DIY Dog Toys for Enrichment and Joy: A Comprehensive Guide

Happy dog playing with a homemade ball, using its nose to find treats hidden among colourful fleece strips

Create Fun and Safe DIY Dog Toys for Your Furry Friend

As pet owners, we all strive to give our dogs the best care and enrichment possible. One of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enhance your dog's life is by crafting homemade toys. These toys not only entertain but also cater to their natural instincts, providing both mental stimulation and physical exercise. In this blog, Barekmor® Pet Foods shares creative and safe DIY dog toy ideas that your canine companion will adore.


Why Enrichment Is Crucial for Dogs

Dogs are intelligent and active animals that need both mental and physical engagement to thrive. Lack of enrichment can lead to boredom, anxiety, and even destructive behaviours. Engaging your dog with interactive activities and toys helps prevent these issues and enhances their overall well-being.


Benefits of Homemade Dog Toys

  1. Affordability: Save money by using items you already have at home.
  2. Customization: Tailor toys to your dog’s preferences and activity levels.
  3. Safety: Control the materials used to ensure they’re safe and non-toxic.
  4. Bonding: Creating toys can be a fun and collaborative experience for you and your pet.

DIY Dog Toy Ideas

1. Snuffle Mat for Foraging Fun

A snuffle mat encourages your dog’s natural foraging instincts.

  • Materials: Rubber mat or sturdy fabric base, fleece strips, scissors.
  • Instructions: Cut fleece into strips, knot them onto the mat, and hide kibble or treats among the strips.
  • Benefit: Provides mental stimulation and challenges your dog to use their sense of smell.

2. Frozen Treat Toys

Perfect for hot days, frozen treats keep your dog entertained and refreshed.

  • Materials: Hollow toys (like a Kong), low-sodium broth, plain yogurt, and healthy add-ins like carrots or peanut butter.
  • Instructions: Fill the toy with the mixture, freeze, and serve.
  • Benefit: Promotes hydration and offers long-lasting engagement.

3. DIY Tug Toy

Tug-of-war is a favourite game for many dogs.

  • Materials: Durable fabric (e.g., old T-shirts or fleece).
  • Instructions: Cut the fabric into strips, braid or twist them, and tie the ends securely.
  • Benefit: Encourages interactive play and strengthens your bond with your dog.

4. Puzzle Feeders

Stimulate your dog’s problem-solving skills with homemade puzzle feeders.

  • Materials: Toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, muffin tins, or plastic bottles.
  • Instructions: Hide treats or kibble inside the chosen item and let your dog figure out how to retrieve them.
  • Benefit: Keeps your dog mentally engaged during mealtime.

5. Scent Exploration Toys

Engage your dog’s powerful sense of smell with scent-based toys.

  • Materials: Fabric, essential oils (e.g., lavender or chamomile).
  • Instructions: Add a few drops of pet-safe essential oils to the fabric and hide it in a box or bag.
  • Benefit: Provides calming enrichment for anxious dogs.

6. Chew Toys

Satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew while maintaining dental health.

  • Materials: Bully sticks, antlers, or homemade treats like dehydrated sweet potatoes.
  • Benefit: Reduces boredom and supports gum and teeth health.

7. Upcycled Toys

Repurpose household items into engaging toys.

  • Examples:
    • Stuff an old T-shirt with shredded paper for a soft toy.
    • Tie socks into knots for a simple chew toy.
    • Use empty water bottles (remove the cap) for a crinkly, chew-safe toy.
  • Benefit: Reduces waste while keeping your dog entertained.

Safety First: Tips for DIY Dog Toys

  • Use Non-Toxic Materials: Avoid harmful chemicals or dyes.
  • Inspect Regularly: Check for wear and tear, and replace damaged toys promptly.
  • Supervise Playtime: Especially when introducing new toys.
  • Size Matters: Ensure toys are the right size to prevent choking hazards.

Pro Tips for Maximum Engagement

  1. Rotate Toys: Keep playtime exciting by introducing different toys each week.
  2. Interactive Play: Join in the fun to strengthen your bond with your dog.
  3. Combine Toys with Training: Use toys as rewards to reinforce positive behaviours.
  4. Incorporate Barekmor® Treats: Use our premium grain-free dog food or treats in puzzle feeders for added nutrition and engagement.

Why Choose Barekmor® Pet Foods?

At Barekmor®, we believe in supporting pets’ holistic well-being. Our UK-made, hypoallergenic, grain-free dog and cat food is crafted with a minimum of 65% real meat to cater to pets with sensitive stomachs. Combine our nutritious food with engaging toys to ensure your dog leads a happy, healthy life.


Unleash Your Creativity

Homemade dog toys are a cost-effective, customizable, and enriching way to engage your furry friend. By understanding your dog's unique needs and preferences, you can create a range of toys that foster mental stimulation, physical activity, and emotional bonding. Remember to prioritize safety and enjoy the process of making and playing with these DIY creations.

Explore the endless possibilities and start crafting your DIY dog toys today. Your furry companion will thank you with wagging tails and boundless joy!

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