DIY pet toys and treats

Pets bring joy and happiness to our lives, and want to provide them with the best care and entertainment possible. The best way have this done is by creating DIY pet toys and treats. Not only is it a less expensive solution, but it also allows you to customize the toys and treats to your pet's preferences and needs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll share various DIY pet toy and treat ideas for dogs, cats, and small animals. Get ready to unleash your creativity and spoil your pets with fun, interactive, and delicious homemade goodies.

Table of Contents

1. DIY Dog Toys 1.1 T-Shirt Tug Toy 1.2 Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser 1.3 No-Sew Fleece Knot Toy
2. DIY Cat Toys 2.1 Sock Catnip Toy 2.2 Cardboard Scratching Pad 2.3 Feather Wand Toy
3. DIY Toys for Small Animals 3.1 Cardboard Tube Maze 3.2 Hay-Stuffed Paper Bag 3.3 Wooden Chew Toys
4. DIY Dog Treats 4.1 Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats 4.2 Frozen Yogurt and Fruit Treats 4.3 Sweet Potato Chews
5. DIY Cat Treats 5.1 Tuna and Catnip Cat Treats 5.2 Salmon and Oat Bites 5.3 Dehydrated Chicken Treats
6. DIY Treats for Small Animals 6.1 Rabbit and Guinea Pig Veggie Treats 6.2 Hamster and Gerbil Seed Treats 6.3 Homemade Bird Seed Sticks
7. Conclusion: The Benefits of DIY Pet Toys and Treats
8. DIY Dog Toys

1.1 T-Shirt Tug Toy

Turn your old t-shirts into a fun and durable tug toy for your dog. Here's how:

• Gather one or more old t-shirts (the more colorful, the better).
• Cut the shirts into 2-inch-wide strips.
• Gather 9 to 12 stripes and knot one end together.
• Braid the strips, making sure to pull tightly.
• Knot the other end of the braid and trim any excess fabric.

1.2 Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser

Transform a tennis ball into an engaging treat dispenser with just a few simple steps:

• Get a clean, unused tennis ball.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a 2-inch slit along the ball.
• Fill the ball with your dog's favorite snacks or kibble.
• Watch your pup have fun figuring out how to get the treats out.

1.3 No-Sew Fleece Knot Toy

Create a soft and cozy toy for your dog without any sewing skills:

• Choose two colors of fleece fabric and cut them into four 4-inch-wide strips (two strips of each color).
• Lay the strips on a flat surface, alternating colors.
• Tie a knot at one end, leaving about 3 inches of fabric above the knot.
• Braid the strips tightly, then tie a knot at the other end.
• Make sure to trim any excess fabric to create a neat finish.

1. DIY Cat Toys

2.1 Sock Catnip Toy

Repurpose an old sock into a fun and straightforward catnip toy:

• Take a clean, old sock and fill it with catnip.
• Next Tie a knot at the open end of the sock to secure the catnip inside.
• Optional: Add a jingle bell or small crinkle ball inside the sock for added interest.

2.2 Cardboard Scratching Pad

Create an affordable and eco-friendly scratching pad for your cat:

• Gather several pieces of clean, sturdy cardboard.
• Cut the cardboard into 2-inch-wide strips.
• Glue the strips together in a stack, ensuring the corrugated edges are facing up.
• Place the cardboard stack in a shallow box or tray to hold it in place.
• Optional: Sprinkle some catnip on the cardboard to entice your cat to use it.

2.3 Feather Wand Toy

Make a feather wand toy to engage your cat's hunting instincts:

• Find a wooden dowel or a sturdy stick, approximately 12 to 18 inches long.
• Attach a string or ribbon to one end of the dowel, securing it with a knot or strong glue.
• Attach feathers or other lightweight, enticing items (e.g., small bells, fabric strips) to the other end of the string.
• Use the wand to play with your cat, encouraging them to jump and pounce.

1. DIY Toys for Small Animals

3.1 Cardboard Tube Maze

Create a maze for your small pets using cardboard tubes:

• Collect several clean, empty toilet paper or paper towel tubes.
• Cut the tubes to create different lengths and shapes.
• Arrange the tubes in a maze-like pattern on the floor of your pet's cage or play area.
• Hide treats or toys inside the tubes for added fun and enrichment.

3.2 Hay-Stuffed Paper Bag

Make a simple foraging toy for rabbits, guinea pigs, or other hay-eating small pets:

• Take a small, clean paper bag and fill it with hay.
• Add a few pieces of your pet's favorite veggies or fruit for extra excitement.
• The nest step is to close the bag by folding over the top, and poke several small holes in the bag for your pet to sniff and explore.
• Place the bag in your pet's cage or play area, and watch them forage and chew their way to the treats inside.

