TPE dog toys are the latest buzz words for sustainable dog products, but what are these popular toys, and what makes them so much better than traditional dog toys?
In this article, we dive deep into TPE dog toys so that you feel comfortable about giving your dog one of the safest, most durable types of toys in the world.
What Is TPE?
Without getting too technical, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are commonly used to mold various objects, including dog toys, kitchen supplies, and other home goods. Through the use of high thermal temperatures, the thermoplastic material is poured and molded into custom designs and shapes using a special injection molding process.
Thermoplastic Elastomers Vs Silicone Rubber Dog Toys
When it comes to finding the safest toys for your dog, you might be wondering if TPEs are better than manmade silicone dog toys. In short, the answer is yes.
Thermoplastic elastomers don’t emit dangerous toxins and CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Since the polymers are only heated until melting point and aren’t ever burnt, the chemistry isn’t changed, meaning less energy is used in the creation of TPE products. This also means that thermoplastic is able to be melted into molds that can be remelted again and again. In other words, TPE dog toys are recyclable and sustainable replacements to traditional dog toys, which are typically disposed of and placed in landfills.
Silicone rubber dog toys, on the other hand, cannot be melted and reused after initial use. Silicone rubber is also more likely to be contaminated with toxins such as phthalates, BPA, and more. Unless it meets FDA health standards and is either food-grade or medical-grade, unregulated silicone dog toys can be harmful to your dog’s health.
For more information on the dangers of man-made rubber dog toys, click here.
Features of TPE Toys for Dogs
As if the environmental features weren’t good enough, TPE dog toys do not disappoint! Your dog will love the high-quality characteristics of his new TPE toy. Here are some features that make TPE toys so great for dogs:
- Super bouncy
- Extremely durable
- Floats on water
- Toxin-free
- Exciting textures
- Lightweight
- UV light-resistant
All of these qualities combine to make a long-lasting, fun, and environmentally-friendly dog toy that your dog will love playing with for hours on end.
Where to Find TPE Dog Toys?
Here at Chopper and Otis, we want our doggos to play with toys that are both fun and safe! We offer a variety of funtastic TPE dog toys by two of our favorite eco-friendly dog toy manufacturers.
Here are our top-selling TPE picks by company:
Zogoflex from WestPaw
Proudly known as the safest dog toys in the world, WestPaw’s Zogoflex toys are made from TPE material that is non-toxic, BPA-free, and FDA-compliant. Best of all, their amazing dog toys are designed and made right here, in the USA!
Zogoflex is a durable brand of eco-friendly dog toys that floats, bends, and stretches for long-lasting play. It’s free of latex, rubber, phthalates, and other questionable ingredients that aren’t always the safest for dogs.
Let your dog run around and play with one of our best-selling Zogoflex toys:
Rumpus Chew Toy
Your dog will feel like a rockstar with this TPE chew toy that rocks and rolls. Rumpus has a fun, rounded shape that allows your dog to carry his new-found favorite toy around with ease. This eco-friendly chew toy bounces, floats, and rolls, giving your dog hours of entertainment without the carbon footprint!
Zwig Dog Stick Toy
If your dog prefers fetching and chasing his toys, then the Zwig stick toy for dogs is perfect for your pet. Not only is it safer than that dangerous actual stick (more on that here), but it’s also hollow, lightweight, and squishy. There’s a reason this toy is award-winning, but you’ll have to see for yourself why dogs go crazy for this exciting fetching stick.
Qwizl Treat Toy
For dogs who love to solve puzzles, the Qwizl treat toy dispenser is a TPE toy that challenges your dog to access the snacks hidden inside. This intermediate puzzle toy is designed to hold a variety of delicious snacks inside, and its open sides keep your dog pawing and gnawing until those rewarding snacks come out.
Orbee-Tuff from Planet Dog
Planet Dog is another amazing company that has been doing its part to provide dog owners and dog lovers with sustainable, BPA-free toys since 1997. As founding members of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, Planet Dog takes their sustainable values to the next level by providing the dog toy industry with the education and means to create environmentally-friendly and socially responsible products.
We could go on all day about how great this company is, but we’ll go ahead and get into the good stuff: their best-selling dog toys!
Orbee-Tuff Diamond Plate
For dogs with a mighty chew, this durable, wobbly toy is geared towards withstanding your dog’s ferocious teeth. An added bonus is the hidey hole for sneaking yummy treats inside as your pup attempts to chew this tough toy to smithereens. You can even place Orbee-Tuff’s Diamon Plate in the freezer for a yummy pupsicle on the warmer summer days to come.
Orbee-Tuff Squeak
It squeaks, it rolls, and it bounces! The Orbee-Tuff Squeak ball brings hours of fun to your dog. Without any harmful adhesives, this durable squeaky ball is nontoxic and infused with natural mint oil to help keep your dog’s breath fresh.
Orbee-Tuff Mazee
If you’re looking to introduce your pup to an interactive dog toy, Orbee-Tuff’s entry-level puzzle is a great option. This puzzle toy dispenses treats as your dog eagerly paws away and watches his favorite snacks roll around inside.
Not sure which toy to choose? Our ultimate guide on finding the right dog toy can help you decide!
Safety First
As with all dog toys, you should always supervise your dog when playing with toys. Even the most durable dog toys wear down over time, and it’s important to routinely check your dog’s toys to ensure no parts are degrading or coming off.
Until next time--
