problem solving toys for puppies

Furtropolis by Outward Hound

Furtropolis SM

The 6 Best Dog Puzzle Toys for Mental Stimulation

Treat your dog to the mental stimulation they need for a happy and healthy lifestyle. Dog puzzle games provide mental and physical exercise, decrease anxiety and boredom, increase problem-solving skills, and release pent-up energy.

Use high-value, limited ingredient treats to your dog’s gameplay and add increased supplemental nutrition to that list!

Luckily at Outward Hound, we’ve got a variety of doggy games with a range of difficulty levels to choose from that combine playtime with brain time. Working your dog’s brain with a puzzle will tire them out faster than a game of tug-of-war!

Interactive dog toys and puzzles are excellent for creating a positive outlet for your dog’s natural chewing, digging, and hunting instincts.

Bonus! You can use the puzzles as  slow feeders at mealtime to improve your dog’s digestion. Combine nutritious and high-value treats or dog food with interactive puzzle games to get started with enrichment your dogs ( and cats! ) will love.

We’ll cover the difficulty levels and features of the following interactive dog toys:

• Level 1  Wobble Bowl
• Level 1  Dog Smart
• Level 2  Dog Brick
• Level 2  Puppy Tornado
• Level 3  Challenge Slider
• Level 4  MultiPuzzle

Before we get into the best dog toys for enrichment, don’t forget to play it safe! Especially if your pup is an aggressive chewer. No bowl, dog chew toy, tennis ball, squeaky toy, or puzzle is indestructible. Dog owners should not leave their pets unsupervised.

WOBBLE BOWL

Like a snuffle mat, the Level 1  Wobble Bowl  can be used as a treat puzzle or a slow feeder for full meals. This is a great beginner puzzle for both large and small dogs new to dog games and food dispensing dog toys.

Fill it with your dog’s kibble or favorite treats by removing the plug on the top of the lid and pouring the food in. Place the plug back in the lid, and show your dog how to rock and wobble the bowl to get the goodies out. The clear lid makes it easy for your pooch to see the treats inside. It’s also washable and easy to clean!

Wobble Bowl Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Multi

It’s fun. It feeds. It’s a challenge your dog needs! Nina Ottosson Treat Puzzle Games fight boredom, help reduce destructive behaviors & exercise your dog’s mind. Use the Wobble Bowl as a puzzle game to provide fun physical and mental stimulation. Or use the Wobble Bowl as a slow feeder to slow your dog’s eating pace and prevent bloat and indigestion. The Wobble Bowl holds up to 1 cup of food…

Great for large dogs, small dogs, and pups of any shape and size, the  Dog Smart  Interactive Puzzle is another great beginner food puzzle for bored dogs. This level 1 interactive dog puzzle toy is an entertaining dog treat dispenser that will challenge your dog’s brain and keep them engaged! There are nine removable treat-dispensing compartments that your dog can remove to reveal the hidden treats. It’s like hide and seek, but with treats!

Dog Smart Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Orange

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Smart interactive dog puzzle is a fun way to get your dog excited about problem solving games! This level 1 dog puzzle toy features nine treat hiding compartments that can be filled with your pup’s favorite treats and covered with nine dog bones that release the tasty scent of treats through the top hole. Place on the ground and watch your dog use his noggin as he…

Dog trainers love doing what they call “nose work” with dogs who need an outlet for all that energy! Doing nosework in dog training is an excellent dog enrichment activity. The popular Level 2 Nina Ottosson Dog Brick  is one of the best dog puzzles for sniffers and has three different treat feeding features.

The red treat compartments have lids that flip up to reveal treats. Slide the blocks on the flip board to reveal even more hidden treat compartments. Add the removable bone covers to the center if your pup needs even more of a challenge. This way, your dog will have to remove the bones before they can move the sliding red blocks.

In addition to treats, you can fill the compartments with your dog’s food, chewy snacks, or drool-worthy peanut butter!

Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Blue

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick level 2 puzzle dog game will keep your dog entertained for hours as they use their natural hunting skills to seek out the hidden treats! This toy comes with 3 easy-to-fill compartments to hide your dog’s favorite treats and snacks in. Flip lid compartments open up to reveal the first compartment and can also slides to reveal a hidden second compartment…

PUPPY TORNADO

The Outward Hound Level 2  Puppy Tornado  is a spinning dog treat dispenser game. It features three tiers with 12 compartments for snacks or kibble. Encourage your pup to spin the layers to reveal the rewards. Up the challenge!

Make this mental exercise even tougher with the three bone-shaped covers — your dog will have to really work their brain to figure out how to remove the bones in order for the Tornado to spin.

Puppy Tornado Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Pink

The Puppy Tornado level 2 interactive dog puzzle from Nina Ottosson is the ideal toy for bored dogs and will keep them occupied for hours! This intermediate level toy features three tiers with twelve compartments for dog snacks or kibble. This mentally stimulating and entertaining dog game encourages your pup to spin the interactive puzzle tiers to reveal the rewards – three bone shaped covers can be…

CHALLENGE SLIDER

The Level 3 Nina Ottosson  Challenge Slider  is already a fan favorite among puzzle dog toy lovers. 23 moveable tiles slide around to reveal 24 treat slots. Dogs move each piece left, right, forward, and backward to get to the rewards.

With 24 compartments, it must take forever to set up, right? Not at all! Slide open the tray underneath to load treats into each slot and slide it back in — you’re all set! Place the game in front of your dog and let the brain games begin.

Challenge Slider Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Multi

The Challenge Slider dog puzzle from Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound is an advanced level 3 game designed for pups who have mastered levels 1-2. This dog toy will promote the mental wellbeing of your dog by keeping them active and engaged while sniffing, nudging, and pawing for hidden treats! A sliding tray pulls out from underneath with 24 compartments that can hold up to 1 cup of food total…

MULTIPUZZLE

We created a whole new level for all you puzzle masters! Level 4 is for Experts. The  Multipuzzle’s  tiles move back and forth on the outside of the board. The center requires your dog to align each of the round orange pieces precisely with the spinner, requiring strong problem-solving skills. It’s a tiring and rewarding dog activity.

MultiPuzzle Interactive Dog Treat Puzzle Toy, Blue

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound MultiPuzzle level 4 interactive dog puzzle toy will keep your dog entertained for hours as they use their natural hunting skills to seek out the hidden treats! Your pups’ favorite dog treats or kibble can be hidden in the outer and central compartments by sliding the puzzle pieces and let the games begin! This puzzle is ideal for dogs who have already mastered levels 1-3…

HONORABLE MENTION: HIDE A TOY PLUSH PUZZLE

If your dog isn’t into treat toys, the Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel is a plush toy puzzle that is perfect for your best friend. Plush enrichment toys are also a great body and brain workout. Your dog has to sniff out the toys hidden inside, then you can toss the squeaky toys for a game of fetch! This puzzle game plush dog toy is available in multiple characters with squeakers.

Hide A Toy Plush Puzzle Toy

Outward Hound’s Hide A line of hide and seek plush dog puzzles was designed specifically to eliminate boredom, encourage positive play, and feed your dog’s natural hunting instincts. 2-in-1 interactive play means double the fun with options to play fetch or hide and seek to keep your dog mentally-stimulated. For dogs who can’t get enough of these plushy animals, check out our replacement 3-packs! Bound to…

Want to know which high-value treats are best for your furry friend’s puzzle toy? Check out:

High-Value Treats & Their Benefits

You can find Nina Ottosson and Outward Hound stimulating toys and treat-dispensing toys for dogs on our website, Amazon, Chewy, and more!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one, Outward Hound may receive a small commission.

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Best Interactive Dog Toys of 2024

Interactive dog toys provide both physical and mental stimulation to satisfy a dog’s instinctual need to chew, hunt, and solve problems. The occasional walk to the park or game of ball toss works wonders, but our pups can often need more attention and engagement than we have the time or energy to devote.

Whether you’re busy or away from home, these engaging toys provide an additional outlet for play that can prevent boredom, alleviate anxiety, and curb unwanted or destructive behaviors around the house. From puzzles to treat dispensers, there’s just about something for every type of dog, no matter their age, size, or breed. We talked with experts and identified the best interactive dog toys for a happier and healthier pet.

Table of Contents

• Best Interactive Dog Toys
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

AWOOF Snuffle Mat  »

Simulates natural foraging

Variety of terrains and compartments to suit noses of all sizes

Folds up for compact storage or travel

Machine-washable

No skid-proof backing

Some dogs may tear the mat apart

Although domesticated dogs have grown accustomed to scheduled mealtimes, the AWOOF Snuffle Mat satisfies your curious canine’s instinctual desire to hunt and sniff out food. Leading your pup on a multisensory pursuit, the AWOOF Snuffle Mat features a soft fleece playground of snout-scouting fun: Four deep rows of petals hide bigger chunks of food, while an outer ring of grassy terrain conceals tiny treats and kibble. Your pup will enjoy four additional challenges located at each corner, as well as the sounds of bells and ringing paper placed randomly throughout.

Certified professional dog trainer with Rover Nicole Ellis recommends snuffle mats for dogs of all ages. “Snuffle mats allow our dogs to use their noses to forage for food and treats … this helps them calm down and focus,” she explains. “I haven’t met a dog that doesn’t love these!”

In anticipation of your dog experiencing love at first sniff, AWOOF designed its snuffle mat to stand up to both playful pups and clumsy canines. The mat features four release buckles and a string so it can be attached to furniture in the event of any unexpected roughhousing or overturning.

Measuring nearly 30 inches in diameter and offering a variety of sniff-worthy compartments, the AWOOF Snuffle Mat is suitable for noses of all sizes. Similar to a slow feeder dog bowl , it can also be used at mealtimes to encourage slower eating. The mat buckles up for easy travel or storage when not in use, and it’s made of conveniently machine-washable oxford cloth and polar fleece.

KONG Classic  »

Durable and long-lasting toy that provides more bang for your buck

Offers chewing, licking, and fetching enrichment

Six sizes to accommodate dogs of all breeds

Dishwasher-safe (top-rack-only)

Classic model isn’t suitable for tough chewers

Requires constant cleaning

KONG has been in the dog toy-making business since 1976, so it’s safe to say it knows a thing or two about designing durable products. While the KONG Classic isn’t the cheapest toy on the market, we believe it provides the best bang for your buck (and bark).

The KONG Classic features the trademark red rubber design that owners and dogs have come to know and love. Its unique shape lends itself to rolling and an unpredictable bounce that keeps dogs on their toes, but the Classic’s fun extends beyond just chewing and tossing: A hole at the bottom can be filled with peanut butter, kibble, treats, or one of KONG’s line of Easy Treat flavors.

“Licking and chewing [have] been proven to help calm a dog down, especially an anxious dog,” explains Ellis. “Although simple, a KONG can be rewarding enough to keep an anxious dog engaged until they calm down from licking and chewing it. It also encourages dogs to move around their environment, which can help an anxious dog in a new or frightful location.”

With six available sizes, the KONG Classic is suitable for the tiniest of dogs to the largest. (The company also offers specially formulated versions for tough chewers, puppies, and seniors.) While this will occupy your pup for quite some time, KONG suggests freezing a filled toy for even longer-lasting play.

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy  »

Requires problem-solving skills to uncover treats

Suitable for beginners and puzzle masters alike

Encourages slower eating

Durable, food-safe plastic that’s free of bisphenol A (BPA), PVC, and phthalates

Small, removable parts may pose swallowing risk

Hand-wash-only

Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy puzzles, especially when treats are involved. Nina Ottosson puzzles by Outward Hound provide a variety of challenges with varying levels of difficulty for the Sherlock Bones in your life. Our favorite is the Dog Brick, as it provides just the right amount of challenge without leaving your pup too bored or too frustrated. With eight sliding treat covers and four bone covers, your pup will use their nose as their guide to nuzzle, paw, and slide the pieces to get as many treats out as they can.

The puzzle toy, which has a level two difficulty rating, also gets Ellis’s vote. “I recommend starting with this one rather than an easier Level 1 puzzle,” she says. “This puzzle is very versatile and adjustable in complexity so it will occupy the mind and paws of a beginner as well as a canine puzzle master.” If the puzzle proves too challenging at first or too easy after repetition, Nina Ottosson – the creator of this toy – offers tips and tricks for adjusting the puzzle’s level of difficulty.

For safety, Outward Hound recommends supervising your dog during play. Plus, your pup will appreciate you being on standby to give them a round of ”a-paws” for a job well done.

Pets Know Best Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Original  »

Emits enticing sounds when nudged or rolled, encouraging play

Four clutch pockets make it suitable for dogs of all sizes

No batteries required

Not for heavy chewers

Some reviewers noted the ball size and material made it difficult for their dog to grasp

While the dog park and a game of fetch are great ways to keep your pup active, the best interactive dog toys for physical exercise will help engage your pooch in independent play as well. The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Original from Pets Know Best does just that, producing a variety of enticing giggles and other fun sounds to catch and hold your pup’s attention as they roll and bounce it around. Plus, since no batteries are required, your dog will tire out long before the ball does.

Dr. Amy Attas, award-winning veterinarian, author, and founder of City Pets, explains, “The mental and physical activity associated with toy engagement can provide an outlet for excess energy.” She adds that interactive toys provide a more constructive means for dogs to engage their instincts to chew and play while promoting relaxation and preventing boredom.

Designed for indoor and outdoor use, the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball features four clutch pockets for easy catching and grabbing by jaws of all sizes. However, some reviewers noted the ball material and size proved difficult for smaller dogs to grasp in their mouth, even though this didn’t stop some from rolling it around. For nighttime play and added fun, the ball comes in glow-in-the-dark and treat-dispensing versions, as well.

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy  »

Treats or kibble are released during play

Combines mental and physical stimulation

Suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages

Durable, food-safe plastic that’s free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates

Ball doesn’t open for easy filling

Dog treats are great for training and rewarding a job well done, but the satisfaction is often as short-lived as the time it takes you to pull the treat out of the jar. Interactive treat-dispensing toys, on the other hand, keep your pup mentally stimulated and engaged for much longer.

Our favorite pick is the Treat Tumble, as the ball combines physical activity with mental engagement, rewarding pups with a tasty treat after each successful effort. Plus, as Attas points out, treat-dispensing toys offer benefits to dogs of all ages: “For puppies … this helps them develop problem-solving skills while keeping them entertained. For older dogs … problem solving helps with mental concentration.”

Available in two sizes – small and large – the Treat Tumble can be filled with your pup’s favorite snack or kibble. When filled with the latter, it can also encourage your dog to eat their meals more slowly. Categorized as a level one puzzle, the ball is suitable for dogs of all skill levels, and its easy-to-wipe surface means your dog can have a ball (literally) indoors and out.

West Paw Qwizl  »

Durable material that extends the life of dog chews

Can be filled with nut butter and grip treats of all sizes

Dishwasher-safe

For tough chewers and notorious toy shredders, it can be difficult to find a toy that’s both durable and engaging, but West Paw’s Qwizl holds up to strong jaws while simultaneously holding Fido’s attention. Its functional design extends the life of costly dog treats, such as bully sticks and dental chews , by making your dog work longer and harder to access the strategically hidden prize inside, but the fun doesn’t stop there: The Qwizl can also be filled with nut butter or mashed banana to provide licking enrichment, and its flexible ridges can grip any type of dog treat, from kibble to jerky.

The Qwizl is available in two sizes – small and large – and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. As an added perk for water dogs, the Qwizl is made with nontoxic Zogoflex material (West Paw’s American-made, proprietary plastic blend that’s zero-waste and recyclable) that floats, making it perfect for a game of fetch at the lake or pool.

When it comes to selecting the best interactive dog toy for your tough chewer, it’s important to note that there’s no such thing as a completely indestructible toy. Attas advises, “Always observe your dog with a new toy before allowing unsupervised play with it so you can make sure that he is engaging appropriately.”

KONG Puppy Teething Stick  »

Provides chewing relief for teething puppies

Can be filled with treats for more engaging playtime

Ridges help clean teeth as your pup chews

Not suitable for puppies more than 9 months old

Not recommended for heavy chewers

Puppies don’t stay puppies for long, so it’s helpful to get them one toy that serves multiple functions. The KONG Puppy Teething Stick is a teething relief chew toy and interactive treat dispenser in one. The teething stick, which comes in three sizes, accommodates puppies up to 9 months of age and breeds weighing up to 65 pounds.

“Puppies have a natural desire to chew as they go through the teething process,” explains Attas. “Providing safe and durable chew toys helps soothe their gums and satisfy their chewing instincts while preventing them from chewing on inappropriate items.”

In addition to providing relief, the rubber stick features ridges designed to help clean your pup’s chompers as they chew, promoting healthy teeth and gums. To extend playtime and keep your puppy engaged for longer, the stick can be filled with peanut butter for endless licking or stuffed with treats and kibble for use as an interactive treat dispenser. Attas notes that a treat dispenser is also an ideal interactive toy for puppies, as it “helps them develop problem-solving skills while keeping them entertained.”

KONG Senior  »

Soft rubber provides gentler chewing for aging teeth and gums

Can be filled with peanut butter for a soothing treat or packed with larger snacks for use as a treat dispenser

Unique shape and bounce encourages play

Not ideal for multidog households where a stronger dog might destroy it

Whether you have an older dog that’s still a puppy at heart or you’d like to encourage more mental and physical stimulation for your inactive senior, the KONG Senior is sure to put a wag in their tail. Unlike KONG’s other toys, this one is specially designed with a softer, gentler rubber to provide a more comfortable chewing experience for aging pups. Attas explains that as dogs age, they “may have sensitive teeth or gums so softer toys to chew on are more appropriate.” Editor Kayla Randolph doesn’t have a senior but does have a dog who will chew on hard toys until her gums bleed, so this softer KONG works better for her than the Classic model.

