Leaf Score’s canine team members have been hard at work testing balls, frisbees, food, and beds. This time, they’re gnashing their teeth at a chance to test out eco-friendly, non-toxic dog chew toys.
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Pig ears and rawhide are a potential choking hazard and may cause bowel obstruction if your dog swallows large chunks.
These chews are also very likely to harbor various unpleasant microbes and may even be germ-riddled before you get them home from the store. If you have a puppy or senior dog or an immunocompromised dog, these are a definite no.
And don’t even get me started on ‘bully sticks’.
Our top picks
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone
Highlights: Made from non-toxic natural materials by a sustainable company. Great for light to strong chewers.
- Made from PEFC sourced sustainable natural wood fiber and sustainable plant-based oil
- Hypoallergenic, non-splintering, and non-toxic
- Three sizes available
- Nylon-free and plastic-free
- Helps clean teeth
- Available in soft and hard versions
- Available without added flavors or with natural beef flavor
- Easy for dogs to hold and chew
- Net-zero emissions product
- 1% for the Planet member
- Beef version isn’t vegan (Classic is)
The BetterBone is a top choice for a plastic-free, non-splintering chew toy, especially if your pup is an aggressive chewer.
Unlike most bone-shaped chew toys (ahem, Nylabone), this wishbone shaped toy is really easy for your dog to hold onto and chew. That means less frustration and more actual chewing for stress relief and fun.
My pup would definitely have an easier time with this one (if it shipped to Canada) versus the straighter bone-shaped chew toys.
BetterBone Classic is a net-zero emissions product. This claim lacks certification but I suspect the company uses offsets to account for the few emissions associated with production. BetterBone estimates that this kind of bone reduces fossil fuel use and emissions by up to 85% versus ‘traditional materials’, by which I assume the company means cow bones or nylon bones.
Beco Pets Hemp Ring Dog Toy
- BPA-free and plastic-free
- Made of woven hemp and recycled cotton
- Durable and fun for tough chewers
- Sheds in short fibers that are unlikely to cause harm if accidentally ingested
- Good size for most pups – 6.5-inches by 2-inches
- Supports dental health
- PETA Approved vegan
- Charitable company that donates 5% of profits to charities and causes helping animals
- Ships plastic-free in recycled and recyclable packaging
- Award-winning ethical company
- Hemp can smell funky when wet
- Heavier than some chew toys
- Made in China (albeit responsibly)
The Hemp Ring Dog Toy from Beco Pets is an eco-friendly, non-toxic choice ideal for pups who like to chew, fetch, and tug. Hemp is naturally sustainable and Beco jazzes it up with a little recycled cotton for fun.
This durable dog toy is tough enough to withstand some serious chewing but when it does shed, its short fibers shouldn’t cause intestinal blockages, unlike some other ‘chew’ toys. The hemp fibers also help to keep dogs’ teeth and gums clean and healthy.
And, frankly, this hemp toy looks nice enough to display as a piece of art. So if your dog hates it for some reason, all is not lost. It also just feels nice as a fidget toy! It’s satisfyingly squashable and fun to pick at, if that’s your jam.
Unlike some other hemp toys, I haven’t noticed any funky wet hemp smell coming from this hemp ring. That may be because the design lets it dry off faster instead of festering like some other toys.
Otter® Hemp Rope
Highlights: Sustainable hemp rope free from herbicides and pesticides. Naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Easy for pups to hold. Made in America.
- Made in the USA by a family-run company
- All natural hemp, resistant to mold and mildew
- Biodegradable
- Eco-friendly packaging made with 100% recycled, 50%+ post-consumer waste
- Soy- and vege-based inks on packaging
- Available in four weights
- Otter supports local non-profits and shelters
- Hemp can be smelly when damp
- Heavier than some synthetic rope toys
- A bit pricy versus synthetics (but well worth it)
A staff favorite at Modern Dog magazine, the Otter Hemp Rope is a top choice for an eco-friendly, non-toxic dog chew toy. If your dog loves rope toys but you’re sick of plastic, this is a great alternative. It also makes a really good training aid if your dog is motivated by tug games.
