Toys are often seen as extras or luxuries in pet care, but when it comes to small pets—like hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils, and chinchillas—small animal toys are an absolute necessity. These curious, energetic creatures thrive in enriched environments that stimulate their minds, keep their bodies active, and prevent behavioral issues like chewing cage bars or excessive hiding.
In 2025, the U.S. market for pet enrichment products, including small animal chew toys, is more robust than ever. Pet parents are becoming more educated, and they want toys that are not only fun but also safe, interactive, and beneficial to their pet’s physical and mental health.
This blog examines the best-selling toys in the U.S. market, offers guidance on selecting the right ones for your pet, and highlights common toy mistakes to avoid. Additionally, we’ll highlight trending features in toy design and manufacturing, and conclude with practical advice for creating the ultimate toy kit for your small animal companion.
What Makes a Great Small Animal Toy?
Before diving into the top sellers, let’s define what qualifies as a genuinely great toy for small pets:
- Safe Materials – Non-toxic woods (like apple or birch), untreated cardboard, BPA-free plastics.
- Species-Specific Design – Tailored to unique behaviors (burrowing, climbing, gnawing, hiding).
- Encourages Movement – Wheels, tunnels, ladders, swings.
- Supports Natural Instincts – Chewing, foraging, nesting.
- Easy to Clean or Replace – No long-term grime traps or fragile structures.
Understanding these factors helps avoid toys that could be ignored—or worse, harmful.
Best-Selling Small Animal Toys in the USA (2025)
1. Oxbow Enriched Life Apple Stick Hay Ball
- For: Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas.
- Why it’s a hit: Combines chewing, rolling, and foraging in one toy.
- Material: Apple wood, hay, glue-free construction.
- Bonus: Stimulates molar grinding to prevent dental issues.
2. Kaytee Run-About Exercise Ball
- For: Hamsters, gerbils, mice.
- Why it’s a hit: Safe mobility in a clean environment.
- Sizes: 5″, 7″, and 13″ for different pets.
- Criticism: Use under supervision to prevent long-term stress or overuse.
3. Ware Manufacturing Rice Pops
- For: All small rodents
- Why it’s a hit: Edible chew toy with a crunchy texture
- Bonus: Helps curb destructive chewing on cage bars or accessories
4. Living World Nibblers Wood Chews
- For: Hamsters, rats, guinea pigs.
- Why it’s a hit: Variety of fun shapes and textures.
- Material: Vegetable dye-stained wood.
- Function: Keeps teeth from overgrowing while reducing boredom.
5. Rosewood Boredom Breaker Activity Suspension Bridge
- For: Rats, ferrets, mice.
- Why it’s a hit: Promotes climbing and agility.
- Material: Rope, wood.
- Bonus: Easily attaches to wire cage ceilings.
Small Animal Chew Toys That Promote Health
One primary reason to invest in small animal chew toys is dental health. Rodents and lagomorphs have teeth that grow continuously, and toys that satisfy their chewing needs help prevent expensive vet visits.
Popular Chew Toy Materials:
- Willow
- Seagrass
- Natural loofah
- Pumice stone
- Coconut husk
Safe chew toy tips:
- Avoid anything with glue, paint, or synthetic fibers
- Always supervise when using toys with bells or wire.
Brands like Niteangel, Kaytee, and Rosewood have carved reputations for chew-safe, pet-approved designs.
Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation
Mental health matters too. A lack of stimulation can cause depression, aggression, or listlessness.
Mental enrichment toys include:
- Puzzle feeders
- Hide-and-seek nests
- Hammocks or fabric tunnels
- Crinkle toys for sensory play
Enrichment isn’t about complexity—it’s about engagement. Rotate toys weekly and try homemade cardboard mazes to keep things exciting.
Exercise Toys That Fit Indoors
Exercise toys are often overlooked, especially for pets in smaller cages. However, physical activity not only reduces obesity but also improves mood and aids digestion.
Top exercise items:
- Silent spinner wheels (for hamsters, mice, rats)
- Tunnels and climbing frames
- Floor time playpens with pop-up obstacles
- Ramps and levels inside cages
For larger animals, such as rabbits, daily out-of-cage time in a rabbit-proof room or a fenced pen is essential.
What’s New in the Toy Aisle? U.S. Market Trends (2025)
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), U.S. pet toy sales for small mammals increased by 14% in 2024, driven by demand for safety, enrichment, and eco-friendly materials.
Trending Features:
- Modular toys: Toys that interlock or transform into different shapes.
- Natural dyes: Using beetroot or spinach juice instead of artificial coloring.
- Subscription boxes: Monthly enrichment toy kits tailored to each species.
- Smart toys: Timed or sensor-triggered toys to stimulate curiosity.
Pet parents want value and safety, and they’re willing to pay more for toys that contribute to their animal’s long-term health.
5 FAQs About Small Animal Toys
1. How often should I replace small animal toys?
Replace chewable toys weekly or as soon as they are worn out. Clean reusable toys monthly or as needed to prevent bacteria buildup.
2. Are all wood toys safe for small animals?
No. Stick to known safe woods like apple, willow, and untreated pine. Avoid cedar or chemically treated lumber.
3. Can I use cat or dog toys for small animals?
Avoid unless the materials are 100% chew-safe and size-appropriate for your pet. Small pets need gentler textures and safer materials.
4. How many toys should my pet have?
Rotate 3–5 toys weekly to keep interest high. Don’t overcrowd the cage—space matters too.
5. What’s a good DIY toy for small pets?
Cardboard toilet paper tubes filled with hay or shredded paper are a simple, safe, and popular choice among most small pets.
Conclusion: Playtime is Wellness Time
In the world of small pets, toys are more than entertainment—they’re tools for well-being. From dental care to mental enrichment and physical exercise, the right small animal toys contribute to every facet of your furry friend’s health.
With options expanding in 2025—from handmade chew logs to modular climbing structures—it’s easier than ever to tailor a toy collection that fits your pet’s species, space, and personality. The U.S. pet supplies market continues to embrace innovation, offering safer, smarter, and more engaging small animal chew toys for pets of all shapes and sizes.
Remember: every toy is an opportunity. An opportunity to prevent illness, build trust, and deepen the bond you share with your pet. So choose wisely, play often, and never underestimate the impact of a great toy.