5 Easy DIY Toys Your Dog Will Love (Made With Stuff You Already Have)

Dogs love toys, but buying new ones all the time can be expensive. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your pup entertained! With some creativity, you can make fun, engaging toys using items you probably already have at home. These DIY toys can save you money while providing mental stimulation and physical exercise for your dog. Here are five easy DIY toys your dog will love!

1. T-Shirt Rope Toy – A Tug-of-War Favourite

Got some old T-shirts lying around? Instead of throwing them away, turn them into a durable rope toy! Dogs love playing tug-of-war, and this homemade toy is a great way to bond with your pup while giving them a safe chewing outlet.

What You Need:

• 2–3 old T-shirts
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Lay the T-shirts flat and cut them into long strips about 3–4 cm wide.
2. Gather the strips and tie a knot at one end.
3. Separate the strips into three sections and braid them tightly.
4. Once you reach the end, tie another knot to secure the braid.

Your dog will enjoy chewing, tugging, and tossing this homemade rope toy. You can easily wash it when it gets dirty, making it an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought toys.

2. Plastic Bottle Crunch Toy – The Perfect Noisy Plaything

Dogs love the crunchy sound of plastic bottles, and this simple DIY toy will provide endless entertainment. The texture and sound make it a fun sensory experience for your pup.

What You Need:

• An empty plastic water bottle (remove the cap and label)
• An old sock or fabric scrap

Instructions:

1. Insert the empty plastic bottle into the sock or wrap it in fabric.
2. Tie a knot at the open end to keep the bottle securely inside.
3. Give it to your dog and watch them enjoy the satisfying crunch!

This toy is perfect for light chewers, but be sure to supervise your dog to ensure it doesn’t tear through the fabric and reach the plastic.

3. Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toy – Engaging and Rewarding

Dogs love a challenge, and a treat-dispensing toy is a fantastic way to keep them mentally stimulated. You can make one using a simple cardboard tube or a plastic bottle.

What You Need:

• A cardboard toilet paper roll or an empty plastic bottle
• Dog treats or kibble
• Scissors (if using a plastic bottle)

Instructions (Cardboard Tube Version):

1. Fold the ends of the toilet paper roll inward to create a semi-sealed tube.
2. Place a few dog treats or pieces of kibble inside.
3. Let your dog roll it around to get the treats out!

Instructions (Plastic Bottle Version):

1. Remove the cap and label from the bottle.
2. Cut a few small holes around the sides (big enough for treats to fall out but not too large).
3. Fill the bottle with treats or kibble, and let your dog enjoy the challenge of getting them out!

This DIY toy will keep your pup entertained while also slowing down fast eaters who gobble up food too quickly.

4. Sock & Tennis Ball Toy – The Ultimate Fetch Companion

If your dog loves playing fetch, this easy DIY toy will quickly become their new favourite. The soft sock makes it easy to throw, and the ball inside provides a fun bounce.

What You Need:

• A clean sock
• A tennis ball

Instructions:

1. Place the tennis ball inside the sock.
2. Tie a knot at the open end to secure the ball inside.
3. Toss it for your dog to chase, or let them carry it around and shake it.

This toy is great for interactive play or for dogs who love carrying something soft in their mouths. Just make sure to check the sock regularly for wear and tear.

5. Frozen Treat Toy – A Cooling Summer Delight

For a refreshing treat on a hot day, this DIY frozen toy will keep your dog entertained and hydrated. It’s beneficial for teething puppies or dogs who need help cooling down.

What You Need:

• A plastic cup or ice cube tray
• Dog-friendly treats (such as chopped carrots, blueberries, or kibble)
• Low-sodium chicken broth or water

Instructions:

1. Place a few small treats into the cup or ice cube tray.
2. Pour water or chicken broth over the treats and freeze for several hours.
3. Once frozen, pop the ice treat out and give it to your dog to enjoy.

This is a fantastic way to keep dogs occupied while providing them a cool and tasty snack.

Bonus Tip: Rotate DIY Toys for Continued Fun

Just like humans, dogs can get bored of the same toys. To keep things interesting, rotate their toys every few days. Store some away and bring them out later to make old toys feel new. This helps maintain excitement and engagement without constantly creating new toys.

Fun, Affordable, and Enriching

DIY dog toys are a fantastic way to entertain your pup without spending a fortune. They are easy to make and provide mental and physical stimulation, which is essential for your dog’s well-being.

The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies—just a few household items and creativity! Whether your dog enjoys tugging, chewing, chasing, or solving puzzles, these DIY toys will ensure they stay happy and engaged. Making these toys yourself allows you to customise them based on your dog’s preferences and play style.