Unfortunately, many dog toys contain nasty toxins like arsenic, phthalates, lead, formaldehyde and more that can cause illness (womp womp). Preventive Vet said at the moment, there is no general committee that monitors pet product manufacturers, so no one can guarantee that these toxins will remain in the chew toys. The only way to know exactly what you’re putting in your dog’s mouth is by checking the materials on the manufacturer’s website of each toy you buy.
All-natural rubber is the perfect material for dog chew toys because it is tough, with little give. “You want a good, sturdy chew toy that won’t rip or tear, but also won’t be too hard to break your dog’s teeth,” says Carl. This is why Kong toys are so popular and enduring. Fellows says hard-to-chew toys made of nylon are also good choices.
Some brands use plastic, which isn’t ideal because they can contain chemicals like phthalates, so check to see if the manufacturer has taken steps to make that plastic extra safe for your dog’s mouth. Look for phrases like “non-toxic” and “BPA-free.”
