hey guys, let’s cut to the chase: if you’ve ever stared at a half-eaten rawhide strip, a chewed-up couch leg, and thought “I could make something better for my pup,” you’re not alone. As someone who’s been running a pet chew toy supply business for the last 7 years, I get this question nonstop from customers, Instagram followers, and even random dog park strangers. Most of the time, the answer is… yeah, you definitely can make your own. But before you grab that old t-shirt or random bone from your backyard, let’s talk about what works, what’s dangerous, and what actually stands up to a heavy chewer. No fluff, just real stuff I’ve learned from years of testing (and the occasional ruined batch of homemade toys that sent me back to the lab). Pet Chew Toys
First off, why would you even bother making your own? I hear the complaints: store-bought chews are expensive, they have weird fillers, your dog hates half of them, and the good ones sell out in 2 days. I’ve had a customer tell me she spent $80 a month on premium chews for her 80lb lab, and half ended up under the fridge within an hour. Homemade options let you control exactly what goes into them—no hidden preservatives, no weird plastic coatings, just stuff you know your dog is safe with. And for light to moderate chewers (think: small breeds, puppies, or dogs that don’t destroy everything), they’re super easy to throw together.
But wait, there’s a big caveat here: not all “homemade” is created equal. A lot of the DIY tutorials online are straight-up dangerous. I’ve seen people make toys from old fishing line (that can tear and choke a dog) or cook treats in aluminum foil (leaches bad stuff if not handled right). I’ve even had a few new suppliers test bad DIY recipes before they came to me, and they ended up with products that split apart and got stuck in dogs’ throats. So let’s start with the “safe to make” list, broken down by chew type, because that’s how I categorize my supply line.
For light chewers (puppies, chihuahuas, French bulldogs), soft, squishy toys are perfect, and you can make these in 10 minutes. My go-to easy recipe: take a clean, old cotton t-shirt (no synthetic fabrics—they fray too much) and cut it into 1-inch thick strips. Then braid three strips together and tie a knot on each end. That’s it. Wait, why cotton? Synthetic fabrics like polyester leave tiny plastic bits when chewed, which aren’t great for dogs’ digestion. Cotton is natural, soft enough for little teeth, and if your pup tears off a small piece, it’ll pass (just keep an eye on it, obviously). Another easy soft one: fill a clean, old sock with a few dog-safe treats (like plain kibble or freeze-dried liver bits), tie the end, and twist it a few times. This is great for puppies who need something to gnaw on when they’re teething, and it’s way cheaper than the store-bought teething toys I sell.
Now, moderate chewers (border collies, beagles, corgis) need something a little sturdier. This is where homemade can get tricky, but it’s doable if you use the right materials. One recipe I’ve tested over and over: bake a bone-shaped treat from plain pumpkin, whole wheat flour, and a bit of peanut butter (no xylitol—super toxic to dogs, don’t use that). Mix 2 cups whole wheat flour, ½ cup pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling!), ¼ cup unsweetened peanut butter, and a little water to make a dough. Roll it out to ½ inch thick, cut with a bone cookie cutter, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. These hard, crunchy treats last a few hours for a moderate chewer, no weird fillers, and you can even add a little honey for extra flavor. Another option: take a clean rubber water bottle (label-free, obviously) and wrap it with a cotton t-shirt strip, tying it tight. The rubber is sturdy, the cotton adds texture, and it’s super cheap. Just make sure the bottle is empty and rinsed—no leftover soda or juice, that’s a recipe for a sick pup.
