The pet industry is booming, and custom dog toys are quickly becoming a standout opportunity for entrepreneurs. As pet owners increasingly look for personalized, functional, and aesthetically pleasing products for their furry friends, businesses that invest in customized options can boost customer loyalty and revenue. From subscription services to DIY kits, here’s how leading brands are using custom dog toys to win in 2025—and how you can, too.

1. BarkBox’s Personalized Plush Toys for Monthly Subscriptions

BarkBox, famous for its curated subscription boxes, has mastered the art of personalization with their custom plush toys. These toys often feature embroidered names, themed costumes, or even cartoon versions of the dog’s face. This extra personal touch makes each delivery both a surprise and a keepsake.

Why should entrepreneurs take notice? These toys cater to specific dog preferences—whether they’re avid chewers, fetch enthusiasts, or snugglers—and capitalize on the emotional connection owners have with their pets. Personalized toys thrive during holidays and special occasions, such as birthdays, when pet parents are seeking unique gifts. BarkBox’s focus on recurring purchases and emotional resonance demonstrates how investing in subscription-friendly custom dog toys can build long-term customer loyalty and a steady revenue stream.

2. ZippyPaws’ Custom Squeaky Toys with Logo Printing

ZippyPaws has become a fan favorite among small dog owners and pet influencers thanks to their bright, Instagram-worthy designs. Their signature squeaky toys—think donuts, tacos, and cacti—can be customized with logos, names, or unique color schemes.

Here’s why ZippyPaws works: their toys are highly shareable, driving user-generated content (UGC) and viral brand growth. Entrepreneurs can take inspiration by offering visually appealing, branded toys that fit niche demographics, such as boutique stores or eCommerce platforms. These toys also provide opportunities for private-label customization, making them ideal for businesses looking to add creative flair to their offerings.

3. Frisco’s Engraved Chew Bones from Chewy

Frisco, a Chewy-owned brand, offers durable chew bones that can be engraved with a pet’s name or a special date. Available in nylon or rubber materials, these bones are safe for moderate to heavy chewers and serve both as practical toys and sentimental keepsakes.

Why do these products sell? Custom chew bones combine functionality with emotional appeal, making them especially popular around holidays and birthdays. Entrepreneurs can learn from Frisco’s approach to scaling through large online marketplaces. By offering affordable, personalized designs, your business can attract pet parents looking for meaningful yet practical dog toys.

4. PupRing’s Photo-Printed Fetch Balls

PupRing has revolutionized fetch toys by allowing customers to print full-color photos on durable rubber balls. Owners can upload a picture of their dog—or even themselves—and receive a fetch toy that doubles as a fun keepsake.

This concept appeals to dog owners who value novelty and personalization, especially for gifts or special occasions. Entrepreneurs can use platforms like Etsy or Amazon Handmade to position similar products as premium keepsake toys. PupRing’s success shows how combining emotional storytelling with utility can boost sales and foster social media engagement.

5. Mutts & Hounds’ Handmade Name Toys

Mutts & Hounds, a UK-based luxury brand, creates artisanal plush toys embroidered with pet names. Made from natural linen and cotton, these toys cater to design-conscious pet parents who value craftsmanship.

Pet entrepreneurs targeting premium or boutique markets can learn from Mutts & Hounds. Their focus on durable materials, refined aesthetics, and custom details makes their toys ideal for upscale customers. These high-margin products also have strong appeal as gift sets, perfect for holidays or pet celebrations.

6. West Paw’s Customizable Zogoflex Treat Toys

West Paw, a B Corp-certified brand, offers durable treat-dispensing toys made from their proprietary Zogoflex material. Their customizable models, such as the “Toppl” and “Tux,” allow customers to add logos or special messages.

These toys combine mental enrichment and branding potential, making them ideal for eco-conscious, enrichment-focused pet owners. Entrepreneurs looking to offer private-label options can take inspiration from West Paw’s sustainability angle, which resonates strongly with modern consumers.

7. Pawstruck’s Monogrammed Tug Toys for Active Dogs

Pawstruck has expanded into the toy market with durable tug toys that can be monogrammed with initials or custom colors. These rope and canvas toys cater to active dogs, trainers, and agility clubs.

Entrepreneurs in the dog sports niche can leverage Pawstruck’s model by branding products with logos or club names. Their focus on durability and high-tensile strength makes these toys a great choice for businesses targeting functional, high-utility designs.

8. Sniff & Barkens’ Memory Foam Chewables for Senior Dogs

Sniff & Barkens offers chewable toys infused with memory foam for senior dogs, providing gentle engagement that’s easy on aging teeth and gums. These toys can be embroidered with names or dates, allowing pet owners to celebrate their dog’s golden years.

This product taps into the aging dog market, where owners are willing to invest in health-conscious, personalized items. Entrepreneurs can add unique value by combining wellness features with emotional appeal, creating meaningful products for senior pets.

9. Wild One’s Personalized Rope Toys for City Dogs

Wild One caters to urban pet parents with minimalist rope toys that can be embroidered with names or customized in trendy colors. These toys reflect modern aesthetics, featuring clean lines and earthy tones that are perfect for social media content.

Entrepreneurs targeting millennial and Gen Z pet owners should consider Wild One’s approach. Personalized rope toys are affordable to produce but carry premium pricing due to their stylish design. They appeal to fashion-conscious customers and fit well in lifestyle-oriented markets.

10. PetSmart’s Build-Your-Own Dog Toy Kits

PetSmart has introduced DIY kits that let customers build custom toys using modular components like plush heads, rope bodies, and squeaky attachments. This interactive approach has proven popular at events, pop-up shops, and online.

Entrepreneurs can use this concept to offer experiential products, creating unique engagement opportunities for customers. By providing build-your-own toy options, your business can stand out in the competitive pet market while fostering creativity and customer involvement.

Conclusion

Investing in custom dog toys is a smart strategy for pet entrepreneurs in 2025. From personalized subscription boxes to interactive DIY kits, the demand for unique, meaningful, and functional products continues to grow. By taking inspiration from innovative brands like BarkBox, ZippyPaws, and PetSmart, you can create a product line that resonates emotionally with pet owners while driving revenue and brand loyalty. Start exploring custom dog toys today to tap into this lucrative market!