Between the packaging, the plastic squeakers and the toys that barely survive a week, it is easy to feel like your pet's toy box is doing the planet no favours. The good news? There are genuinely eco-friendly options that are tough, fun and kinder to the environment.
We have rounded up our favourite eco-friendly and recycled pet toys available right here at Petdirect, along with a few sustainable accessories worth adding to your next order. Every product on this list has verified eco-friendly credentials stated on its product page, so you can shop with confidence.
Why Eco-Friendly Pet Toys Matter
Kiwi pet parents go through a lot of toys. Dogs chew through plush toys in days, cats lose interest in flimsy wands after a single session, and the leftovers end up in landfill. Choosing toys made from recycled, natural or sustainably sourced materials means less waste and a smaller footprint, without sacrificing playtime quality.
What to Look for in an Eco-Friendly Pet Toy
- Recycled materials — look for post-consumer recycled plastic, rubber or fabric
- Natural fibres — cotton, jute, seagrass and wood-based materials break down more easily
- Durability — a toy that lasts longer means fewer replacements and less waste
- Non-toxic dyes and fillers — safer for your pet and the environment
- Recyclable or compostable packaging — the full picture matters
Best Eco-Friendly Dog Toys
M-PETS Chewtopia and Terra Recycled Plush Toys
The M-PETS Chewtopia and Terra ranges are crafted from recycled plastic bottles, turning waste into something your dog will love. The Chewtopia toys are made from recycled plastic bottles with textured fabric for dental benefits, while the Terra range uses 99% recycled plastic bottles with squeakers and natural jute rope accents.
M-PETS Coto Natural Cotton Rope Toys
The Coto range is made from premium, eco-friendly natural cotton. These rope toys are great for tug-of-war, chewing and dental care, and the natural cotton fibres are a gentler choice for the environment than synthetic alternatives.
M-PETS Greenbo and Chewood Natural Chew Toys
For dogs who love to chew, the Greenbo bone is made from sustainably sourced natural rubber, while the Chewood range combines natural pine wood flour with durable nylon for an eco-conscious alternative to real sticks.
Chuckit! Eco Fetch Range
The Chuckit! Eco Fetch range is made from 40% recycled rubber (RSC-certified), using post-industrial recycled pieces. If your dog lives for fetch, these are a solid eco-friendly swap.
Best Eco-Friendly Cat Toys
Pup & Purr Cardboard Cat Scratchers
Made from eco-friendly corrugated cardboard, these Pup & Purr scratchers give your cat a satisfying surface to dig their claws into while keeping things sustainable. The cardboard is durable enough for daily use and can be recycled when it is time for a replacement.
P.L.A.Y. Feline Frenzy Collection
The P.L.A.Y. Feline Frenzy range is filled with eco-friendly PlanetFill stuffing made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Each toy is double-layered, double-stitched and uses AZO-free non-toxic dyes, plus they include USDA certified organic catnip. They are machine washable too, so they last longer.
Beyond Toys: Eco-Friendly Pet Accessories
Sustainability does not have to stop at the toy box. Here are a few other eco-friendly essentials worth considering.
Eco-Friendly Cat Litter
Cat litter is one of the biggest ongoing purchases for cat parents, and switching to an eco-friendly option can make a real difference over time. Calibre offers two standout choices.
Eco-Friendly Bowls and Bags
Beco makes bowls from waste plant fibres found in bamboo and rice husks. They are completely sustainable to produce, dishwasher friendly and biodegradable when you are finished with them. Their poop bags are a greener choice for walkies too. You can read more about the brand in our Beco feature article.
Simple Tips for More Sustainable Pet Ownership
Swapping to eco-friendly toys is a great start, but there are plenty of other small changes that add up.
- Rotate toys — instead of buying new ones constantly, rotate what is available to keep things fresh
- Choose durable over disposable — a tougher toy that lasts months beats a cheap one that lasts days
- Switch to eco-friendly litter — recycled paper and tofu-based litters are biodegradable and compostable
- Use biodegradable poop bags — a simple swap that makes a difference on every walk