The pet industry is booming. Global spending on pet toys alone was valued at a whopping USD 8.88 billion in 2023. While spoiling our non-human companions is important, it is often more of a priority to spend money on quality, nutritious food—and maybe pet insurance for vet visits.
Pet toys are generally imported and thus expensive. And let’s be honest, dogs can’t tell the difference between a branded super-ball and a tennis ball which went astray at the tennis club. Both are chewable, and that’s all that matters to them. As for cats, if there’s a Takealot box to sit in, they’re happy.
But what about providing much needed stimulation for your pet? We’ve got a few DIY pet enrichment toy ideas to make at home. Some are simple, others need more time and creativity—but all will be appreciated and come at a fraction of the price of the store-bought options.
Win, win, woof, meow—as we like to say at TEARS.
8 Toys, Endless Zoomies!
Here are some of our favourite low-cost DIY enrichment toys, guaranteed to spark zoomies and wagging tails. They’re easy to make, kind to your wallet, great for the environment and sure to delight your best friend.
1. Catnip Crinkle Fish (Cats)
This DIY project is made from old jeans and common household items. It’s a fun one to do with the kids and big enough for your kitty to go wild with their back paws. Bonus: the crinkly sound will drive them (happily) nuts.
2. Puzzle Tube Toy (Cats)
Buy some Pringles, eat the chips (you’re welcome) and clean out the container. If you’re feeling creative, cover it in paper or fabric. Cut 3–4 holes, drop in small toys, and let the pawing begin. Check out the video for full instructions.
3. Toilet Roll Tube Fun Feeder (Cats)
Save toilet roll tubes and turn them into a pyramid of feeding fun. Stick them together with tape, pop some kibbles inside, and call Mr. Meow. Easy-peasy, and a great way to slow down snack time.
4. Treat-Stuffed Tennis Ball (Dogs)
Cut a small slit in a tennis ball and pop in a few of your dog’s favourite treats. They’ll go crazy trying to figure out how to get them out. Think of it as a budget-friendly KONG.
5. Tennis Balls on a Rope (Dogs)
Grab a few tennis balls, cut two holes in each, thread a rope through and tie knots at either end. Now you’ve got a tug toy, chew toy and fetch toy all rolled into one. You can also hang it up somewhere accessible for when doggo is home alone.
6. Frozen Toy Block (Dogs)
Fill a container with water, drop in waterproof toys or treats and freeze it into a block of icy fun. Your dog will love licking, pawing and gnawing to get to the treasures inside. Perfect for warm summer days.
7. Muffin Tin Puzzle (Dogs)
For this DIY puzzle, randomly tuck treats into the cups of a muffin tin and cover each cup with a tennis ball. Your puppy’s job is to nose or paw the correct balls away to get the goodies. You can also flip the tin and hide treats underneath for a bonus challenge. There are a lot of variations of this challenge with the added bonus of working positively with your dog.
8. PVC Slow Feeding Tube (Dogs or Cats)
Building this interactive feeding toy may take a few steps but it will last and can be reused and reused some more. This Slow Feeding Tube is made of material widely available at your local hardware store and with a drill and some adhesive you can build t reusable puzzle feeder for your sog or cat to rival any commercial version.
Time to Get Creative
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep your companions entertained. With a little imagination and a few household items, you can keep them happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. Got a DIY enrichment toy you swear by? Tag us on social media—we’d love to see your ideas!
