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September 18, 2025
Not all dog toys are created equal. Many are made with materials that, while not immediately dangerous, can cause long-term health issues.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), any product made for children under the age of 12 must be tested for lead, phthalates, and toxic metals. These strict standards help ensure that children’s toys are safe.
However, no such regulations exist for dog toys—meaning manufacturers aren’t required to test their products for safety.
That’s why it’s so important for pet parents to be selective. Choosing toys made from safe, non-toxic materials can help your pup live a long, healthy life.
If you’re looking for a fun toy for your pup that won’t create health problems down the line, there are a few things you should look for.
When it comes to materials, you’ll want to opt for toys made from natural materials. Look for toys made of the following:
It’s recommended to avoid toys containing the following:
In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid dog toys made from plastic, even if they’re labeled as recycled or mixed with other materials like rubber. Over time, microplastics can build up in your dog’s system, potentially leading to long-term health effects.
When buying a toy for your dog, always read the label carefully. Reputable brands will usually state that their products are free of these harmful substances.
Ideally, the toy you choose has third-party certifications that validate claims made on their labels. This likely won’t be immediately visible on the label and requires some digging on their website to find their certs.
Beyond material safety, you’ll also want to consider how sturdy a toy is. Even non-toxic toys can become dangerous if they break apart during play. If your pup swallows a part of their toys, it can become a choking hazard or create an obstruction in your dog’s digestive system.
A good way to determine whether a product is actually durable is to check product reviews. Most of the time, a manufacturer will claim a product is durable, but that won’t always be the case, especially if your dog is especially rough with their toys.
We only included toys that:
Because every dog has a unique play style, we’ve included options with varying levels of durability so you can choose the right one for your pup.
Below are some of the safest, highest-rated non-toxic dog toys available today, all made from clean, dog-friendly materials.
I am a huge fan of Augie Bones because, according to their website, they have their toy materials toxicity tested and certified by a third-party lab for children’s safety. Plus, their bones have zero microplastics in them, which is essential, especially since your dog will be chewing them. While their bones look and feel like plastic, they’re actually PLA (polylactic acid) which is made from cornstarch cellulose.
They have three hypoallergenic flavors, braised beef, roasted peanut butter, and smokey bacon, all Qima-certified as safe for 10-month-old babies.
There are three bones to accommodate dogs of different sizes, all the way up to dogs who weigh 125 pounds or more. Some reviewers mentioned that the bones aren’t very durable, though some disagree, insisting the bone is long-lasting. In any case, it’s important to take the bone away if it starts breaking apart, for your dog’s safety.
My dog likes to steal my wool dryer balls, so we got him a pack of these. He’s obsessed! It’s made from 100% wool from New Zealand sheep and free of harmful chemicals and dyes.
If your dog’s an aggressive chewer, it’s recommended to skip this toy. It can be easy to pull apart the wool to create a choking hazard.
Another company that has their products tested as child-safe is Pata Pal. These dog toys are made with cotton canvas and don’t have any dyes or other chemicals. These toys have plastic squeakers stuffed inside, so make sure to take them away from your pup if they rip one open.
While these toys are double stitched to reinforce the seams, they’re best suited for dogs with a gentle play style — like puppies or senior dogs. One reviewer said: “I have a 20 pound dog and it took him 2 mins extra to destroy this toy. Was hoping for a little stronger material.”
This treat dispensing toy is made from natural rubber sourced from Vietnam. Even better, the rubber is PEFC certified (PEFC/26-31-197), which means it was harvested in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. There’s no plastic, so you can feel good about your pup chewing on it.
According to the majority of reviews, this toy is very durable. It’s also dishwasher safe for an easy clean.
As you may have noticed, it’s hard to come by a non-toxic toy for heavy chewers. If this sounds familiar, consider this rubber ball M2 Pet Products. This utra-durable ball is made from all-natural rubber and is free from plastic and harmful chemicals.
This product isn’t just non-toxic, though, it’s also a safer alternative to your standard rubber ball thanks to its unique design. It features “safety channels” to allow airflow, ultimately preventing your dog from accidentally swallowing it.
The channels featured in the design simultaneously clean your dog’s teeth, too, so it’s a win-win all around.
The product is on the heavier side according to reviews, so it’s best for medium to large dogs.
If your dog loves to tug you can’t go wrong with this non-toxic tug toy. It’s made of 100 percent natural, undyed cotton. The rope doesn’t get treated with chemical colorants at any stage of processing, according to the product description, it’s a perfectly non-toxic option for your pup.
This toy is noted as being relatively durable by reviewers, especially those with younger pups. But if your dog is an aggressive chewer, you may want to skip this one.
