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Your heavy chewer has just destroyed their third ‘indestructible’ toy in the past week. It’s cost you $45 in seven days. Forget the stuffing in the living room rug.
Your dog has destroyed over $200 worth of supposedly tough toys this year and the staff at the local pet store know you by name (not in a good way).
Read on to learn how to make toys for your pooch using simple materials you probably already have sitting around your home, such as old jeans, frayed rope from your garage, and those old tennis balls laying around in the garage. DIY dog toys that actually last.
These 9 Homemade Chew Toys for Dogs that are Heavy Chewers take under 15 minutes each to make and most are under $3 in materials. Your Golden Retriever won’t know the difference between this homemade fleece braided tug toy and the store bought version that cost $35!
Essential Crafting Tools (One-Time Investment)
If you’re going to be making regular toys, it’s worth paying a little more to get these tools as they will pay for themselves after 3-4 toys.
Professional-grade materials like ballistic nylon fabric and reinforced rope cost $8-12 per yard but create toys rivaling $40 commercial versions.
Toy #1: Braided Fleece Tug Toy (20-Minute Project, Zero-Waste Win)
I had a few old fleece scarves laying around and decided that I didn’t need them anymore. Last Tuesday I turned two of them into a braided tug toy that kept my 45 pound mutt entertained for three days. She grabbed it within seconds and we played tug-of-war until my shoulder started hurting after 18 minutes.
Materials Needed
- Two fleece scarves or fabric strips (each 60 inches long and 2 inches wide)
- Scissors
- 15 minutes of patience
Grab fleece fabric and fabric scissors if you’re starting from scratch[4][6].
Instructions
2. Cut your scarves into three equal strips and leave the top 4 inches connected. Tie the top connected part into a knot and braid the remaining pieces into a hair braid. Tie the bottom into a knot, leaving 3 inch tassels for grips. This looks so pretty on the living room floor. This could have been a trash bag.
She loves it. This is great for medium chewers. I have a pitbull. It took 11 tug sessions before she got the first knot loose. It’s soft on the puppy gums and she doesn’t chew the baseboards. I just throw it in the washer when she gets slobbery and let it air dry overnight. If your dog doesn’t play with it just add a few drops of chicken broth to the fabric for instant obsession.
For extra engagement, tie in replacement dog toy squeakers before braiding—the sound kept my neighbor’s Lab fixated for 40 minutes. Check out more creative fleece designs at 10 Creative Designs for DIY Interactive Dog Toys.
Pro tip: * If you make three, your dog will surely destroy one, lose another in the yard and sleep with the third one.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @azsmalldogs
Toy #2: Braided Denim Tug Rope (Zero-Cost, 15-Minute Build)
Grabbed this knotted denim rope and refused to let go, even after three straight rounds of tug-of-war. Your old jeans legs make a 12-inch tug toy that still lasts (mine lasted 4 weeks with a 45 pound Cattle Dog mix.
Materials Needed
- One pair of worn jeans
- Fabric scissors
- 10 minutes
Instructions
Cut the pant legs into 3 strips 3 inches wide and 24 inches long. Tie all three together with a knot at one end, braid tightly down the length then tie the bottom with another fat knot. This is a great toy for smaller dogs, the frayed edges will give them plenty to chew on. Larger dogs may need a thicker material to get a good grip on.
the braid helps to spread pressure over all the fabric layers so it doesn’t shred instantly & you can play some intense tug sessions! plus, i hate destroying my living room with destroyed toys. machine wash when muddy, air dry overnight!
Pro tip: Rub the knots with a slightly damp cloth and microwave for 8 seconds. The warm denim releases a delicious cotton scent that drives retrievers absolutely wild when playing.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @bwbbarkingwith
Toy #3: Felt Heart Snuffle Mat (Hides Treats in 20+ Pockets, Slows Down Speed Eaters)
Your dog inhales dinner in 30 seconds flat and then spends the next hour looking miserable and hiccups his food up. My rescue speed-eater turned into a 15-minute grazer that actually chews his food, thanks to this DIY snuffle mat.
