DIY Dog Toys To Try This Plastic-Free July

Keeping your dog entertained is vital for not only their physical health but also for their mental health too. Yet often, toys and puzzles for your favourite four-legged friend are created using heaps of pointless plastic. 

This Plastic-Free July, we wanted to share our favourite DIY toys which will keep your dog entertained for hours, and the best part, there’s no plastic in sight! 

Tennis ball tug toy 

This easy to make toy really couldn’t be simpler! All you need is a piece of rope, or an old t-shirt, and a tennis ball. Just cut a hole in each side of the tennis ball and thread the rope, or the plaited t-shirt through, until the ball is in the centre. Once in place, tie knots either side of the ball to keep it in place. 

Tennis ball puzzle 

If you’re looking for some mental stimulation for your favourite four-legged friend, all you need is a tennis ball and some treats. Cut a slit into the tennis ball and fill it with your dog’s favourite treats, then throw it to your doggo and they’ll have hours of fun trying to get them out. 

Denim tug toy 

If you have an old pair of jeans lying around, these make perfect tug toys. Cut out a long, thick strip from the jeans and tie a knot into the middle, or at either end, to create a simple, no-sew tug toy. 

Toilet tube treat toy

An empty toilet roll tube makes the perfect treat dispenser! Spread peanut butter on the inside of the toilet roll tube and fold down the ends. Your doggo will have to try and lick the tasty treats from the inside of the cardboard without the tube rolling away from them, or without them squashing it. 

Tea towel snuffle mat

A snuffle mat is a mat with lots of fabric strips or pockets, which is used to hide treats. Make your own version of this mat by laying a tea towel flat on the floor and placing treats in the centre. Fold the towel over longways and then tie the towel in a loose knot so that the treats are wrapped in the middle. Give this to your doggo and they’ll have to figure out how to get to the tasty treats inside! 

… we’d love to see your plastic-free DIY creations!