The Best Fabrics for DIY Dog Toys, Sniffing & Treat-Hiding Games

DOGLi
Jul 23
5 min read

Updated: Aug 8

Treat-hiding games with food or snacks are a regular part of everyday life for many dogs — and for good reason. They add variety to the daily routine, support concentration, confidence, and your dog’s natural foraging instincts — and most importantly: they’re a lot of fun for most dogs! What makes them even better: you don’t need fancy equipment or special dog toys. With a bit of creativity, you can make plenty of enrichment games yourself.

But it’s worth taking a closer look at the materials you use. Not everything that feels soft or looks nice is automatically suitable for dogs. Some fabrics contain questionable residues, break into small pieces too easily, or are simply not appropriate for canine use. In this article, you’ll learn which materials are safe for DIY dog toys and sniffing games — and which ones you’re better off avoiding.

A female dog is lying on the floor, searching for treats in a tower made of fabric layers.

Why Material Choice Matters

Dogs explore their environment primarily with their noses and mouths. They sniff, lick, tug — and sometimes swallow parts that shouldn’t end up in their stomachs. What seems harmless to us can pose real risks for dogs: toxic dyes, swallowable parts, or fabrics that mold when damp are all unsuitable.

With the right materials, you can prevent these risks — and ensure your dog enjoys safe and long-lasting play.

These Materials Have Proven Themselves

Cotton – the classic for safe play

Unbleached, untreated cotton is your go-to material. It’s soft, durable, washable — and far less problematic if a small piece is accidentally swallowed.

Particularly suitable:

• Old T-shirts or bedsheets made of 100% cotton

• Cotton fleece without chemical finishes

• Unbleached cotton fabric from fabric stores

Another plus: cotton is easy to work with, doesn’t fray much, and feels pleasant even for sensitive dog noses.

Fleece – soft, durable, and versatile

Fleece fabric commonly sold in stores is usually made from polyester. It doesn’t fray, is stretchy, and particularly tear-resistant — making it ideal for toys that are braided or knotted.

We like using fleece for toys where the dog isn’t chewing directly on the fabric but is mostly sniffing, shaking, or pulling. For dogs that chew heavily, fleece is less suitable due to the synthetic fibers — natural materials like cotton, linen, or hemp are better options here.

Denim – tough and versatile

Old jeans work well for DIY dog toys — provided they’re made of 100% cotton and have been washed thoroughly. The fabric is robust, long-lasting, and great for dogs that love to tug or engage more vigorously with their toys.

Denim is also great for hiding treats: you can roll them into pant legs or tuck them into pockets — perfect for stimulating your dog’s nose and curiosity.

It’s best to use plain jeans without stretch (like elastane), without strong dyes or coatings, and without decorative elements.

A German Shepherd is searching for treats inside a rolled-up pair of jeans.

Microfiber – use with caution

Microfiber cloths are found in almost every household — and depending on the dog, we sometimes like using them for sniffing games. They’re lightweight, absorbent, and hold scents well, making them especially appealing to curious canine noses.

However, they’re usually made from polyester or polyamide — synthetic fibers that aren’t biodegradable. If chewed or damaged, fibers can come loose and may be swallowed. These fine fibers are indigestible and can accumulate in the digestive tract, potentially leading to health problems.

Our recommendation:

• Only use microfiber for calm sniffing games and always under supervision

• Store out of reach after use

• Choose high-quality, tightly woven cloths that shed less

• Discard immediately at the first signs of wear or damage

Microfiber is generally unsuitable for dogs that like to chew or pull hard on fabric.

Linen & Hemp – durable and natural

Linen and hemp are natural, very durable materials and a great choice for dogs that like to play more vigorously.

Linen

• Tear-resistant, long-lasting, and washable at high temperatures

• Natural fiber without chemical treatment (especially in unbleached form)

• Safe if small fibers are accidentally swallowed

• Becomes softer with use — something many dogs enjoy

Hemp

• Extremely strong and resistant to chewing

• Naturally antibacterial — ideal for outdoor or damp conditions

• Very durable, even with heavy use

• Also safe if small amounts are swallowed

Pet-Specific Fabrics

If you want to be extra cautious, you can opt for textiles made specifically for contact with pets. These are typically tested for harmful substances.

Look for certifications like:

• Oeko-Tex Standard 100

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

These certifications offer good guidance but aren’t strictly necessary — even well-washed cotton textiles from your own household can be completely safe.

These Materials Are Best Avoided

Synthetic fabrics with chemical treatments

Many plastics and treated polyester fabrics contain softeners, flame retardants, or water-resistant coatings that have no place in a dog’s mouth — or stomach.

Treated wool

Wool might seem natural at first, but it’s often treated with mothproofing agents or anti-felting chemicals. In theory, untreated wool is an option, but it tends to felt quickly and wear out with use.

Decorations and embellishments

It may go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Avoid:

• Glitter, sequins, buttons, beads

• Metallic threads, Lurex, Velcro

All of these can come loose — and pose a serious choking risk.

We also advise against fabrics with strong chemical odors. A sharp or synthetic smell can indicate residual chemicals or treatments that are unsuitable for sensitive dog noses — and should not come into contact with their mouths or skin.

How to Prepare Materials Properly

To ensure your DIY projects and hiding games are both fun and safe, keep these steps in mind:

• Wash: Always wash new fabrics before use to remove residues

• Smell test: If a fabric still smells strongly even after washing, don’t use it

• Cut carefully: Make sure fabric pieces are large enough not to be swallowed. Rule of thumb: at least three times the size of your dog’s mouth

Three Simple DIY Ideas Using Safe Materials

Snuffle mat

• Base: sturdy cotton or non-slip mat

• Knot in 15–20 cm (6–8 in) strips of old T-shirts or fleece

• Hide treats between the layers — and let the sniffing begin!

Treat pouches

• Sew small pouches from undyed cotton

• Fill with treats and let your dog search for them

Fleece toys with hidden treats

• Cut fleece into strips, braid or knot them

• Hide treats in the folds

• Fleece doesn’t fray and holds its shape well, even during intense play

A dog is lying on the floor, searching for treats in a DIY fleece tug toy.

Care & Hygiene

To keep your homemade toys safe and hygienic:

• Check for loose threads or damage after use

• Wash regularly to remove saliva and food residue

• Let everything dry completely — damp materials can quickly mold

• Store in a dry, airy place, out of your dog’s reach

Consider Your Dog’s Individual Needs

• Small dogs: Choose fabrics suited to their smaller mouths. Avoid overly thick or stiff materials to ensure easy handling

• Strong chewers: Opt for extra-durable fabrics like linen or canvas — and avoid microfiber

• Allergic dogs: Use only untreated natural fibers to minimize the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions

Sustainability: Good for Your Dog, Good for the Planet

Old clothes and household textiles make excellent materials for DIY dog toys — they’re safe, budget-friendly, and environmentally conscious. Before buying new fabric, take a look in your closet. Worn-out T-shirts or sheets often work perfectly.

If you do buy new, look for sustainable certifications and support companies that prioritize environmentally friendly production methods.

Conclusion

With the right materials, you can create safe, enriching games for your dog — tailored to their needs and play style. Unbleached cotton, fleece, linen, and hemp are excellent building blocks. Microfiber has its place but should only be used with care and under supervision.

Your dog doesn’t need perfectly designed toys. What really matters is your time, your creativity, and all the fun you have together.

Download the DOGLi app now and discover the best enrichment ideas for your dog!