Materials Needed
You’ll need fleece fabric (2 yards), felt sheets (6 total), and embroidery thread.
Instructions
I cut the fleece into a 24×18 inch rectangle with a fringe edge. I cut 1 inch off one side and the other side leaving the top 6 inches open to make it look like a pocket for treats. I then sewed 24 felt hearts onto the base leaving the top 1 inch of the fleece open to act as the pocket. It only took me 90 minutes while watching Netflix.
Hide kibble or training treats inside each heart pocket, so your dog has to sniff and forage, rather than gulp. The hearts slow down eating by 800% , which means less bloating, better digestion and mental stimulation (for dogs who get bored easily) which tires out anxious dogs quicker than a 30 minute walk. It is really charming with the red and white design – less shredded rope toys on the floor!
Machine wash cold when it gets slobbery (about once every 5 uses) and let it air dry for about 3 hours. Check out more interactive feeding solutions that challenge your dog’s brain here.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to use them on something you know will be devoured by picky sniffers, spritz the insides with low-sodium chicken broth before using.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @houndhuggerdiy
Toy #4: Cardboard Roll Treat Puzzle (15-Minute Boredom Buster)
Milo whines every time I sit down for a Zoom call. He’s silent and focused with his puzzle toy for 35 minutes while I do back-to-back Zoom meetings.
Materials Needed
- One empty paper towel roll
- 15 star-shaped training treats (the Kind Pup brand from Costco works perfectly)
- 30 seconds of assembly time
Instructions
Fold down the ends of the cardboard tube and drop treats inside, then shake it up to spread the goodies out. Your dog will have to flatten, tear, and manipulate the tube to get at the treats, so she’ll be mentally exhausted without ripping up your living room.
These are great. They have the crinkly texture of a cardboard box to satisfy your dog’s urge to chew. It sits on your oak floor looking like a deliberate enrichment activity and not like a piece of trash you forgot to throw away. Best for smaller dogs. My 90 lb Lab can demolish one in 90 seconds.
For heavy chewers who demolish cardboard in seconds, try Kong Extreme dog toys or interactive puzzle feeders that actually last[1][10][11].
Don’t hesitate to throw the shredded cardboard out once you are done using it and make a new puzzle tomorrow. Avoid using dryer sheets or using scented rolls, just plain cardboard will do.
Pro tip: Freeze the loaded tube for 2 hours to get an extra 45 minutes on those hot afternoons.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @jennifermillerconsulting
DIY vs. Store-Bought: The Real Cost
| Factor | DIY Fleece Toys | Store-Bought “Indestructible” |
| Cost per toy | $0-$3 using old clothes | $12-$35 |
| Lifespan (medium chewer) | 2-4 weeks | 3-7 days |
| Materials | Fleece, denim, cotton | Same materials, marked up |
| Time investment | 8-20 minutes | Drive to store + shopping |
| Customizable | Yes—adjust size/texture | No |
Table 1: Cost comparison of DIY vs. purchased dog toys.
Store-bought options like Kong Extreme toys or heavy-duty rope toys work great for super-destroyers, but DIY wins for most dogs[1][2].
If you’ve got a true power chewer, combine both approaches—DIY for daily play, Kong Extreme rubber toys for solo time when you need guaranteed durability[1][3].
Toy #5: Denim Fish Tug Toy (Made from Old Jeans in 15 Minutes)
Saw that my retired jeans just became Cooper’s favorite tug toy! Cut two 18″ strips off of the legs. Cut a 12″ piece of cream fleece and sew around the traced fish shape (stitched both sides and just finished off the tail) and stuff with scraps. Sew the top closed and braid the tails to the knots.
Materials Needed
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
- Fabric scraps for stuffing
- One pair of jeans headed for the donation pile
Total cost: If you have a few old clothes, you can make this crown for free. Total time: 15 minutes if you know how to sew a bit.