Just as with the KONG Classic, the KONG Senior can be filled with peanut butter for a soothing treat or packed with kibble and larger snacks for interactive play. “Treat dispensing toys are also excellent for behavioral enrichment of an older dog,” Attas explains, as “problem solving helps with mental concentration.”

When all the treats are gone, there’s no need for your pup to worry, as the toy still features KONG’s trademark “erratic bounce” to engage them in a game of chase or fetch. Available in small, medium, or large, KONG Senior gently accommodates mouths of every size.

Ito Rocky Interactive Dog & Cat Food Puzzle Toy  »

Interactive mealtime for small breeds of all ages

Can be used as a treat dispenser or slow feeder at mealtimes

Adjustable height

Stronger dogs may easily overturn it

Doesn’t specify dishwasher-safe

With the Ito Rocky Interactive Dog & Cat Food Puzzle Toy, dinner isn’t just served – it’s solved. As our top pick for small breeds, this interactive toy encourages your pup to nudge and turn the dispenser by nose or paw to release kibble and treats into the slow feeder below.

While this type of interactive mealtime (or midday snack) provides mental stimulation and engagement, it’s also ideal for dogs who tend to scarf their food down too fast. Veterinarian and founder of Pets Food Safety Dr. Michael Thompson says, “Puzzle feeders are excellent for dogs of all ages as they stimulate the mind and slow down eating.”

Featuring an adjustable height, this Ito Rocky toy can be altered to accommodate small to medium dogs, but, given that it only weighs a little more than 2 pounds, it may be best suited for smaller, lighter pups who are less likely to knock it over. “It's always paramount to choose toys that match your dog's chew strength and enthusiasm to ensure a safe and beneficial playtime,” suggests Thompson.

Outward Hound Hide a Toy Plush Puzzle Toy  »

Large plush toy that mimics hunting

Features up to six squeaking squirrel toys (depending on chosen size)

Stump houses squirrels in between play

Replacement squirrels available for purchase

Not for tough chewers

Some dogs may not be interested in this type of toy

Oh, look, a squirrel – three to six squeaking ones to be exact! Your pup will be delighted to stumble upon this plush tree stump from Outward Hound that just so happens to be housing a family of sneakily hidden squirrels. Your dog will put their hunting skills to the test as they fetch each one out of the holes. The reward? New plush toys to play around with until it’s time to start the hunt over again.

At 7 inches tall in the extra-large size, the plush tree stump is suitable for large dog breeds that like to hunt, toss, and fetch. Made with soft, plush polyester, the trunk and squirrels are gentle on the teeth, making them suitable for puppies and seniors as well. In the event a squirrel gets injured (er, destroyed), Outward Hound offers replacement squirrels that are sold separately.

The writer of this article, Nancy Snyder, purchased two of these for her dog Ernie and also gifted one to a friend’s pup. Not only does her dog love hunting down the squirrels but occasionally she’ll hide a few treats in the stump for him to sniff out as well.

The Bottom Line

Interactive dog toys provide mental and physical enrichment that offers a variety of benefits including engaging bored or anxious dogs and curbing unwanted behavior. The ones best suited for your dog should take into consideration their age, size, breed, temperament, chew strength, and preferences to ensure both safety and enjoyment. For pet parents of dogs of all ages, sizes, and skill levels, you can’t go wrong with the multisensory Snuffle Mat from AWOOF. Satisfying a dog’s instinctual desire to hunt and forage for treats (not to mention all the literal bells and whistles), this feeding mat is sure to be a hit in any household.

Things To Consider When Buying Interactive Dog Toys

Type of Enrichment: Interactive dog toys provide mental and physical enrichment and often satisfy a dog’s instinctual need to hunt, forage, and solve problems. They can be used as a tool to strengthen mental agility and focus – making a pup more receptive to training – as well as a constructive outlet for excess energy, chewing, or curbing unwanted behaviors. They also serve to extend the longevity of treats and mealtimes and to engage your pup independently when you’re busy or away from home.

Feeding mats, often referred to as “snuffle mats,” utilize a dog’s nose and concentration to sniff out food and treats. Puzzles, which vary in level of difficulty, require problem-solving skills to uncover or release hidden treats and can help dogs strengthen their prowess as they work their way through more challenging games. Treat dispensers, while similar to puzzles, typically combine mental and physical engagement, such as nudging or rolling, to result in the somewhat random release of kibble during play.

Toys that stimulate physical engagement often employ enticing sounds (and in some cases motion activation) to lure a dog to play, chase, or fetch, mimicking skills used for hunting. Lastly, toys that offer chewing and licking enrichment help soothe teething puppies, calm anxious dogs, and satisfy extreme chewers. (And when peanut butter is involved, it suits just about any dog with a tongue.)

Material: From plush polyester to rubber and plastic, interactive dog toys vary in material and typically depend on the activity type and dog they’re intended for. “Choose items that are made from durable materials … especially for dogs who are known to be rough on toys,” recommends Attas. For seniors, she suggests that softer toys are more appropriate, as older dogs often have sensitive teeth and gums. As for teething puppies, she says that “providing safe and durable chew toys helps soothe their gums and satisfy their chewing instincts while preventing them from chewing on inappropriate items.”

As far as what toys to skip, Attas suggests, “Avoid toys that have small pieces that could be choke hazards and don’t purchase ones with sharp edges, cords or strings.” She continues, “Be cautious of toys made from materials that might be toxic such as certain plastics or paints.” Additionally, Attas says that, while many dogs enjoy plush toys, excessive chewing on nylon may wear down permanent teeth.

When it comes to tough chewers, it’s important to note that there’s no such thing as a completely indestructible material. Attas advises, “Always observe your dog with a new toy before allowing unsupervised play with it so you can make sure that he is engaging appropriately.”

For easy cleaning, especially when food or treats are involved, look for food-safe plastics (BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free) that are dishwasher-friendly . For softer toys, check to ensure they’re machine-washable .

Size Compatibility: Consider your dog’s breed and size when selecting the best interactive dog toy for your pooch to ensure both safety and enjoyment. “Toys that are too small may pose a choking hazard and toys that are too large may be too heavy for a small dog to engage with,” explains Attas.

Look for toys that come in a variety of sizes or that are marketed toward your breed’s size. Additionally, consult with the toy manufacturer’s size guide before making a purchase. Sizing recommendations are often based on your dog’s weight so, when available, reference customer reviews to see whether or not users are satisfied with their purchase and guide-recommended size selection.

Also, consider your dog’s weight and enthusiasm when engaging with toys. For example, if a toy is lightweight, such as a treat-dispensing stand or feeding mat, it may be easily knocked over by a more aggressive dog. For added stability, look for products that are weighed down, feature nonskid backing, or contain buckles that can secure them onto furniture. Finally, as always, be sure to supervise your pet when introducing them to a new toy to ensure they’re engaging appropriately.

Level of Challenge: Interactive dog toys offer varying levels of difficulty, and it’s important to consider your pup’s skill level, motivation, and life stage when selecting the right product. While some dogs are enticed by sounds and movement, others are simply food-motivated, so choose something that keeps your dog both engaged and rewarded.

For puppies and high-energy dogs, Thompson recommends toys that combine physical activity with mental challenges, and for senior dogs, he suggests toys that are “less strenuous yet engaging,” such as soft toys with hidden treat compartments.

Attas points out that treat-dispensing toys are an excellent starting point for puppies, as they help develop problem-solving skills. For senior dogs, these toys can sharpen their mental concentration without being too challenging or physically involved.

Puzzles, on the other hand, can prove to be the most challenging interactive dog toys, as they’re designed with varying levels of difficulty. It’s important to start your dog with an easy or intermediate challenge, allowing them to work their way up in difficulty as they develop their puzzle skills. Some puzzles offer versatility, allowing you to adjust the difficulty level to suit a multidog household or accommodate your dog as they learn.

Suitability for Specific Needs: Special considerations should be made for puppies and seniors when selecting interactive dog toys. Teething puppies often need an outlet for chewing to help soothe their gums. Softer yet durable rubber chews marketed toward puppies will help provide them relief while also satisfying their instinctual need to chew. Attas suggests rope toys are also an excellent choice for interactive play, as puppies can engage in chewing as well as fetching for added activity.

Seniors, aging dogs, or pups who have had a lot of dental work will require softer toys to accommodate sensitive teeth and gums. While plush toys will work, these dogs can also enjoy softer rubber chew toys marketed toward seniors, as well as treat-dispensing toys for added behavioral enrichment. Attas adds, “There are also toys made with different textures, scents, [and] lights or sounds that can be enjoyable for an older dog.”

If your dog is prone to plaque or tartar buildup or you just want to keep those pearly whites as they are, look for chew toys that promote dental hygiene. Similar to mechanical dog dental chews , these toys typically contain strategically placed ridges that help naturally clean your pup’s teeth as they chew and gnaw.

How We Chose the Best Interactive Dog Toys

At U.S. News 360 Reviews, we pride ourselves on the safety and happiness of your furry family member. We thoroughly researched products and consulted with veterinarians and dog trainers to provide expert-vetted recommendations for every type of dog. For this article, our contributing writer consulted Nicole Ellis , a certified professional dog trainer with Rover; Dr. Amy Attas , an award-winning veterinarian, author, and the founder of City Pets; and Dr. Michael Thompson , a veterinarian and the founder of Pets Food Safety. With their guidance and our personal experience using some of these toys, we narrowed down our selections based on dog size, age, and enrichment type while keeping safety top of mind.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

The author of this piece, Nancy Snyder , enjoys connecting the pet-loving audience with the best products on the market. As a dog mom herself, Nancy – with the help of her rescue pit bull, Ernie – has tested and covered a variety of toys and accessories across a variety of publications, including Reader’s Digest and Family Handyman. From dog bowls and grooming kits to life vests and chew toys, Nancy is no stranger to many of the pet products, including interactive dog toys, on the market today. Through expert vetting, thorough research, and some personal testing experience, these are the best interactive dog toys curated for every furry family member of your household.

Interactive dog toys offer a variety of benefits for dogs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments. They can provide variety to their current toy box or help occupy your pet when you’re busy or away from home. However, knowing which types of enrichment will suit your dog best may take some experimentation.

Consider whether your dog prefers solo play or interaction with people and/or other dogs. Also, take into account your dog’s activity level and whether they gravitate toward physical or mental stimulation, and go from there. You may be surprised to find out what gets your pup’s tail wagging!

Not only are interactive dog toys fun and engaging, but they can also keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Between walks and a game of fetch, they can engage your dog in physical play and mentally stimulating challenges. Or, they can help satisfy your dog’s instinctual need to forage, hunt, and solve problems. Additionally, some interactive dog toys encourage chewing and gnawing, which can help promote dental health.

They can also curb unwanted behaviors, such as chewing inappropriate things or excessive barking, by providing a constructive outlet for channeling excess energy. Lastly, whether you have a pup or a senior, some toys can also aid in training and behavior modification by rewarding positive behaviors. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Since teething puppies are, well, puppies with a lot of energy, it’s recommended to look for an interactive dog toy that provides multiple levels of enrichment. A safe yet durable chew toy that soothes sore gums and doubles as a treat dispenser or fetch toy will provide you the most value (as opposed to purchasing multiple toys that your pup will soon outgrow).

Treat-dispensing puzzles are well suited for young dogs, as they can help sharpen their concentration and develop problem-solving skills while aiding in training and behavior modification through positive reinforcement.

Lastly, seniors (especially those in single-dog households) stand to benefit from both mental enrichment and physical engagement to prevent boredom and inactivity and keep their minds sharp. Consider your senior’s physical ability and potential limitations when choosing an appropriate product.

About Our Team

Nancy Snyder , MS, RD

Contributor

Kayla Randolph

Associate Editor

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18 Best Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys

Let the games begin.

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It’s a classic scenario: You’re trying to focus on an important task — like cooking, working, or catching up on Survivor — and your pup is wanting all the attention… all the time. If you have a restless dog with a lot of energy to burn, dog puzzle toys and brain games are a great solution.

“Many dogs are under-stimulated and under-exercised...or pretty bored. They don’t have phones or watch TV,” says Stacy Alldredge, certified dog trainer, behaviorist, and founder of Who’s Walking Who opens in a new tab . Dog puzzles and “interactive toys are a great way to give your dog something to do. They’re also a way for kids to do something with a dog that doesn’t make them mouthy and jumpy.”

Sudoku Is the Newest Brain Game for Dogs opens in a new tab

Let your dog win.

Types of interactive and puzzle dog toys

In addition to the mental stimulation that a dog gets from interacting with a puzzle toy, playing and chewing releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, which keeps dogs happy, busy, and using up energy. Dog puzzles and interactive toys come in a variety of styles and skill levels that any dog can benefit from.

Durable treat dispensing balls are popular for solitary play. The dog rolls around the ball to release food.

Slow-feeder food cubes and pyramids, such as Kong and Fable Pets opens in a new tab , require dogs to knock over the treat dispenser to get food.

With chew-puzzle toys, dogs need to chew and manipulate the toy to extract their reward.

Treat-puzzle games are interactive dog toys that require pups to flip open doors and lift compartments, using their paws and nose to find the hidden treats.

If your dog needs encouragement, make the toys more appealing by rubbing something tasty on them, such as peanut butter opens in a new tab . When you first introduce your dog to puzzle toys, make it easy for them to get the treats, then gradually increase the difficulty so that they learn how to extract the food. Otherwise, your dog may get frustrated, leading to the opposite of what is intended through enrichment and mental stimulation.

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Once your dog gets ahold of this gorgeous toy, they’re gonna “ need to calm down ” for sure.

Choosing the best puzzle toy for your dog

Not all toys are the same, and not all dogs will respond to the same toys. If your dog needs activity, try a treat game that slowly dispenses treats or kibble while they chase it around the house (preferably away from where you’re working). “Some dogs will eat out of a puzzle toy but not out of a bowl,” Alldredge says. If your dog does not have that problem, but rather is such a fast eater that they make themselves sick, try a snuffle mat that replicates foraging behavior and slows mealtime down. If your dog needs confidence building opens in a new tab , try a simple puzzle game and gradually work them up to more difficult ones.

“A few years ago, I bought one of every dog puzzle game on the market,” Alldredge says. “And wow — some of them, like the Nina Ottosson opens in a new tab ones, were so hard to figure out!” Puzzle toys aren’t just for puppies, either. “The biggest mistake people make is forgetting that adult dogs need entertainment, too.” Below, the top 18 best dog puzzle toys. Let the games begin!

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

18 best interactive dog puzzle toys

The high-design accessory brand’s first foray into puzzle toys holds 1 1 /2 cups of food, making this one ideal for fast eaters who need a side of stimulation — both mental and physical.

If your pup has a habit of scarfing down their food and regurgitating it, you may be in need of a lick pad. This lick pad is tons of fun, plus helps keep their dinnertime excitement from turning into a two-part affair.

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Using 12 hidden compartments and three dog-bone covers, the latest from cult-favorite dog brand Outward Hound allows pet owners to adjust the toy’s difficulty to meet their pup’s needs. Just getting started? No problem. With this toy, it’s easy to work up to more advanced dog puzzles.

Nina Ottosson, the mastermind behind this toy, is all about exercising your pup’s brain with the help of puzzles. “My goal is for dogs and their owners around the world to have fun with my products,” Ottosson told The Wildest opens in a new tab . “I call them ‘games’ because the owner and the pet are supposed to play together, which strengthens the bond between them.”

This Wild One opens in a new tab toy is ideal for the dog who has chewed more tennis balls than Rafa Nadal has seen in his life. It’ll help slow the destruction process by keeping the object of your pup’s affection just out of reach, offering a satisfying reward when they finally wriggle it free.

This snuffle mat is perfect for pups who want a little extra mental stimulation at dinnertime. Just scatter treats or kibble throughout the felt mat and watch them explore.

“Snuffle mats are a great way to provide enrichment and entertainment by helping dogs use their amazing sense of smell to find the hidden food. Sniff-based mental stimulation can help promote overall relaxation in dogs, as well,” veterinary behaviorist Dr. Valli Parthasarathy told The Wildest opens in a new tab .

While this toy may seem small enough for a pup to conquer, its inner ridges keep pets from accessing their kibble without putting in the time and effort to unlock it. It’ll tucker your dog out and requires some serious concentration as they work to access their well-earned reward.

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This favorite is ideal for larger pups who enjoy gnawing on everything from chair legs to couch cushions to — more appropriately but not great opens in a new tab — tennis balls. Its irregular shape allows your pup to nose it around for hours and never tire of it.

For super energetic pups, the iDig is where it’s at. This toy allows pet parents to hide treats and kibble under the flap, so pups can let out some of those zoomies opens in a new tab by digging their way to the prize.

“Diggers need to dig,” trainer and The Wildest Collective member Nicole Ellis told The Wildest opens in a new tab . “I often hear frustration from pet parents about their  dogs digging opens in a new tab  in the yard, couch, and on the bed. Dogs naturally love to dig; it’s an innate desire. Instead of reprimanding your dog(s) for digging, give them somewhere to dig. And yes, even  cats love this toy opens in a new tab !”

We had you at “baguette,” right? It gets even better. This adorable nosework toy by Lambwolf is ideal for enrichment, with two large squeakers and four pockets for hiding treats.

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For dogs who benefit from a more complicated treat-dispensing, scent-releasing toy, this is it. It also works as an added layer of complication for games of fetch.

This intermediate level two design by Nina Ottosson includes additional obstacles and step combinations. It’s perfect for extra curious pups.

Kongs are less about solving a puzzle than keeping a dog busy. Fill this toy with your pup’s favorite treats, and they can bat it around for a fun interactive experience that will help keep their separation anxiety at bay opens in a new tab when you leave the house.

“From puppies to seniors, everyone can enjoy a Kong,” Ellis added opens in a new tab . “Studies have taught us that licking and chewing help release stress in dogs, and the Kong helps achieve that while allowing your pup to have fun. It also helps our dog get some mental enrichment and learn to settle and focus on something.”

