where my and Millie's tastes align perfectly. She loves to get her jaw around this durable ball and loop toy. And I love watching her enjoy it.
Made with natural hemp rope and recycled cotton, this eco-friendly toy is kind to the environment and durable enough to stand up to even heavy chewing.
My neighbor's German Shepherd, Saxon, can attest to that. He has one of the most aggressive chews I've seen in a dog, and this toy was still a match for his powerful jaw!
✔ GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
✔ Recycled Plastic Squeaker
✔ Coconut Fiber Fill
My parents bought a three-pack of Pet Passion plush toys for Millie on her last birthday. The pack included a bear named Beau, a bunny named Buffy, and an elephant named Elliot.
Elliot is Millie's favourite Pet Passion plushie, but she loves playing with all three. She carries them around the house all the time, just in case someone wants to play.
The cotton shell of Pet Passion's plush dog toys feels soft in my hands, and the coconut fiber fill creates a unique texture that differs from polyester-stuffed toys. The squeaker is made from recycled plastic bottles and makes a sound that is less annoying than some other plush toys I tested.
All three Pet Passion dog toys survived our six-week testing period without significant damage. I noticed a few coconut fibers poking through the seams after heavy use, but I just trimmed them with scissors or pulled them out.
I bought this for testing one night and I doubted it would be any good (in truth, I only ordered it because I wanted to support a veteran-owned business). However, when it arrived, I was mightily impressed!
Labradoodles are not necessarily renowned for their jaw strength, but Millie really packs a punch in the chewing stakes (she once ate her way through a stud wall from the kitchen to the hallway in the two hours it took us to do the weekly grocery shop!
So, I'm always looking for something to keep her jaws occupied. And this Devil Dog Pet Co chew fits the bill perfectly!
She also has a sensitive stomach, and we must be careful with what she chews (rawhide, for example, gives her the runs). So, I'm delighted to report that after two weeks of daily knawing away at this, her poop is still super firm.
These impressive chews are made to an ancient recipe using just four natural ingredients (yak milk, cow milk, lime juice, salt). The ingredients are mixed, heated, pressed, and then sun-dried. Simple and effective!
Finally, I love that Devil Dog Pet Co supports Hounds for Heroes (a worthy charitable organization that trains service dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD and other disorders).
An excellent product from a caring company.
Imagine if every time you went to the gym, you had to worry about whether your dumbbells were poisoning you.
Sounds ridiculous, right? Unfortunately, that's the reality for many dogs.
Some toys contain harmful substances that can lead to adverse effects (ranging from digestive issues to more severe conditions like cancer).
Some of the nasties you want to try and avoid include the following.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), alternatively known as vinyl, is a widely used plastic that poses risks to humans, dogs, and the environment.
While PVC is not inherently dangerous, it contains chlorine and other harmful substances. When your dog bites on a PVC toy, these toxins are released into their mouths and spread throughout their bodies, compromising their well-being.
PVC pet toys often contain phthalates, another harmful chemical additive.
When dogs chew on such toys, phthalates can enter their bloodstream through the skin or gums and lead to issues caused by disrupted hormones.
BPA is another hormone disruptor often used in plastic products, with similar side effects to Phthalates.
It's also been linked to a wide range of other health problems. For example, BPA can cause disruptions to a dog's metabolism and is linked to canine obesity (Koestel et al., 2017; Park et al., 2024).
Lead causes brain swelling and bleeding, suppresses the immune system, and damages kidneys and red blood cells in pets (Merck Veterinary Manual).
This hazardous substance is commonly found in poorly crafted toys, particularly those imported from overseas, without strict quality control measures.
While lead poisoning is a concern for all animals exposed to this harmful element, puppies are particularly vulnerable due to their curious nature and underdeveloped immune systems.
These metals can cause serious health problems in dogs, including renal damage, reduced growth, reduced food and water intake, and acute gastrointestinal effects (Hamada et al., 1991; CCME; EPA).
They're often used in dyes and pigments, so brightly colored toys may be a red flag.
Formaldehyde is sometimes used in the manufacturing of synthetic fabrics and plastics.
Oral exposure to formaldehyde at sufficiently high doses causes gastrointestinal ulcers and liver and kidney damage in animals (CDC).
Bromine is an odorless and colorless gas used in flame retardants and dyes.
It's more commonly found in dog mats and beds to meet fire safety regulations but can sometimes find its way into dog toys, too.
It's not just toxic chemicals that can harm your pup.
There are other less apparent dangers you should be mindful of, including:
Fortunately, there are plenty of safe, natural materials out there.
Look out for durable dog toys made from some of the following non-toxic materials
Natural rubber is durable and utilized in numerous dog toys (either on its own or in combination with other substances).
