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The simplest way to identify non-toxic dog toy materials is to check the label when you buy a puppy toy. However, that is easier said than done, given the variety of toy materials. Knowing which materials are safe and which ones to stay away from can be a minefield.
That’s why we’ve put together this blog on toxic dog toy materials, exactly why they’re toxic, as well as safer – and often more sustainable, alternatives. with the environment – which you can look for the next time you buy a dog toy.
Why are toxic materials in dog toys dangerous for dogs?
Because they are exactly that – malicious. However, the reason they are so much more dangerous than a toy is the fact that your dog will carry it around and chew on it. This makes it more likely that your dog will chew on a piece and accidentally ingest it, or that some toxic chemical escapes and enters the dog’s digestive system as they gnaw.
The problems it causes can range from cancer to immune problems, and much more. Next, we’ll look at the most common toxic materials found in dog toys, as well as some of the adverse reactions they can cause.
Dog Toys & Unsafe Dog Toy Materials
Below, we’ve listed some of the most commonly found hazardous materials in dog toys:
BPA (Bisphenol A)
BPA is a common material used to make all kinds of different plastic materials and products. It was first suggested that BPA could be harmful (for humans and animals, alike). all the way back to 1998, however it has continued to be widely used since then. Given its cost-effectiveness as a material, BPA is commonly used in many dog toys.
In dogs and other animals, BPA is thought to increase the risk of cancers, diabetes, neurological problems and reproductive problems, to name a few. Fortunately, fewer and fewer dog toy brands use BPA in their products and will often state on the packaging that their toys are ‘BPA free’.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
PVC is another popular material, appearing in everything from packaging to pipes, from construction to clothing. The main dangers of using PVC in dog toys are twofold: first, PVC toys often have phthalates added to make the toy easier to chew.
Those are the phthalates that are really toxic ingredients; Dogs are exposed to this material when they lick, chew, or gnaw on their toys and have been known to cause kidney, liver and reproductive problems in greater amounts.
The second problem with PVC is that, over time, other harmful chlorine-based materials are released, such as dioxins. These chemicals are known to interfere with both the immune and reproductive systems, as well as other important physiological processes, so it’s best to just avoid PVC dog toy products entirely. .
Formaldehyde
Rawhide dog toys often contain the chemical formaldehyde, which in the chew coating acts as a preservative. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde is believed to (according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA) to increase the risk of certain cancers. At lower levels of exposure, the material can still cause other, insignificant health problems, including digestive and respiratory problems.
Rawhide dog toys and toys should be avoided anyway, even alongside the use of formaldehyde, because they use harsh chemicals like lye and hydrogen peroxide. We recommend using more natural alternatives like recycled rubber or bone/chewing bamboo.
Brom
While more commonly found in dog bedding products than in dog toys, bromine is certainly another toxic ingredient to watch out for. Used as a flame retardant, this chemical if ingested can lead to liver toxicity, developmental problems and cancer.
In fact, in a Michigan-based product testing research Eco Centerfound that a staggering 45% of the dog toy/bed products they tested contained detectable levels of bromine, arsenic, and chlorine – all of which are known to be harmful to animals when ingested.
Chromium
Toys sold by Walmart, in the US, have previously been found to contain significantly high levels of the chemical chromium, cause the store to order a product recall.
The main problem with chromium (which is a heavy metal not unlike lead) is that it increases what is known as the ‘toxic burden’ on a dog’s physiological system. Toxic burden can be thought of as the total amount of toxins/unwanted materials found in your body at any given time.
Cadmium
Cadmium is another heavy metal that can cause problems similar to chromium when ingested by dogs. Problems caused by long or high exposure to cadmium include: bone disease, lung damage, vomiting, diarrhea and kidney damageto indicate some names.
Fortunately, cadmium is a banned substance in Europe so the chances of it finding it in dog toys are reduced. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t appear in products made in other parts of the world, so it’s still important. Check product packaging before giving your toy to your dog.
The best non-toxic dog toys
Typical, best, most Non-toxic toys for dogs are products made from natural, organic materials, and not from highly processed, chemically processed substitutes. Including:
Hemp fiber.
This makes a good material for dog toys for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s completely safe for your dog to chew on – obviously, this is the most important factor. In addition, it is mildew resistant and easy to clean. It is also a very tough plant fiber, which is ideal for making chew toys such as knotted rope toys.
Food grade silicone.
This is another great option for dog chew toys, thanks to its non-toxic ingredients, machine washability, and cost effectiveness. Medical grade silicone is also another good alternative. Another option similar to silicone is TPR (Thermoplastic rubber) is recyclable, flexible and again, easily cleaned.
Rice husk and natural rubber.
One of the best material combinations in terms of non-toxic, dog toys made from rice husks and natural rubber are all natural, free of harsh chemicals and safe if they are ingested for any reason. what reason.
Olive wood.
If your dog loves to pick up sticks and nibble on your table legs, a bone that’s made from sustainably sourced and treated wood like olive wood is a good idea. These bones do not crumble and olive wood is naturally harder than many other woods, making these bones extremely durable. They also often look better than plastic alternatives.
Bamboo.
Another great natural material like olive wood, bamboo has gained immense popularity as a material in recent times, thanks to its green certification. For example bamboo, grow thirty times faster than other treesand absorb an incredible thirty-five times more carbon dioxide.
Recycled Plastic.
If you want to buy a plastic dog toy for your dog, we always recommend buying a toy made from recycled plastic rather than virgin plastic. This way you won’t introduce any new plastics into the production ecosystem. Just make sure any recycled plastic products you buy remain free of the toxins we listed above.
How to identify non-toxic dog toy materials?
The easiest way to tell if a dog toy contains toxic substances is to check the packaging or label. If it contains any of the hazardous materials listed above, we recommend that you find another dog toy.
Furthermore, most dog toy companies make their dog toys from non-toxic materials and follow sustainable trends, would say. In other words, you’re not just looking for the absence of hazardous materials, you’re looking for the promotion of healthier methods and materials.
Are rubber dog toys safe?
A note on Latex dog toys; whether they are safe to use depends on the type of rubber in question. Synthetic, synthetic rubber products often contain many harsh additives, preservatives and harmful chemicals that we mentioned earlier in the article. However, natural rubber products – that is to say – natural rubber products, are perfectly fine and, in fact, we would actively encourage their purchase.
Epilogue…
To keep your dog happy and healthy, you don’t just need the food you feed it. Giving your dog safe, non-toxic toys is not only better for your dog but also better for the environment, due to the manufacturing methods used.
As a rule, we recommend always choosing dog toys of natural origin, those made from fibers and wood of plant origin. Otherwise, if you are going to use a product made from plastic, make sure it is recycled!
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