Let’s face it, half the toys we buy for our pets are because they’re just downright fun to look at — and this Petstages carrot toy is no exception. It’ll massage your pup’s gums and help remove plaque while keeping them entertained and out of trouble, which is a win-win if we’ve ever heard of one.

This very pretty slow feeder will stimulate your pup’s mind and also slow their roll while they feast upon their dinner.

Behaviorist Karen London opens in a new tab weighed in on why she loves slow feeders opens in a new tab for pups: “My favorite way to keep dogs from scarfing down their food too quickly is to use a dog food puzzle or slow feeder dog bowl that is specific to this purpose ... Not only does this slow down their eating, but it also provides mental exercise and gives dogs valuable experience being persistent and handling a bit of frustration. Never a bad thing, right?”

Squirrels and squeaks: two things that endlessly fascinate our dogs, together at last! You stuff the squeaky squirrels in the tree, and your dog’s job is to hunt all six of them down in a kind of hide and seek.

This “tricky” treat ball lives up to its name. All you have to do is insert your dog’s favorite treats into the ball, and then let your pup have at it. They’ll push, roll, and paw the ball until the food falls out of the single hole. The simple design makes for hours of fun for your dog.

This subscription box is made for dogs who love to chew. Beyond meaty chews and full-size bags of treats, these come with two fluff-free, ultra-durable toys, such as a treat-dispensing acorn. Did we mention they’re themed ?

The internal maze of these colorful globes slowly dispenses treats, preventing boredom, and slowing down digestion.

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Marisa Meltzer

Marisa Meltzer has contributed to The New York Times , Vogue , Vanity Fair , and is the author of This Is Big: How the Women Who Founded Weight Watchers Changed the World (and Me) . She lives in New York City with her dog Joan.

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23 Unique Dog Breeds You'll Want as Your Pet

From eye-catching hairstyles to one-of-a-kind personalities, these dog breeds are truly different from the pack.

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Known as man's best friend for a reason, dogs make some of the best pets. But figuring out which breed is right for you and your family can be difficult, especially with so many to choose from. Each animal has its own personality, smarts, and build, which means each breed brings something unique to the table. Whether you're looking for a breed that's unlike any pup you've met in the past or you simply want to find the best one to match your personality, we're here to help. Ahead, we're showing you some of the most unique dog breeds around.

Saksoni / GETTY IMAGES

Draped with white cords from head to tail, the Komondor is one of the most distinctive breeds in the world, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). A large male Komondor can stand more than 27.5 inches tall and weigh over 100 pounds, with heavy bone and a lot of muscle. 

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

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Its the demeanor of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen that sets it apart from the rest. The breed is is known for its stamina and high strung attitude that has made them legendary hunters in Gallic folklore. The long-faced dog has a shaggy coat with a defined mustache, beard, and eyebrows.

Belgian Laekenois

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The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of four native dogs of Belgium: the Belgian Sheepdog, Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois. The breed is defined by its rough, tousled coat that requires regular brushing and occasional bathing, the AKC reports .

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Although Puli are similar in appearance to the Komondor, they're two very different breeds. The Puli is a very old Hungarian breed dating back to the Middle Ages. It is speculated that the Puli is one of the direct ancestors of the poodle. To this day, there are a few standard poodles that have corded coats. This breed almost died out during the 17th century but was revived by a group of hobbyists in 1912, according to the AKC .

Bigandt Photography / GETTY IMAGES

The Leonberger's lineage includes St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, which means this unique dog is considered a giant breed. As such, Leonbergers can reach well over 100 pounds. They're affectionate, good with kids, and extremely devoted to owners, who they want to be with as much as possible. Because of their large size, love of muddy water, and amount of attention and exercise needed, you won't frequently find these dogs in urban areas or large towns. The breed can live eight to nine years.

Bedlington Terrier

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A crisp, curly coat and arched back distinguish the Bedlington Terrier from all others. They're an energetic breed that loves attention. This dog breed moves with a light, springy step and when roused can run like the wind, according to the AKC .

Skye Terrier

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This short but long dog breed has signature long-haired fur that covers its eyes. These dogs can be twice as long as they are tall. They're bred for hunting foxes along the remote Isle of Skye of Scotland and are stronger than their size makes them appear, the AKC reports .

Coton de Tulear

A walking cloud, the Coton de Tulear only grows to around 10 inches tall and gets its name for its soft, cotton-like fur. Known for being a great companion dog, this breed has a reputation for forming close bonds to its owners.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

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Known for its long torso and short legs, this unique dog breed is as interesting to look at as it is smart. They're alert and intelligent dogs with a proud attitude. Although Dandies weigh no more than 24 pounds, they are highly alert watchdogs with a deep baritone bark, according to the AKC .

Brussels Griffon

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Affectionately dubbed the "bearded dogs," the Brussels Griffon is known for its long hair around the snout and large eyes. While this unique-looking breed is known to be playful and energetic, their sensitivity makes them ideal for adults—not children.

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The square head, large stature, and stiff coat of the Cane Corse certainly sets it apart from the rest. This breed, which typically weighs more than 100 pounds, it intimidating upon a first glance. But, don't be fooled, Corsi are actually quite affectionate.

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This unique breed is said to be among the oldest and most primitive. In fact, diagrams of dogs that look like Basenjis have been found in Egyptian pyramids. One of the most interesting facts about this breed is that, females only come into heat once a year, unlike all other domestic breeds that come into heat twice a year. On top of all this, they rarely bark, preferring to whine and make a yodeling sound instead. Their attentive nature makes them great pets.

Chinese Crested

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The ultimate unique dog breed, the Chinese Crested lands itself in the toy group with a height of up to 13 inches. The dog can be hairless with long fur on the head, tail, and ankles or it can be coated.

Thai Ridgeback

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This dog breed's name comes from its hair pattern, which grows in the opposite direction from the rest of its fur, creating a ridge on its back. According to the AKC , the breed has up to eight different ridge patterns.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

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Unlike an English Sheepdog, this breed has long loose mats of fur, creating a unique texture. In fact, three different textures form the hair to create the matted look of the Bergamasco Sheepdog. They're sociable and loyal dogs, which makes them a great pet.

Old English Sheepdog

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This dog breed's double coat makes its fur the talk of the town. But underneath all that fur is a muscular, gentle, and smart pup. Old English Sheepdogs also have unique eyes (when you can see them)—they're typically born with brown eyes, blue eyes, or one of each, the AKC reports .

Field Spaniel

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This dog breed looks similar to its Cocker, Springer, and Sussex Spaniel cousins, but its long, feather-like ears distinguish the breed from the rest of the pack. Field Spaniels have shiny coats that further add to their distinctiveness.

Dubbed regal in manor by the AKC , the Pekingese has a rolling gait and is one of several breeds created for the ruling classes of ancient China. Generally, Pekingese grow to only 6 to 9 inches tall and can weigh up to 14 pounds. Its signature long-haired coat makes this breed unique.

English Foxhound

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Known to be affectionate, social, and gentle, the English Foxhound looks like an average dog but has a number of very unique characteristics. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1909 and is much stouter than its American counterpart. They make great companions for hunters, as they love a good chase and have an exceptional sense of smell.

Norwegian Lundehund

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This energetic breed is quite unique. Their most defining feature? The fact that they have at least six fully functioning toes on each paw and extra paw pads.

Pharaoh Hound

Known for its large ears that stick straight up, the Pharaoh Hound was bred to be able to withstand high-speed pursuits on rocky terrain. Its unique ears, short tan coat, and matching tan nose and eyes make the breed extremely striking.

Machacekcz / GETTY IMAGES

Similar in looks to the black sheepdog but smaller, the Schipperke was bred to be a barge dog to work the canals of Belgium since the 1800s; that means this breed likes having a job to do. Despite their high energy levels, they adapt very well to household living. Clean and neat, Schipperkes make perfect pets for those people who want a big dog in a small package.

42beats / 500px / GETTY IMAGES

Elegance is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Salukis. The unique breed's signature long-haired ears and even longer snout make it stand out from all the others at the dog park. They're tall and gentle creatures.

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9 Best Puzzle Toys For Dogs: Keep Spot Engaged!

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July 15, 2018

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Best Puzzle Toys: Quick Picks

• Classic Kong [Best Basic Toy] A great basic challenge toy that requires dogs to work a bit harder for dinner as they lick inside the Kong and dislodge what’s inside.
• Brick Toy by Nina Ottosson [Best Level 2 Challenge] A super fun puzzle toy that requires dogs to nudge, dislodge, and flip various compartments to find all the treats hidden inside!
• Outward Hound Fun Feeder [Best For Dinnertime] This puzzle toy is mostly all about encouraging your dog to slow down his eating. It’s a very easy challenge and great for a first attempt at a dog puzzle toy!
• Snuffle Mat [Best For Sniffing Dogs] If you have a dog that loves to sniff (in particular dogs with a hunting or tracking background) they’ll love digging through these fabric folds for goodies!

Owning a high-energy dog or puppy can be exhausting at times, and obtaining puzzle toys for dogs give you an opportunity to take a break while ensuring your dog remains happy and active.

Both dogs and humans love brain stimulation – being challenged is a canine’s delight!

The best dog puzzle toys often involve making your dog work a little for a tasty reward.

Many dogs actually prefer to work for their food rather than eating out of a boring old bowl. Searching for food alleviates boredom , and sniffing activates your dog’s brain’s pleasure center!

9 Best Dog Puzzle Toys For Keeping Your Pooch Amused

We’re detailing the very best interactive dog toy puzzles that are sure to keep Fido entertained! Some toys require owner supervision (and even participation), while others can be left with your dog unattended.

1. Classic Kong

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Classic KONG

The original must-have puzzle toy.

This versatile puzzle toy is a favorite of animal shelters everywhere. It can be played with, chomped on, filled with food, and frozen!

About:  The ubiquitous Classic Kong is a great beginner puzzle toy to ease your dog into using their problem-solving skills. Start by filling it to the brim with a handful of dry kibble and let them figure out how to get it all.

As they become more adept at emptying the toy, increase the difficulty by using soggy kibble, peanut butter, or frozen treats . You can use the Kong to handle mealtime or to help a puppy adjust to crate training.

Plus, if you’re looking for an ultra-tough indestructible puzzle toy that you can leave your dog with home alone, the Classic Kong is an excellent choice (although you should always supervise your dog engaging with a toy several times before trusting him alone with it). The Classic Kong is available in several different sizes and strengths to meet your individual dog’s needs.

• Vet Recommended. The Kong ball is a highly rated, vet-approved toy for keeping your dog happy and engaged.
• Great For Dinner & Play. The Kong can be used both as a feeding system or as a simple fun, bouncy toy.
• Ultra Durable & Chew-Proof. Kongs are known for their tough, chew-friendly rubber, so even owners of rough dogs need not fear the Kong.

Owners can’t say enough good things about Kong – they are one of the most well-known, reputable dog toy brands on the market. You can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality toy for your dog.

Despite Kong’s amazing rubber, some dogs still manage to chew through (what are their teeth made of, dragon glass?).

2. Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy For Dogs

Nina Ottosson Brick Toy

Brain-boosting find-the-treat puzzle toy.

Pups must flip the covers off various compartments to find the morsels. One of the more popular Nina Ottosson puzzle toys!

About: This “Brick” style puzzle dog toy from Nina Ottosson allows you to hide treats under different “bricks” for your dog to sniff out and slide away to reveal the treat.

• Good For Beginners. This is a great beginner puzzle toy for dogs new to the concept, with an easy to medium difficulty level.
• Bond & Interact With Your Dog. This puzzle toy works best with dog owner interaction, allowing you and your canine to play together and bond!
• Sturdy And Non-Toxic. This durable interactive toy is tough, non-toxic, and can be washed easily in a dishwasher.

Owners love that they can use this puzzle toy to play and engage with their dog.

Some owners note that their dog was able to solve this toy too easily, suggesting that it’s best for dogs new to puzzle toys or for young puppies. If you have a smarty pants dog , you may want to upgrade to a tougher toy.

3. Trixie Activity Board

Trixie Activity Board

Intermediate-level puzzle toy that requires canine thinking.

Compartments must be moved and lifted in different ways for your dog to find the treats!

About: The Trixie Dog Activity Board is a puzzle toy for dogs that’s ideal for dogs who need a bit more of a challenge.

• Use Mouth & Nose. Requires your dog to use their mouths and paws/noses to lift and shift pieces.
• Requires critical thinking. Toy relies on different techniques for opening indentations.
• Non-slip Rubber Feet. Non-slip feet allow your dog to push and nudge the toy without it toppling over or sliding around.
• Washable. Machine washable and easy to clean.
• May Require Some Teaching. Requires some initial training to teach your dog how to access the treats.

Owners love that this toy is more challenging for smart pantys pups who have mastered other puzzle toys

Owners note that is it very important to teach your dog and show them how to “win” at the game, otherwise they will simply get upset and frustrated.

4. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl

Outward Hound Slo Bowl

Ridged dog bowl that slows down speedy eaters.

This slow-eater dog bowl forces your dog to use his tongue to grab kibble rather than gulp it down all at once.

About: The Outward Hound Fun Feeder  is another basic toy that stimulates your dog while also slowing down how quickly they eat at mealtime.

If your dog struggles with gulping down kibble, slow feed dog bowls are a great way to stop your dog’s frantic gobbling while adding a bit of brain-boosting challenge to your dog’s dinner session.

• Your Dog’s Dinner. Holds up to 4 cups of dry kibble, making it the perfect dinner time toy.
• Helps Dogs Eat Slower. This toy is designed to help gobbling canines slow down, which in turn improves digestion and prevent bloating, choking, and other issues.
• Food Safe Plastic. Made with food-safe ABS plastic that is  BPA, PVC & phthalate free.

This toy is perfect for dogs who devour their dinners – owners note the Outward Hound Fun Feeder makes dogs work a bit harder for their meal, in some cases saving owners several trips to the vet for bloat and digestion problems.

This dog puzzle toy can’t really be used for situations outside of meal time.

5. Nina Ottosson’s Dog Tornado Toy

Dog Tornado Puzzle

A moderate-level spinning puzzle toy.

This Level 2 Ottosson toy requires your dog to move 12 spinning compartments in order to access goodies!

About:  Another Nina Ottosson toy called the Dog Tornado lets dogs swivel different stacked compartments to access hidden treats.

• Can Leave Dogs Unsupervised. Unlike many others, this dog toy doesn’t require constant supervision.
• Training Needed. Requires some training interaction at first to teach your pup how to use it.

Owners of witty canines love having a toy that can finally match their doggy’s Einstein mind.

This dog toy is more difficult and designed for dogs with big brains. If your dog is new to puzzle toys or not especially clever, they may simple find this toy too frustrating and get annoyed.

6. Kong Stuff-A-Ball Toy

About:  The next level up from the basic Kong, the KONG Stuff-a-Ball Toy offers a bigger challenge for motivated dogs.

Kong Stuff-A-Ball

Teeth-cleaning treat dispenser.

Made of the same ultra-tough rubber at the standard Kong, this ball includes ridges to get your dog’s teeth clean!

• Multiple Settings. This toy provides more treat dispensing options with external crevices and an internal dispenser.
• Chew-Friendly.  Made from super durable, puncture-resistant, non-toxic rubber that Kong toys are known for.
• Cleans Your Dog’s Teeth.  Toy’s ridges helps clean your dog’s teeth and massage gums.
• Easy To Clean. This Kong toy is dishwasher safe and durable.

Owners appreciate how this toy cleans their dogs’ teeth while keeping them engaged. It also has a fun bounce to it!

A few owners with extra rough and tough chewing dogs found that this toy couldn’t hold up against super aggressive chompers.

7. Kong Wobbler

Kong Wobbler

Wobbling feeder that dispenses treats.

This feeder requires your dog to knock, nose, and paw at the weighted dispenser in order for food to fall out.

About: The Kong Wobbler toy wobbles and rolls across the floor in an unpredictable pattern, mixing activity and games with mealtime.

• No Supervision Needed. This toy is pretty simple and has very few parts. You should be a-ok to leave your pup unattended while playing with this toy.
• Easy for You and Your Pup. Simply unscrew the top of this toy, fill it with your dog’s breakfast or dinner, and let your dog go to town! Most dogs catch onto the batting and nosing required to get their food very quickly.

This toy is simple to use and easy to clean. Owners of smart dogs love how this toy is as much about physical skill as anything else — it doesn’t get old the way some other toys do. Even the smartest dogs can’t totally outwit this toy!

This toy can be a bit noisy as it rolls around on your floor. Keep this in mind if your downstairs neighbors work the night shift!

8. Snuffle Mat

Snuffle Mat

Puzzle toy that challenges your dog’s sniffer.

Features soft felt strips that your dog must snuff and dig through to access kibble.

About: The Snuffle Mat is an absolute must-have for nervous or anxious dogs. Your dog will get the soothing benefits of using his nose and his mind to find his dinner. Think of it as an 80s shag carpet full of dog treats.

• Relies Heavily on Scent. This toy is more of a scent game than a tough-to-solve puzzle. As we said above, sniffing is a great way to calm down nervous dogs.
• Easy for Dogs. What’s more natural to a dog than using his nose to find food? This toy keeps dogs busy for a while, but doesn’t require any training on your end to make it work.

Owners of anxious dogs find this toy is really useful for soothing nervous dogs. Some owners even found it helped during thunderstorms or fireworks

This toy can get a bit dirty and should only be used with kibble. After a time, the fleece on this toy might get stretched out and might need to be replaced.

9. Household Recycling

About: Get creative with egg cartons, paper bags, cereal boxes, and other recycling around your home. We already have a whole article about DIY Puzzle Toys , but this is still an absolute favorite.

