Easy DIY dog toys to make at home for all play styles

Dogs bring so much joy to our lives. By giving them toys that cater to their play styles, we bring joy to theirs, too. But the cost of buying toys can quickly add up, which is where DIY dog toys come in. 

They’re fun to create, allow you to customize them to your dog's needs, and use readily available materials in your house. Read on for some creative DIY dog toy ideas, you can easily make today.

Why DIY dog toys are a great choice

The cost of buying dog toys can quickly add up, especially if your dog is a heavy chewer. In contrast, DIY dog toys can be completely free, depending on what you have around the house. You can repurpose old socks, fabric scraps, or even a tennis ball with some string. 

Other benefits include:

• Customization to fit your dog: When you make your dog toys, you can tailor them to your dog's size, breed, needs, and play preferences.
• Healthier materials: By making your own toys, you have full control over the materials used, ensuring they’re safe, non-toxic, and suitable for dogs to chew on.
• Eco-friendly and sustainable: DIY toys help you repurpose materials that would otherwise be discarded, reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.‍
• Mental and physical stimulation: You can design toys that engage your dog both mentally and physically. Puzzles or interactive tug-of-war toys are good examples.

Easy dog toys to make at home

These simple DIY toys are quick to create and perfect for keeping your dog entertained.

DIY dog rope toys made from a T-shirt 

Pick a T-shirt you want to repurpose, preferably a cotton blend or an old pair of jeans. Lay it on a flat surface and cut it into strips. Cut along the sides, from the bottom hem to the top, to get longer strips. The strips should be about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.

Then, tie the strips together at one end in a knot, which will be the starting point of your rope. Now, split the fabric strips into three sections. Then, braid the strips like you would hair or a regular rope, keeping them tight and sturdy as you go.

Once you’ve braided it to your desired length, tie the end of the braid in a knot to hold it together. For added durability, add a few knots at intervals along the rope.

DIY fleece dog toy

First, cut strips of fleece material, about 1.5 to 2 inches wide. Then simply roll the strips into a fleece ball.  As you roll, periodically tie knots around the ball to help it hold together. This homemade dog toy is perfect for fetch games, especially if you’re indoors.

DIY dog enrichment toys

These toys are designed to engage your dog mentally and keep them entertained for a while.

DIY interactive dog toys - treat dispenser

Take an empty plastic bottle and make a few small holes around the middle. They must ve just big enough for treats to fall out when the bottle is rolled or shaken. Then, place your dog’s favourite treats or kibble inside the bottle. Put the cap back on and secure it tightly.

Now, let your dog roll, shake, or bat at the bottle to try and get the treats to fall out.

DIY snuffle mat and balls

Cut fleece or any soft fabric into strips. For a snuffle mat toy, you want strips that are 2 to 3 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches long. You can make as many strips as you want, depending on the mat size and how dense you want it to be. 

Next, take each strip of fleece and tie it through a hole in a rubber mat using a basic knot. For extra security, tie it in a double knot. And be sure to keep tying until the entire mat is covered with fabric strips.

Once you have filled the mat with enough fabric strips, trim off any edges that hang out to make it look neat. Then, sprinkle some kibble or small treats in between the fabric strips. Your dog will need to snuffle through the fabric to find them.

DIY dog chew toys

These chew toys are perfect for satisfying your dog's natural urge to chew while offering healthy and durable alternatives.

Sweet Potato Rope Toy

Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potato. You can peel it if you like, but keeping the skin on adds texture and extra nutrients. Then, slice the sweet potato into rings about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the center of each circle.

Lay the sweet potato rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. They should dry out and become firm but still bendable.

Now, cut your rope into two strands of your desired length. If you’re using jute or hemp rope, ensure it’s food-safe and won’t unravel easily.

From there, braid the rope once the sweet potato rings are cool enough to handle. You want the braid to be strong, so ensure it’s tight. Braid it to the length that suits you (usually about 1.5 to 2 feet).

Now, take the sweet potato rings and string them on the braid one by one. After threading on 4 rings, tie a knot in the rope to keep the rings in place.

Repeat by stringing another 4 rings and then tying another knot to secure them. Then, allow the rope toy to cool completely before giving it to your dog to chew on.

Fun interactive toys for active dogs

These DIY interactive dog toys keep your fur baby physically engaged and provide endless fun.

Plastic bottle tug toy

Begin by cleaning and removing labels from the plastic bottle. Then, make two small holes near the top of the bottle for the rope to pass through. After this, cut 2 equal lengths of rope. If you don’t have rope available, make fabric strips into a braid.

Now, pass each end of the rope (or braided fabric) through the holes in the bottle. Next, knot the rope ends inside to keep them in place and secure the handles by knotting the other end of the rope.

Then, tug on the handles to make sure everything is secure, and you’re ready to play! The plastic bottle inside will crinkle as your dog tugs, keeping them engaged and entertained.

How to make puppy toys

To make DIY toys for your pup, start with a clean sock. It can be a new or old sock you no longer use. Then, stuff the sock with a squeaker. If you don’t have one, stuff it with small fabric scraps.

Next, tie a knot close to the stuffing to seal it shut and create a "ball" shape. If you want more texture or difficulty for your puppy, make a second knot further down the sock to create a "tug" area.

That’s it! Now, you have a soft, easy-to-grip sock toy that your puppy can chew, tug on, and enjoy.

Safety tips for DIY pet toys

To ensure your dog stays safe while enjoying their new toys, follow these important safety guidelines:

• Always supervise your dog when they are playing with DIY toys.
• Use natural, non-toxic fabrics (cotton, jute, or hemp). Avoid synthetic fabrics that may contain harmful chemicals or dyes.
• If using rope, make sure it’s natural and food-safe (like hemp or cotton).
• For plush toys, use safe stuffing, such as fabric scraps or pet-safe filling. Avoid tiny beads or synthetic fillings, which could be a choking hazard.
• Ensure the toy's buttons, eyes, or small pieces are securely attached.
• If you use plastic or bottle caps, ensure they’re smooth and free of sharp edges that could hurt your dog’s mouth.
• Inspect your handmade dog toys regularly for signs of damage, such as loose threads, unraveling fabric, or small parts that are coming loose. Replace the toy if it’s falling apart or the material has become unsafe to chew.

Choose the right DIY dog toys for your pet’s personality and needs

When making DIY dog toys, it's essential to consider your dog's personality and needs. Some dogs are heavy chewers and need durable, tough toys, while others enjoy softer, squeaky, or tug-based toys. Likewise, high-energy dogs need toys that provide physical activity and challenge them to burn off extra energy. On the other hand, low-energy dogs love to cuddle and carry their toys for comfort, especially when alone.Try regularly rotating the toys to keep things exciting. Your dogs can get bored, so keeping a selection of toys on hand and switching them out every few days can maintain their curiosity and interest.