NonToxicLab’s testing found most dog toys are made from cheap plastics that contain BPA, phthalates, lead, and other chemicals your dog then chews on for hours every day. The safest non-toxic dog toys are made from natural rubber, certified non-toxic TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), organic cotton, or hemp. Brands like West Paw, Planet Dog, Beco Pets, Kong (natural rubber line), and Harry Barker make toys that skip the harmful chemicals without sacrificing durability.

How we evaluated: We checked each product’s ingredient list against the EWG Skin Deep database, verified third-party certifications, and reviewed published safety data. Full methodology

Why Dog Toy Materials Matter

What most pet owners don’t consider: your dog puts toys in their mouth constantly. They chew, gnaw, lick, and carry toys around all day. The saliva, warmth, and mechanical action of chewing accelerates chemical leaching from the toy material. Whatever’s in that toy is going into your dog’s mouth.

A study from Texas Tech University’s Department of Environmental Toxicology tested common pet products and found detectable levels of BPA, phthalates, and lead in a significant number of dog toys. The cheapest vinyl and PVC toys consistently had the highest concentrations.

Dogs can’t read labels. They can’t tell you if a toy tastes chemical. It’s on us to choose materials that won’t expose them to endocrine disruptors and carcinogens.

The Problem with Cheap Dog Toys

Walk into any pet store or browse the budget section online, and you’ll find toys made from:

  • PVC (vinyl): Soft, flexible plastic toys colored with bright dyes. PVC almost always contains phthalate plasticizers. Some also contain lead as a stabilizer.
  • Cheap TPR/TPE: Thermoplastic rubber or elastomer can be safe, but low-quality versions from unregulated manufacturers may contain BPA, phthalates, or other additives.
  • Painted plastics: Bright paint on hard plastic toys can contain lead or cadmium, especially in imported products with poor quality control.
  • Synthetic plush with chemical treatments: Some stuffed toys use fabric treated with flame retardants or stain-resistant coatings.

The BPA-free label doesn’t guarantee safety either. As we’ve covered in our education articles, many BPA-free plastics simply use BPS or BPF, which carry similar endocrine-disrupting risks.

What to Look for in Non-Toxic Dog Toys

Natural Rubber

Natural rubber (sourced from rubber trees) is one of the safest materials for dog toys. It’s durable, has natural bounce, and doesn’t contain the synthetic additives found in PVC. Kong’s Classic line and Beco Pets both use natural rubber. Look for toys that specifically state “natural rubber” rather than just “rubber,” since synthetic rubber is a different story.

Certified Non-Toxic TPE

TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a synthetic material, but when manufactured to food-grade or toy-safety standards, it can be genuinely non-toxic. West Paw’s Zogoflex is a good example. It’s been independently tested and certified free of BPA, phthalates, latex, and heavy metals. The key is third-party certification, not just the manufacturer’s claim.

Organic Cotton and Hemp

Rope toys and plush toys made from organic cotton or hemp avoid the chemical treatments found in conventional textiles. Harry Barker makes rope toys from recycled cotton with vegetable dyes. These are great for tug, fetch, and dental cleaning.

What to Avoid

  • PVC or vinyl (recycling code #3)
  • Toys with a strong chemical or plastic smell
  • Bright-colored toys from unknown manufacturers with no material disclosure
  • “Made in China” toys without specific safety certifications (not all Chinese-made toys are unsafe, but the lack of regulation means higher risk without certification)
  • Toys marketed as “antibacterial” (may contain triclosan or other biocides)

Our Top Picks for Non-Toxic Dog Toys

West Paw Zogoflex Hurley: Best Overall

West Paw is based in Bozeman, Montana, and manufactures all Zogoflex products in-house. Their Zogoflex material is:

  • BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free
  • Non-toxic and FDA food-contact compliant
  • Made from a single material (no glues or bonded parts)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • 100% recyclable through West Paw’s Join the Loop program

The Hurley is a bone-shaped chew toy that doubles as a fetch stick. It floats, bounces unpredictably (good for solo play), and is backed by a one-time replacement guarantee if your dog destroys it.

West Paw also makes the Tux (treat-dispensing), Qwizl (stick alternative), and Zisc (frisbee alternative), all from the same Zogoflex material. If your dog loves one, you can build an entire toy collection from the same safe material.

Best for: All-around play, moderate to heavy chewers, dogs who play in water.

