Trying to find your dog a toy that’s made in the USA isn’t easy, but there are options. Kong doesn’t make all of their toys in the USA, but one that is, is their Classic toy.
For the last 30 years the classic Kong has been among the first toys purchased for a new dog or puppy. It’s offered in 6 different sizes and densities. With a size and softness for every dog, it makes the perfect entertainment toy, chew toy and you can stuff it with treats to keep your pup busy for hours.
We have two Kongs for our dog that have last over 1.5 years so far, without major signs of wear. She tore through her puppy Kongs once her adult teeth came in, but it was obviously time to to upgrade to the harder rubber anyways. It’s her go to toy to play fetch or tug, and it was our favorite to keep her occupied as a puppy.
The pet toy and food market is overwhelmingly made in China, so it’s refreshing to find products like the Kong Classic toy that are still made in the USA. It seems like rubber toys and chew toys have the highest chance of being made domestically. Any type of stuffed animal or textile base toy seems to have been relegated overseas.
(Also pictured above is a Made In USA Nylabone and Made in USA Doctors Foster & Smith large dog bed)
From Kong’s site: “Our founder, Joe Markham, loved his retired police dog, Fritz, but did not love his destructive chewing habits. Where other dogs might have chewed your shoes or favorite purse, Fritz loved to crunch on rocks, sticks and other harmful items. Fritz’s teeth were wearing down and his need for stimulation and play was not being met, and Joe was frustrated.
One day, while working on a VW Bus, Joe began throwing out car parts to Fritz to lure him away from those rocks. Fritz was immediately taken with a rubber suspension part and dropped it in Joe’s lap to play. The erratic bounce and toughness of the rubber inspired Joe.
We’ve been making KONGs from our own proprietary, pet-safe, built-to-chew rubber ever since. Dogs love KONG. The way it bounces keeps them engaged and ready to play. It has a soft mouth feel for a satisfying chew and, of course, it’s super durable. Owners love KONG too; they can stuff it, throw it, leave it out in the yard — KONG keeps coming back for more.”
