Ancol Tough Coffee Grounds Hippo

Ancol Tough Coffee Grounds Hippo

Ancol mould this hippo from natural rubber blended with recycled coffee grounds — spent grounds worked into the rubber compound itself rather than added as a coating. It gives the toy a slightly matt finish and a textured body that gives a dog's teeth something to work against instead of skating off smooth rubber.

What makes it worth having over a plain rubber chew is the way it gives. Ancol describe the material as firm yet flexible, so teeth sink in without easily puncturing it — a more satisfying chew than solid rubber and less prone to being torn open than a hollow toy. At 11 x 5cm it is a small toy, and Ancol point it at smaller dogs and puppies rather than powerful adult chewers.

Performance & Benefits

• Natural rubber blended with recycled coffee grounds, so spent grounds are diverted from waste into the toy itself.
• Textured surface across the body, which holds a dog's interest and encourages natural chewing.
• Firm yet flexible — teeth sink in without easily puncturing or tearing the rubber.
• The irregular hippo shape means it does not roll away in a predictable straight line.
• Small and light at 11 x 5cm, so it throws indoors as happily as out.
• Supplied in widely recyclable, plastic-free packaging.

Suitable For

• Smaller dogs and puppies, which is who Ancol size this one for.
• Dogs that chew steadily rather than destructively.
• Enrichment and interactive play, indoors or in the garden.
• Owners choosing recycled-content toys where they can.
• Not the toy for a determined power chewer or a large breed — the Ancol Tough Super Barbell Plate or the Ancol Tough Baton are the sturdier, larger choices we stock.

How to Use

• Give it as a supervised chew, or throw it short distances for a chase.
• Wash with warm soapy water as required and allow to dry fully before giving it back.
• Check the surface and edges after each session and retire the toy once it starts to split.
• Rotate it with other toys rather than leaving it down permanently — it stays interesting for longer.

Specification

• 11 x 5cm. Hippo shape.
• Natural rubber blended with recycled coffee grounds.
• Ancol product code 991752, from the Playtime Tough range. Ancol also refer to the character as Harvey Hippo.
• Widely recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
• Ancol state the blend of natural rubber and recycled coffee grounds but publish no proportion of coffee grounds and no fuller material breakdown, so none is given here.

Care & Caution

• Not indestructible. Dogs should always be supervised during play.
• Check the toy regularly for signs of wear and remove it immediately if it is damaged or pieces detach — swallowed chunks of rubber can cause a blockage.
• This is a solid chew and fetch toy, not a treat toy. Do not try to force food into it.
• Keep it away from radiators and direct sun, which harden rubber and make it likelier to crack.