Bouncy toys for dogs5/17/2023 These wool dryer balls are ideal for the outdoors on a dry day. And, if your dog doesn’t love them, you have new dryer balls to keep your clothes in good shape. I should also note that Coyuchi (one of my favorite ethical brands at Leaf Score, mostly for duvets and pillows) offer a set of three felted wool dryer balls that surprisingly make for a good option as dog toys. We have a knack for finding balls in the wild, so I’d argue that the most eco-friendly dog ball is the one you already own or that your pup finds at the beach or park. There are certainly plenty of dog balls to choose from, and I’ve used a fair few over the years, even though I haven’t bought a new ball for a good long while. Colors vary depending on the materials the company has left over after making their other toys.Īs I’ve noted elsewhere on, my pup is a big fan of frisbees and other flying toys, but that’s not to say that she doesn’t like to chase a ball every now and again. The Recycle Ball measures 3 inches in diameter and is durable (a 5 out of 5 on the company’s toughness scale), buoyant, bouncy, and vaguely minty, presumably to help freshen your pup’s breath. They also use eco-friendly paper stocks and inks on catalogs, signage and collateral, and they participate in local composting initiatives and other environmentally friendly programs. Also, Planet Dog make all of their dog toys in the USA, helping to minimize emissions and ensure decent working conditions for those making the toys. So, why have I included the Recycle Ball as an option to consider? Well, because this ball may be marginally better than buying a dog ball made with brand new plastic or synthetic rubber that contains phthalates and BPA. Unfortunately, as I note in my article on Popular Dog Toy Companies to Think Twice About, we don’t actually know what’s in these toys, only that the toys contain recycled number 7 plastic and a chemical the company seems to have given a whitewashed name. This process virtually eliminates manufacturing waste for the company and helps reduce their carbon footprint. Planet Dog makes their Orbee Tuff® Recycle Ball entirely from material left over after the injection molding process used to make other toys in their range, which are themselves said to be eco-friendly. They also seem to float and come in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes ranging from around $6 to $16. There’s also a small hole in the bottom of the ball, so you can stuff treats inside for a fun treasure hunt game with your pup. This ball howls and whistles when thrown, making it fun for your pup.īeco Balls have a slightly wonky shape, meaning they can bounce in a fun and erratic way to keep your pup entertained. One thing I like about the Beco Ball is that, while it seems to hold up well to enthusiastic chewers, there’s not all that much cause for concern if your pup does ingest small pieces, given that the ball is made with natural and biodegradable materials. They also offer a ball and rope toy that features a natural cotton rope (would be great if this was organic cotton), which allows you to throw it even farther in the park. The Beco Ball is tough, free from toxic chemicals, and has a slight vanilla scent. Not all dryer balls are the same, though, so look for those made with organic or EcoWool, made without any dyes.īeco Pets have made the world’s first rice husk and natural rubber dog toys and are a UK company that gives back to the community, donating a portion of profits to various animal charities. If any wool fibers do lift up off the ball, you can just dampen the ball with water, pat the fibers back into place, and leave the ball to dry. These balls are not as hard as most dog toys and are gentle on teeth and gums they even help keep teeth clean! And, because the balls are solidly made with wool, there’s little risk of them cracking and falling apart. Wool balls even float for a little while but will sink eventually if you abandon them to a watery grave.ĭryer balls are ideal for senior dogs who still like to fetch and chew on a ball, and for puppies who are teething. They can also be used outside, ideally in dry weather, and can be put in the wash and, of course, the dryer, to keep them clean. Wool dryer balls are not only a great way to ditch those toxic dryer sheets, they’re also great for indoor fetch as they bounce but are much quieter than tennis balls and less liable to do damage to furnishings. No, seriously, one of the best toys for your ball obsessed pup may well be what you already use to keep your towels fluffy: a simple wool dryer ball. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, non-toxic ball for your dog, my advice is to go check your dryer. Overall Winner for Best Dog Ball: Twin Critters TennisWools.
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