Safety First: The Golden Rules of DIY Pet Toys

Before we dive into the fun of making our toys, we must talk about safety. The single most important part of providing homemade enrichment is ensuring it’s a safe experience for your beloved pet. Your dog relies on you to be their safety manager. By following a few golden rules, you can make sure your DIY toy sessions are all fun and no fear.

Rule 1: Supervision is Mandatory.

This is the most critical rule. Never, ever leave your dog unattended with a homemade toy, especially one that contains fabric, cardboard, or other non-edible parts. Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and what starts as a fun puzzle can quickly turn into an attempt to ingest the toy itself. Supervised play means you are actively watching your dog, ready to intervene if they start doing something unsafe. Once the play session is over, put the toy away out of their reach.

Rule 2: Know Your Dog’s Chew Style.

Every dog has a unique approach to toys. Some are gentle nibblers, delicately mouthing and licking. Others are “shredders” who find immense joy in ripping things to pieces. And then there are the power chewers, whose goal is to systematically dismantle anything they can get their jaws on. The toys we are making today are best suited for gentle to moderate players and shredders (for the snuffle box). They are not designed to be chew toys. If you have a power chewer, these toys can still be used for short, supervised puzzle sessions, but you must be extra vigilant to ensure they are not ingesting any pieces.

Rule 3: Choose Safe Materials.

When you’re rummaging through your home for materials, think like a safety inspector. Use plain cardboard boxes without staples, heavy ink, or glossy coatings. Remove all packing tape and plastic labels. For fabric toys, use materials like fleece that don’t fray easily into long, dangerous strings. Avoid items with small, attached parts like buttons, plastic eyes, or bells that can be chewed off and swallowed, posing a choking or obstruction hazard. Be mindful of potential toxins; for example, some plastics are not food-safe, and some woods are treated with chemicals. When in doubt, stick to the simple, known-safe materials we outline below.

Rule 4: Inspect and Discard Regularly.

DIY toys are not meant to last forever. Before and after every single use, give the toy a quick once-over. Look for signs of significant wear and tear—loose pieces, sharp edges on chewed cardboard, or fabric that’s about to tear. If a toy is starting to fall apart, it’s time to thank it for its service and throw it away. It’s far better to make a new one than to risk your dog ingesting a broken piece.

Rule 5: Mind the Treats.

The food you use in your puzzle toys is a key part of the fun, so make sure it’s safe and healthy. Use small, dry treats that are easy for your dog to eat and won’t make a huge mess. You can even use a portion of your dog’s daily kibble ration. Be aware of your dog’s total daily calorie intake to avoid unwanted weight gain. Most importantly, only use foods you know are safe for dogs. If you’re ever unsure about a food item, a great resource is the ASPCA’s guide on foods to avoid. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog has allergies or specific dietary needs.