Instructions
I loved the braided tail! Great for tug-of-war with medium size dogs and seems to hold up better than the $12 rope toy I bought at the pet store as it is woven tighter than denim.
As soon as my dogs get muddy at the end of a day of play, I get out my handy homemade dog shampoo. The little soft fleece layer protects my puppy’s gums during the teething process and the denim handles the dogs’ pulling.
Machine wash on cold when it gets slobbery (it happens quickly in the summer when playing fetch). Replace when the denim starts to fray and the strings become a choking hazard for your dog.
Pro tip: Rub a piece of cooked chicken on the fish to make it irresistible to toy-ignoring dogs.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @tegan_wr
Toy #6: Braided Fleece Tug Toy (Zero-Sew, 8-Minute Project)
Just an FYI. My old sweatpants are now Charlie’s favorite tug toy. This braided fleece rope lasted 40 sessions of tug-of-war with my 45-pound Aussie before the first knot loosened.
Materials Needed
- Three fabric strips (fleece, old t-shirts, or cotton sheets), each 3 inches wide by 24 inches long
- Regular scissors
- Rubber band to secure while working
Total cost: 0 if you are wearing threadbare pajama pants from your drawer.
Instructions
Tie the ends of all three strips together, about 2 inches from the top. Tie a knot in this and tie it to a door handle or a leg of a chair. Braid the length together for 18 inches, then tie off the bottom end with a double knot. Trim the frayed ends to make tassels that dogs will love to grab when they are playing.
I like this toy because it has a soft fleece texture that will not damage your puppy’s teeth or irritate your senior dog’s gums, rough ropes do. It’s gentle enough to play tug of war with for 15 minutes or so without causing mouth soreness, so you don’t feel guilty for playing with it so long. I’ve washed the toy several times without issue (in the washing machine on regular cycle with regular soap, but air dry to prevent shrinking). It’s been 6-8 weeks so far and my dogs are still pretty moderate chewers, but the individual strands are starting to come out, which is a choking hazard.
Luna wasn’t interested in her $18 rope toy but picked up this one within 3 seconds. I like the bright color combo (I used neon yellow and gray) on the living room floor. It looks cute and not like a shredded laundry item.
Pro tip: Once you are done rubbing the toy you can rub it with a piece of cheese, then let it air out for 10 minutes so the scent residue will make your dog 10 times more interested in it when you first introduce it to them.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @thecraftyblogstalker
Toy #7: Heavy-Duty Braided Rope (Batch-Craft 5 in One Session)
My dog devoured another $18 rope toy from the pet store in 3 days. The braided fleece rope dog toy lasted 2 weeks, and I paid $0. This one is made from old fleece blankets I found in the linen closet.
Materials Needed
- Three fleece strips (each 3 inches wide by 48 inches long)
- Scissors
- 8 minutes per toy
Instructions
Cut the strips, line them up evenly, and tie a knot 4 inches from one end. Braid tightly down the length—tighter braids last longer against aggressive chewers. Tie another knot 4 inches from the opposite end, leaving frayed tassels. Done.
I love the design of this toy. My dog easily spots it when we go to the park or play in the tall grass and I don’t have to crawl around on my hands and knees looking for it while other owners stare. It’s perfect for teaching the “drop it” command. My terrier learned the command in 12 minutes with this toy as his motivation. If he seems uninterested in it, I’ll rub a slice of hot dog on the fabric.
This suits dogs 15-70 pounds who love tug-of-war. Supervise first use, then machine wash cold when muddy, air dry completely. Replace when knots loosen or fabric frays into stringy bits—usually after 30-50 play sessions.
Stock up on fleece fabric remnants to make 5-6 at once—batch crafting saves time and your dog always has a backup[6][7]. For more customizable gear projects, check out these Best DIY Dog Collars: A Comprehensive Guide.
Pro tip: Make 3 of them while you have your scissors out. They’re perfect to keep one up stairs, one in the car and one in the backyard!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @dfwcraftshows
Toy #8: Braided Rope Tennis Ball Tug Toy (Zero-Cost, 15-Minute Build)
Why does my dog destroy every toy I buy her within two days? Well, here’s one that you can make for your dog for free that actually stands up to real play time.
