Updated December 10, 2025
An estimated 634 million dog toys end up in the trash in the US each year. This figure is even more astounding when you know that the estimated number of pet dogs is only 80 million - an average of over 7 disposable dog toys per dog each year! As members of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, we are dedicated to lowering this statistic and creating a more sustainable pet industry, and we want you to join us.
As responsible dog owners, we must acknowledge that our pup's environmental impact is enormous. To combat this, we must be conscious consumers and look for more durable, non-toxic and sustainable options for our furry friends, particularly when it comes to dog toys. This blog will explore the world of natural and organic toys for dogs, highlight why they are important, and discuss how to pick the best organic dog toys for your pup.
Why You Should Choose Sustainable Dog Toys
Traditional dog toys are usually made from non-renewable materials like plastic, rubber, and synthetic fibers. The manufacturing process of these materials often involves harmful chemicals and excessive energy consumption, contributing to overall environmental pollution and waste. Even trusty tennis balls are extremely hard to recycle and can take more than 400 years to decompose!
On the other hand, the safest dog toys are made of natural, uprecycled, biodegradable materials that minimize their environmental impact, both in production and disposal. Many sustainable pet brands (like us!) also prioritize ethical sourcing to ensure all workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage. If you choose a natural dog toy, it's a win-win for you and your pet!
Are Natural Dog Toys Better for My Dog?
Yes! Unfortunately, pet products are not regulated like human products, meaning that some traditional dog toys and products on the market may be harmful to the environment and your pup!
Petroluem Derivatives
Many traditional dog toys contain a petroluem based material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which, although not inherently harmful, often contains chlorine and phthalates that can enter the bloodstream through the skin and gums and cause hormone disruptions and other damaging effects. Some dog toys also contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which can cause similar hormone problems in animals and humans. Even natural rubber toys may start out with natural rubber, but to create a durable toy, sadly many petroleum derivatives are added and then the product is no longer as natural as we'd like to believe. Other toxic chemicals like lead, bromine, and formaldehyde, which can pose even more serious risks, have also been found in on-the-market dog toys. That's why it is up to us, as responsible pet owners, to read the ingredients on products thoroughly and ensure the dog toys we buy are BPA-free and made from non-toxic materials.
Microplastics
Although traditional dog toys such as nylon chew toys are incredibly durable and tough for even the most aggressive chewers, they contain microplastics that can enter your dog's body and damage their health. Moreover, chewing particularly hard things like nylon chew toys and traditional dog bones can also cause damage to your dog's teeth and splinter into smaller pieces, becoming a choking hazard if your pup tries to swallow them.
Natural Dog Toys We Love
BetterBone
Looking for a safe, nylon free chew toy? You'll love BetterBone and their series of bones in various sizes and densities. Made from only two natural ingredients - PEFC sustainably forested cellulose and renewable sugar cane oil - these natural dog toys are free from nylon and other toxic chemicals.
The BetterBone HARD is our absolute favorite natural dog toy for tough chewers! Suppose you are concerned about your dog's aggressive chewing habits leading to their chew toys splintering into smaller parts. In that case, this ultra-durable, sustainable dog chew is the safest option for your dog and the planet. It is 2-5% harder and also 5-10% more durable than typical nylon dog chews. The BetterBone Hard has no sharp edges to harm your pup's teeth and enamel, and like all BetterBone chews it eventually flakes into digestible pieces of cellulose, making them the perfect natural dog toys for you if your pup is a heavy chewer who likes to destroy their toys!
Do you have a light chewer or a puppy or senior? Then you'll love the BetterBone SOFT, which is the most gentle of the BetterBone chew toys! These are 40% softer than nylon bones and really are ideal for any dog with a more sensitive mouth.
Hemp Dog Bone
We love to recommend hemp dog toys because hemp naturally resists pesticides making the material a safer option than many fabrics. Is your furry friend a gentle chewer? Our Boba & Vespa Hemp Dog Bone is the perfect natural dog toy for the more gentle chewers who love to have something soft to cuddle with. Made in the USA from durable hemp canvas, non-toxic dyes, 100% organic cotton filling and thread, this Hemp Dog Bone is a healthy alternative to poly-filled and polyester plush toys for both your pet and the planet. A bonus of using eco-friendly materials is that these organic dog toys are 100% compostable and completely biodegradable, so you won't be adding to the astounding 634 million dog toys that end up in landfills each year.
Felted Wool Toys
Did you know that dog's love the natural lanolin smell of wool? And that it feels soft in their mouths and is gentle on their teeth? Like cotton below, wool can help to remove tartar as well. Most wool comes from overseas, but we love these USA farmed and made LooHoo all natural dog toys. They have a 3-pack of wool dog balls and a braided wool pull toy, both of which are made with natural, undyed wool. Wool is always biodegradable and compostable too.
Organic Cotton Rope Tug Toy
Let your pup chew the day away with this Organic Cotton Rope Tug Toy. Made in the USA from 100% organic cotton sourced from sustainable cotton farms; this Rope Tug Toy is the perfect toy for interactive play if your furry friend loves tug of war, playing fetch or simply just chewing. The natural fibers of rope toys floss your dog's teeth and stimulate their gums while they chew, making these organic dog toys an excellent choice for teething puppies and tough chewers. These organic dog toys come in multiple sizes so dogs of all sizes can enjoy the benefits of using natural materials and help protect the environment.
Looking For More Dog Toys?
Check out all of our non-toxic natural dog toys here.
For puppies check out our guide for safe, sustainable puppy toys!
