Why what's in your dog's toy matters as much as what's in their bowl

We spend a lot of time thinking about what our dogs eat. Ingredient lists, protein sources, artificial additives. But when it comes to the toys we hand them, most of us don't think twice.

The reality is that dogs interact with their toys the same way they interact with food. They chew them, mouth them and carry them around all day. Which means the materials those toys are made from matter more than most people realise.

What to watch out for

Many cheap dog toys are made with synthetic dyes, PVC plastics and chemical softeners that can be harmful when ingested over time. Some contain BPA or phthalates, the same chemicals we've spent years trying to remove from children's products. Just because something is sold as a dog toy doesn't mean it's been made with your dog's health in mind.

The same logic applies to stuffed toys. Synthetic fiberfill and cheap fabric can cause serious digestive issues if swallowed, particularly in dogs that are determined chewers.

What to look for instead

Natural rubber is one of the safest and most durable materials for dog toys. It's free from harmful chemicals, built to withstand heavy chewing and kind to your dog's teeth and gums. Look for toys that are labelled natural or certified non-toxic.

For fabric toys, look for those made from organic cotton or undyed materials. They're gentler on your dog and better for the environment too.

Rope toys made from natural fibres like cotton are a good option for interactive play, though they're best used supervised as the fibres can unravel and be swallowed.

A good toy should do more than entertain

Beyond materials, a quality dog toy should serve a purpose. Mental stimulation, dental health, physical exercise or simply comfort. The best toys are those that are thoughtfully designed with your dog's natural behaviours in mind, not just made to look appealing on a shelf.

When we select toys for Purapet boxes, materials and purpose are the first two things we consider. We look for toys that are safe, durable and genuinely useful for your dog's wellbeing, not just something that looks good in a photo.

Because the best gift you can give your dog is something that's actually good for them.