Toxic Pet Toys
What Every Pet Parent Should Know
A lot of dogs got a lot of toys for Christmas. But do you know where those toys came from? About 90% of pet toys are manufactured in China. It matters because you often don’t know what’s in them. However, not all made in the USA toys are off the hook either.
One of my biggest concerns? Lead. Lead levels have been found to be high in many pet toys, especially imported ones. And here’s the scary part: there are no federal safety guidelines for lead in pet toys.
Children’s toys do have regulations but pet toys? No such rules. Just think about how much dogs and cats chew, suck, and gnaw on toys.
There are even lead-detection test swabs available that reportedly change color if lead is present. If that makes you uncomfortable, trust that instinct.
Even some well-known brands like Kong’s rubber toys, which are made in the USA, have raised concerns. You can often smell them, and they smell like a tire. That odor alone should make you pause. If a company has tested their toys to meet human safety standards, they’ll usually say so on their website or you can call and ask.
Brands Doing It Right
One company I fully stand behind is West Paw.
Made in Montana
No lead
Toys that can be stuffed, frozen, and safely used in crates
They even upcycle their toys—used toys are sterilized, re-ground, and turned into new ones
I’ve been to West Paw twice. They are an unbelievable company.
Other Brands I Carry and Trust:
Why This Matters
Think about what lead does in the body. We’re seeing increases in seizures, neurological disorders, and other health issues in dogs and cats. While not every case can be traced to toys, exposure adds up—and chewing toys is a daily behavior.
Sometimes you have to say no to the super cute, trendy toys. Think about the materials, dyes, and manufacturing standards. There’s a lot more to pet toys than what looks good on Instagram.
Your pet’s health is worth being picky.
For smart, engaging conversations about pet wellness, listen to the Toni Unleashed podcast on Apple and Spotify.
