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DIY Homemade Dog Toys with Water Bottles!

Tan dog at the beach with a crushed water bottle in his mouth

My Pups really enjoy this deceptively simple little plastic bottle toy. It’s super super easy to make. And we all love to spoil our pups, who knew it could be so simple and cheap?!

They have always loved those plush dog toys with the water bottles inside that you can purchase at the store because they are crinkly and make noise. So working on that premise, and the fact they love treats, (what dog doesn’t am I right?) I decided to try my hand at making homemade dog toys with a plastic bottle for them that would dispense treats to boot.


Some dogs will love how it bounces when they jump on it, others will just nudge it around until they are rewarded, like my pup. There’s no wrong way for them to play with this.

It’s a great brain training toy that will keep your dog interested and engaged.
for quite some time too. No boredom here!

The Benefits of DIY Brain Games for Your Dog

Jack Russell Terrier playing treat finding puzzle game

Your dog will really enjoy chasing these plastic bottle dog treat dispenser toys around as it dispenses their favorite treat! I know my pups love it!

Bored dogs can be destructive and disobedient dogs. If you want your dog to stay calm and well-behaved it’s important to engage them in activities such as “brain training”. Dog treats in a water bottle is one of those great games that will engage them.

When we speak about Brain Training it means that this type of training is simply games and puzzles that your dog has to figure out in order to get a reward. Most dogs LOVE these kinds of activities and it can help keep them out of trouble while engaging their cerebral cortex. Just love that word … cerebral.

I’ve found a great brain training dog program that I use myself. You can check it out here.

And the great thing for me is that it keeps both my dogs busy while I do my work.

Almost forgot to mention that the other great thing is if they do destroy this, there is always sure to be another bottle you can convert and the fun can begin all over.

However your dog plays with these DIY dog treat dispenser toys, you both win!

Use Caution When Introducing a New Dog Toy

Cap view of lined up water bottles

With any new toy, but especially a toy made out of a plastic water bottle, I recommend that you stay in the room with your dog if they’re prone to chewing.

Though the plastic can be a safe as a dispenser, for dogs who chew on it, it can become sharp and a problem.  You don’t want them to cut up their gums chewing on this toy or worse, them swallowing a piece of it.

DIY Bottle Treat Dispenser – Dog Toys with Water Bottles

How to make a DIY Bottle Treat Dispenser graphic

The materials needed for this most people have already. A plastic water bottle, plastic soda bottle, or juice bottle will work for this. A little cleanup and it’s ready to convert into what will become a favorite toy! Of course, anything in our house that dispenses treats is always a hit!

Materials you will need:

  • Empty water bottle
  • Craft knife
  • Your dog’s favorite small treat

Instructions:

  1. Remove the label from the water bottle and wash carefully.
  2. Using your dog’s treat as a guide, use the craft knife to cut one or two holes in the bottle.  The holes should be just slightly larger than the treat so that they can drop out.  But you don’t want them so large that your dog is able to just dump them out.
  3. Add small treats or kibble to the bottle through the neck of the bottle.  How much is up to you.  Use your dog’s diet as a guide, or the size of the bottle.  Don’t overfill it though or your dog won’t have to play with it to win.
  4. Put the cap back on the bottle tightly.
  5. Watch your dog have a blast!!

Why I Love This Treat Dispensing Water Bottle

I’m frugal by nature, and also love to reuse and recycle. This dog toy is a great combination of frugality, fun, and taking good care of my pups.

It doesn’t hurt that my dogs are obsessed with plastic bottles and this toy makes them especially happy.

I hope you enjoy this dog toy as much as I have. It’s a fun one to make and it makes me giggle every single time I watch my dogs play with it. The joy they exude is worth it.

I have more DIY Puppy Love for you.  Check out our post  “Indestructible” Dog Toy.

Please keep in mind that we may receive a small commission when you click our links and make purchases and as an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Please note: This post is not meant to prevent, treat or, cure any ailment or disease. We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your fur baby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives.

Friday 23rd of February 2024

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Friday 23rd of February 2024

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Bindia Bansal

Tuesday 22nd of August 2023

Wow! So simple. My puppy already loves playing with empty water bottles so already had one ready to go. She started playing with it immediately. Though she just likes chewing on it, she’s still managing to turn it enough to get the treat out. Thank you. I’ve been trying to find ways to challenge her.

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Friday 23rd of February 2024

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Monday 12th of February 2024

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