• Switch it up Every Day. When your trash turns into toys, it’s easy to give your pup something new (almost) every day. While most owners certainly can’t afford 365 different puzzle toys, it’s not that hard to make a different piece of trash into a puzzle toy every day.
• Let Your Dog Destroy Something. Many dogs, especially young ones, have a strong desire to shred things. When you pay for expensive toys (or new shoes), this is a problem. Letting your dog destroy a few cereal boxes can help make everyone happier!

It doesn’t get much cheaper than using your own trash to make toys for your dogs. You can get creative, or just close a few pieces of kibble into an egg carton and call it a day.

You generally have to clean up after your pup destroys a DIY puzzle toy. This can get old fast! You also need to be careful not to give your dog something that might hurt him if he eats it.

What’s The Best Puzzle Toy For Dogs? We Choose Kong

All the puzzle toys we detailed above are great choices for challenging your four-legged fur baby, but if you simply can’t decide where to start, we suggest going with Kong. Whether you want the simple kibble-based Kong Wobbler, the Stuff-a-Ball, or the classic Kong, Kong really has your bases covered.

I find the Kong Stuff-a-Ball to be the most “foolproof” toy of the lot, especially for dogs that are new to puzzle toys. It offers a broad range of stimulation and skill usage, and gives adult dogs and teething puppies an outlet for chewing.

For the level of occupation it provides, combined with the lack of training input on your part, the Kong Stuff-a-Ball is an ideal beginner or intermediate puzzle toy.

Also, considering its low price range, it’s not a big loss if your dog decides they don’t like it. It is a quality budget puzzle toy that suits a range of needs, making it the best option for new puzzle toy buyers.

K9 of Mine’s on-staff trainer, Kayla, travels the world with her border collie, Barley. When she packed Barley’s bag for the big trip, she chose to bring the Kong Wobbler instead of a food bowl or any other puzzle toy. It’s easy to clean, indestructible, and there are no parts for her to lose while traveling. While Barley still misses his Snuffle Mat and a few other puzzle toys, the Kong Wobbler’s wacky motion keeps him entertained every single day!

Benefits of Puzzle Toys For Dogs

Why do owners choose puzzle toys to occupy your dog over chewy treats or self-amusement toys (like textured squeaky toys )?

• Keep Your Dog Occupied For Long Periods. For one thing, pup  puzzle toys can keep your dog occupied for a longer amount of time than even the squeakiest stuffed squirrel. A high-energy dog isn’t just in need of a reward (e.g., the squeaky sound, or the taste of the treat): they need to work for it! For dogs, the promise of food rewards can keep your dog engaged for huge stretches of time.
• Release Happy Hormones. Sniffing for food releases dopamine into your dog’s brain. This hormone makes your dog feel relaxed and happy. Puzzle toys that are scent-based are extra good at making your dog feel better, but any puzzle toy that engages your dog’s “seeking pathway” of the brain will do the trick!
• Prevent Destructive Behavior. Helping a dog focus their energy on an involving puzzle toy helps prevent them from turning to destructive or undesirable behaviors such as chewing furniture, nuisance barking, or begging.
• Combat Boredom & Loneliness. Dogs need mental enrichment, just like people do. Especially during times when your dog is alone for long stretches , it’s important that they can occupy themselves and not get bored.

• Provide Mental Stimulation. Like humans, dogs want to keep busy and can become neurotic or depressed when they don’t have enough opportunities to stimulate themselves.   Imagine being stuck at the doctor’s waiting room with no magazine and a dead mobile phone – you’d be bored stiff (and dogs don’t even have  smartphones – only those old brick Nokias, poor things).
• Exhaust Pent Up Energy. Regular exercise is a great first step for getting rid of physical energy (a doggy treadmill does wonders as well), but an energetic, intelligent dog can be harder to satisfy. Whether you want to build your dog’s mental acuity, help them release some energy, or present a challenge, puzzle toys are an appealing option.

Puzzle Rewards + Your Dog’s Diet: Don’t Let Fido Get Fat!

Most dog puzzle toys involve food as the reward for “solving” the puzzle. This is highly motivating for dogs, especially for canines who are especially food-obsessed.

While food rewards can work wonders, and dog treats can make training a breeze , remember that it’s easy to overfeed your four-legged pal. It’s also much easier to overfeed your pooch than you’d think (just as it’s pretty easy to overfeed yourself when Dominos is running a 2 for 1 large pizza special).

Prevent your dog from gaining too much weight:

• Use Visual Aids.  Not sure if your dog is on the chunkier side or not? There are many visual aids available to help you monitor your dog’s weight, including on the back of most dog food bags.

Your dog should have a visible waist, and their abdomen should tuck upwards when viewed from the side. You should also be able to feel your dog’s ribs beneath a light layer of fat.

• Keep Breed In Mind. It’s also worth noting that appropriate weight can vary between breeds. I used to always think that my Doberman/Lab mix Benzy was too skinny since I could see his ribs, and was constantly trying to fatten him up . After discussing his weight with our vet, I learned that Benzy was at a perfect weight – his skinny, sleek look was just part of his genetic makeup.
• Measure Out Puzzle Toy Treats.  To avoid having your pooch develop a potbelly when incorporating puzzle toys, make sure to count or measure out the treats or kibble the toy uses as a reward .

If your dog chows down the allotted amount in a flash, it’s time to switch to a more challenging toy – don’t just fill up the toy, or you’ll end up with a chubby canine.

• Puzzle Time Can Be Dinner Time Too! You can also use puzzle toys as a method for your dog to “earn” their dinner. Put their usual meal amount of kibble into the toy and let them work for it. This is also a great solution for dogs that eat too fast or beg after they finish their meal. K9 of Mine’s on-staff dog trainer, Kayla Fratt, is a huge advocate for tossing your dog’s food bowl . Why just use a puzzle toy for treats, when you can feed a whole meal?

Many owners also choose to put their dog’s meals into a Kong ball and then freeze it , which also prevents dogs from gobbling their kibble in an instant.

While chunky pups can be cute, it’s important to keep your furry pal trim to ensure that they stay active, healthy, and feel great! Overweight pets have many of the same health concerns as overweight humans.

Want to see a canine puzzle toy in action? Check out Shiba Inu Saki play with Nina Ottosson’s Brick Puzzle toy (which we discuss in detail below).

When Dog Puzzle Toys Won’t Cut It

Dog puzzle toys can help canines that are destructive or anxious put their energy into something constructive and beneficial. However, you’ll want to avoid using dog puzzle toys as a bandaid solution for your dog’s vast and varied canine needs.

When considering incorporating puzzle toys into your pup’s playtime, keep these tips in mind.

• No Substitute for Socializing.  Puzzle toys are great, but they are   never a full substitute for social interaction. Dogs are extremely  social creatures, and your dog still needs to interact with humans and other dogs on a regular basis to optimize their mental health and behavior.

Binging alone through 5 seasons of Arrested Development on Netflix is fun, but it’s not the same as a long conversation over coffee with a friend (or in a dog’s case, a good butt-sniffing at the park).

• Dog’s Still Need Exercise. Puzzle toys are also not a full substitute for exercise. Some dogs just need to run until they drop, and no amount of Trivial Pursuit or Rubix’s Cube action will change that.
• Not An Easy Answer To Separation Anxiety. Dogs with serious separation anxiety may not be appeased by puzzle toys. While boredom can often be quelled by puzzle toys, separation anxiety can have some deep-rooted causes that shouldn’t go unaddressed. Owners should consider professional training or thorough research on curing separation anxiety DIY style .
• Frustration vs Aggression. Another important issue is the difference between doggie frustration (due to too much energy) and aggression. Puzzle toys won’t “fix” a dog with food aggression or other types of social misbehaviors. These types of more serious issues often require professional assistance. While we have some resources for working with aggressive dogs and dogs that resource guar d, you will do best getting help from a pro.

Look for a trainer with a certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants ( IAABC ) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers ( CCPDT ), which are widely accredited organizations within the US.

Dog Puzzle Toys FAQ

What puzzle toys are most challenging for smart dogs.

Look for puzzle toys with adjustable difficulty levels that allow owners to increase the challenge to make the puzzle tougher! Examples of puzzle toys that have this option are the CleverPet and the Trixie Dog Chess.

What can you put in a puzzle toy?

Puzzle toys can be filled with treats (the stinkier, the better) or even just your dog’s regular kibble.

What are the best indestructible puzzle toys?

If you’re looking for a tough, indestructible puzzle toy, anything by Kong is usually a safe bet.

The Classic Kong and Kong Wobbler are both great choices since they are made of whole, single pieces instead of several smaller, removable pieces, which is common with many other puzzle toys.

What are your favorite dog puzzle toys that you use with your dog? Any top picks we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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There is a company named West Paw that has lots of toys to stuff. Made in America, and tough non toxic material. They even have a Toy Cook Book with lots of ideas to stuff their toys.

We’re quite familiar with and fond of West Paw, Kathy. We talk about them a lot in our Best Dog Toy Brands article . Thanks for mentioning them, though! 🙂

I was advised by a dog behaviourist, some time ago, to spread his food over the floor. I will now start spreading it over the backyard among the grass. Will also look for a shag for wet weather. Thank you for your article.

This was the GREATEST article. I’m prepping for my aussie to come home and buying him toys before he arrives. I love this! So educational – I appreciate it!

With the nina interactive puzzle I’m worried that my dog mite chew the parts and destroy the whole puzzle

Thanks so much for this excellent and useful article. I’m definitely going to buy 3 or 4 of the items! I know that they’ll be great for our dog.

The Triple Twist Dog IQ Puzzled by Seek-A-Treat is a 3 layer wood circular about one foot in diameter. Each circular opening layer is independent of the others and has six or so inch wide pockets to place treats or kibble. It is impossible to line up all three layers, so my dog pushes and spins each layer looking for anything from a tiny carrot piece, kibble pieces, treats, and leave some empty. Only con: the top spin cover is not wood and when I wasn’t watching my dog chewed the edges of it like it was thin cardboard. But I should have watched as I know the length of time it takes him to complete the puzzle. We found ours at Pet Palance locally.

Thanks! Going to try out a few of these. My pup is an ultra chewer, so Kong doesn’t work (even their extreme level met it’s end in one day). But hoping the ones that are more of a puzzle can help entertain her.

Good luck! We’d love to hear how it goes.

My dog likes his Kibble Nibble and his Tug-a-Jug. But by far our favorite is Starmark Academy’s Treat Dispensing Puzzle Ball, however I would also recommend their Bento Ball and their other toys as well.

Thank you so much for the great puzzle toys for dogs. I just adopted a Toy Poodle and I have read that they are very smart and if their brains aren’t challenged, they can get bored and depressed. You have given me such wonderful suggestions. I love playing with her but I enjoy even more to see her entertain herself because I know that she is having fun when I have to go somewhere. I can’t thank you enough and keep up your great suggestions!

I LOVE this article and totally agree with you! I just have not had the time to write this out myself. I have a private group on fb “ditch the dish”. Thank you and I am going to share this!

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Best Interactive Dog Toys: Puzzles, Games & Ways To Stimulate Your Pet (With Our Personal Experience)

Does your dog get bored easily, destructive when not stimulated, or anxious when you're not at home? As much as we'd love to be able to give our dogs all the attention and mental stimulation they need, we can't always be on hand to play with them. But we've found some clever and unique dog toys that can bust boredom and alleviate anxiety. See our top picks for the best interactive dog toys to give you and your pup peace of mind.

Last Updated: June 7, 2023 | 10 min read | Leave a Comment

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Does your dog get bored quickly, destructive when not stimulated, or anxious when you’re not at home? As much as we’d love to be able to give our dogs all the attention and mental stimulation they need, we can’t always be on hand to play with them. But we’ve found some clever and unique dog stimulation toys that can bust boredom and alleviate anxiety. See our top picks for the best interactive dog toys to give you and your pup peace of mind.

There are so many different interactive dog toys that range from inexpensive treat-dispensing puzzles to toys that move and make noise and even high-tech smart devices. We’ve researched dozens of interactive dog toys and give you our top picks.

Note : Please inspect your dogs’ toys regularly (regardless of if they are dog mental stimulation toys or not) to ensure they’re in working condition and are safe for play. Your dog should not ingest stuffing, plastic, or other harmful materials. Read the toy’s packaging to identify any precautions. Some of these toys require supervision when using too.

Best Treat Puzzles For Dogs

Treat-dispensing puzzles offer pups the mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. They come in varying degrees of difficulty, from beginners to experts. We’ve chosen two intermediate-level puzzles as our top picks, but our favorite dog puzzle manufacturers, Outward Hound and TRIXIE, have many other excellent options.

Winner: Nina Ottosson By Outward Hound

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With this fun interactive puzzle, your dog has to figure out that he needs to remove, flip, and slide the plastic bricks to get to his treats. With three different problem-solving challenges in one puzzle, this toy provides a lot of mental stimulation for your pup. Many of us at Canine Journal bought this puzzle, and our dogs love it.

Our Experience With Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle

“My dog, Tiny, loves toys but gets bored easily with the usuals. But this puzzle is a huge hit. He’s very treat-motivated, so he has so much fun trying to get to the treats. Even after he figured it out, he still enjoys the “game.” I love Outward Hound’s puzzles because they have even more challenging ones you can rotate with your pup. And they’re really affordable for a high-quality product.” – Sally Jones, Mixed Breed Dog Parent

TRIXIE Dog Activity Mad Scientist Puzzle

Another popular treat puzzle with many pup parents, this Mad Scientist Puzzle requires your dog to master flipping each beaker over and making sure they balance correctly to release the treats. It comes with two lid types, so you can adjust the difficulty or mix the lids up for an added challenge.

More Brain Games For Dogs

Best Responsive Dog Toys

Responsive dog toys respond automatically to your dog’s activity , providing a lot of entertainment without you having to lift a finger. They’re great when you’re too busy to play with your pup.

Winner: Floppy Fish Dog Toy

The interactive Floppy Fish Dog Toy has become a fad among dog and cat owners. Its realistic flopping and flipping motion , just like a fish out of water, can keep your pup entertained for a long time. It automatically adjusts its flopping speed by sensing the motion around it and will slow down and stop moving when left alone. It also has a good battery life that’s rechargeable with the included USB cord. You can choose from four different fish species, and the manufacturer offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Despite the claims, we did not find this a good match for a power-chewing dog.

Our First-Hand Experience With Floppy Fish

“When we first saw the Flappy fish, we knew that our pup Barley had to have it! He is very smart and thus in constant need of mental stimulation to keep him out of trouble. This did the trick – perplexing and entertaining him for quite some time. I would recommend this for owners of small dogs that do not enjoy power chewing and destroying their toys (like Barley did). Ha!” – Michelle Schenker , Mixed Breed Dog Parent

Watch Barley play with the Floppy Fish in this hilarious video (along with commentary by his parents).

Wicked Ball

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Cheerble’s Wicked Ball can keep your pup entertained and active through its various self-activated motions. This busy ball intuitively lights up, rolls, spins, and bounces around the room to entice your dog to play. It has a built-in obstacle avoidance sensor and a rechargeable battery with good battery life. The original version is 3 inches, and the newer SE model is 2.2 inches. While the SE version has a more durable natural rubber outer shell than the original, neither is ideal for very aggressive chewers. Many pet parents say their dogs love this ball.

• Wicked Ball (3 inches) : $44.99
• Wicked Ball SE (2.2 inches): $49.99
• View all options

Full Wicked Ball Review

Our Experience With Wicked Ball

“ Wicked Ball SE  was a challenge to turn on the first time — I had to push really hard. Then after that initial power on, it was easy to use and turn on and off (or change modes). The ball bounces, lights up different colors, and vibrates when touched, making it very interactive. The material is extremely durable and easy to clean, and the ball lasts a good while before it needs charging. It’s slightly bigger than a golf ball but smaller than a tennis ball. The SE is 2.2 inches and probably best for small to medium-sized dogs, whereas the regular Wicked Ball is 3 inches and has an outer shell you can swap out.” – Sadie Cornelius , Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent

Hyper Pet Doggie Pal Monster

This plush dog toy wiggles, vibrates, and barks to keep your dog engaged in play. Every time your dog shakes, rolls, or tosses the toy, it moves and makes noise for about 10 seconds. It has a convenient on/off switch when you don’t want the toy to be active. To switch things up for your pup, you can even get replacement covers for the battery-operated ball in a few different styles (monster, unicorn, crab, and dog tail).

PetDroid Interactive Dog/Cat Ball

This motion-activated ball can keep your pup entertained for hours and is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an interactive dog toy that moves. It has two modes: rolling with a few bounces and active bouncing. And it lights up for added stimulation. Attach the included feather or another small toy to the hook on the outside of the ball to enhance your pup’s chasing instincts.

Charge it with a phone charger, and it lasts for five hours of continuous play. It also has an automatic shut-off to save battery life. Although the product description says it’s only for hardwood floors, many customers say it works well on the carpet.

Pet Qwerks Babble Ball Interactive Dog Toy

The Babble Ball interacts with your dog by making more than 20 different phrases and sounds. As your pup walks past it or breathes on it, the ball’s sounds activate to entice your dog to play. It’s a perfect option for dogs with separation anxiety. Unlike the PetDroid we review above, this hard plastic ball doesn’t roll or bounce on its own. But many pet parents say their dogs love the noises. It comes in three sizes and requires three LR44 batteries (included), and automatically shuts off when your dog’s done playing.

• Starts at : Check Amazon for availability

“Smart” Dog Enrichment Toys

These smart devices allow you to use your smartphone to control your dog’s toy. They make excellent interactive toys for dogs at home alone when you’re at work or out running errands for a long time.

Winner: Wickedbone Smart Bone

You can use Cheerble’s Wickedbone Smart Bone as a remote control dog toy using the virtual joystick in the mobile app or set it to interactive auto-play mode . It has nine different play modes and can automatically adjust how it reacts based on your dog’s different types of interaction with it (chasing, teasing, avoiding, etc.). The rechargeable battery can last for four hours in interactive mode.

