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 toy for your dog. 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.

Let’s embark on this playful journey together...

🎾 Understanding 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 in our designs.

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. 

✅ Best Eco Dog Toys 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. Choose from the collection of characters made from many layers of compressed natural felt, covered in soft suede.

Our top picks are:

1. Derrick the Donut. The ultimate challenge due to his circular design and no appendages that can be removed! 
2. You're Toast. The cute yet tough member of the Eco Toy Crew.
3. You're Barking Up The Wrong Tree. Much safer than a stick.
4. 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.

✅ 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.

1. The Balls in Your Court. The eco-friendly tennis ball alternative.
2. Rope Ball. Made from natural and sustainable fibres. It doubles up as a tug toy too!
3. Benny the Boomerang. He won't come back by himself, but your dog will love retrieving him.
4. Funny Bone. A lightweight and budget-friendly buy.

Also consider: Chuck Ball, Desmond the Duck, Candice the Carrot, Hard Cheese, and Barry the Banana.

✅ Tug Toys 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. 

1. Wendy the Watermelon. A bigger eco toy that's perfect for interactive play.
2. Splodge. A great multi-dog tug toy.
3. Big Rope 3 Knot. Best for big breeds.
4. Stick Man. Long legs for long term fun.

Highly recommended: Thin Lizzie, Lily Longlegs, Sid the Squid, Spud Nik, and Big Rope 2 Knot.

✅ Stimulating Toys for Smart Dogs & Sniffers

Clever canines may prefer mental stimulation; toys with pouches, sensory noises to discover, and different textures to sniff and enjoy. (And not a single plastic squeaker in earshot!)

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. Connie a Cornet, Francois le Frog & Sid the Squid. A mix of materials and textures to simulate the senses.
4. Daft Brush. Soft, jute rope "bristles" for sensory enjoyment.

✅ Soft Eco Toys for Snuggly Dogs

Some dogs just love to cuddle up with their favourite toy. No chewing, just snuggling! Our favourite snuggle buddies include:

1. Colin the Crocodile. He doesn't bite - we promise!
2. Jean Genie the Gingerbread Person. He's not just for christmas, he will take cuddles all year round!
3. Pam au Chocolat. For those who love a pastry :) 
4. Floyd the Flamingo. Flamboyant and fun, one of our larger cuddly toys. 
5. Larry the Lobster. He may have pincers but he's all snuggles really. 

✅ Best Dog Toys for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

Your dog’s needs will evolve with their age, and you'll find Eco 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. Continue with chew toys, introduce fetch –  rope balls or toys that are light enough to throw and retrieve.

Adults - A balanced mix of fetch, chew & interactive toys works well - adapt depending on your dog's breed and personality.

Seniors - Gentle games. 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.

It's so much more than play!

Choosing the right toy is about knowing your dog and respecting their individuality. It’s more than just entertainment. 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

 Here are the key points, to summarise!

❓ What’s the best 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 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.

Happy playing!