Natural rubber is a great non-toxic option for dog toys (providing no toxic coatings are added).
Hemp is one of the world's fastest-growing plantss.
It belongs to the same family as cannabis but without the psychoactive effects (so there is no need to worry about your pup getting as high as Snoop Dogg!).
Hemp is often used to make eco-friendly rope toys for dogs, as it offers the perfect blend of durability and sustainability.
Bamboo is an incredibly versatile and sustainable material that's gaining traction in the world of dog toys (specifically tug-of-war ropes and chews for dogs with powerful jaws).
Rice husks, the protective layers encasing rice grains, have found their way into pet foods as a filler ingredient.
In recent years, they've also started to be utilized as stuffing for eco-friendly dog toys.
Olive wood, sourced from Olea europaea trees, is a prized hardwood known for its sturdy build and beautiful ripples.
Its exceptional strength ensures safer chewing experiences, considerably reducing the risk of splinters (even if a piece breaks off, it tends to remain soft and pulpy).
Organic cotton is an excellent choice if your dog enjoys plush toys.
It's grown without pesticides and uses significantly less water than traditional cotton.
The dog toy industry isn't regulated like human products are (which is staggering considering there were an estimated 80-90 million pet dogs in the US in 2020).
That means it's up to you, the pet parent, to do your homework and play detective to ensure the toys you bring home are safe and healthy for your pup.
If a toy has a strong chemical smell, it's probably unsafe for your dog.
Also, check the label for any mention of being BPA-free or non-toxic (but be careful of false greenwashing claims).
The FDA is also a valuable resource to stay informed about dog toys and products recalled from the market.
And, when in doubt, do some digging online or reach out to the manufacturer. Or email me, and I'll do the digging. Or opt for one of the excellent options in this article (as all the digging has already been done for you!).
Just like your dog, their toys need regular care and cleaning.
Most rubber or silicone toys can go in the dishwasher, while fabric toys can usually be machine-washed. Just be sure always to check the label (or check with the manufacturer if unsure).
Regardless of the materials you choose, keeping up with regular inspections is important.
To prevent digestive issues and strangulation, check toys often for frayed edges, strings, or anything else that could be dangerous.
Replace older toys with a lot of wear and tear or ones that may contain hazardous materials.
The bright red-orange heavenly bamboo berries are toxic to dogs if eaten. However, a dog toy made from bamboo is non-toxic.
Most dogs can safely play with toys that have no sharp edges and are free from harmful chemicals. However, if your furry friend is an avid chewer, choosing highly durable toys is best. This ensures they won't accidentally swallow any small parts or hurt their mouths while playing with broken pieces.
Pig ears are generally considered safe (Millie absolutely loves them!). However, keeping an eye on your furry friends while they indulge is crucial. Biting off a large chunk can pose a choking or intestinal blockage risk.
Additionally, poorly processed pig ears may carry salmonella, and some brands might include additives like liquid smoke or unnecessary preservatives. Ensure you purchase high-quality products and carefully read the labels for your pup's safety.
Rawhide chews are popular among dogs but can be hazardous to their health. Rawhide is highly processed, making it difficult for dogs to digest (it gives Millie diarrhea) and exposes them to choking or intestinal blockage.
If you give your pet rawhide chews, ensure they're from reputable sources and that no harsh chemicals have been used in the manufacturing process.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not consider tennis balls safe for dogs. That can represent a choking hazard for dogs with strong jaws. Millie loves to chase a ball, and we've used Chuckit! Ultra Balls for years with no issues.
Dog toys made in the USA are often the safest and most durable option. Many domestic companies strive to provide pet owners with quality and safe products that meet rigorous standards for safety.
In addition, you can feel confident that these products haven't been made with potentially dangerous materials which may be found in items manufactured abroad.
B Corp Certification means that the company has been certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Companies must meet the highest standards of verified performance to be granted B Corporation status. This includes considering their impact on workers, community, customers, suppliers, and the environment when making commercial decisions.
Planet Dog is not a brand I tested for this article. I'll add it to my testing list for v2.0 of this article. Get your details on our mailing list to be updated when this article (and others) is updated.
As with most sustainable and eco-friendly products, a dog toy made from non-toxic and sustainable materials can quickly become a more expensive option.
However, they come with many benefits that make them a worthwhile investment, such as:
So, it's not just about tossing your dog an old bone. It's about throwing them a lifeline to a healthier, happier life.
As the old saying goes, "A good toy is like a dog's best friend"...or something like that!
Are you one of those dog owners who insist on only the best when shopping for a toy for your dog? Does it need to be made from recycled plastic? Or are you only happy if the toy is made from natural materials? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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