How to Make Eco-Friendly Chew Toys for Guinea Pigs and Rabbits

Guinea pigs and rabbits are natural chewers—those little teeth never stop growing. Giving them safe, eco-friendly chew toys keeps them busy, supports dental health, and cuts down on plastic and waste. The best part? You can make plenty of great toys with simple, natural materials you already have at home.

Safe, Natural Materials to Use

Stick to clean, untreated, plant-based materials your pet can safely nibble.

• Plain cardboard (boxes, toilet paper rolls, paper towel tubes)

• Brown paper bags and shredded paper (no heavy ink or glossy coating)

• Untreated wood sticks from safe trees like apple, willow, or birch

• Woven grass or hay (timothy, meadow hay, seagrass mats)

• Natural sisal or jute rope (short lengths, well knotted)

Avoid: painted or stained wood, tape, glue, glitter, plastic, softwoods like pine that aren’t kiln-dried, or anything with strong chemical smells.

Easy DIY Chew Toy Ideas

You don’t need tools or special skills—just a few minutes and some creativity.

• Hay-Stuffed Tube

  • Fill a toilet paper roll with hay and a few herb treats, fold the ends, and let your pet chew and tug it open.

• Cardboard Tunnel Chew

  • Cut doors and windows into a small cardboard box to create a chewable hideout and tunnel.

• Woven Hay or Grass Ball

  • Stuff a small paper bag or cardboard “ball” with hay, crinkle it gently, and let your pet roll and shred it.

• Apple Stick Bundle

  • Tie a small bundle of untreated apple or willow sticks together with a bit of natural sisal for a satisfying gnaw toy.

Simple Safety Tips

Eco-friendly still has to be safe—especially for small pets.

• Always supervise new toys the first few times.

• Remove anything that gets soggy, soiled, or chewed down to sharp edges.

• Keep pieces large enough that they can be chewed but not easily swallowed whole.

• Introduce one new toy at a time so you can see what your pet likes and how they interact with it.

Eco-friendly chew toys don’t need to be fancy or expensive. A few cardboard tubes, some good hay, and a handful of safe sticks can give your guinea pig or rabbit hours of natural, enriching fun—while keeping waste (and clutter) to a minimum.