Are natural rubber toys safe for your dog?

Why Natural Rubber Dog Toys Are a Smart Choice

Brightly colored, squeaky, delicious to chew on… Dog toys seem harmless. But did you know that many toys on the market haven't been tested for safety at all? Some products contain substances you'd rather not have in your dog's mouth. So how do you know what's safe? In this blog post, we'll delve into the benefits, and especially the safety, of natural rubber toys.

Not all rubber is the same

Rubber sounds natural and safe, but that's far from always the case. Some products contain bisphenol A (BPA), plasticizers (phthalates), or even heavy metals. This risk is particularly high with toys that are colored, soft, or scented.

Fortunately, there's also truly safe natural rubber: pure, sustainable, and tested. At Pet Party, we use only certified rubber that meets European (REACH) and American (FDA) standards. Independent laboratory tests show:

- BPA-free
- Free from harmful plasticizers
- Tested for chemical stability & food safety

Chewing safety: tested for pure strength

Some dogs chew calmly, others… demolish everything. That's why good toys are more than just soft or flexible; they must be rigorously tested. Our rubber toys have undergone a compression test up to 2000 kgf (4400 lbf) without damage. For comparison:

Bite force by breed (estimated):

- Chihuahua – ± 30–50 kgf
- Labrador – ± 230–280 kgf
- German Shepherd – ± 290–310 kgf
- Rottweiler – ± 320–350 kgf
- Kangal – ± 500–700+ kgf

Note: These are estimates. Actual bite force depends on breed, age, jaw type, and motivation.

👉 In short: even with heavy chewers, good rubber toys remain safe and undamaged.

Why chewing is important

A dog doesn't just chew for pleasure, it's an instinctive behavior that helps:

- Cleaning of teeth and molars
- Massaging gums
- Reduce stress and boredom

That is why it is important that toys are not only fun, but also healthy and reliable.

What is natural rubber anyway?

Natural rubber is extracted from the sap of the rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis ). It is strong, elastic, low-odor, and biodegradable. The composition of our toys has been analyzed and includes:

- Polyisoprene (rubber based)
- Cellulose and starch
- No synthetic plastics or heavy metals

How do you keep rubber toys clean?

Regular cleaning is important for hygiene and sustainability. Here's how:

- Hand wash with lukewarm water
- Use a mild, unscented soap
- Or: place it in the top rack of the dishwasher

Note: Avoid harsh cleaning agents such as bleach, citrus, or alcohol, as these can damage the rubber and irritate your dog's gums.

What toys are there?

Whether your dog likes to tug, roll, or chew, there are rubber toys in all shapes and colors. Think:

- Chewing triangle, for independent chewing fun
- Rubber ball, for playing together
- Ribbed toy, a classic for all ages

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📚 Source reference

• FEDIAF: Environmental enrichment & chewing behavior in dogs

• DogLab.com: Dog bite force estimates by breed (2023)