The downsides to this toy? It likely won’t hold up with aggressive chewers and is too large for small dogs. Also, we saw several customer reviews that the apps crash often.

Our First-Hand Experience

“We had the chance to try out the Wickedbone. It arrived uncharged but comes with a USB cord to charge, and after an hour or so it was ready to go. You sync it up via Bluetooth using their app and then pick one of the movements for it to do. Some are more subtle than others which can be a bit aggressive. Our Cavalier was a bit confused at first but then thought it was something to chase. He’s too small to pick up the bone, but that’s probably for the best that he doesn’t chew on the gadget.” – Sadie Cornelius , Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent

Other Stimulating Dog Toys

Here are some other fun interactive dog toys that will entertain your dog without breaking your budget.

iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher

This automatic dog ball thrower is a fetch lover’s dream come true. It comes in two sizes for small and large dogs and is excellent for indoor and outdoor use. Teach your pup to retrieve the ball and place it in the launcher for endless interactive fun and exercise. You can set it to throw 10, 20, or 30 feet for the small size and 10, 25, or 40 feet for the large size — or set it to “random” to mix up the fun.

The large launcher uses standard-size tennis balls (three included). The small launcher requires mini-balls, but it comes with three. You don’t have to worry about replacing batteries with a built-in rechargeable battery.

• Small: $129.99
• Large: $179.99
• 5-pack Mini-Balls: $12.50

More Top Picks For Ball Launchers

Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

A huge hit with many dogs (and pet parents), the Starmark food/treat-dispensing Bob-A-Lot toy provides mental and physical stimulation. The design makes the toy wobble around, encouraging your dog to play. You can fit up to three cups of kibble and adjust the openings for the size of food or difficulty level. It’s also useful to slow down fast eaters and comes in two sizes.

• Starts at: $14.95

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Dog Toys

Hide-and-seek toys, like this Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel plush toy, are a great option if you want to provide your dog mental stimulation without food as a motivation. As a bonus, the squirrels have squeakers for lots of entertainment. It’s a perfect interactive puppy toy , but it likely won’t last long with aggressive chewers. It comes in a variety of sizes or other options to hide-a hedgehog, llama, bee, and more.

• Starts at : $9.99

Our Experience With Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Toy

“My dog Daisy absolutely loves this toy. She is almost 11 years old, and weighs about 70 pounds. I have purchased this toy for her at least 3 times. She cannot get enough of it. As soon as we open the package, she is dancing around like a puppy with excitement. The log keeps the squirrels nice and cozy, and she likes to work them out of it. However, her favorite part is the little squirrels. She hides the squirrels all over the house and will keep one on her bed next to her to sleep with. Eventually, she will destroy them, but we have never had any issue with her eating the parts. I keep replacing it because she has so much fun with it. One toy usually lasts us about 4 months.” – Danielle DeGroot , Labrador Mix Dog Parent

LOOBANI Outdoor Bungee Tug Toy

This interactive bungee tug toy can keep your dog entertained and active while he’s outside. Your dog can tug, pull, and swing from this device all on his own — and it’s strong enough for very heavy dogs. Simply hang it from a tree limb or wrap it around a trunk. The bungee provides fun spring-back motion, and the strong tether toy attached at the bottom is suitable for all types of chewers. It gets excellent customer reviews from owners of all dog sizes.

Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat

While not nearly as challenging as the treat puzzles above, the Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat still provides treat-motivated entertainment for your pup. All you have to do is sprinkle treats over the top, and your dog will forage and sniff them out. It’s made out of non-toxic materials and is machine-washable.

More Top Picks For Snuffle Mats

Our Experience With Snuffle Mats

“Our dog has major separation anxiety and the snuffle mat is the perfect way to distract him when we leave or he needs something to keep entertained. Since he’s highly food motivated, hiding treats in the mat gives him something to sniff out while calming his nerves.” – Sadie Cornelius , Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent

Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball

The IQ Treat Ball is an inexpensive toy every dog parent should have. This interactive food-dispensing toy can keep your pup occupied for a long period of time. And you can change the level of difficulty to give your dog an added challenge. It’s a fun alternative to snuffle mats if you want to limit the number of treats your dog gets. The plastic ball comes in two sizes. It can be loud on the floor but not as noisy on a rug or carpet.

• Starts at $11.95

Our Experience With Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball

“The Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball keeps our puppy occupied for hours. And, when Barley stops playing with it, he falls asleep!! It is also impossible for him to chew, which means this toy will thankfully last much longer than most in our home.” – Michelle Schenker , Mixed Breed Dog Parent

Keep Your Toys Stocked Up

It can be hard to keep stimulating dog toys on hand for your pup. If you don’t have a lot of time to shop, you may want to consider a  dog subscription box  to receive toys and treats in the mail regularly so you never run out. You can even get a special dog subscription box for heavy chewers that come with some of the toughest toys around, including mentally stimulating dog toys.

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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The Best Dog Puzzle Toys

Enrichment toys for dogs, also called interactive dog toys, provide mental stimulation for dogs. the best ones take longer than a few minutes to solve but aren’t so complex that dogs get frustrated and give up..

There are several types of interactive dog toys that are designed to dispense food in order to engage dogs for extended periods of time. Some are filled with wet food (such as Kongs and Toppls ) or covered with wet food (like lick mats ) – and are sometimes frozen; the dog has to lick and chew the toy for a long time to extract all the food. Some have a hollow center that can be filled with a mix of kibble or dry treats; the food falls out of the toys through a hole or holes when the dog tosses or rolls the toys around (see the “Kibble-Dribbling” section in “ The Best Food-Dispensing Dog Toys ”).

The most complex enrichment toys for dogs are what we would call puzzle toys. These are the toys that require dogs to open compartments that are filled with food by manipulating the compartment covers in precise ways, rather than just licking or tossing the toy. The food-compartment covers might slide open – or slide open only after another piece is moved out of the way first. Some open only when the dog pulls on a string or handle, or dispense food when a lever or button is pressed. Some have multiple layers of food-holding compartments, requiring the dog to spin the layers in order to reveal more and more treats.

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What to look for in a dog puzzle toy

The best dog puzzle toys are those with just the right amount of complexity for the average dog. If they are too easy to empty, your dog will be done eating all the treats before you can walk into the next room, defeating the purpose of proving some enrichment to a bored dog. But if the manipulations required by your dog are too difficult, he may just give up before getting all the treats – or, if he’s anything like my dog Otto, he may resort to destructive techniques rather than nuanced problem-solving. Otto was a great one for just picking up an entire puzzle and throwing it into the air so it would crash onto the floor, spilling treats everywhere.

Ideally, a dog has to use some creativity and persistence to reach all the food in the puzzle toy. And the toy has to be able to survive a creative and persistent dog! We’ve seen some cute, clever puzzle toys that can’t hold up to “real dog” conditions, with parts that can too easily be broken or chewed off. The best toys are sturdy, washable (preferably in a dishwasher!), and don’t require you to help the dog even after he’s learned how to manipulate the puzzle.

Be advised that if a puzzle has a dispensing feature – where, for example, a dog manipulates something to make food pour through a hole – the treats you use will have to fit through those holes easily. Puzzles with compartments that the dog easily accesses can hold food of any kind, but you may have to buy small-sized and/or round kibble for complex toys with dispensing holes or tubes.

Getting the difficulty level right

Some dog-puzzle-toy makers rate the difficulty level of their toys, to help owners make buying decisions. For example, Outward Hound, the company that currently makes and sells products designed by Nina Ottosson (the original inventor of dog puzzle toys) identifies its toys and Level 1, 2, 3, or 4:

Level 1: A great way to introduce your pup to problem solving and puzzle games with one-step actions.

Level 2: Has added obstacles that require your dog to combine actions to reach their reward.” One example of Outward Hound’s Level 2 puzzle is the Hide N Slide : The “pegs” covering the treat compartments are easily manipulated to slide open, revealing the treats, but some of the “flippers” must be swiveled aside in order to allow the pegs to move.

Level 3: Challenges your dog to learn sequential steps to find their treat using more complex mechanisms.

Level 4: Requires your dog to complete a series of steps in the correct order for them to earn their treat.

Other dog-puzzle makers use different descriptions of their products’ difficulty – but the point is,  you get a sense of your dog’s ability and willingness to solve problems. One dog’s game of tic-tac-toe is another dog’s chess! It’s a good idea to start with an easy puzzle, and watch how your dog deals with it. If he’s easily frustrated and has a difficult time learning how to solve the puzzle, you’ll probably want to stick with the simplest, single-step puzzles. You’re just trying to add enrichment and stimulation to his life, not send him to college! If, in contrast, he is a highly food-motivated puzzle-master whiz-kid, he may be able to skip right to the most difficult puzzles.

It may take some trial and error to find puzzles that will occupy your dog without discouraging him. Fortunately, none of them are that expensive – and you can always gift the too-simple ones to a friend’s or relative’s young puppy, or the too-difficult ones to your closest Border Collie rescue.

How to introduce puzzle toys to your dog

If your dog has never played with puzzle toys before, start with some fairly high-value treats – unless your dog is one of those who will do backflips for kibble. You want him to be motivated enough to work to find the food, but not desperate to reach it at all costs.

Let your dog watch you fill the puzzle’s food-compartments. This will help him get a little excited about the project ahead.

Put the food-filled toy on the floor – preferably a surface that’s not too slick, so your dog doesn’t have to worry about slipping while occupying himself with the puzzle. Allow him to sniff (or paw) at the puzzle; his response will immediately tell you whether you need to show him how to manipulate the puzzle pieces to expose the food, or whether he can reach the food without assistance.

Most dogs start puzzle-solving with their nose and tongue; they can smell the treats inside the toys and will start licking and pushing at the movable parts on the puzzles. Dogs who are naturally more “pawsy” may rely on their paws and claws to try to manipulate the puzzles; again, the best dog puzzle toys will be able to take this sort of treatment without breaking.

Products that require a mixed approach might stymie some dogs. The Kubatis Puzzle Toy, for example, requires dogs to use their noses (to flip up the food-compartment covers) as well as their paws (to press on the top of the toy, which dispenses more treats into the compartments). Once encouraged to press on the top of the toy to dispense more treats, one of our test dogs kept pawing at the somewhat fragile compartment covers, and had to be redirected to using his nose to lift those up, instead.

That brings up our next tip: Be prepared to provide enough supervision to discourage your dog from getting too rough with the toy. Your dog may need to be redirected from taking an inadvertent shortcut to the treats – such as Otto’s throwing the  toy across the kitchen  to scatter the treats. Some of the toys we tested, such as the Challenge Slider Puzzle Toy from Outward Hound’s Nina Ottosson collection, wouldn’t have survived this treatment without coming apart. (The food-containing tray slides out for easy refilling, but if a dog lifted the entire toy from the ground, it would likely serve him all the treats at once.)

The harder your dog is willing to work for the treats, the lower-value food you can use inside. If he needs more motivation, use a mix of higher-value treats (such as freeze-dried meat cubes or semi-soft treats such as Zukes ), kibble, and frozen peas and carrot cubes!

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Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs : Banish Boredom

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Looking for ways to keep your dog entertained and stimulated? Investing in a high quality dog puzzle toy could be the answer.

Puzzle or dog enrichment toys as they're otherwise known, have been specifically designed to exercise your dog's brain, provide endless opportunities for learning and amazingly can tire your four-legged friend out as much as a dog walk.

So why not add a cool new interactive dog puzzle toy to your collection ?

At Smart Bark, we're always searching for new and interesting dog toys.

You can judge for yourself whether you like the look of the dog toy and we'll fill you in as best we can how difficult they are, how durable and how well they'll maintain your dog's interest.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Buying Advice for Dog Puzzle Toy s

Our Picks of t he Best Dog Puzzle Toys

1. Best for Beginners - KONG Gyro

2. Best for Enrichment - Pet Impact

  3. Brilliant Boredom Buster  - Roolo

4. Best for Treat Rewards - Bob-A-Lot

5. Best No-Treat Puzzle - Outward Houn d

6. Best Flexible Puzzle - K9 Connectables

7. Best for On-the-Go Fun - Nava & Me

8. Best for Canine Einsteins - Nina Ottosson

9. Best Dog Feeder Toy - Loobani

10. Best Challenging Puzzle - Nina Ottosson

Tips for Using Puzzle Toys with Dogs

Buying Advice for Dog Puzzle Toys

Puzzle or interactive toys are very different from other dog toys. They're not for chewing, chasing or fetching, they are primarily aimed at learning and concentration.

With this in mind, you need to select a puzzle toy with a suitable challenge level to suit your dog. Let's face it, if the puzzle is too difficult they will become frustrated. Conversely if it's too easy they'll snuffle any treats on offer without getting any enrichment.

Don't worry though, good puzzle toys have a degree of flexibility to make them harder or easier to suit your pup. Ultimately, puzzle toys do need a level of human input especially when your dog is being introduced to the toy.

Our review includes the best interactive dog puzzles sorted into three difficulty categories, to help you provide maximum enrichment for your dog, regardless of their problem solving skills.

Our Picks of the Best Dog Puzzle Toys

If you're looking for something simple, to keep your dog or puppy occupied whilst engaging their brain and making them work harder for their food, here are 3 easy, entry level puzzles.

1. Best for Beginners

The Gyro dog toy is a simple but well designed treat dispenser from the internationally renowned canine company KONG.

This is a great introduction to dog puzzle toys as it doesn't involve a huge amount of strategy and the results are immediate.

The blue central sphere has a hole to release treats as your dog touches and spins it. The smaller the treats the easier it is to leave a tasty trail as your dog nudges it around the kitchen floor.

There is an opportunity to make the Gyro more of a challenge for your dog by adding chunkier treats. The dispensing hole is approx. 2cm diameter (slightly smaller than a £1 coin).

The red outer ring slows the dispenser, stopping it from spinning out of control and sliding under your cupboards. The inner blue ball is transparent so you can see when it's empty and simply unscrews for easy cleaning.

Our one reservation would be Power Chewers ! As it's made from plastic not rubber, we wouldn't recommend this for any serious chewers out there. You may be better with the Roolo or larger, heavier and more substantial Bob-A-Lot featured later in this review.

Like the Bob-a-Lot and Roolo featured later, the KONG Gyro could even be used as a slow feeder or to entice fussy eaters if your dog shows some anxiety eating from a more traditional dog bowl .

We've found that the sheer movement element of the GYRO grabs your dogs attention and appears to make the food more interesting. Available in two sizes.

Reasons to Buy

+ Simple puzzle

+ Dispenses treats

+ Two sizes available

+ Easy to clean

+ Great value enrichment toy

Reasons to Avoid

- Limited challenge

- Not suitable for power chewers

Buying Options

2. Best for Dog Enrichment

Simply put, enrichment is anything that stimulates a dog's mind, engages their senses and encourages natural species-specific behaviour.

Pet Impact have created a collection of 4 different toy types which together provide excellent physical and mental stimulation for your dog.

From snuffle mats to encourage your dog's natural foraging skills to lick mats to reduce stress and release endorphins it's a great toy combination.

Better still, n ot only is the Enrichment Box full of toys to keep your dog busy but it's created for dog lovers looking to reduce their environmental pawprint.

The box includes :-

⭐️ A Snuffle Mat

⭐️ Lick Mat

⭐️ Treat Dispensing Ball

+ Great value

+ 4 in 1 toy options

+ Environmentally friendly

- Not suitable for wet treats

3. Brilliant Boredom Buster

The new Roolo from UK company Play9 has been carefully designed to mimic the hunting process and keep your dog engaged for longer.

The unusual shape, a bit like a curved pyramid, had been designed to move erratically and leave a trail of treats or food across the floor.

Plus it's blue, which dogs can see really well (did you know that dogs can't tell the difference between red and yellow!)

So what did we think in testing ?

We filled the Roolo with a handful of kibble and placed it on the floor. We were astonished, no introduction needed, Freddie instinctively knew to nudge it to release the treats inside.

The first major surprise was the movement ! It's completely erratic and with one nudge of the nose or a paw, it tumbles and spins across the floor. The Roolo certainly won't be ignored by your dog as well as the movement, they will hear the treats shuffling inside.

If you want to make it more difficult for your dog to release the treats, simply use larger treats. Interestingly even with larger pellets and treats, our tester didn't become frustrated which is important.

We felt that the 2cm diameter hole was ideally suited to standard kibble or small treats. We successfully tested a whole range of dry foods - Forthglade, Walker & Drake, Grub Club alongside treats - Incentive Pets, Soopa and Mini Gravy Bix from Parklife.

The only treats which wouldn't fit were the larger Pooch & Mutt or Forthglade biscuit style treats but you could always break them in half.

Made from TPR which is incredibly durable, the Roolo is suitable for a wide range of breeds. However as with all dog toys, nothing is totally indestructible, so we'd always recommend monitoring their play.

You could even consider using the Roolo as a fun slow feeder  at meal times for greedy guzzlers, making them work harder for their food. Plus it would make mealtimes fun for picky pups that don't like to eat from a traditional bowl .

As the Roolo doesn't come apart for cleaning - only use with dry dog food and treats and nothing too soft and crumbly. You could of course fill it with water every now and again to flush out any crumbs.

+ Simple treat dispenser

+ Well designed

+ Doubles as a slow feeder

+ Could make mealtimes fun

- Dispensing hole one size so not all treats will fit

(break treats in half if needed)

For 10% OFF enter coupon code: SMARTBARK10 

If you searching for something to stretch your dog further, an intermediate dog puzzle will be perfect. There are often ways you can make these puzzles simpler or more complicated to suit your dog and of course you can adapt them as they learn and improve.

4. Best for Dry Treat Rewards

Starmark has been the world leader in pet education for over a decade, with award-winning training and behaviour tools developed by experts.

We bought and tested the Starmark Bob-A-Lot interactive dog puzzle toy to see what all the fuss was about.

