Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Dog Toys

Oct 4, 2017 | Earth-Friendly, Green Dog

non-toxic eco-friendly dog toys

Photo featuring Sampson with his West Paw Hurley Bone.

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Why non-toxic dog toys are important:

Pthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are used in plastic manufacturing to provide elasticity to products. These chemicals have the potential to harm your beloved pet’s health. There isn’t the same oversight and strict regulation that you might find in children’s toys. A study done by The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry simulated dog saliva, then simulated chewing by squeezing dog toys with stainless thongs to age and weather them. Phil Smith from the Texas Tech University who co-authored the study stated, “we found that the aging or weathering the toys increased concentrations of BPA and phthalates.” A project of The Ecology Center, Healthy Stuff, created an online database of their research on toxic chemicals in everyday products. Archived Pet Supply Data has testing results on various pet supplies. Here are a few of their findings:

•   From the 400+ pet products tested, 45% had detectable levels of one or more hazardous toxins, including arsenic, chlorine, and bromine.
•   Of the tennis balls tested, 48% percent contained detectable levels of lead.
•   7% of all pet products had lead levels higher than the 300 ppm allowed in children’s toys.

Dog toys offer enrichment, mental stimulation, and entertainment. They can be beneficial for alleviating separation anxiety, boredom, chewing problems, excessive barking and/or digging. They can also aid in teaching, crate training, teeth cleaning, weight management, exercise and so much more making them an important accessory in a dog’s life – which is why the materials they are made of are so important. Here are a few options for non-toxic eco-friendly dog toys:

•   West Paw is a certified B Corporation.
•   Toys are made of their proprietary BPA-free Zogoflex material that can be continuously recycled through their recycling program.
•   Toys are handcrafted and manufactured in Bozeman, MT, in a state-of-the-art environmentally conscious building.

TOP PICKS: Hurley Bone *built for tough chewers* + Zisc Frisbee *it’s floatable!*

•   Mammoth has implemented initiatives to create products and supply chains that are resource friendly.
•   Toys are made out of materials that are safe, nontoxic, and can also be recycled after use like natural rubber and cotton.
•   Committted to financially helping a plethora of organizations from animal rescue groups to medical aid groups.

TOP PICKS: Flossy Chew *great for tug* + TireBiter *for extreme chewers*

•   Planet Dog is a founding member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), an industry-wide collaboration to provide tools and education to accelerate environmental and social sustainability.
•   Toys are made from BPA, lead, and phthalate-free materials.

TOP PICKS: Orbee-Tuff Sol Ball *bouncy & buoyant* + Orbee Tuff Snoops *interactive treat dispensing*

•   Cycle Dog’s Factory is located in Portland, Oregon where they handcraft products.
•   Uses discarded inner tubes (rubber doesn’t allow bacteria to grow) and post-consumer plastic for many of their dog products.
•   
All Cycle Dog hand-sewn products will be repaired at no charge for the useful life of the product.

TOP PICK: High Roller Ball *floats!* 

•    Classic KONG, a tough-to-destroy rubber chew toy which can be stuffed with treats.
•   Made from natural rubber in the USA.
•   Recommended by veterinarians and trainers worldwide.

•    A small Wyoming start-up that aspires to deliver the finest, eco-friendly pet products crafted and/or grown in the USA.
•   Rope toy is made from 100% All Natural Hemp.
•   
Naturally Mold & Mildew Resistant.
•   Biodegradable.

•    Goughnuts is a family business in the USA.
•    “The Last Chew Toy You’ll Need” – made for aggressive chewers.
•    Made from the same rubber the astronauts use –  reinforced natural rubber designed by engineers that make rubber for spaceships and aircraft!
•    Lifetime warranty. There is a red safety layer if your dog chews through the toy.

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