Pets are not just animals—they’re members of our family. Our furry companions need a variety of activities and toys to keep them busy, stimulated, and healthy. But what do you do if your pooch is a heavy chewer and always destroys any toy you buy?
One excellent option is to make your own. In this article, we cover many safe, easy, and fun DIY dog toys for chewers. From braided fabric chew toys to treat puzzles and stuffed food alternatives, you’ll find the perfect toy for your furry best friend.
Why Are DIY Dog Toys Good?
Before we begin, let’s go over why DIY dog toys are a great idea in the first place.
1. Safety
Unless you specifically buy all-natural toys, many store-bought dog toys are made of questionable materials that can be dangerous—or even deadly—if shredded and swallowed. By making your own toys, you know exactly what’s in them and can avoid any materials your dog can’t or shouldn’t have.
2. They’re Inexpensive
Good chew toys can get expensive, especially when you have a heavy chewer who destroys most toys in five minutes. DIY dog toys for chewers—especially plush-style toys—are often made from items you already have around the house, such as old t-shirts, ropes, or tennis balls. This means you save money while also repurposing and recycling household items.
3. Custom Fun
Every dog is different. Some love squeaky toys, some prefer chewing toys, and others enjoy solving puzzles. Chewers also vary—one dog might shred a toy in minutes, while another plays with the same toy for hours. Making your own toys allows you to customize them to your dog’s unique needs and preferences, keeping them entertained longer and helping prevent unwanted chewing, like destroying your shoes.
Materials to Make Dog Toys for Chewers
Now that you’re convinced making your own DIY dog toys for chewers is a good idea, let’s talk materials. Safety is crucial. Avoid toxic materials and choking hazards, and always choose dog-safe options like non-toxic glue, rubber, wood, rope, fabric, or clothing.
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Old T-Shirts, Socks, and Towels: These can be braided, knotted, or stuffed with treats to create durable dog toys.
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Rope or Paracord: Strong ropes are excellent chew toys for heavy chewers, especially when knotted.
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Tennis Balls and Rubber Balls: These can be used on their own, hidden inside other toys, or turned into treat-dispensing toys.
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Plastic Bottles: Bottles make great crinkly toys, but supervision is essential to prevent dogs from chewing them into swallowable pieces.
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PVC Pipes: Capped PVC pipes are durable and ideal for long-lasting treat puzzles.
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Rubber or Foam: Soft rubber toys can be stuffed with food for safe chewing.
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Natural Dog Chews: Items like carrots, sweet potatoes, and bully sticks can also be incorporated into homemade dog toys.
DIY Dog Toys for Chewers List
We hope this list of easy-to-find, fun, and safe DIY dog toys for chewers helps keep your pooch happy and busy.
DIY Dog Toy: Braided T-Shirt Tug Toy
What you need:
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3 old t-shirts
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Scissors
How to make it:
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Cut the t-shirts into long strips about 2–3 inches wide.
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Tie the strips together at one end.
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Braid the strips tightly together.
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Tie off the end securely.
How it works:
This toy is great for tug-of-war games or gentle chewing. The braided fabric provides resistance while remaining soft on your dog’s teeth.
DIY Dog Toy: Knotted Rope Chew
What you need:
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A long, thick rope or paracord
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Scissors
How to make it:
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Cut a rope about 3 feet long (adjust based on your dog’s size).
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Tie a large knot at one end.
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Tie another knot in the middle and one at the other end.
How it works:
Perfect for heavy chewers, this knotted rope toy provides a satisfying texture while the knots help prevent easy unraveling.
DIY Dog Toy: Treat-Dispensing Bottle Toy
What you need:
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Empty plastic water bottle
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Old sock or fabric tube
How to make it:
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Remove the cap and plastic ring from the bottle.
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Slide the bottle inside a sock or fabric tube.
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Tie off the open end securely.
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Optional: Add treats inside the bottle for extra fun.
How it works:
As your dog rolls or shakes the toy, treats slowly fall out, keeping them engaged. This is one of the best DIY dog toys for chewers because it also doubles as a brain game.
DIY Dog Toy: PVC Puzzle Feeder
What you need:
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PVC pipe with end caps
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Drill
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Dog treats
How to make it:
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Drill several small holes in the PVC pipe.
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Securely cap one end.
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Fill the pipe with treats.
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Loosely cap the other end.
How it works:
Your dog must roll and shake the pipe to release the treats, making it perfect for problem-solvers who enjoy mental challenges and physical activity.
DIY Dog Toy: Frozen Peanut Butter Chew
What you need:
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Ice cube tray or silicone mold
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Xylitol-free peanut butter
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Carrots or other dog-safe treats
How to make it:
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Place treats into the mold.
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Add peanut butter on top.
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Freeze until solid.
How it works:
Frozen chews are excellent for teething puppies, older dogs, or dogs who love long-lasting gnawing toys. They offer both mental and physical stimulation.
DIY Dog Toy: Sock and Tennis Ball Surprise
What you need:
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Old sock
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Tennis ball
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Dog treats (optional)
How to make it:
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Place the tennis ball inside the sock.
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Tie the sock securely over the ball.
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Optional: Add treats inside the sock for extra excitement.
How it works:
Simple but effective, this toy provides a chewy fabric surface and a fun squeak. Treats can make it even more engaging.
DIY Dog Toys Safety Tips
Even the best dog toys can be dangerous without proper supervision. Follow these safety tips when using DIY dog toys.
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Supervise Playtime
Never leave your dog alone with a new DIY toy until you’re sure it’s durable enough. -
Check for Swallowable Parts
Ensure there are no loose threads, small parts, or fibers that could be swallowed. -
Inspect for Wear and Tear
Regularly check toys and discard any that are torn or damaged. -
Avoid Toxic Materials
Use only non-toxic materials such as dog-safe glue, rope, rubber, wood, and fabric. -
Choose the Right Size
Toys that are too small pose choking hazards, while toys that are too large may be difficult for your dog to play with.
Benefits of DIY Dog Toys for Chewers
Beyond being safe, fun, and affordable, DIY dog toys offer additional benefits.
1. Dental Hygiene
Chewing helps clean teeth, massage gums, and reduce plaque buildup.
2. Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys and interactive games prevent boredom and reduce destructive behaviors.
3. Physical Exercise
Tugging, chewing, fetching, and rolling toys help keep dogs active and fit.
4. Quality Time
Making and playing with DIY toys strengthens the bond between you and your dog, leading to better behavior and trust.
DIY Dog Toys for Chewers Wrap-Up
DIY dog toys for chewers are a creative, safe, and cost-effective way to keep your dog happy, healthy, and stimulated. Using everyday household items—especially recycled materials—you can create durable, personalized toys tailored to your dog’s chewing habits.
These simple DIY dog toys for chewers can save money, reduce waste, and provide hours of fun, mental stimulation, and physical exercise. Always supervise play, inspect toys regularly, and ensure toys are the right size with no swallowable parts.
Final Thoughts
DIY dog toys for chewers allow you to be creative, frugal, and safe while keeping your dog entertained. From chew toys and tug toys to puzzle feeders and stuffed treats, the possibilities are endless.
Many DIY dog toys for chewers can be made using items you already have—old t-shirts, towels, socks, plastic bottles, rope, tennis balls, PVC pipes, or even carrots. So gather up your old supplies, start crafting, and see how many fun and durable DIY dog toys you can make for your pooch!
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