Unlike most dog toys, this rope meets or exceeds the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and ASTM F963-11. That means this dog toy is just as safe as toys meant for human infants, without dangerous levels of lead or other heavy metals and no small parts that could be a choking hazard.
The rope toy is great for dogs of all shapes and sizes, whatever their size and bite strength, though it’s not intended for puppies.
Otter® is a small Wyoming start-family-run company and the hemp rope toy was its first product. As one of the best eco-friendly pet products made in the USA from sustainable materials, I’m keen for folks to support this company.
Awoo Pets Link Felt Dog Toy
Highlights: Natural wool dog toy for chewing, tugging, and throwing. Made in a GoodWeave certified factory and totally non-toxic.
- Made of natural wool and non-toxic dyes
- Great for throwing, chewing, and tugging
- Fiber helps to clean gums and teeth
- Good length – 10-inches overall
- Ships plastic-free in paper mailer
- Handcrafted by a GoodWeave certified women’s co-op in Nepal
- Humanely sourced wool from Patagonia and New Zealand
- Compostable at end of life
- Expensive (though good value for money)
Surprisingly durable, this felted wool link toy from Awoo holds up to tough chewers and even handles tug of war with aplomb.
Side benefits include support for doggie dental hygiene and compostability at end of life.
My senior pup showed more interest in this toy than any other I’ve tried in a while. She gave it a good chew and it held up exceedingly well. So much so that it’s become an objet d’art on our coffee table.
I will likely donate this to a younger dog who has more energy to burn, however, as my pup quickly lost interest (not unusual at her age). If your dog similarly loses interest, rest assured that this gorgeous link toy doubles as a rather nice fidget toy for humans.
Seriously, this thing has a pleasing texture and has already ended up in the hands of several houseguests who don’t even realize it’s a dog toy.
We also tried out the Awoo Felt Bone. This is a really lovely size and a pleasing shade of green. It was easy for my dog to pick up and carry around, and absolutely won’t hurt her older gums and teeth. It’s currently hidden somewhere in her bed and I’ve noticed she likes to lick it as a form of stress relief (hello, living with a high-energy toddler).
If your dog likes tug, go for the felt toy as it’s more versatile. But if you’re wanting a chew toy that is easier for your pup to carry, the felt bone is a great choice.
It’s also nice to see dog toys being produced ethically, in a way that supports female artisans in lower income countries. And the packaging is plastic-free and staple-free and totally recyclable. Awoo sent all my goodies in a simple cotton bag that quickly became a handy produce bag for the grocery store.
Beco Treat Bone
Highlights: Durable, thick, natural rubber chew toy you can stuff with treats.
- Made from natural rubber
- Hollow ends you can stuff with treats
- Tough and durable
- Product comes with recyclable cardboard tag
- Ships plastic free in recycled and recyclable packaging
- BPA-free and free from toxic chemicals
- Available in light blue and pink
- 1% for the Planet member
- Not a chew toy your dog should destroy
- Made in China (albeit responsibly)
While my trusty canine product tester hasn’t tested the Beco Treat Bone herself, other dogs seem to love it. The bone appears to hold up well to strong chewers and at end of life it is fully biodegradable.
As a reusable product you can stuff with treats of your choice, this is a top pick for a sustainable chew toy.
Beco Pets is a UK company that gives back to the community, donating a portion of profits to various animal charities.
The Kind Pet Hemp Dog Bone
Highlights: Organic hemp and organic cotton bone-shaped chew, fetch, and snuggle toy. Best for light to moderate chewers only.
- Made from hemp and organic cotton canvas with organic cotton filling and cotton label
- Squeaker-free!
- Non-toxic, plastic-free and free of toxic dyes
- Available in Small, Medium, and Large
- Compostable
- Made in LA, USA
- Ships plastic free in recyclable and recycled packaging
- Spot clean or machine wash and dry
- Expensive
- Not tough enough for stronger chewers
If your pup is more of a gentle chewer and likes an organic snuggle buddy, the Kind Pet Hemp Bone could be just the thing. While fairly durable, this one is far from indestructable, so I wouldn’t recommend it as a main chew toy for serious chewers.