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff: Best for Fetch

Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff line is made from a proprietary TPE that’s BPA-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic. Every Orbee-Tuff toy gets a 1-to-5 chew strength rating, so you can match the toy to your dog’s chewing style.

The classic Orbee-Tuff ball has a minty scent from real mint oil (not synthetic fragrance), which most dogs love. It’s buoyant for water fetch and has good bounce on land. The material is softer than a tennis ball but much more durable.

Planet Dog is also a Certified B Corporation and donates a portion of sales to service and therapy dog programs through their Planet Dog Foundation.

Best for: Fetch-obsessed dogs, water play, dogs who like scented toys.

Beco Pets Natural Rubber Ball: Best Eco-Friendly

Beco Pets sources natural rubber from FSC-certified sustainable plantations. Their toys are:

  • Made from natural rubber with no BPA, phthalates, or synthetic chemicals
  • Biodegradable at end of life
  • Colored with natural pigments instead of synthetic dyes
  • Packaged in recycled, plastic-free materials

The natural rubber ball has good bounce and durability. It’s not indestructible (no natural rubber toy is for true power chewers), but it holds up well for moderate chewers and fetchers. Beco also makes rope toys from recycled cotton and hemp fiber.

Best for: Environmentally conscious pet owners, moderate chewers, dogs with sensitive mouths.

Kong Classic (Natural Rubber): Best for Heavy Chewers

Each Kong Classic is a legitimately iconic dog toy for good reason. It’s made from natural rubber in the USA and has been around since 1976. The red Classic is suitable for average chewers, while the black Extreme version handles power chewers.

What makes the Kong work beyond material safety:

  • The hollow center can be stuffed with treats, peanut butter, or frozen mixtures to extend play time
  • The irregular bounce keeps dogs engaged
  • It’s dishwasher safe
  • The natural rubber compound is extremely durable

One note: some Kong products (like the Squeezz line) use different materials that may include TPR rather than natural rubber. Stick with the Classic and Extreme lines specifically for the natural rubber construction.

Best for: Aggressive chewers, treat-motivated dogs, solo play.

Harry Barker Cotton Rope Toy: Best Rope Toy

Harry Barker takes a different approach entirely. Their rope toys are made from recycled cotton fiber colored with vegetable-based dyes. There’s no plastic component at all.

Cotton rope toys serve double duty: they’re great for tug-of-war and interactive play, and the rope fibers act as natural dental floss, helping clean teeth and massage gums during chewing.

Harry Barker also makes beds, collars, and other accessories with the same material transparency. Their entire line avoids PVC, phthalates, and synthetic chemical treatments.

Best for: Tug-of-war, dental health, dogs who prefer softer toys, interactive play.

Understanding Toy Material Safety Standards

There’s no mandatory safety standard for dog toy materials in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates children’s toys but not pet toys. The ASTM has a voluntary standard (F963) for children’s toys that limits phthalates and lead, but there’s no equivalent requirement for pet products.

This means pet toy safety is largely self-regulated. Some brands voluntarily test their products to food-contact or children’s toy safety standards, but many don’t. Here’s what to look for:

Third-Party Testing and Certifications

  • FDA food-contact compliance: If a toy material meets FDA standards for food contact, it’s been tested for chemical leaching. West Paw’s Zogoflex meets this standard.
  • CPSIA compliance: Though not required for pet products, some brands voluntarily test to the children’s product safety standard, which limits lead, phthalates, and other chemicals.
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: For textile-based toys (rope toys, plush toys), this certification tests for harmful substances.
  • Independent lab testing: Some brands publish third-party test results for specific chemicals. Check the manufacturer’s website.

Red Flags

  • No material information provided anywhere (packaging, website, or customer service)
  • Extremely low prices ($1 to $3 for plastic toys)
  • Strong chemical smell right out of the packaging
  • Made from unspecified “rubber” or “plastic” without further detail
  • No country of origin listed

Toy Safety by Dog Size and Chewing Style

Matching the right toy to your dog’s chewing behavior matters for both safety and durability.

Light chewers (carry toys, gentle mouthing): Most non-toxic options work well. Beco Pets natural rubber, Harry Barker rope toys, and West Paw Zogoflex are all good choices. You have the most flexibility here.

Moderate chewers (sustained chewing, some jaw pressure): Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff (rated for specific chew levels), West Paw Zogoflex Hurley, and Kong Classic Red. Choose toys rated for your dog’s jaw strength.

