How to Choose the Right Eco Dog Toy for Your Pup’s Personality, Size & Chew Style
Welcome to our guide on choosing the best eco friendly dog toys for your furry friend. Whether you've got a playful pup or a powerful chewer, we'll help you find a toy that suits their size, breed, and play style.
At Green & Wild's, our Eco Toys are made from natural materials like jute, suede offcuts, and recycled wool, so they're fun for dogs and gentle on the planet. These eco friendly dog toys prove you don't have to compromise on quality to be kind to the environment.
Let's embark on this playful journey together...
What's Your Dog's Play and Chew Style?
All dogs are different, so before you head out to one of our lovely stockists or start browsing our website, spend a moment reflecting on how your dog likes to play and chew.
Their size, breed traits and purpose, plus bite strength are all things we consider when designing our eco-friendly dog toys.
There's a world of difference between a tiny Dachshund and a powerhouse Great Dane, but don't be alarmed if your innocent-looking Dachshund puppy turns out to be a toy destroyer. Who knew such tiny paws and teeth could cause so much mayhem!
They are just acting on their hunting dog heritage, so opt for our thickest and most durable eco toy characters.
Which Eco Friendly Dog Toys Are Best for Chewers and Destroyers?
Some dogs have an unrelenting desire to chew or destroy their toys over playing with them, which is perfectly normal. For them, the thickest and most durable toys are a must.
Our heavy-duty eco friendly dog toys are made from many layers of compressed natural felt, covered in soft suede for extra toughness.
Our top picks for destructive chewers:
Derrick the Donut – The ultimate challenge due to his circular design and no appendages that can be removed!
You're Toast – The cute yet tough member of the Eco Toy Crew.
You're Barking Up The Wrong Tree – Much safer than a stick and built to last.
Gordon Hi Top – Great for larger breeds. The shoe your dog is allowed to chew!
Also loved by many: Rainbow Warrior, Stanley the Starfish, It's a Dog's Life, Green Bone, and Trudy Trulove.
What Are the Top Toys for Dogs Who Love Fetch?
Those with boundless energy and a penchant for chasing are happiest with balls or toys that sail through the air and are easy to retrieve. Our fetch-friendly eco friendly dog toys are designed for endless games of catch.
Perfect for fetch enthusiasts:
The Balls in Your Court – The eco-friendly tennis ball alternative that bounces beautifully.
Rope Ball – Made from natural and sustainable fibres. It doubles up as a tug toy too!
Benny the Boomerang – He won't come back by himself, but your dog will love retrieving him.
Funny Bone – A lightweight and budget-friendly buy that's perfect for smaller dogs.
Also consider: Chuck Ball, Desmond the Duck, Candice the Carrot, Hard Cheese, and Barry the Banana.
Which Tug Toys Work Best for Dogs Who Love a Pull?
Whether it's playing a round of tug with you or other canine companions, tug-of-war masters thrive on rope toys or those with sturdy handles for both you and your dog. These interactive eco friendly dog toys are built for serious pulling sessions.
Top choices for tug lovers:
Wendy the Watermelon – A bigger eco toy that's perfect for interactive play.
Splodge – A great multi-dog tug toy that can handle multiple pullers.
Big Rope 3 Knot – Best for big breeds who need something substantial to grip.
Stick Man – Long legs for long term fun and easy gripping.
Highly recommended: Thin Lizzie, Lily Longlegs, Sid the Squid, Spud Nik, and Big Rope 2 Knot.
What Are the Best Stimulating Toys for Smart Dogs & Sniffers?
Clever canines may prefer mental stimulation over simple play. These eco friendly dog toys feature pouches, sensory noises to discover, and different textures to sniff and enjoy. (And not a single plastic squeaker in earshot!)
Perfect for brainy pups:
- Olive the Octopus, Peggy the Pig & Ronnie the Rhino – All contain a recycled plastic bottle for that added "CRUNCH" when playing. They also have a convenient hook and loop fastening so you can either replace or remove the bottle, or even add some tasty treats like Luv Hearts to really get some interest!
- Delilah the Duckess, Roger the Ropefish, Lionel the Llama & Crinkler – All have a non-removable, recycled bottle for dogs that like their toys to make a sound, but are not known chewers.
- Connie a Cornet, Francois le Frog & Sid the Squid – A mix of materials and textures to stimulate the senses and keep clever dogs engaged.
Daft Brush – Soft, jute rope "bristles" for sensory enjoyment and gentle mouthing.
Which Soft Eco Toys Are Perfect for Snuggly Dogs?
Some dogs just love to cuddle up with their favourite toy. No chewing, just snuggling! These gentle eco friendly dog toys are made from the softest natural materials for maximum comfort.
Our favourite snuggle buddies include:
Colin the Crocodile – He doesn't bite - we promise!
Jean Genie the Gingerbread Person – He's not just for Christmas, he will take cuddles all year round!
Pam au Chocolat – For those who love a pastry :)
Floyd the Flamingo – Flamboyant and fun, one of our larger cuddly toys.
Larry the Lobster – He may have pincers but he's all snuggles really.
How Do You Choose the Best Dog Toys for Puppies, Adults & Seniors?
Your dog's needs will evolve with their age, and you'll find eco friendly dog toys for every stage of their life.
Puppies
Exploration is through their mouths, teeth are forming, and chewing urges are strong. Smaller toys, pup-friendly ropes, and different textures will provide appropriate chewing outlets that meet your pup's natural needs.
Our Top Puppy Picks: Derrick the Donut, It's a Dog's Life, Trudy Truelove, Don't Steal My Thunder, Francois le Frog, Audrey the Avocado, Steve the Strawberry, Libby the Lemon.
Adolescents
Energy increases dramatically during this phase. Continue with chew toys, introduce fetch – rope balls or toys that are light enough to throw and retrieve work brilliantly.
Adults
A balanced mix of fetch, chew & interactive toys works well - adapt depending on your dog's breed and personality. This is when you can really match eco friendly dog toys to their individual preferences.
Seniors
Gentle games are key. The softer, natural materials used by G&W make for dental-safe toys - they help keep the mind sharp but aren't hard on aging teeth.
Once you've identified which category, or mix of categories, your dog fits into, you're ready to shop smarter, not harder. All the Eco Toys featured in this guide can be found here.
Here Are the Key Points, to Summarise!
- What's the best eco friendly dog toy for a destructive dog?
Our most durable toys include Derrick the Donut and You're Barking Up The Wrong Tree. They're built for bite-happy dogs and made from thick layers of natural felt and suede.
- Are Green & Wild's eco friendly dog toys suitable for puppies?
Yes! We recommend smaller, softer options like Francois le Frog and Trudy Truelove for teething puppies.
- What materials are used in your Eco Toys?
We use natural, biodegradable, and recycled materials including jute, wool, and leather offcuts — no microplastics or nasties in our eco friendly dog toys.
Why Choosing the Right Eco Toy Matters More Than You Think
Choosing the right toy is about knowing your dog and respecting their individuality. It's more than just entertainment when you invest in quality eco friendly dog toys.
It's a way to support your pup's mental and physical well-being. It's about exercise and strengthening the bond between you and your dog: moments of fetch in the park, indoor play at home, gentle tug sessions in the garden, and the comfort and security a favourite toy can bring.
Watch for wagging tails and listen for those joyful barks and satisfied sighs. Those are the real indicators of an Eco Toy well chosen!
The Team at Green & Wild's is always happy to help and can advise on which characters from our Eco Toy Collection are the most suitable for your pup. Drop us a message via Facebook or Instagram, or you can email: contact@greenandwilds.co.uk