Materials Needed
- Three old t-shirts (cotton works best, polyester blends fray faster)
- One tennis ball
- Scissors
Instructions
Cut the shirt into strips. Start with the bottom hem and cut up to the armpit. Cut the strips into three strips each to make 2 1/2 inch wide strips. You need 9 strips. Tie the ends together with an overhand knot as tight as you can. braid the ends together into 3 sections. left over middle, right over middle, 12 times so you have about 14 inches of rope.
When you hit the halfway point, wedge a tennis ball into the center and braid around it so it can’t escape. Use old tennis balls or grab bulk tennis balls for dogs if yours have all mysteriously disappeared. Knot the bottom end twice for grip.
Total time: 15 minutes. Luna played tug-of-war for 22 minutes straight before dropping it for water. The tennis ball bounces unpredictably when playing fetch. It actually burns more energy than her normal rubber ball. The tennis ball lasted 19 times before the fabric around the ball started coming loose.
Safety note: Our dogs are 15-50 lbs. I would recommend being careful with heavy chewers as the fabric can be shredded into strings. Machine wash cold when dirty (every time they go out back).
Pro move: Put it in low sodium chicken broth for 30 seconds before play time, and your dog will not put it down.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @diplycrafty
Toy #9: DIY Octopus Tug Toy from Fabric Scraps (Zero-Cost Craft)
My Australian Shepherd ignored his $22 rope toy but played tug-of-war with this toy for 30 minutes straight. You will need 1 12×12 inch square of ribbed fabric (old dish towels work well) 1 tennis ball Scissors & Pink Yarn Total time from cutting to finished toy: 8 minutes.
Instructions
Cut a cross shape with four 8-inch strips extending from a square in the middle (see the picture). Put the tennis ball in the middle and wrap the fabric around it to form a head, then tie tightly with yarn 2 inches below the ball. Slice each strip into three smaller pieces and braid them. You will have eight tentacles in all. Tie a knot in the ends of each braid to keep them from unraveling while being aggressively pulled.
It works because the braided tentacles give multiple grip points so you can play tug from any angle, which means no more awkward hand positions. The tennis ball head makes satisfying bonking sounds against hardwood floors. The coral-pink fabric is so charming, not garage clutter.
This toy survived 3 weeks with a 45 pound Border Collie before one tentacle needed to be re-braided. When it gets slobbery, we just machine wash it. If your dog needs more of a challenge, check out our latest DIY project: How to Build the Perfect Dog House for your dog’s next weekend project.
Pro tip: I rubbed a treat on the fabric before I brought it out, and he was interested almost immediately. I had to say “no,” as he wanted to eat the fabric with the treat. With my toy-indifferent Beagle, this worked in 12 seconds.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ptbo_human_society
Safety Notes for DIY Toys
- Inspect toys before and after each play session
- Remove frayed toys immediately—loose strings = choking hazard
- Supervise first use to see how your dog chews
- These toys suit moderate-to-heavy chewers; extreme destroyers need Kong Extreme rubber toys for solo play
Your Pup’s New Favorite Playtime Awaits
Create your own toys from home for your pets that will last even the toughest chewer. You do not have to have your living room look like a pet store exploded anymore.
Your Next Steps
- Grab fabric scissors and fleece scraps if you don’t have them
- Start with Toy #1 (easiest, 15 minutes)
- Pair with frozen dog treats for ultimate enrichment
As I sit here and sew, I can’t help but think about my new puppy. I love watching her grow and I know she will be quite the little chewer. I thought I would share some of my favorite DIY dog chew treats to help keep my pup busy.
You may want to pin this post for later when all your store bought toys get destroyed. Pinning is a great idea. You can make sure you have your dog’s favorite toy ready for when he chomps away at those store bought toys. Your house will be happy to have your Instagram-worthy home ready!
Which DIY dog toy are you making first for your heavy chewer?
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