The Bob-A-Lot was surprisingly heavy and sturdy. It wobbles around the floor on it's weighted base and as your dog nudges with their nose and paws, it releases treats

Firstly you simply fill the top with your dog’s favourite treat, or if they have a kibble diet, you could put their whole meal inside.

Adjust the two openings to alter the difficulty to release the food and you're all set.

We loved that you have some flexibility to make your dog work harder an after some trial and error we were able to open the slots just enough to keep Freddie interested but make it challenging.

In testing we found by altering the slots, it made it far more tricky than the Roolo.

Great for 'chewers', it's a substantial toy and super durable.

Our one reservation when testing, is that (like the Roolo featured above) it doesn't come apart for cleaning so we would recommend using hard, crunchy style treats that won't leave crumbs inside the toy.

It's worth noting that it's a great option for greedy guzzlers as it works as a slow feeder by increasing the time it takes your dog to consume their food.

Just be aware that it would only work with a kibble diet.

It's easy-to-fill and available in two sizes to suit puppies to large breed dogs.

+ Durable and not easy to chew

+ Flexible difficulty level

+ Could act as a slow feeder

- Moves around floor

- Doesn't come apart for cleaning

5. Best No-Treat Dog Puzzle

Outward hound.

Dogs love to chase a squirrel although I'm not sure they'd know what to do if they managed to catch one! Here's a soft toy version of your dog's favourite pastime.

Simply stuff the squeaky squirrels in the tree trunk tube, and watch as your dog pull them out one by one.

It’s challenging as your dog needs to learn to nuzzle into each hole and pull their prized stuffed squirrel out.

It's difficult to find well-designed dog toys that look nice around your home as well as make your dog happy.

The Hide-a-Squirrel toy from Outward Hound is perfect, plus it offers a great alternative to a treat based puzzle.

Available in four different sizes to suit a range of dogs, we tested the medium size toy which measures approx. 17 x 15 cm and includes 3 squirrels.

Whilst we admit our cockapoo isn't a big chewer, the hide-a-squirrel dog toy has lasted extremely well with the log base and all three squirrels still in tact after a year.

We found with some added human interaction the Hide-a-Squirrel toy provides just the right engagement without losing your dog's interest.

+ Different sizes available

+ Not treat dispensing

- Squirrels squeak!

6. Best Flexible Puzzle

K9 connectables.

K9 Connectables offer an innovative range of enrichment dog toys designed to encourage your dog to explore and use their natural instincts.

These brightly coloured, award-winning puzzle toys offer some unique play opportunities to enjoy with your dog.

Each element can slot and stack together offering different combinations to suit your dog and more importantly keep the toy new and interesting.

They offer two ranges to choose from - the original Gentle and newer Pro range which is designed for enthusiastic chewers. It's worth noting that both ranges are interchangeable.

The perfect boredom buster to keep your dog entertained whilst you're busy, they can have a really positive effect on some of their more challenging canine behaviour seen in younger dogs and puppies.

Along with custom bone-shaped dog treats, you can stuff the elements with dog-friendly peanut butter or even yoghurt to extend play as you would a KONG.

We love these puzzles because they offer you so much flexibility on just how difficult you want to make them.

This means they are suitable for a wide range of dogs and abilities from puppies to experienced older dogs. Ultimately it's this flexibility which will keep the puzzle stimulating and enriching.

If you would like more information, read our deep-dive test and review of K9 Connectables .

+ Lots of flexibility

+ Extensive range

+ Tough options for chewers

- Pricier than some

Smart Bark can offer readers 10% OFF K9 Connectables.

Simply use discount code SMARTBARK at checkout

7. Best for On-the-Go Fun

Nava & me.

A NEW addition to our review is this fabric dog puzzle from Nava & Me - ideal for using on-the-go.

All the other dog puzzle toys featured in this article are ideal for using around your home, but what if you are looking for something to keep your dog occupied elsewhere ?

We were really impressed by this gorgeous looking fabric puzzle from small UK company - Nava & Me.

The Squares + Crosses Enrichment Toy, is essentially a fabric pouch which unzips to reveal a series of fabric treat holders.

Nicely designed and well built, we t ested the larger of the two sizes, measuring 22 x 18cm and found it was light and small enough to fold into a large pocket or slot in your bag before leaving the house.

With 18 treat slots available on 6 different strips, you simply pop a treat or piece of kibble in each hole. Push the strips back inside and you're ready to go.

We loved that you can hide treats in it before you leave the house and once you reach your destination whether that's the office, cafe or down the local, you simply grab it from your bag and lay it on the ground.

Working a bit like a snuffle mat, your dog needs to sniff out the treats and nose them out of the various holes.

In testing we found it kept Freddie interested for nearly 15 minutes. As your dog gets more confident with the concept, you could choose smaller treats to make them work harder.

Better still, the Squares + Crosses enrichment toy comes with two strong attachment loops so you could slip one under a chair leg. Ideal to use in small spaces, t his puzzle won't slide around the floor.

Uniquely designed, it's an eco-friendly option, as the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. If it needs freshening up, simply machine wash on cold.

+ For On-the-Go enrichment

+ Available in two sizes

+ Supports a small UK company

- Can only use with dry treats

Now for something aimed at more experienced dogs or those who need a real challenge!

8. Best for Canine Einsteins

Nina ottosson.

The first of two trickier dog puzzle toys from the Nina Ottosson collection.

This particular design, the Dog Casino, is a level 3 game so is recommended for more challenging play, although we found it can easily be adapted to suit your dog.

The idea behind the Dog Casino is for your dog to slide the drawers open to access the treats hidden inside.

If your dog is good at solving puzzles, you can further challenge them by simply twisting the bone shaped white handles to lock the drawers in place.

We introduced the puzzle with a couple of drawers slightly ajar to entice Freddie. Once he was able to pull the drawers open to reveal the treats inside, we shut the drawers completely.

Lastly, we began to turn the bones to lock the handles in place and with some guidance Freddie was able to start unlocking them - this stage is very tricky!

Made from tough plastic so not only can you use it for wet or even frozen treats, its dishwasher proof too.

+ Provides a challenge

+ Easy to Clean

+ No Loose pieces

- Difficult to master completely

- More challenging starting level

9. Best Dog Feeder Toy

This dog puzzle from Loobani is ideal for dogs on a kibble or dry food diet. It will require some patience on your part as it was deceptively difficult to train to use, but can keep your dog occupied for a long time.

Initially, all the dogs which tested this puzzle tried to get to the treats by attempting to remove the canister lids with their teeth.

To start with you may need to spin the three canisters to help your dog understand how to release the kibble or treats from the 3 holes in the top.

Your dog will slowly learn to paw the canisters to spin and release the treats.

Made from bamboo, it's sturdy and the H-shaped base held it in place whilst the canisters spun.

We found that once filled this feeder can hold your dogs attention for a really long time so great for distraction purposes and perfect if you have a greedy guzzler as it will slow their eating down.

The canisters can be fixed at one of 3 different heights so it's suitable for all sizes of dog. All you need is 5 minutes and a screwdriver to put it together.

There are four non-slip pads which fit under the base so it won't scratch wooden floors and should stay in one place. Cleverly there are three different sized holes on each lid to release a range of the treats or kibble.

The only flaw we could find is that to spin the canisters easily, they need to be fairly full. In testing, we found that the less they weigh, the harder they are to spin.

We'd suggest when you introduce this toy to your four-legged friend for the first time, fill it up for maximum reward v minimum effort. As your dog gets confident with the concept, you could half fill the canisters to make them work harder.

Also, bear in mind that whilst the canisters are dishwasher safe, you would first need to unscrew the rod holding them in place to remove them (which is a bit of a faff).

We found other, spinning dog feeders on the market, but they were all constructed from plastic, so they won't be as durable as the Loobani bamboo puzzle feeder.

+ Doesn't slide on the floor

+ Easy to fill

+ Ideal slow feeder

+ Hours of entertainment

- Will need initial training

- Not suitable for wet or raw food

- Pricier option

- Not easy to clean

10. Best Challenging Puzzle

Many of Nina Ottosson's puzzles can be can be set to differing levels of complexity to satisfy all ages and several dog ability levels.

This 'Worker' dog puzzle has sliding mechanisms and requires your dog to work through a series of sequential steps to release the hidden treats.

Clearly this is a level 3 (difficult) puzzle, so you may need to initially break it down into smaller steps.

We love this puzzle because it offers you a degree of flexibility on just how difficult you want to make it.

Ultimately it's this flexibility which will keep the puzzle stimulating as your dog improves.

Better still, as all the working components slide, they stay attached to the puzzle so there are no parts to misplace.

We loved that the new updated Dog Worker puzzle is made to look like real wood, but it's actually a composite material with all the benefits of both wood and plastic. So it’s more durable than wood, easy to clean and will not splinter or snap.

+ No loose pieces

- Could frustrate beginners

Our Verdict

If you're looking for a basic entry level puzzle toy then take a look at the KONG Gyro or the Play9 Roolo Whilst they look simple, they are both well designed treat dispensers which will definitely relieve boredom and enrich your dog's day.

For something a bit more testing, we'd recommend K9Connectables . Their innovative range of brightly coloured enrichment toys offers some unique play opportunities and is incredibly flexible. It really is this flexibility that we love, as the toys can become more difficult as your dog's puzzle solving skills improve.

Lastly, if you are searching for a difficult puzzle for more challenging play, then take a look at the best-selling range of Level 3 Nina Ottosson puzzles. We found the Dog Casino and the Worker puzzles are definitely at the harder end of the dog puzzle spectrum.

​Not sure if a puzzle toy fits the bill ?

We explore a whole collection of dog toys from chew toys to keep them occupied, to interactive toys to help you strengthen your bond - Best Dog Toys for 2024

Tips for using Puzzle Toys with Dogs

There's such a range of difficulty levels available, try to choose a puzzle that you think your dog will be able to master with some initial help. Ultimately, if your dog becomes frustrated they will lose interest.

No matter which puzzle you decide to try, your presence will make them a fun and rewarding experience for your dog and hopefully you.

And remember, to get the most out of these toys, rotate them with your other toys to retain your dog's interest.

🧩 Thanks for dropping by and we hope you've found the perfect puzzle toy for your dog in our review of the Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs 🧩

• BUYING GUIDES

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Our Pick of the Week

The Roolo ®

It's a one-of-a-kind dog puzzle toy to banish boredom from UK company Play9. In testing we thought it was a really fun & durable treat dispenser. 

Puzzle Toys for Dogs: Engaging and Challenging Playtime

Puzzle toys for dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years as pet owners seek new and engaging ways to keep their furry friends entertained and mentally stimulated. These toys are designed to challenge dogs' problem-solving skills and provide a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore the benefits of puzzle toys for dogs, the different types available, and how to choose the right puzzle toy for your pet.

One of the primary benefits of puzzle toys for dogs is that they can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Dogs are naturally curious and intelligent animals, and they need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Puzzle toys provide a fun and engaging way for dogs to use their brains and keep their minds active. Additionally, puzzle toys can help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs, which can be especially beneficial for pets that suffer from separation anxiety or other behavioral issues.

When it comes to choosing the right puzzle toy for your dog, there are a few things to consider. The type of toy you choose will depend on your dog's age, size, and skill level. Some toys are designed for puppies or small dogs, while others are better suited for larger, more active breeds. It's also important to choose a toy that is durable and easy to clean, as dogs can be rough on their toys and may try to chew or swallow small pieces. With so many different puzzle toys available, it's easy to find one that is perfect for your pet's needs.

Key Takeaways

• Puzzle toys for dogs provide mental stimulation and can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
• When choosing a puzzle toy, consider your dog's age, size, and skill level, and choose a durable and easy-to-clean option.
• There are many different types of puzzle toys available, making it easy to find one that is perfect for your pet.

The Benefits of Puzzle Toys for Dogs

Puzzle toys are becoming increasingly popular among dog owners, and for good reason. These toys offer a range of benefits for dogs, from mental stimulation to reducing problem behaviors. In this section, we will explore the benefits of puzzle toys for dogs in more detail.

Mental Stimulation and Enrichment

One of the primary benefits of puzzle toys for dogs is the mental stimulation and enrichment they provide. Dogs are intelligent animals that require mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Puzzle toys challenge a dog's mind and encourage problem-solving skills, which can help to prevent boredom and reduce stress .

Enrichment is also an important factor in a dog's overall well-being. Puzzle toys can provide a source of enrichment by offering a variety of textures, scents, and tastes. This can help to keep dogs engaged and entertained, and can also help to reduce destructive behaviors.

Reducing Problem Behaviors

Puzzle toys can also be effective in reducing problem behaviors in dogs. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety or other behavior issues may benefit from the mental stimulation and distraction provided by puzzle toys. These toys can also help to redirect a dog's energy away from destructive behaviors, such as chewing or digging.

In addition, puzzle toys can provide a positive outlet for a dog's natural instincts. Dogs are natural hunters and scavengers, and puzzle toys can help to satisfy these instincts in a safe and controlled way.

Overall, puzzle toys are a valuable tool for dog owners looking to provide mental stimulation and enrichment for their pets. By offering a variety of textures, scents, and tastes, puzzle toys can keep dogs engaged and entertained, while also helping to reduce problem behaviors.

Types of Dog Puzzle Toys

Dog puzzle toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to provide mental stimulation and entertainment for your furry friend. Here are some of the most common types of puzzle toys for dogs:

Treat Dispensers and Interactive Puzzles

Treat dispensers and interactive puzzles are some of the most popular types of puzzle toys for dogs. They can be filled with treats or kibble, and your dog must figure out how to get the food out. These toys can help to slow down fast eaters and provide mental stimulation for dogs who love to solve puzzles.

Kongs and Toppls are two examples of treat dispensers that require dogs to work for their food. Kongs are made of durable rubber and can be filled with treats or peanut butter. Toppls are similar, but they have a unique shape that makes them more challenging for dogs to figure out.

Snuffle Mats and Hide-and-Seek Toys

Snuffle mats and hide-and-seek toys are designed to provide dogs with a fun and engaging way to use their sense of smell. Snuffle mats are made of fabric and have small pockets where you can hide treats or kibble. Your dog must use their nose to find the food.

Hide-and-seek toys are similar, but they usually involve hiding a toy or treat inside a larger toy or container. Your dog must figure out how to get to the prize inside. These types of puzzle toys are great for dogs who love to sniff and hunt.

Chew Puzzles and Slow Feeders

Chew puzzles and slow feeders are designed to provide dogs with a way to satisfy their natural urge to chew while also providing mental stimulation. These toys are usually made of durable materials like rubber or nylon, and they can be filled with treats or peanut butter.

Slow feeders are designed to help dogs eat more slowly and prevent them from choking or vomiting. These types of puzzle toys are great for dogs who love to chew and need a little extra mental stimulation.

Overall, puzzle toys for dogs are a great way to keep your furry friend entertained and mentally stimulated. Whether your dog is a sniffer, a chewer, or a problem solver, there is a puzzle toy out there that will meet their needs.

Choosing the Right Puzzle Toy

When it comes to choosing the right puzzle toy for your furry friend, there are a few factors to consider. This section will cover some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your dog stays safe while enjoying their puzzle toy.

By Dog Size and Chew Style

It's important to choose a puzzle toy that is appropriate for your dog's size and chew style. For example, a small dog may not be able to handle a puzzle toy designed for larger dogs, while a heavy chewer may need a more durable toy. Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations and choose a puzzle toy that is suitable for your dog's size and chewing habits.

By Difficulty Level

Puzzle toys come in a range of difficulty levels, from easy to challenging. It's important to choose a puzzle toy that matches your dog's skill level. If the toy is too difficult, your dog may become frustrated and lose interest. On the other hand, if the toy is too easy, your dog may quickly lose interest. Consider starting with an easy puzzle toy and gradually increasing the difficulty level as your dog becomes more skilled.

Safety and Durability Considerations

Safety and durability are important considerations when choosing a puzzle toy for your dog. Look for toys made from non-toxic materials and avoid toys with small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Additionally, choose a puzzle toy that is durable enough to withstand your dog's chewing habits. It's important to regularly inspect the toy for signs of wear and tear and replace it if necessary.

Overall, choosing the right puzzle toy for your dog requires careful consideration of their size, chew style, skill level, safety, and durability. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your furry friend stays safe while enjoying their puzzle toy.

Popular Puzzle Toy Brands

Puzzle toys are a great way to keep dogs entertained and mentally stimulated. There are many brands of puzzle toys on the market, but some stand out as particularly popular and effective. Here are some of the top brands to consider when looking for puzzle toys for your furry friend.

Outward Hound and Nina Ottosson

Outward Hound and Nina Ottosson are two brands that specialize in creating interactive puzzle toys for dogs. Outward Hound offers a wide variety of puzzle toys, from simple treat-dispensing balls to more complex puzzles that require dogs to manipulate different parts to access treats. Nina Ottosson's puzzle toys are designed to challenge dogs' problem-solving skills and come in a range of difficulty levels.

Trixie and West Paw

Trixie and West Paw are two other brands that offer high-quality puzzle toys for dogs. Trixie's puzzle toys are designed to be both mentally and physically stimulating, with options like the "Flip Board" that requires dogs to use their paws or noses to move different pieces in order to access treats. West Paw's puzzle toys are designed to be durable and long-lasting , with options like the "Tux" toy that can be filled with treats and frozen for an extra challenge.

KONG and Starmark

KONG and Starmark are two well-known brands that offer classic puzzle toys for dogs. KONG's classic dog toy is a durable rubber toy that can be filled with treats, while Starmark's "Bob-a-Lot" toy is a weighted puzzle toy that dispenses treats as dogs play with it. Both brands offer a range of puzzle toys that are designed to keep dogs entertained and mentally stimulated.

Overall, these brands offer a variety of puzzle toys that can help keep dogs engaged and mentally stimulated. When choosing a puzzle toy for your dog, consider their individual needs and preferences, as well as the level of difficulty of the puzzle toy. With the right puzzle toy, your dog can stay entertained and mentally sharp for hours on end.

