Among the plethora of uses for 3D printing, one that can reap a surprisingly high reward is making awesome toys and accessories for your furry friends! Just think about the shelves upon shelves of random plastic parts that fill your local pet store. All of that is possible, and more, with a desktop 3D printer!
In this article, we’ll explore some of the coolest toys and accessories that you can print for dogs. We’ve done our best to ensure that our picks are pet safe, simple, and all-around fun designs for your good boy or girl. Just make sure that, when printing objects that will be used by your pet, you’re using food-safe filaments.
If you see something you like but can’t print yourself, don’t forget that you can always use a 3D printing service. With Craftcloud by All3DP, you can have your dog’s new favorite toy printed in the color and material of your choice and shipped to you before you can say “fetch”!
Dog Accessories
First up, we have some accessories to simplify life with your dog. From a bone-holding phone attachment for the perfect photos, to a doggy bag barrel that attaches to a lead or collar, these prints will make for wonderful walkies!
Ball Holder
If you’ve ever headed home from playing fetch at the dog park, but forgot the doggy bag at home, this model is for you! The dual ball holder easily clips to your belt or pants so you spend less time holding onto those slobbery toys your pet loves so much.
This model should be printable with your default printer settings, but you will need supports. The model size fits a tennis ball, but you can scale it to fit your needs.
Water Bottle Carrier
This incredible design means your pets can run themselves out at the park and then come back to a nice refreshing drink. No need to carry around a portable bowl or search for a water fountain!
This model has slots on the back, allowing a lanyard or belt clip to be attached. The maker includes his suggestions on how to add both options to the print without even using glue! You might need supports to print this model, but being thing-walled means the infill shouldn’t matter.
- Who designed it? scifiguy
- How printable/popular is it? This simple model has been downloaded nearly 1,000 times.
- Is it safe? Print with food-safe and water-resistant material for best results!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Toy Freezer Tray
Kong toys and their filling are great for keeping dogs occupied. For owners, one of the most frustrating things about Kongs is that no matter how you place them in the freezer, they have a tendency to roll out onto our feet. This toy tray fits four large-sized Kongs, but can be scaled to fit other sizes.
This model should be printed in PETG or TPU to avoid the tray getting too brittle in the cold. TPU will give some flex to the design, which allows added snugness. Being a larger model, decreasing infill and increased layer height allow for faster print times. There’s also a single Kong holder model available as well.
- Who designed it? povsky
- How printable/popular is it? This model has been downloaded 215 times, and there are 7 posted makes of both versions of the tray at various scales.
- Is it safe? This will come in contact with your dog’s stuffed treats, so washing with soap and water after use is suggested.
- Where to find it? Printables
Slow Feeder Bowl
Puppies are especially prone to eating too fast and too much. Slower feeder bowls are a great way to ensure they aren’t upsetting their bellies while offering some stimulation as they navigate the prongs to eat. If you’re concerned with the print becoming damaged or dirty over time, use it as an excuse to print another slow feeder design, such as a maze, flower, or partial spiral.
This model has been successfully printed with a 0.2-mm layer height and 30% infill. If your dog keeps scooting the bowl around, you can try again with a greater infill for added weight, but be prepared to use lots of filament. A PETG filament should work, but an undyed, food-safe PLA is also an option.
- Who designed it? Ace_D
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 2 makes and has been downloaded over 4,000 times.
- Is it safe? Your dog should only be interested in the food, but be sure to monitor them while they eat and wash the bowl with soap and water once they’re done. Feel free to print a new bowl if it gets damaged!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bone Holder
This little container is a super cute and efficient way to store your dog’s treats! Throw it in a purse or a backpack without worrying about dirtying the treat or your other items.
The design is easy-breezy to print and has no complex structures.
- Who designed it? Clockspring
- How printable/popular is it? Over 450 people have downloaded this simple and cute design.
- Is it safe? If used for dog treats, a food-safe material is advised.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Automatic Feeder
If you’re tired of getting up to feed your dog (or other pet) or just keep forgetting to do it, this automatic feeder project is a great solution. This device uses a collection of 3D printable parts and electronics to automatically dispense food from its supply at pre-defined intervals of time.
The automatic feeder prints in 11 parts, and you’ll also need a soft drink bottle to hold the food. It has a small LCD display and a few control buttons on the side to let you control the time period and a few other settings for the feeder.
- Who designed it? dagomafr
- How printable/popular is it? This partially 3D printable automatic pet feeder has almost 46,000 views and over 1,700 downloads! This is very impressive, likely indicating that you can make your own automatic feeder.
- Is it safe? As this project will contact your pet’s food, you’re going to want to print the pieces in a food-safe filament.
- Where to find it? Cults
Duck Dog Muzzle
This muzzle alternative is shaped like a duck beak and prevents your dog from eating or biting into anything it shouldn’t, but it doesn’t have such a scary or threatening appearance as a regular muzzle.
The model has slots on the side for looping string, making it adjustable for your dog. And there are a few versions of the design, with differences in shape and thickness to suit different dogs.
