I’ve had one dog my entire childhood, and now that I have my own puppy, I’m realizing how absolutely ridiculous these toy manufacturers are. Let me break this down for you: I discovered a green chew toy leaving dye on my hand. What? These companies are literally selling colored toxin sticks to put in our dogs’ mouths? Unfortunately, this toy was brought into my home via my brother and his dog. And don’t even get me started on Benebone. This ‘toy’ comes with a warning on the back of the package saying do not let your dog consume the material. A toy that’s designed to be chewed but warns against consumption? That’s a massive contradiction. It’s a split-second tease for the dog as you have to remove them immediately and dispose of it. A dog’s teeth are razor sharp. I watched this thing begin to deteriorate in minutes. Where is all the microscopic nylon going? Straight into my dog’s stomach, that’s where. These companies are selling literal poison to unsuspecting pet parents who just want to give their fur babies something to chew on. A $20 bone that has to be discarded within seconds from a small breed chewing on it for a few minutes. It’s not fair to my puppy; now he’s upset I took the Benebone he just got. Benebone’s packaging and website warn people, almost as if it’s an easy out from a liability standpoint. Our dogs are family. They’re not just pets - they’re our children. And these corporate vultures are pumping out garbage. Pet insurance is on a fast track to being a 16 billion dollar industry in a few years. Has anyone pondered the quality of animal toys laying around their home?
Very good point! Also, always check ingredients and manufacturing country for dog treats. Many things are toxic and not in the best interest of our pets. It’s scary.
Kirby said:
Very good point! Also, always check ingredients and manufacturing country for dog treats. Many things are toxic and not in the best interest of our pets. It’s scary.
Totally agree. It’s wild how little regulation there is. What should we even look for when buying?
@Dallas
Just check for any harmful chemicals or dyes. If it seems sketchy, it probably is.
I’ve never owned a dog but I’m very experienced with cats and I absolutely agree. Cat toys, especially the tinfoil balls or anything with feathers or bells are so dangerous. The stuffed toys like fake mice get shredded in minutes and risk them eating the stuffing.
@Corey
Right? I thought dog toys would be more durable. Have you found any good alternatives?
Tobin said:
@Corey
Right? I thought dog toys would be more durable. Have you found any good alternatives?
Usually, I stick to toys made for humans. They last longer and don’t have all those chemicals.
I find it harder and harder to find dog-friendly toys. We lost our heart dog to metastatic cancer in January 2024. We home cook our dog’s food, give supplements, fresh fruits and veggies, yearly vet visits, and brush their teeth. But she developed cancer? Sure, it could be genetics, but she was such a healthy dog who never got sick. After she passed, we started thinking if ingesting the fabric from her toys could have caused it.
@Whitney
That’s heartbreaking. I’ve heard about links between cheap toys and health issues. It’s really concerning.
Kirby said:
@Whitney
That’s heartbreaking. I’ve heard about links between cheap toys and health issues. It’s really concerning.
Yeah, I’m looking into organic options now. Just trying to keep my new pup safe.
It gets worse with smaller animals, the enclosures alone are always too small yet get recommended by pet stores. Most of the toys for birds are just dangerous. Any mirrors or bells are a quick no yet sold and used so often.
@Koa
Seriously. It’s like they don’t care about the safety of our pets. What do you suggest instead?
Tobin said:
@Koa
Seriously. It’s like they don’t care about the safety of our pets. What do you suggest instead?
Natural wood toys are usually safer. Just make sure they’re untreated and free from harmful chemicals.
IDK why companies can get away with this stuff. And then they act surprised when people complain. Shouldn’t there be more accountability?
Galen said:
IDK why companies can get away with this stuff. And then they act surprised when people complain. Shouldn’t there be more accountability?
Exactly! It’s frustrating. We need to push for better standards for pet products.