Why Not All Dog Toys Are Safe: What You Need to Know

Would You Let Your Dog Chew on Anti-Freeze?

That’s exactly what some pet owners unknowingly did. Recently, Kmart had to recall dog toys due to toxic contamination, including traces of anti-freeze—a substance deadly to dogs. But they’re not alone. Big brands like Walmart, PetSmart, and even Amazon have all faced recalls for unsafe dog toys over the years.

From choking hazards to toxic chemicals, the truth is: not all dog toys are safe. So how do you know if what you’re giving your Staffy is actually built to last—and safe to chew?

The Problem with Cheap Dog Toys

Many mass-produced dog toys—especially those from budget retailers—are made with:
❌ Low-quality plastics
❌ Toxic dyes and chemicals (like phthalates and BPA)
❌ Weak stitching or glue (leading to choking hazards)

That’s why we don’t cut corners at Happy Staffy Co. Every toy in our Chewzilla® range goes through rigorous safety testing to make sure it’s tough, non-toxic and 100% safe for Staffies and power chewers.

How Happy Staffy Co Ensures Safety & Quality

We don’t just slap a “tough” label on our toys. We certify them.

Here’s what that actually means:

✅ AS/NZS ISO 8124 Certified (Australia & New Zealand) – This is the official toy safety standard, ensuring that our toys pass strict safety tests. This means no toxic substances or choking hazards. Our toys meet the same safety standards required for children's toys in Australia.

✅ Vet-Approved Materials – Our toys are made from certified pet-safe rubber & ToughTech™ nylon, free from harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, or phthalates.

✅ Rigorous Safety Testing – We pressure-test every design to withstand power chewers (because we know how Staffies roll).

✅ No Toxic Fillers, No Hidden Nasties – Unlike many mass-produced brands, our toys contain no toxic glues, foams or synthetic additives.

✅ 30-Day Tough Guarantee – If your Staffy manages to destroy a Chewzilla® toy, we’ll replace it. (That’s how confident we are in their durability.)

Which Brands Have Faced Toy Recalls?

Sadly, dog toys are not regulated in the US or Australia and not all brands prioritise safety. Here are just a few recalls that have made headlines:

🚨 Kmart Dog Toy Recall (2023) – Dog toys were pulled from shelves after testing revealed anti-freeze contamination.

🚨 Walmart (2022) – Plush dog toys were recalled due to toxic stuffing and choking hazards.

🚨 PetSmart (2019) – Certain rubber chew toys contained high levels of lead and phthalates, putting dogs at risk.

🚨 Amazon (Multiple Cases) – Third-party sellers have been caught selling counterfeit Kong toys containing toxic plastics.

Scary, right? That’s why it’s so important to know what’s in your dog’s toys.

How to Check If a Dog Toy Is Safe

When buying a new toy, ask yourself:

🛑 Is it certified safe? (Look for AS/NZS ISO 8124 or CPC certifications.)
🛑 Is it vet-recommended and non-toxic? (Check for BPA-free, lead-free materials.)
🛑 Has the brand had recalls? (A quick Google search can tell you a lot.)
🛑 Is it built for tough chewers? (Flimsy toys can break and become choking hazards.)
🛑 Does the brand offer a guarantee? (Confidence in quality = a good sign.)