But here’s the part I see most people mess up: heavy chewers (huskies, German shepherds, Rottweilers) need toys that can take a beating. Store-bought heavy chews are expensive for a reason—they’re made from super tough materials like cow horn or elk antler, which are way harder than anything you can make at home. Wait, does that mean you can’t make a chew toy for a heavy chewer? No, but you have to adjust your expectations. The best DIY heavy chews are for “mental stimulation” more than “gnawing nonstop.” For example, you can take a sturdy PVC pipe (the kind used for plumbing, not the thin cheap stuff) and drill a few holes in it, then stuff it with freeze-dried treats and peanut butter. The pipe is tough enough that a heavy chewer won’t crush it immediately, and they’ll spend hours trying to get the treats out. But if you leave that with a tough chewer for 24 hours, they’ll probably bite through the PVC eventually. That’s not a flaw—it’s a reality I tell every customer who asks about heavy chews. I can sell you a chew that lasts 2 weeks, you can make one that lasts a few hours, and that’s okay if you’re just looking for a quick enrichment toy.
Now, let’s talk about the big risks of homemade chews, because I’ve had to field way too many emergency vet stories from people who messed this up. First, choking hazards. If your toy has small parts that can be pulled off (like knots that are too loose, or treats that are too small), your dog can swallow them. For example, a lot of people make braided t-shirts and tie tiny knots—if your dog is a heavy chewer, they’ll work that knot free and swallow the strip. So make your knots tight, or use thicker fabric. Second, toxic materials. I can’t stress this enough: no xylitol in peanut butter, no chocolate, no grapes, no raisins. Also, avoid any materials that have been treated with chemicals—old fabric that was dyed with harsh chemicals, pressure-treated wood, plastic that’s not food-safe. Third, digestion issues. If your dog eats a lot of fabric or rubber, it can cause blockages. I recommend always supervising your dog when they’re playing with a homemade chew, just like you would with a store-bought one. If you notice they’re gnawing more than usual, or if the toy is falling apart, take it away and replace it.
Wait, but what about if you love making homemade toys, but you also want something reliable for your heavy chewer? That’s where I come in. I know a lot of people who start making their own chews, then realize they don’t have time to test recipes, or their heavy chewer goes through homemade toys in an hour. That’s why I supply pet chews that are tested for safety, made from durable materials, and come in sizes for every type of chewer. But I also encourage customers to make their own! It’s a fun project, especially if you have kids, and it saves money. Just make sure you do it right.
Let me also share a few of my favorite DIY hacks that I’ve picked up over the years. If you want a chew that’s extra tough, you can bake those pumpkin treats a little longer—25-30 minutes, so they’re super hard. If you have a dog that loves stuffed toys but you don’t want to buy the expensive ones, you can take an old denim jacket (super sturdy) and make a stuffed toy with it—denim is way tougher than cotton. And for teething puppies, frozen homemade treats are perfect: take plain yogurt, freeze it in a Kong (or a clean plastic ice cube tray), and that’s a great way to soothe their gums. Just make sure the yogurt is plain, no added sugar.
I’ve been in this pet chew supply business for long enough to know that the best products for your dog are the ones that work for both you and your pup. If you’re crafty and have time, homemade chews are a great option. If you want a chew that’s built to last, no fuss, then reach out to me to talk about what you need for your dog—whether it’s a heavy chewer, a teething puppy, or something in between. I test every product I supply with actual dogs (my own included) to make sure they’re safe and durable, so you don’t have to worry about taking your pup to the vet because of a bad chew toy.
At the end of the day, can you make your own pet chew toys? Absolutely. Just skip the dangerous tutorials, stick to safe materials, supervise your dog, and adjust for their chew strength. If you want to skip the trial and error, just let me know what you’re looking for, and we can chat about the best options for your pup.
Kids Gear References:
- American Veterinary Medical Association. (2022). "Safe Chew Toys for Dogs." Retrieved from AVMA.org
- National Animal Supplement Council. (2021). "Homemade Treat Safety for Pets."
- Journal of Veterinary Behavior. (2020). "Chew Toy Preference and Durability in Domestic Dogs."
Yixing Baiyun Plastic Co., Ltd.
Yixing Baiyun Plastic Co., Ltd. is one of the most experienced pet chew toys manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and low price. Welcome to buy bulk CE approved pet chew toys made in China here and get pricelist from our factory. We also accept customized orders.
Address: 66 East Hongta Street, Yixing City, Jiangsu Provicce, China
E-mail: baiyunplastic@gmail.com
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