Last Updated on March 29, 2025 by ellen
These easy DIY pet toys can keep your pet entertained without coming with the expensive price tag that store-bought dog toys have. Make a few of these homemade pet toys today.
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9 Easy DIY Pet Toys You Can Make Yourself
As a pet parent, keeping your dog healthy and happy is essential. But, do you need to buy expensive pet toys to do that? From pet toy subscription services to cat trees and dog houses, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars to pursue your pet’s happiness.
Often, your pet ends up chewing or destroying the toy before they get much use out of it. Or, worse, the dog toy is not safe and parts come loose posing a potential health or safety risk.
So, what types of pet toys can you make yourself that are safe for your pet?
Homemade Snuffle Ball
This easy DIY snuffle ball will keep your dog entertained for hours. And, all you need to make it is some leftover fleece fabric. Hide your dog’s favorite treats inside the folds of fleece, and they will spend time snuffling them out and enjoying a snack. It’s a simple boredom buster for dogs.
Cork Cat Toys
We all know that cats are attracted to birds. Our cat sits in the window and watches them fly from the tree branches to our feeders. These cork cat toys can be made in just a few minutes and are a favorite homemade cat toy in our house.
How to turn a t-shirt into a dog toy
Simply knot the t-shirt at random spots to create a tugging toy for your dog. You can also braid the shirt around a thick stick for larger dogs that love to tug. You can easily do this with your old t-shirts. Or, stop at your local thrift store to pick some up cheaply.
Frozen dog treats
While not technically a DIY pet toy, a frozen dog treat that uses a bully stick as a stick will keep your dog entertained and cool them down on a hot day. I like to use my cantaloupe dog treats for my pet sitting clients. Be sure to get your client’s permission before dong this.
Catnip toy
Cats love catnip and making a homemade catnip toy couldn’t be easier. Simply buy dried catnip and sew a simple round circle together. Reinforce the stitches several times. Watch your cat have fun and enjoy the catnip.
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.