Dogs that are compulsive chewers love toys that they can munch on until their little heart’s content. However, did you know that you could make your own indestructible dog chew toys without having to buy them? Let’s face it, doggie supplies can add up, so why not stretch your budget by making some of your dog’s toys yourself?
In this article, we’ll list our favorite DIY indestructible dog toys for dogs that you can make right in the comfort of your own home. Most of these ideas have only two or three items you’ll need, most of which you probably already have, so let’s get started!
The 9 DIY Indestructible Dog Toys for Dogs That Chew
1. Indestructible Dog Toy by shesparticular
| Materials: | Hemp or jute rope, sweet potatoes, sheet pan, and parchment or foil |
| Tools: | Sharp knife, round cookie cutter, veggie peeler (optional) |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This indestructible dog toy works well for puppies or for dogs that don’t destroy toys in record time. Even for tough chewers, this toy should last longer than one you’d buy, and it doesn’t take too many materials and tools to make.
Hemp and jute rope are pretty tough, and if swallowed, the material won’t hurt your dog’s digestive tract because it is natural and eco-friendly. Sweet potatoes offer many nutritional benefits when boiled, cooked, or baked, so with those two items alone, it’s a win-win. With the simple ingredients, you can have an indestructible dog toy that should last a while.
2. Toy Made from Old Tee-Shirts by AMANDA LIVESAY
| Materials: | Old T-shirt cut into six strips |
| Tools: | None |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Most people have an old T-shirt or two lying around, and what better use of them than to make a dog toy? This is a super-easy way to make a dog toy, even for the toughest chewers. To make this toy, you simply cut the shirt into six strips. Tie a knot at one end and start braiding. When you get to the other end, tie another knot, and you’re done! Easy peasy.
3. Fleece Dog Tug by Dalmatian DIY
| Materials: | Polar fleece or any other fabric that does not shred |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This is another idea from Dalmatian DIY that’s similar to our second DIY option. You don’t need much to make this tug toy—you just need polar fleece material and scissors. It’s important to note that you don’t have to use fleece, but whatever fabric you use, be sure it is sturdy and doesn’t shred into pieces.
This DIY idea uses a square knot method, and the inventor takes you through each step so you can easily make this yourself.
4. DIY Tennis Ball Toy by The Tiptoe Fairy
| Materials: | 18” x 18” piece of fleece, tennis ball |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
We think it’s safe to say that most dogs love tennis balls, and you can make this toy by The Tiptoe Fairy with ease. To start, lay the fleece on a flat surface. Start cutting from each corner, about 6 inches from the corner of the fabric. Place the tennis ball in the center and gather up the fleece tightly around the ball. You then simply tie it with a scrap piece of fleece. That’s it!
5. Rope Bone Dog Toy
| Materials: | 60’ of 3/8-inch cotton rope, 2 lacrosse or tennis balls, cardboard, duct tape, threaded pins |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Rope toys are excellent for the toughest chewers, and here’s one you can make yourself. This DIY project calls for lacrosse balls, but not everyone will have those around. If you’re in that predicament, tennis balls will work too—only tennis balls are a bit bigger. This project is a little more advanced, mainly because there’s a trick to tying the rope so that it’s tight, but if you follow the clear instructions, you should be able to make this toy with no problem.
6. No-Sew Dog Toy by Sylvia’s Stitches
| Materials: | Fleece fabric |
| Tools: | Large binder clip, ruler |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This no-sew dog toy by Sylvia’s Stitches works much in the same way as other DIY toys on our list. These braided toys prove to be indestructible, at least for a while, and they make excellent toys for chewers.
The only tool you’ll need is a binder clip, and that’s to hold the fabric in place while you braid. If you have someone that can help you, you may not even need the binder clip because that person can hold the fabric while you braid. The instructions are easy, and you can have fun with it by using whatever color fabric you want.
7. DIY Water Bottle Dog Toy by Heather Handmade
| Materials: | Old denim jeans, plastic water bottle, stuffing |
| Tools: | Scissors, sewing machine |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Who knew that water bottles could be so much fun? This crafty DIY project from Heather Handmade will entertain your dog for hours, and it’s cheap to make. For heavy chewers, you’ll want to use thick denim. The inventor of this clever dog toy uses a PDF sewing pattern. If you’re not familiar with them, the inventor gives you detailed instructions on how to do it. To make this toy, you’ll cut bone-shaped pieces from the denim and insert the water bottle. Ensure that the water bottle you use is clean before inserting it, and you’ll soon have a fun toy for your pup.
8. Happiest Camper Dog Chew Toy by Happiest Camper
| Materials: | Jean fabric, cotton stuffing, chalk or marker, pins, pattern, needle and thread, free sewing pattern |
| Tools: | Sewing machine, scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This dog chew toy by Happiest Camper is another great idea using old jeans you may have lying around. You can download the free pattern on the website that you’ll use to cut and shape the jeans. You could sew this by hand if you don’t have a sewing machine. However, that will take you longer, but it can be done if need be. The instructions are clear, and it should be relatively easy to make.
9. Homemade Dog Toy by Darcy and Brian
| Materials: | Old pillowcase, preferable cotton, tennis ball |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This homemade toy by Darcy and Brian can be made with simple items you probably already have. You just need a pair of scissors, a tennis ball, and an old pillowcase, preferably a cotton or high-cotton blend. With a few cuts, this toy will be ready to go. The instructions are easy to follow. The only thing that may be an issue is if you don’t know how to braid. Even still, the instructions will help you accomplish that task.
Summing Up
We want to stress that you should never leave your dog unsupervised while playing with toys, especially homemade toys. No toy is truly indestructible, but hopefully, these ideas listed above will last a while. When the toy has bit the dust, you can easily make another one. You can also make extras for animals in shelters or rescues if you have the time. Now, go have fun making your doggie a homemade chew toy!
See Also:
- How to Teach Your Dog Not to Destroy Toys (6 Effective Methods)
- Do Dogs Think Their Stuffed Animals Are Real? Behavior & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Kashaeva Irina, Shutterstock
The 9 DIY Indestructible Dog Toys for Dogs That Chew
