Why I Replaced Plastic Dog Toys with Seaweed Ones — And Why Your Pup (and the Planet) Will Thank You
Hi, I’m Sara — founder of Kelpy Bone, proud dog mum, and passionate planet protector. Like many of you, I used to toss a plastic bone to my dog thinking, It’s just a toy — what’s the harm?
Well, turns out... a lot.
That’s why I created Kelpy Bone, a line of compostable dog toys made with zero plastic using innovative Notpla seaweed technology. Today, I want to share the story of how we got here — and why making the switch to plastic-free dog toys could be one of the best decisions you make for your furry friend and the Earth.
It All Started with a Chewed-Up Plastic Bone…
If your dog is anything like mine, they chew with passion — the kind that turns toys into bite-sized bits in minutes. But one day, while cleaning up yet another trail of shredded plastic, something hit me.
Where was all this plastic ending up?
Even worse — what was my dog ingesting in the process?
I did a deep dive (cue hours of late-night Googling) and learned that most commercial dog toys are made with petroleum-based plastics or synthetic rubbers. Not only are they non-recyclable, but they’re also full of toxins like BPA, phthalates, and PVC. Stuff I wouldn’t want anywhere near my own mouth — let alone my pup’s.
So I Asked Myself: What If There Was a Better Bone?
I started exploring natural alternatives and stumbled upon something fascinating: seaweed. More specifically, I discovered Notpla — an incredible innovation that turns brown seaweed into a compostable, plastic-free packaging materials. It’s used in everything from food wrappers to cosmetic films. And I thought… what if we could use it to make dog toys?
That lightbulb moment turned into Kelpy Bone — our name inspired by kelp, of course. After months of testing, tweaking, and collaborating with eco-engineers (yes, that’s a real job title), we finally created a seaweed dog toy that was safe, strong, and yes — totally chew-worthy.
What Makes Kelpy Bones So Special?
Here’s what makes our bones way better than plastic ones:
🐶 They’re Totally Plastic-Free.
No sneaky fillers or coatings — just 100% Notpla seaweed tech. It’s home compostable, meaning it breaks down naturally in your garden compost without leaving behind microplastics or harmful residues.
🐾 They’re Designed for Chewers.
Our safe dog toys for chewers are tested with pups who love to gnaw. The texture is satisfying to chew but breaks down safely, with no sharp edges.
🌱 They’re Gentle on the Planet.
Seaweed is a regenerative material. It grows super fast, doesn’t require fresh water or fertiliser, and actually helps clean ocean water as it grows. Unlike plastic dog toys that sit in landfill (or worse — end up in the sea), Kelpy Bones return to the Earth.
🌊 They Support Cleaner Oceans.
Plastic waste is a huge threat to marine life. By switching to compostable dog toys, we help reduce plastic production and ocean pollution. That’s a real win for beach-loving pups.
But Wait — Can Seaweed Really Hold Up?
You bet. One of the biggest myths I hear is that compostable equals “flimsy.”
Notpla’s seaweed-based material is surprisingly durable, yet breaks down when exposed to the right composting conditions. It’s strong enough to withstand moderate chewing but soft enough not to damage teeth — a balance we worked hard to get just right.
(If your dog is an extreme chewer, we always recommend supervised play. No toy is indestructible — not even ours.)
Why Dog Health Comes First
Here’s what many people don’t realise: dogs absorb chemicals through their gums and saliva. That means every chomp on a plastic bone could be exposing them to harmful toxins.
Our seaweed dog toys are:
Non-toxic
BPA- and phthalate-free
You wouldn’t let your dog lick bleach. So why let them chew plastic?
The Toy That Gives Back (in More Ways Than One)
Every Kelpy Bone is a small act of rebellion against a plastic-filled pet industry. But it’s also a step toward a better relationship with the products we buy.
We’re not perfect — but we believe in progress. That’s why:
✅ Our packaging is plastic-free and recyclable
✅ We use materials that sequester carbon
✅ We are working to change the market away from plastic
In other words, you can feel really good about this chew toy.
Real Talk: Is a Compostable Dog Toy Worth It?
Look, I get it. Compostable dog toys might cost a bit more than that $2 plastic bone at the pet store.
But here’s what you’re actually investing in:
🐾 Your dog’s long-term health
🌎 A cleaner, greener planet
🚫 Less landfill and marine waste
🧠 A toy designed with science, safety, and sustainability in mind
I like to think of it this way: if we’re willing to splurge on fancy collars or grain-free treats, we can definitely treat our pups to a toy that won’t poison them or the planet.
How to Compost Your Kelpy Bone
Once your pup has loved their bone to bits, just toss it in your home compost or green bin (depending on your local council guidelines). It will break down into organic matter in about 6–12 weeks — much faster than traditional “bioplastics.”
No special tricks, no industrial composting needed. Just good old-fashioned biodegrading — the way nature intended.
Join the Plastic-Free Pack
Switching to plastic-free dog toys is more than a trend — it’s a movement. And I’d love for you and your pup to be part of it.
Because when you choose Kelpy Bone, you’re not just buying a dog toy. You’re:
💚 Supporting sustainable innovation
💚 Keeping plastic out of paws and oceans
💚 Helping your dog stay healthier, naturally
And hey — the squeaky clean conscience is a nice bonus.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’ve been wondering how to reduce your dog’s plastic pawprint, this is your sign. Compostable dog toys are an easy, meaningful swap that make a big difference.
Grab a Kelpy Bone. Let your pup chew with joy. And know you’re doing good — one bite at a time.
Thanks for being here. From my pack to yours —
Sara x
Founder, Kelpy Bone 🐾