Advanced Puzzle Toys for Skilled Dogs

Dogs are intelligent creatures and love to be mentally stimulated. Advanced puzzle toys can provide the perfect challenge for skilled dogs to keep them engaged and mentally enriched. These toys can range from level 2 to level 4 challenges, and can help dogs develop their problem-solving skills.

Level 2 to Level 4 Challenges

Level 2 to level 4 challenges are perfect for dogs who have mastered level 1 puzzles and are ready for a more challenging experience. These puzzles can range from simple treat-dispensing toys to more complex interactive puzzle toys. The level 2 to level 4 challenges require dogs to use their problem-solving skills to figure out how to get to the reward.

Toys for Problem-Solving Skills

Toys that require problem-solving skills are perfect for dogs who love a challenge. These toys can range from simple puzzles that require dogs to move pieces around to more complex interactive puzzles that require dogs to solve a series of puzzles to get to the reward. These toys can help develop a dog's problem-solving skills and keep them mentally stimulated.

When looking for the best puzzle toys for dogs, it's important to consider your dog's skill level and what type of puzzle they enjoy. Advanced puzzle toys for skilled dogs can provide mental enrichment and help develop problem-solving skills.

Puzzle Toy Maintenance and Care

Cleaning and dishwasher-safe options.

Keeping puzzle toys clean is essential to ensure your dog's safety and health . Some puzzle toys are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning a breeze. However, not all puzzle toys are dishwasher-safe, so it's important to check the manufacturer's instructions before placing them in the dishwasher.

For puzzle toys that are not dishwasher-safe, cleaning them with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush is recommended. It's important to rinse them thoroughly and let them dry completely before giving them to your dog.

When cleaning puzzle toys , it's important to pay attention to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas where food or dirt can accumulate. Silicone puzzle toys are easy to clean as they are non-porous and do not absorb any odors or stains.

Replacing Parts and Upkeep

Over time, puzzle toys may wear out, and parts may need to be replaced. It's important to regularly inspect puzzle toys for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or loose parts, and replace them immediately.

Some puzzle toys come with replacement parts, while others require you to purchase them separately. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when replacing parts to ensure that the puzzle toy functions properly.

In addition to replacing parts, it's important to regularly check the puzzle toy for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Wet food or peanut butter can leave residue on the puzzle toy, which can attract bacteria and mold. It's important to clean the puzzle toy thoroughly after each use to prevent any build-up.

By following these simple maintenance and care tips, you can ensure that your dog's puzzle toys remain safe, hygienic, and enjoyable for years to come.

Incorporating Puzzle Toys into Training

Puzzle toys are not only great for keeping dogs entertained, but they can also be used as a tool for training. Incorporating puzzle toys into training sessions can help to keep dogs engaged and motivated while learning new skills.

Guidance from Professional Dog Trainers

Professional dog trainers recommend starting with simple puzzle toys for beginners. This allows the dog to build confidence and learn the basic skills needed to solve more challenging puzzles. As the dog becomes more comfortable with the puzzle toys, the difficulty level can be gradually increased.

It is important to supervise the dog during puzzle toy training to ensure they are using the toy correctly and safely. Professional dog trainers also suggest using positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise or treats, to encourage the dog to continue using the puzzle toy.

Graduating Through Difficulty Levels

Puzzle toys come in various difficulty levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. As the dog becomes more experienced with puzzle toys, they can graduate to more challenging puzzles.

Intermediate level puzzle toys may require the dog to move different parts of the toy to access a treat. Advanced level puzzle toys may require the dog to solve a series of puzzles in order to access the treat.

It is important to choose puzzle toys that are appropriate for the dog's skill level. Starting with a puzzle toy that is too difficult can frustrate the dog and discourage them from using the toy in the future.

Incorporating puzzle toys into training sessions can be a fun and effective way to teach dogs new skills and keep them mentally stimulated. With guidance from professional dog trainers and a gradual increase in difficulty level, puzzle toys can be a valuable tool for both training and entertainment.

Interactive Puzzle Toys for Playtime

Dogs love to play, and interactive puzzle toys are a great way to engage them in playtime. These toys not only provide entertainment but also help in keeping the dog's mind sharp. Here are some of the best interactive puzzle toys for dogs that are sure to keep them engaged.

Engaging Your Dog in Play

Interactive dog toys are a great way to keep your furry friend engaged and entertained. These toys come in various shapes and sizes, and they're designed to challenge your dog's mind. One such toy is the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel. This toy is perfect for puppies as it helps in developing their problem-solving skills. It comes with a plush tree trunk and three squeaky squirrels that can be hidden inside. The dog has to figure out how to get the squirrels out of the trunk, which keeps them engaged for hours.

Another great interactive toy is the Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball. This toy dispenses treats as the dog plays with it, which keeps them motivated to keep playing. It's perfect for dogs that are food-motivated and need some mental stimulation.

Interactive Toys for Bonding

Interactive toys are not only great for keeping your dog entertained but also for bonding with them. Playing with your dog is an excellent way to build a strong bond with them. The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel is a great toy for bonding with your dog. You can hide the squirrels and encourage your dog to find them. This helps in building trust and strengthening your bond with your furry friend.

The Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball is also a great toy for bonding with your dog. You can play fetch with it and reward your dog with treats when they bring it back to you. This helps in building a strong bond between you and your dog.

In conclusion, interactive puzzle toys are a great way to engage your dog in playtime. They not only provide entertainment but also help in keeping your dog's mind sharp. The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel and the Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball are two of the best interactive puzzle toys for dogs that are sure to keep them engaged and entertained.

Product Reviews and Recommendations

Best Dog Puzzle Toys

When it comes to finding the best dog puzzle toys, there are a few options that stand out among the rest. One such option is the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl, which is a durable and interactive toy that can be filled with treats for added stimulation. Another great choice is the Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat , which is perfect for dogs who love to forage and sniff. This mat is made of soft, anti-slip material and can be easily washed in the machine.

For dogs who eat too quickly, the Outward Hound Fun Feeder is a great option. This slow feeder bowl is designed to promote healthy eating habits and prevent bloating and other digestive issues. Additionally, the Red Boxes puzzle toy is a great choice for German Shepherds and other intelligent breeds. This toy requires dogs to use their problem-solving skills to figure out how to open the boxes and retrieve the treats inside.

Customer and Expert Opinions

When it comes to product reviews, both customers and experts have weighed in on the best dog puzzle toys. Many customers have raved about the durability and effectiveness of the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl, while others have praised the Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat for its ability to keep dogs entertained for long periods of time.

Experts have also weighed in on the benefits of puzzle toys for dogs. According to veterinarians, these toys can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior, as well as promote mental stimulation and problem-solving skills. When choosing a puzzle toy, it's important to consider the size and breed of your dog, as well as their individual preferences and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Puzzle toys provide a great way to mentally stimulate dogs, which can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They can also help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs by providing a positive outlet for their energy. Additionally, puzzle toy s can improve a dog's problem-solving skills and cognitive abilities .
• It's important to choose a puzzle toy that matches your dog's skill level. If the toy is too easy, your dog may lose interest quickly. On the other hand, if the toy is too difficult, your dog may become frustrated and give up. Look for puzzle toys that have adjustable difficulty levels or start with an easier toy and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog becomes more skilled.
• Soft treats , such as small pieces of cheese or hot dogs, are usually the best option for puzzle toys. Avoid using hard treats that can get stuck in the toy or cause your dog to lose interest. You can also try using your dog's regular kibble as a treat.
• It's important to supervise your dog while they're playing with puzzle toys to ensure they don't become frustrated or overwhelmed. Start with easier toys and gradually increase the difficulty level as your dog becomes more skilled. You can also rotate different toys to keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom.
• Yes, there are many puzzle toys that are suitable for large breed dogs. Look for toys that are durable and can withstand the strength of a larger dog. You can also consider puzzle toys that are specifically designed for larger breeds.
• Yes, there are many DIY puzzle toy ideas that you can try at home. Some simple options include hiding treats in a muffin tin or cardboard box with holes cut out. Just make sure to supervise your dog while they're playing with any DIY toys to ensure their safety.

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4 Best Puzzle Toys To Stimulate Your Dog

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Best Puzzle Toys For Your Dog

Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with an energetic dog; therefore, it can be great to have toys that involve puzzles for them to solve and can keep them occupied independently.

However, the best puzzle toys for dogs aren’t just about giving your a break. They are a great way to ensure your dog’s mental and physical health, not to mention stimulate their happy hormones and make them more trainable.

But not all puzzle toys for dogs are equal, and there are so many on the market that it can be difficult to know which is best for your dog.

That’s why we have put together a guide to tell you everything you need to know, starting with why they are necessary and the benefits to your dog.

We have also gone through how to choose the right kind of puzzle toy for your particular dog and how to teach them to engage with the toy. Finally, we have come up with a list of the four best puzzle toys that pretty much all dogs will love.

While all the toys on our list are excellent, the one toy that pretty much all dogs will love is the Kong Wobbler .

Your dog has to figure out the best way to push, pull, and squeeze the toy to have it release treats, so it stimulates their brains and also works their teeth and gums.

It comes in a variety of sizes and ‘​softnesses’, so there is an option for every dog. If you don’t already have an interactive toy for your dog , this is a great place to start.

Top 4 Puzzle Dog Toys

We have experimented with a variety of different puzzle toys to find the best ones for most dogs.

While the best toy for your dog will depend on their personality, size, and activity levels, for most dog owners, these four toys are a great place to start.

1. Kong Wobbler Dog Toy

Unsure where to start with puzzle toys, the Kong Wobbler is a good general toy that will work for most dogs.

Made from durable plastic, this chew puzzle toy comes in a variety of different sizes and strengths, which means there is something appropriate for pretty much every dog, even big, heavy chewers.

The Kong Puppy version is great for light chewers with soft teeth and gums, and the Kong Senior is also softer for more sensitive, older teeth. The smallest of the six sizes is ideal for dogs as small as five pounds, while the extra large is safe for pooches over 85 pounds.

The toy can be filled with food to make it into a fun game or it can be filled with a full meal for your dog to eat throughout the day when you are out and about, as this toy is relatively safe to leave with your dog without supervision.

It naturally sits upright until your dog nudges it, when it will spin and roll, releasing food as it hits the right angles. The resulting movement is unpredictable, which means that it is always stimulating for your pet. 

Overall, this is a pretty easy puzzle for your dog to solve, but the movement and chewability of the toy will maintain their attention. It is dishwasher safe, so is easy to clean when it starts to smell.

Just make sure you get treats of the right size for the size of toy you get. The larger toys have a larger opening that is not ideal for small pieces of food, as they will pour out too easily for your dog to really enjoy the toy.

This toy is better for medium to large dogs, as some smaller dogs can find even the smallest size a little heavy to use.

• Extremely durable; will stand up under the most intense chewing
• Comes in a variety of sizes and strengths for different dog breeds
• Can be filled with treats or a full meal to dispense food
• Dishwasher safe, so easy to clean
• The food dispensing hole on the larger sizes is a little big
• Small size can be slightly heavy for small dogs

The Wobbler is probably the best basic puzzle toy on the market, especially if you are looking for something that they can use unsupervised.

Many years ago we did a KONG Wobbler Review including a video of Stetson’s first time using the Wobbler. We loved the Wobbler and after Stetson learned to use it properly he loved the treat dispensing puzzle toy.

2. Trixie Activity Flip Board Interactive Toy

If you are looking for intellectual stimulation for an older, less active dog, then the Trixie Board is designed for you.

Made from durable plastic with a rubber floor grip to keep it in place while your dog plays, this Trixie toy has multiple compartments where treats can be hidden, giving your dog potentially hours of entertainment as they try and find them all.

Don’t worry if they slobber all over it in the process; the toy is also dishwasher safe and easy to clean.

This toy is probably better for older pups that have learned about problem-solving and less active dogs, as they can pretty much stay in one place while engaging with this toy.

While the toy comes in a variety of sizes for different dog breeds, it is not ideal for extreme chewers, as there are lots of pieces for them to take apart. This means that your dog really does need to be supervised while using this toy.

• Can keep your dog entertained for hours while you are busy with other things
• Ideal for older, less active, but more experienced dogs
• Cleans quickly and easily in the dishwasher
• Does have small pieces that chewers are likely to break off

If your dog loves to sniff out a puzzle, but isn’t keen to running about the house, then this activity board will give them the intellectual stimulation that they crave.

3. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Toy

If you are looking for a product to stimulate your pooch that does not rely on treats, then try the Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel toy.

Rather than relying on treats, this toy pulls on the irresistible urge that most dogs have to seek out something that squeaks.

While the toy has a lot of moving parts to it in general that your dog will enjoy, you can up the entertainment factor by hiding a squeaking squirrel inside the trunk of the toy tree and leave it for your dog to retrieve.

This toy comes in a variety of different sizes to suit different dogs. Nevertheless, it is not the best choice for serious chewers.

While these plush toys are tough, a big dog determined not only to get to the squeaking squirrel, but also the squeaker itself, will leave this in shreds.

Luckily everything inside the toy is pretty safe for dogs, so if they do find some of it in their mouth or digestive system, they aren’t in any real danger.

• Intellectual stimulation without the need for treats
• Made from dog-friendly materials
• Variety of sizes to engage different sized dogs
• Chewers can make short work of this toy
• As a plush toy, it will need regular cleaning

If you are looking for a way to stimulate your dog intellectually without the need for treats, then this plush toy from Outward Hound is a good choice.

4. Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball

If you are looking for a puzzle toy that will adapt as your dog learns, then the IQ Treat Ball is designed for you.

Made from durable plastic, this ball moves erratically and dispenses treats as your dog moves it around, in very similar fashion to the Kong Wobbler.

What sets this toy apart is that it has a variety of difficulty levels, so as your dog gets better at figuring out how to release the treats, you can make it harder, so they never get bored.

This toy is designed for small to medium dogs, with only two sizes, three or four inch diameter.

It is also designed to take pretty small dog treats, so should accommodate whatever it is that you prefer to feed your pooch. While the design looks complex, and that is part of the fun of the game; you can take it apart and pop it in the dishwasher to keep it clean, though be careful that your dog doesn’t figure out how to take it apart as well.

If you are looking for your first dog puzzle toy and you want something that is a safe bet for most dogs, then try the . Once they have mastered this, you can upgrade them to more challenging and sophisticated puzzle toys.

• Variety of difficulty levels so the game can get harder as your dog gets more experienced
• Suitable for small treats so you can limit your dog’s calorie intake
• Easy to clean
• Not generally suitable for larger dogs
• Dogs may learn to take the toy apart

If your dog is a fast learner and you need a toy that will keep up with them, then the IQ is the ideal puzzle toy.

​Linus loved the IQ Treat Ball. Linus wasn’t treat motivated and could care less whether he got treats out of the ball (Stetson would scoop up any that came out).

What Linus loved doing with the IQ Treat Ball was pouncing on it shooting it across the room so he could chase it down and do it again. Although not it’s intended purpose Linus loved playing this game with his Treat Ball. To each his own. :)

Why Invest In Dog Puzzle Toys

Dog puzzle toys generally work by getting your dog to solve problems in order to gain rewards, usually in the form of food or treats.

You will come across interactive dog toys that don’t make use of food or treats, but these don’t trigger your dog’s predatory instinct to hunt for food in the same way.

For most dog owners, there is one clear reason to invest in puzzle dog toys: keep your dog occupied while giving yourself a break.

Though a word of warning: while puzzle toys are designed to entertain your dog without much input from you, in most cases, dogs should be supervised while using their toy.

This is because the toys do have a tendency to break apart over time and they can represent a hazard to your dog if they swallow small pieces.

But keeping your dog distracted while giving yourself a break is just one of many good reasons to invest in dog puzzle toys. Other benefits of puzzle toys for dogs include:

Sadly, most of us don’t have the time or energy to take our dogs out and play with them enough to give them the kind of exercise that will wear them out.

Dog puzzle toys can act as one more tool in your box for giving your dog the exercise that they need, letting him play away, and you can supervise him while getting on with other things like the laundry or preparing the evening meal.

Most dogs actually prefer to work for their food by hunting for it like they would in the wild rather than just eat out of their bowl (most dogs – there are definitely some lazy ones out there).

This is because sniffing out their food releases Dopamines in their brains, which help them feel happy and relaxed.

The effect of these Dopamines last long after the game is over, so these kinds of toys can help you have a happier, more relaxed dog in general.

Trainability

The kind of cognitive skills that dogs exercise when engaging with puzzle toys are the same cognitive tools that they use to learn new skills.

Puzzle toys also reinforce for dogs the principle of completing required tasks to receive rewards, which is the underlying principle of most training.

In this way, puzzle toys help boost their skills in this area, which in turn, makes them more trainable when it comes to the important stuff.

Fights Boredom

Just like kids, dogs get bored. And just like kids, it is usually when they are bored that dogs get into trouble. An engaging puzzle toy will distract your dog from other potential toys, such as your favorite pair of shoes.

Choosing A Dog Puzzle Toy

There are four main things to consider when selecting a puzzle toy for your dog: size, durability, difficulty level, and safety.

It might seem to go without saying that the size of the toy you need depends on the size of your dog, but I have seen many pet owners get the wrong sized toy and then be perplexed why their dog can’t play with it. 

Bigger dogs need toys that are big enough for them to maneuver with their mouths and also don’t feature small parts that can break off (and probably will break off eventually) and be a swallowing hazard.

Smaller dogs need a toy that is small enough for them to engage with. For example, some weighted toys that your dog needs to push over in order to release treats can just be too heavy for small dogs to use.

2. Durability

If your dog enjoys their puzzle toy, it will need to be durable, as it will go through quite a bit of wear and tear. But durability does not always mean going with the hardest plastic or similar material on the market. 