The bone is available in three sizes, from 6-inches to 11.5 inches long. All are made with durable hemp and organic cotton canvas with organic cotton fill.
I really like that this chew toy is machine washable and can be tumble dried on low. Otherwise, hemp and cotton chew toys tend to get really gross really fast in my experience.
The Good Dog Company Hemp Biscuit
Highlights: Machine washable, naturally antibacterial, and resistant to mold and mildew.
- Made of hemp and ‘organic’ cotton
- Contains a squeaker for added fun/irritation
- Durable and mostly natural
- Machine washable
- Naturally antibacterial and resistant to mold and mildew
- Measures 4 by 9 inches
- Contains a squeaker for added irritation/fun
- Undisclosed dyes in color options
- Often out of stock
- No organic certification
The Good Dog Company Hemp Biscuit Dog Toys are made with durable hemp and organic cotton on the outside and a raw hemp fiber filling, plus a squeaker.
Perfect for playing fetch, annoying the neighbors, or for a good old chew, this is a biscuit that will last your dog a lot longer than most pet store treats.
I’ve reached out to the company to check what kind of dyes they use in the blue and red toys and I’m waiting to hear back. In the meantime, my recommendation is to go for the natural, undyed, Hemp Biscuit Dog Toy.
Rough and Tough Recycled Koala Dog Toy
Highlights: 100% recycled polyester ‘plush’ toy that holds up well to moderate to tough chewers. Floats and squeaks!
- Made with 100% recycled polyester (RPET from 15 plastic water bottles)
- BPA-free and cruelty-free (unless you’re the koala)
- Contains squeaker
- Durable double layer design with double stitching
- Washable and less smelly than some natural toys
- Floats!
- Ships in recycled and recyclable packaging
- Made of synthetic (albeit it recycled) materials
- Will shed microplastics as it breaks down
- Some dogs will destroy it in a day or two
Beco Pets offers several soft dog toys made entirely of RPET recycled polyester from plastic water bottles. The koala is my favorite and contains a squeaker sure to entice your pup (I refuse to test this one as squeakers drive me bananas).
Beco Pets makes sure to use a double layer of durable polyester and double stitching to make this a tougher challenge even for keen chewers. And thanks to its simple material composition, you could recycle the shredded carcass of the koala once your pup is done.
Jax & Bones Jerry the Giraffe Rope Toy
Highlights: Machine washable dog toy made from cotton.
- Natural dog toy made of cotton and vegetable-based dyes
- Machine washable
- Handknotted
- Frays and unravels and acts like dental floss
- Totally biodegradable and compostable
- Cotton isn’t organic
- Needs knotting back together to prevent pups swallowing long fibers
- Cotton gets pretty gross and smelly after a while
Jerry the Giraffe is a cotton dog rope toy that the company claims is chemical-free and non-toxic. I’d like it better if it were made with recycled or organic cotton, but this is still an improvement on synthetic dog rope toys.
My top tip is to wash this toy before giving it to your pup. This will help wash away any residual pesticides or herbicides associated with conventional cotton farming.
Because this giraffe toy is handknotted cotton, it naturally frays and unravels, acting a bit like dental floss to help keep your pup’s teeth clean. You’ll want to plait it back together though if it starts to unravel too much. Otherwise, your pup may swallow longer pieces of cotton that could cause a digestive issue.
If the toy gets too gross for your liking, you can throw it in the wash and dry in the dryer. Or, if it’s beyond redemption, you can bury it or compost it as it’s totally biodegradable.
Hi. I wondered if you have looked into P.L.A.Y dog toys. The company states they are eco friendly & use azo free dye.
I found this awesome safe dog stick chew made out of coffee wood and thought you might be interested in adding it to this list. It saved my walls and baseboards!
Hi Tamar,
This sounds intriguing! Do you have any more details? I’d love to look into this further.
Thanks,
Leigh