Bowl Riser
This dog bowl riser will ease your older dog into eating and drinking water. Bowl risers are especially helpful in aiding dogs with arthritis or digestive issues so they don’t have to bend over as far.
The design is sized for a 6.5-inch bowl, but there are posted makes that have scaled up the model as much as 200% without issue. A water-resistant material such as PETG is recommended if your pet is a messy drinker, but PLA will work just fine in most cases. For more durability, you can increase the infill.
- Who designed it? SickDude
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 3 makes and over 260 downloads so far!
- Is it safe? Yes, it could even encourage them to drink more water.
- Where to find it? Printables
Photo Enhancer
Have you ever wanted a cute picture of your dog, but they just won’t look at the camera? Here’s your solution. Print this design, add treats, attach it to your phone, and watch your pet picture dreams come true!
This design is very simple and easy to print. The creator recommends 10% infill with no supports needed! You can print it in PLA or ABS, according to the designer.
- Who designed it? ChuckrockZ
- How printable/popular is it? Nearly 400 people have downloaded this design.
- Is it safe? It’s very safe and helpful!
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Dog Toys
If you go to your local pet store, you’ll see shelves upon shelves of plastic dog toys. So why not print your own?
Stuffable Chew Toy
Now you can finally make a treat stuffer that’s perfectly sized for your dog. This model can be downloaded in a large size and then scaled as needed. Once printed, you can fill this toy with treats or peanut butter. Cleaning with soap and water regularly is all that is needed, but since you can always print more, don’t be afraid to discard it if your dog has done it some damage.
The model is designed to be printed in place with TPU, preferably food-safe and dye-free, without supports. It has been successfully printed without rafts, a 15% infill, and two walls (or more, depending on your dog’s bite). If you want to increase the firmness, increase the infill.
- Who designed it? haxmudetz
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 65 likes and has been downloaded over 600 times.
- Is it safe? Any chew toy for your dog has a risk of breaking apart. Always observe your pets with chew toys as they pose a choking hazard. Keep in mind if your dog does break it apart, the lower infill will create smaller pieces. You can always replace every 3 months or so as a good rule of thumb.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Floating Toy
With this toy, you can play fetch traditionally or with a watery spin. It’ll also encourage a more land-accustomed dog to try its hand, or paw, at swimming.
This print is a little complex, but it doesn’t need supports. Just note that there’s an intricate pattern on the side that might cause some issues, so make sure your printer is well-calibrated before going into the print. The designer recommends 20% infill.
- Who designed it? ashleycawley
- How printable/popular is it? So far, it looks like the creator has made it from TPU and a maker has successfully printed a scaled-down version. It’s been downloaded over 1,000 times.
- Is it safe? Yes! Use a sturdy material to make it safe for chewing, and make sure to watch your dog if they’re a first-time swimmer!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Print-In-Place Toy
If your dog is an energetic pup, this ball toy is a great way to keep them entertained. Your pet will spend hours trying to get the print-in-place insert out, but to no avail.
Make sure to scale the model so that the ball can’t fully fit in your pet’s mouth. This model was successfully printed with “biodegradable, non-toxic flax filament,” but there’s been a successful make out of TPU shared. Any other food-safe filament should work as well, although PLA may not last too long.
- Who designed it? OderWat
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 68 downloads and already one very satisfied fan.
- Is it safe? Yes, but note that it’s best to print the model in a durable material that’s food-safe.
- Where to find it? Printables
Frisbee
A frisbee is a great way to change up a classic game of fetch and can be used for more than just playing with your dog; it’s a great toy for the whole family! Your dog will love chasing after their new 3D printed disk, and soon, you might find yourself running after it, too.
This model is a very easy print that’ll leave all of the other dogs jealous of your new toy. The designer suggests you can use anywhere from 10-100% infill with flexible filaments.
- Who designed it? StuffByRyan
- How printable/popular is it? 450 users have downloaded this, and the design shouldn’t be too strenuous on your printer.
- Is it safe? Very; it can be chewed if printed in a sturdy material.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Ball Chucker
Sometimes we just can’t match our dog’s energy. Thankfully, there’s a 3D printable way to make sure your pet still gets the exercise and attention it needs! This ball thrower comes in multiple sizes and will have your dog running to the horizon to find what you throw!
This design is quite large but should be pretty easy if your printer can handle the dimensions. The model consists of two pieces and can be printed in parts, but will need a strong super glue to stay together. For printing, you’ll need supports and a 40% infill.
- Who designed it? Zippitybamba
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 2 makes and a remix that claims to have a stronger throwing arm.
- Is it safe? Yes, safe and fun!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bone
Some things just go together: peanut butter and jelly, fish and chips, dogs and bones! This design will give your dog something fun and creative to chew on, which should give your shoes a break.
This print is one of the easiest on this list. No supports needed!
- Who made it? NeilSawhney
- Who printed it? Almost 1,000 people have downloaded it, and it should be very printable.
- Is it safe? Chew safe!
- Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
License: The text of "The Best 3D Printed Dog Toys & Accessories of 2023" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.