Many puzzle toys will require your dog to engage with their mouth, and for some dogs, such as older dogs with sensitive teeth, this can be painful and even damaging.

You need to find a balance between durability and what is comfortable for your dog. In some cases, especially if your dog is a chewer, it is worth accepting that if they enjoy the toy, it won’t last forever. As long as they got good use out of it, that’s OK.

3. Difficulty Level

Finding a puzzle toy with the right difficulty level for your dog can be a matter of trial and error, but you should also have an idea of whether your dog is the kind of pooch that can sniff out anything or has trouble retrieving a ball when you throw it.

You don’t want a toy that is too easy and that your dog gets bored, or manages to eat all the treats within the space of five minutes.

However, you also don’t a toy that is so difficult that your dog becomes frustrated when they are unable to solve it after a long period of time. This kind of frustration can also result in some behavioral issues.

While you should be supervising your dog while they are engaging with a puzzle toy, you still want to pick something that is generally safe for them to play with.

We have already mentioned the problem of small parts that can break off and become a swallowing hazard.

However, you also need to consider what is inside the toy. If it is a plush toy that contain nutshells of polystyrene balls, both of which are dangerous, then it shouldn’t be on your buying list.

It is also important to make sure that the plastic or other outer material that the toy is made from is safe for dogs. For example, rawhide, while fine for some, is not safe for all. If you aren’t sure, best avoid it.

A Word On Treats

As already said, puzzle toys work by getting your dog to solve problems in order to be rewarded with edible treats.

But it is well known that feeding your dog an excess of treats can lead to weight problems especially with Labs. There are some simple things to do to ensure your pooch doesn’t gain excess pounds because of this toy.

First, choose the right kind of treats. They should be small and low in calories. It doesn’t matter if the treats they receive are very small, as it is the frequency of the reward rather than the size that will get your dog excited.

You can find our recommendations for the best treats for training and puzzle toys here .

You don’t need to fill the toy with treats; you can fill it with their regular food, which is generally lower in calories.

Your dog will work for this too! Remember, whatever food your put into their toy you need to subtract from what you put in their bowl in order to maintain their calorie intake.

The same goes with treats. Whatever calories they are consuming through treats needs to come out of their overall calorie intake.

Teaching Your Dog To Use A Puzzle Toy

If the puzzle toy that you are using contains your dog’s favorite food or treat, then you probably won’t have much trouble getting them to engage with it.

Remember, dogs have a sense of smell significantly better than ours, so while the toy may not smell very strongly to us, to your dog, it smells pretty darn good.

Depending on the type of toy, simply supervising your dog as they explore the toy might be enough. If it is one they have to knock over in a certain way to get treats out, they will probably figure this out on their own fairly quickly.

If it is a more complicated toy, you might need to take some time to show them just how it works. Show them the solution by batting it or pushing it over to demonstrate how it works.

But don’t do this too much. You want them to learn how they can get treats out of the toy, not that they should hound you to get treats out of the toy for them.

Remember that dogs should pretty much never use puzzle toys unsupervised, as they can have small parts that can be health hazards if your dog gets a little too excited.

This means that you need to introduce the toy as something that you bring out at acceptable times and then put away. Don’t leave the toy out all the time.

The Verdict

Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog physically and intellectually stimulated when you don’t have the time to play catch or for a game of tug.

Dogs that receive sufficient stimulation of this type are generally happier, thanks to a dopamine being releases, and easier to train, as the toys help reinforce the idea of working for reward.

When choosing a puzzle toy, the main concerns are choosing something that is safe for your dog, so no small breakable parts and also it should be usable.

This means that it is the right size and also the right difficulty level.

You don’t want something that is so easy that they will figure out how to get at all their treats within the space of five minutes, but you also don’t want something that is so difficult that they will become frustrated.

If you are looking for your first dog puzzle toy and you want something that is a safe bet for most dogs, then try the Kong Wobbler .

Once they have mastered this, you can upgrade them to more challenging and sophisticated puzzle toys.

What about you guys?

​Do you have a favorite puzzle toy for your dog?

Tells us about your experiences with stimulating your dog’s mind in the comment section below.

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Top Picks For Our Dogs

• BEST PUPPY TOY We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs - Perfect for new puppies. Helps ease anxiety in their new home.
• BEST DOG CHEW We Like: Bones & Chews Bully Sticks - All of our puppies love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors.
• BEST DOG TREATS We Like: Crazy Dog Train Me Treats - One of our favorite treats for training our service dog puppies.
• BEST FRESH DOG FOOD We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.

For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining.com blog.

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Puppy Leaks

Tips & Tricks For Dog Owners

10 Fun Brain Games For Dogs

Last updated on February 1, 2024 By Puppy Leaks 17 Comments

Looking for some fun and easy ways to entertain your dog and keep them mentally stimulated ? If so try adding a few of these fun brain games into their routine.

Brain games are a great way to bond with your dog, plus they’re good for teaching basic manners. Mentally stimulating activities like brain games enrich our dogs lives by giving them something meaningful to do, and because these activities alleviate boredom they can decrease the likelihood of our dogs developing behavioral issues such as excessive chewing or barking.

If you’re looking for some easy ways to challenge your dog’s mind (and keep them out of trouble) here’s 10 fun brain games for dogs.

Find the Treats

My absolute favorite brain game for dogs is a game of find the treats. It’s super easy to play (you just need treats), and it can be played pretty much anywhere.

Simple nose work game like find the treats will keep your dog mentally stimulated, and it’s a fun way to let them hone in on their natural sniffing and scavenging abilities.

How to play find the treats with your dog:

• Grab some treats and have your dog sit in a stay position
• While your dog is in the stay position put a few treats on the ground around them
• Give your dog a release command and tell them to “find the treats”
• Encourage them as they start picking up the treats
• Practice a few times until your dog understands what “find the treats” means
• Start placing the treats further away and repeat steps 3 & 4
• Start placing the treats in more challenging places that are out of sight such as under a rug or on a chair and repeat steps 3 & 4

Keep in mind that although dog’s have an excellent sense of smell that doesn’t mean they’ll automatically use it right away when playing this game. If they’re not used to sniffing things out it’ll take a little practice. That’s why gradually increasing the difficulty of where you hide the treats is important.

You’re teaching them to start utilizing their scent to find the treats rather than just relying on sight. Finding the treats themselves is rewarding for your dog, and the addition of your encouragement during the game can keep it exciting.

After your dog has a good concept of what “find the treats” means you can keep upping the game to make it more of a challenge for them. Since Laika’s been playing this game for years she’s gotten pretty good at it. She’ll hunt out those treats wherever I hide them — under rugs, on furniture, or on the window sill behind a curtain. All of those various hiding spots keep it exciting for her, and it’s a really simple way to keep her entertained.

One of my favorite brain games for dogs is “find the treats.” It’s easy to play, and it’s mentally stimulating. It gives your dog the opportunity to use some of their natural instincts to work for food.

Food Dispensing Toys

Another fun brain game for dogs is using food dispensing toys . A food dispensing toy is any toy that contains food and requires your dog to work to figure out how to obtain the food. To use a food dispensing toy you simply fill it up with treats and encourage your dog to engage with it. As your dog starts moving the toy around it’ll start dispensing treats.

Food dispensing toys are a great way to give your dog some extra mental stimulation. And as with other food related games they give your dog a chance to use their natural scavenging abilities in a fun and challenging way. In the wild our dogs spent a lot of time hunting and searching for food, so they’re pretty receptive to the idea of having to work for their food. Food dispensing toys are an easy way to emulate those natural instincts .

My favorite food dispensing toys are the Bob-A-Lot & the Kong Wobbler . There’s plenty of DIY options as well. You can make your own food dispensing toy out of an old plastic container , bottle , or PVC .

Dog Puzzles

One of my favorite brain games for dogs is using puzzles. They come in a wide variety, but they all have one thing in common — your dog has to figure out how to get the reward (treat). Like other food related games they provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation and help relieve boredom .

Dog puzzles come in many shapes and sizes , and they’re available at most pet supply stores. Some of them are quite challenging, and others are pretty basic. Some will keep Laika busy for a few minutes, but others take a few seconds.

If you’ve never given your dog a puzzle before I’d start by making your own DIY doggie puzzle out of a muffin tin & tennis balls . You can gauge your dog’s interest in puzzles with it, and determine what level of difficulty is best for them.

The Which Hand Game

The which hand game is an easy way to stimulate your dog’s brain — and the only thing you need to get started is some treats.

How to play the which hand game with your dog:

• Grab some treats and have your dog stay in the sit position
• Allow your dog to watch as you place a treat in one of your hands
• Close your hands into a downward facing fist and extend them out to your dog and ask “which hand?”
• Once your dog touches or signals the correct hand praise them and give them the treat

If your dog doesn’t catch on right away don’t worry. Some dogs get super pumped up by treats and will start pawing at both of your hands due to excitement. By only rewarding them when they touch the correct hand they’ll start to catch on. (if they’re struggling with being polite during this game you may want to work on some impulse control )

The “which hand” game with your dog is a great way to help your dog work on their problem solving skills.

Stuffed Kong

One of my favorite brain games for dogs is using a stuffed Kong. I love them because they’re a really simple way to keep my dog busy and mentally stimulated for a long period of time. You can put some treats in there to give your dog something to work for, or if you’re looking for something more challenging try freezing it overnight. If you’re not sure what to use check out our list of 39 healthy treats to stuff in a Kong .

Stuffed Kongs are fun and mentally stimulating for dogs. Kongs are great because they’re dishwasher safe (easy to clean) and pretty tough. We’ve had ours for years and my dog hasn’t been able to put a dent in it. If you’re not a fan of Kongs check out the West Paw Tux toy — it’s my favorite alternative (they are much smaller).

Using a stuffed Kong is also a great way to keep your dog busy while you’re at work. Put your stuffed Kong in the freezer overnight and give it to your dog in the morning as you’re leaving. A frozen Kong will last 30+ minutes for most dogs — much longer if it’s filled completely.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated with minimal effort you can’t go wrong with using a stuffed Kong.

The Shell Game

The shell game is another simple brain game for dogs. You’ve probably seen it before — it’s the game where a treat is hidden under one cup (or shell) and then shuffled around. The shell game will give your plenty of mental stimulation by giving them a chance to work on their problem solving skills.

How to play the shell game with your dog:

• Grab 3 cups and some treats
• Have your dog watch as you place a treat under one of the three cups
• Shuffle the cups around
• Encourage your dog to find the cup with the treat underneath

Hide & Seek

Playing a game of hide and seek is by far one of my dog Laika’s favorite games. It’s a fun interactive game you can play with your dog, and it’s mentally stimulating. If your dog doesn’t have a good stay command down you can ask a friend to help by having them distract your dog as you go and hide.

How to play hide and seek with your dog:

• Have your dog sit in a stay position (or enlist help if your dog keeps peeking)
• Find a hiding spot
• Call your dog
• Praise when they find you

Laika loves a game of hide and seek, and even though I keep picking the same 3 hiding spots over and over she doesn’t seem to mind. Hide and seek lets your dog use some of their natural scent tracking abilities in a fun and stimulating way.

Put Your Toys Away

I know what you’re thinking — putting things away is the opposite of fun, but hear me out for a minute. Teaching your dog something new such as putting their toys away is mentally stimulating. And if you teach them how to do it in a positive way you can make a fun game out of it.

If your dog’s toys are kept in a container you can teach them to put their toys away . I know it sounds weird to teach your dog to clean up after themselves, but it’s actually a lot of fun. Teaching your dog new skills boosts their confidence, and it’s a great way to give them more mental stimulation.

If your dog already knows “ drop it ” have them pick up a toy and give them their drop it command once they’re standing over the container. Praise them like crazy, then repeat. With some practice and consistently you’ll have a dog that knows how to clean up after himself, and best of all he’ll enjoy it.

Dogs enjoy learning new skills (as long as you keep it positive), and teaching your dog new skills, such as putting their toys away, will boost their confidence and keep them mentally stimulated.

The (Toy) Name Game

Another fun brain game for dogs is the name game, and the best way to do it is by using your dog’s toys. Do you already have names for your dogs toys? If so you’re already ahead of the curve.

Start by playing with your dog and one specific toy, giving it a name while you do. After some practice & praise your dog will assign that verbal name with the chosen toy. Once your dog has learned that specific toys name you can test their skills by seeing if they can pick it out among their other toys. After your dog knows the name of one toy you can move on teaching them the name of another.

On average dogs can learn 165 different words , so your dog has the potential to learn the names of a lot of different toys. My dog knows the names of about 30 toys, and having her pick specific ones out of a pile is a great way to boost her problem solving skills. Chaser the Border Collie, an extraordinary example seen in the video below, knows the names of 1000+ toys.

Learning New Tricks

Learning new tricks isn’t the first thing you probably thought of when it comes to brain games for dogs, but they are be a fun way to challenge your dog’s mind (as long as you keep it positive). And teaching your dog new skills is a great way to boost your dog’s confidence.

Does your dog know how to weave through your legs and jump through a hoop? There’s always a new trick you can teach your dog. And teaching your dog how to weave through your legs is a lot easier than it sounds.

Here’s a list of 52 tricks with instructions that you can work on. Once your dog knows a bunch of tricks you can step it up a notch and combine those behaviors into new tricks .

What Are Your Dog’s Favorite Brain Games?

What are your favorite brain games for dogs? Do you play hide and seek with your dog? Does your dog enjoy a game of “find the treats?” Let me know in the comments below.

Please share with your friends 🙂

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November 24, 2017 at 2:25 am

I used to play hide and seek a lot with my dog – it was so cute to watch her look for me from my hiding spot – but then she learned my hiding spots so well she knew exactly where to look.

I like the other ideas in this post, as well, so I’ll have to try them!

November 25, 2017 at 12:42 am

This is a great post. I’ve bookmarked and pinned it for future reference.

We do a lot of these. But I want to try the shell game with Honey. I bet she’ll love it. And she loves pulling toys out of her bag. I’m looking for a hammock or bag that will be as easy for her to put her toys back into as it is to take them out.

November 15, 2018 at 4:34 pm

Thank you so very much for sharing all these ideas. TeddyBear is an “only dog” and I’m in charge of entertainment. We’re gonna love playing these games. Teddy and I have joined your site and are looking forward to the newsletter.

Thank you, thank you a million times thank you lol….Teddy and Jess

November 30, 2017 at 6:06 pm

Hide and seek when out in a forest, and Find the treats when at home are my two favorite games. The dog loves it!

December 26, 2017 at 9:09 am

It must be fun! Thank you for sharing! My dog also like hide and seek. Wanna try the Which Hand Game.

March 22, 2018 at 5:20 am

Thank you for sharing these interesting games. I have never thought the shell game to play with pets. Wanna try this game with my dog.

June 22, 2018 at 1:02 pm

Hi I am the proud owner of Happy the Corgi. We used to do most of the things mentioned in this great article n it brought me wonderful memories. You see, Happy has developed a brain tumor w seizures so intense it has caused my fur baby to go blind. It is inoperable. The good news is that it is Not cancerous. I would Love to see suggestions on how to modify these suggestions for Happy’s situation. Thank you n I really enjoy your articles

June 22, 2018 at 4:59 pm

I’m sorry to hear about Happy, though I am glad it’s not cancerous. Here’s a couple of decent articles that address playtime with blind or partially blind dogs: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_4/features/Blind-Dogs_5622-1.html & http://www.blinddogmilo.com/living-blind-dog/hints-and-tips/playing-with-your-blind-dog/

July 7, 2018 at 8:50 am

I just love playing hide & seek with my dog. Thank you for sharing this post with us.

October 29, 2018 at 6:18 pm

Interesting games. I think i should try these with my doggos.

October 4, 2019 at 9:13 pm

My dog knows a few toy names; however, when I introduced him to a game I bought in which he had to to turn cups over to get the treat, he closed down. Even though he could do one at a time, when I put the eight or so cups on the board and I showed him where the treats were, he became very upset and growled at the toy. He’s a very bright, intuitive boy, but I guess games are not for everyone.

December 28, 2019 at 1:06 am

We have a game we play that we call ‘put it here’. We hide 12 tennis balls in different rooms of the house, then we sit on a chair in the dining room holding a 12-spot muffin tin. The game is for the dog to find the balls and drop each of them into the 12 slots of the tin. He gets a treat for every tennis ball he finds and drops off into the muffin tin. After 2 rounds of this he is incredibly exhausted.

February 1, 2020 at 5:40 am

I like the shell game, I have tried it and it really works to help your dog with problem solving. I also like the food dispensing ball because it combines an amusing toy to play with and rewards for figuring out how the toy works. http://bit.ly/tumblerdispenser I also like the Brain Training For Dogs system used by Adrienne Farricelli. http://bit.ly/DOGbraintraining It combines multiple modules and 10 years of experience to help your dog develop healthy habits.

March 19, 2020 at 4:35 pm

These are great idea! Been looking for more things to do to keep myself busy during this pandemic, got to get the dogs involved!

August 10, 2020 at 11:55 pm

We did a gradual version of the cups game. First step: learn to turn over the cup to get the treat. Second step: two cups. Then three cups and so on. We’re up to five and that seems to be the cognitive limit, but we’ll see.

November 6, 2020 at 5:07 pm

I just love to playing hide & seek with my Labradoodle. Thank you for sharing this post with us. if you want more games then visit our Site

January 9, 2021 at 3:19 pm

I am going to try the cup game & hide and seek. Our Jagd Terrier loves to find treats rolled up in a towel – it keeps him occupied for at least a few minutes! Find it! is also a favourite – but I think I will now add the names of the toys to notch it up a bit. The other one we do is put 4 bits of kibble at the corners of a spaced-out square and a nice bit of cheese in the middle and then we ask him to take each corner one at a time and lastly the cheese in the middle. By the time it comes to the cheese he’s staring at it completely fixed on it! It takes a lot of self-control and that’s one of the lessons we are trying to teach this pup!

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