Proud parents are often concerned with finding the safest, cleanest, greenest products for their new babies.  But what about proud pet parents?  Recently, reports of elevated levels of lead, chromium, and cadmium in pet toys have been circulating.  Wal-Mart has had to address reports that they sold toxic pet toys.  And don’t even think about what’s coming out of China in terms of poisonous play things.  A dog toy is going to be chewed, pawed, and chewed again.  So don’t you want to be sure that you’re giving her something safe to masticate?

So for all the pups out there, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite eco-friendly toys.  These adorable pet toys that will green your pet faster than eating bad lawn grass.

Orbee-Tuff Recycleball

This fun ball is made from excess, reground Orbee-Tuff material that would otherwise be discarded.  It is non-toxic and phthalate free.  And when your pooch is done with it?  This toy is recyclable!

Orbee-Tuff Nut and Bolt of Gum Massage

This clever toy is non-toxic, recyclable and rinses clean.  And most of it is made in the U.S.A.  (Cue Bruce Springsteen singing dog….)  And best of all?  This toy “gently massages your pooch's fangs when brushing all the while stimulating a dog's desire to puzzle and play.”  And if you have ever smelled a dog’s breath, you know how important this is.

Katie’s Bumpers Double Tug Dog Toy

The Double Tug Dog Toy is made from recycled fire hose and is non-toxic.  They also ship in recycled packaging and manufacture locally to keep their carbon footprint low.   Katie’s Bumpers are a supplier for the Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group in the Denver area.  They are a favorite with the dogs in the rehab pool.  Everyone say it with me:  “awwwww….”

Cat-Nip Eyeballs

This one if for all the green kitties out there!  Everyone knows cats can be diabolical, so what better toy for them than….rolling eye balls!  They are stuffed with locally-sourced minty organic catnip, and made from clean, recycled sweatshirt fabric.  And apparently, the fabric is easy on your kitty’s nippers.  

Dye-Free Certified Organic Plush Animal

Every pup needs a plush toy!  These are adorable, all natural, dye-free dog toys made from 100% certified earth-friendly organic cotton.  They are also filled with unbleached cotton clippings.  You can choose between a bunny, elephant, turtle, whale, dog and/or bear.  They’re so cute they almost look like baby toys.  Think of it this way – if your baby gets a hold of one, the only toxin you have to worry about is a little dog spit!

Dog Twister  

This toy will help get your dog thinking green.  Confused?  Because they explain it best, allow me to directly quote: “The Dog Twister is a challenging new puzzle from Nina Ottosson that requires your dog to locate the hidden treats by moving the interlocked segments around the circular puzzle in different directions with either his nose or paw.”  The wood comes from leftover timber, and the non-wooden parts are made from recycled plastic mixed with the sawdust by-product.  

Eco Nap Dog Mat

And once your pet is tuckered out from playing with all these toys, the Eco Nap Dog Mat from West Paw is the prefect solution.  It is made from 85% post-consumer recycled plastic.  According to their site, over 40 plastic bottles are diverted from landfills with every Extra Large Eco Nap.  They are ultra-durable, machine-washable, and earth-friendly!

Big Loofah Pet Toy

Great for big dogs, the Loofah Pet Toy is 100% USDA Certified Organic and made from real vegetables.  It is a great, healthy way to remove tarter and build-up from your dog's teeth.  Best of all, Olive Green Dog will plant a tree for every loofah toy sold.

>> Check out Greenopia's Pet Accessories Guide for more green options for your pet!