Power chewers (destroy most toys within hours): Kong Extreme Black, West Paw Zogoflex Tux, and solid natural rubber toys. Avoid plush toys, rope toys, and thin-walled rubber toys. No toy is truly indestructible, so supervise power chewer play and replace toys showing significant wear.

Toy destroyers (rip apart anything given to them): This is a behavior issue as much as a product issue. Puzzle toys (Kong stuffed with frozen filling), supervised tug play, and very thick natural rubber are your best bets. Accept that you’ll be replacing toys more frequently and factor that into your budget.

How to Clean Non-Toxic Dog Toys Safely

Keeping toys clean matters because bacteria and mold build up fast. Here’s how to clean each type without introducing chemicals:

  • Natural rubber and TPE toys: Dishwasher (top rack) or hand wash with hot water and a small amount of non-toxic dish soap. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Cotton and hemp rope toys: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with fragrance-free detergent. Air dry completely to prevent mold.
  • Stuffed toys: Machine wash in cold water with non-toxic detergent. Air dry or tumble dry low. Use non-toxic cleaning products to avoid transferring chemicals to the toy.

Avoid using bleach, conventional disinfectants, or antibacterial cleaners on dog toys. Your dog is going to put that toy right back in their mouth.

What About Tennis Balls?

Standard tennis balls weren’t designed as dog toys. The felt covering is abrasive and can wear down tooth enamel with heavy use. The rubber compound and the glue attaching the felt aren’t formulated with dog safety in mind. The dye used for the bright yellow-green color hasn’t been tested for ingestion safety.

That said, the occasional game of fetch with a tennis ball isn’t a crisis. The concern is more about dogs who obsessively chew tennis balls for extended periods. For regular fetch, the Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff or West Paw Jive (a non-toxic rubber ball sized like a tennis ball) are better options.

Non-Toxic Dog Toys for Puppies

Puppies need special consideration because they’re teething, they chew everything, and their developing bodies are more vulnerable to chemical exposure. For puppies:

  • Choose appropriately sized natural rubber toys (avoid choking hazards)
  • Kong Puppy (softer rubber formula for puppy teeth and gums) is a good starter
  • Frozen wet washcloths work great for teething relief with zero chemical risk
  • Avoid small rope toys where puppies might ingest fibers
  • Skip vinyl squeaker toys, as puppies will chew through to the squeaker quickly

Any same principles that apply to non-toxic baby products apply to puppy products. Small bodies, developing systems, and constant mouthing mean material safety matters more, not less.

Questions We Hear Most

Are Kong toys non-toxic?

The Kong Classic and Kong Extreme are made from natural rubber in the USA and are considered non-toxic. However, not all Kong products use the same material. Some Kong lines (Squeezz, Wubba, plush toys) use different materials. Check the specific product’s material description rather than assuming all Kong products are equivalent.

Is TPE safe for dogs?

TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) can be safe when manufactured to appropriate standards. The key is third-party testing and certification. West Paw’s Zogoflex (a TPE) is independently certified BPA-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic. Generic TPE toys without certification are a gamble.

How can I tell if a dog toy contains phthalates?

There’s no easy test you can do at home. Strong chemical odor, extremely soft/flexible plastic, bright colors, and low price points are all warning signs. Vinyl and PVC toys (recycling code #3) almost certainly contain phthalates. For a deeper understanding of where phthalates hide and how to check labels, see our education guide.

Do non-toxic dog toys cost more?

Generally, yes. A West Paw Zogoflex toy costs $15 to $20 compared to $3 to $5 for a generic vinyl toy. But non-toxic toys also tend to be much more durable. A single Zogoflex Hurley with its replacement guarantee may outlast a dozen cheap vinyl toys. The cost per month of use is often comparable or lower.

Are rope toys safe for dogs?

Organic cotton and hemp rope toys are safe for supervised play. The risk with rope toys is ingestion of fibers, which can cause intestinal blockages in dogs that shred and swallow them. Supervise rope toy play and replace any rope toy that’s becoming unraveled. Never leave a rope toy with an aggressive shredder unsupervised.

What about squeaker toys?

Squeakers themselves are small plastic components that can be a choking hazard if the dog chews through the outer material. If your dog destroys plush toys quickly, skip squeaker toys or use them only during supervised play. The outer material of most squeaker toys is also worth checking, since cheap synthetic plush may contain chemical treatments.

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