3.3 Wooden Chew Toys

Provide safe and entertaining chew toys for your small pets:

• Select untreated, pet-safe wood, such as apple, pear, or willow branches.
• Cut the wood into small pieces or shapes, and remove any sharp edges.
• Optional: Drill holes in the wood and string them together with a pet-safe twine to create a hanging toy.
• Place the wooden toys in your pet's cage or play area for endless chewing fun.

1. DIY Dog Treats

4.1 Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats

Bake these healthy, delicious treats for your dog:

• Start by Preheating your oven to a tempurature by 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, mix 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter, and 2 eggs.
• Gradually add 3 cups of whole wheat flour to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
• Next roll the dough on a floured table and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
• Place the dog treats on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Allow the pet treats to cool completely before serving.

4.2 Frozen Yogurt and Fruit Treats

Create refreshing frozen treats for your dog on hot days:

• In a blender, combine 2 cups of plain, unsweetened yogurt, 1 cup of chopped fruit (e.g., bananas, blueberries, or strawberries), and 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Blend the mixture until smooth.
• Then Pour the mixture in an ice cube tray or small silicone molds.
• Freeze the treats for several hours or until solid.
• Pop the frozen treats out of the molds and store them in an airtirtight container in the freezer.

4.3 Sweet Potato Chews

Make these simple, natural chews as a healthy alternative to store-bought dog treats:

• Start by having your oven set to 250°F (120°C).
• Wash and dry 2 large sweet potatoes.
• Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick strips.
• Arrange the strips on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
• Bake the sweet potato chews for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping them halfway through, until they are dry and slightly chewy.
• Allow the chews to cool completely before serving.

1. DIY Cat Treats

5.1 Tuna and Catnip Cat Treats

Treat your cat to these irresistible, homemade goodies:

• Preheat your oven at 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, mix 1 5-ounce can of tuna (drained), 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon of dried catnip, and 1 large egg.
• Insert the mixture until it forms a dough, adding a little water if necessary.
• Then Roll the dough into small little balls (about the size of a marble) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
• Press the balls gently with a fork to flatten them slightly.
• Bake the treats for 10-12 minutes or until they are firm and slightly golden.
• Allow the pet treats to cool completely before serving.

5.2 Salmon and Oat Bites

Whip up these nutritious, delicious cat treats:

• Make your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a food processor, combine 1 5-ounce can of salmon (drained), 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Process the mixture until it forms a dough.
• Start by rolling the dough into small balls and put them on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake the treats for 10-12 minutes or until they are firm and slightly golden.
• Allow the dog treats to cool completely before serving.

5.3 Dehydrated Chicken Treats

Create these high-protein, single-ingredient cat treats:

• Make your oven at 200°F (95°C) or use a food dehydrator.
• Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick.
• Arrange the chicken strips on a lined baking sheet or dehydrator trays, leaving space between them.
• Bake or dehydrate the chicken strips for 2-4 hours, or until they are completely dry and crispy.
• Please Allow the dog treats to cool completely before serving.

1. DIY Treats for Small Animals

6.1 Rabbit and Guinea Pig Veggie Treats

Prepare these simple, healthy treats for your herbivorous small pets:

• Wash and chop a variety of fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, cucumber) into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Skewer the veggie pieces onto pet-safe wooden sticks or use a treat holder designed for small animals.
• Hang the veggie skewers in your pet's cage or play area for them to enjoy.

6.2 Hamster and Gerbil Seed Treats

Create these nutritious seed treats for your hamster or gerbil:

• Put your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of birdseed or millet, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of water.
• Press the mixture into a small, greased, and lined baking pan.
• Bake the seed mixture for 15-20 minutes, or until it is firm and golden.
• Allow the treat to cool completely, then cut it into small squares or shapes.
• Serve the seed treats to your small pets in moderation, as an occasional treat.

6.3 Homemade Bird Seed Sticks

Make these fun and nutritious seed sticks for your pet birds:

• In a bowl, mix 1 cup of assorted birdseed, 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of honey or corn syrup.
• Make sure the mixture is mixed until a thick paste forms.
• Spread the seed mixture onto pet-safe wooden sticks or bamboo skewers, shaping it into a cylindrical or conical form.
• Lay the seed sticks on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake the seed sticks at 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they are firm and golden.
• Allow the seed sticks to cool completely before hanging them in your bird's cage.

The Benefits of DIY Pet Toys and Treats

Creating DIY pet toys and treats is a fun, cost-effective way to keep your pets entertained and satisfied. By making your own pet goodies, you can ensure they are made from safe, high-quality materials, and you can tailor them to your pet's preferences and needs. Additionally, engaging in these creative projects can be a rewarding experience for your pet, promoting a strong and lasting connection. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and pamper your pets with homemade toys and treats they will surely love.