Similar to children, dogs require both mental and physical stimulation to thrive. Studies have indicated that dogs who participate in interactive play are more trainable and less prone to negative behaviors such as devouring my cherished footwear, compared to their counterparts.
What Are Interactive Dog Toys?
Interactive dog toys are different from other dog toys because they assist in engaging your dog by taking on some of the effort.
When it comes to playing fetch or tug, it is you who provides your dog with mental stimulation. However, these toys will not keep your pooch stimulated for a long time when you are not present.
The purpose of interactive dog toys is to offer mental stimulation to dogs.
One way to achieve this is by using toys that can move independently, either by themselves or in response to your dog’s actions. These toys may also involve puzzles that your dog must solve to receive a reward.
In the past, finding a good interactive dog toy was difficult, but in recent years, the market has been inundated with options. Therefore, the true difficulty lies in determining which toy is suitable for your dog among the numerous choices available.
Toys that have small, easily ingested pieces can pose a health risk for larger dogs, whereas large toys that are too heavy for small dogs to move will not keep them engaged for a significant amount of time.
Certain puzzle games can be quickly solved by smart dogs, causing them to become bored. Additionally, the sound of a squeak can be extremely enticing for certain dogs, leading them to persistently rip open the toy in order to reach the source of the sound.
We have created a list of the eight best overall interactive dog toys after testing them with our own dogs, in order to assist you in navigating the complex market. We have provided reviews for these toys and recommended which dog types will enjoy them.
Best Interactive Dog Toys
1. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy
Dogs have a natural inclination to seek out things hidden in a burrow and dig them out, making them fond of playing games like hide and seek.
Have you ever been at the park when suddenly your dog breaks free from the leash and heads into the bushes? Only to reappear later, after getting into a fight within the thicket, with a squirrel that she caught?
This toy is designed in such a way that most dogs will enjoy trying to remove adorable squeaky squirrels from a tree trunk, bringing pleasure to your furry companion.
When a dog is searching for squirrels, it is natural for them to paw, scratch, and chew on the toy. This behavior is anticipated during playtime and the tree trunk is sturdy to endure your dog’s vigorous play but gentle enough to avoid causing harm while they bite or scratch it.
Advantages
- Squeaky squirrels encourage your dog to go after them.
- The trunk is deep enough to provide a decent level of difficulty for your pooch to figure out how to get out the squirrels stuffed inside.
- You can always put the animals back into the trunk after your pooch retrieves them to keep the game going.
- Tough and durable enough to last for the long term.
- Easy to carry around.
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- Some dog owners suggest that the toy would be even better if the small, medium and large sizes would come with six squirrels instead of three.
One notable aspect of this puzzle toy is that it is available in four different sizes, varying from small to extra large.
Because it is interactive, portable, and durable, hide-and-seek can be enjoyed by dogs of all sizes in both the backyard and the living room, thus making it the best overall.
2. Frisco Hide And Seek Plush Volcano Puzzle Dog Toy
It should not be unexpected if this toy becomes your dog’s favorite quickly. Not only does it produce squishy sounds that catch your dog’s attention, but it also has a soft texture that is cozy for her nap time.
To perform the task, simply insert the adorable dinosaurs into the volcano. The volcano’s included squeaker will capture your dog’s interest, enabling them to retrieve the dinosaurs individually by placing their snout inside the volcano.
Your pooch’s energetic and persistent nature will astonish you as he tirelessly goes after the poor dinosaurs, allowing you to keep the game in play by stuffing them back in as fast as he retrieves them.
As you observe him getting the dinos, you will find it amusing. If your dog is prone to aggressive chewing, it is recommended to obtain the dinos promptly once he takes them out of the volcano in order to avoid him potentially destroying them.
The advantages
- Six dinosaurs are enough to keep your buddy busy.
- The volcano is soft and plush but tough enough to endure your doggy’s rough play Dinosaurs are cuddly and great for nap time when the doggy is exhausted.
- Mentally stimulating thus boosting their mental health.
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- Although the dinos are fairly well made, they cannot withstand aggressive chewers who will chew them to bits in seconds.
Aggressive behavior and anxiety are often triggered by boredom. This interactive toy offers mental stimulation, as your dog engages in the task of unlocking the squeaky toys contained within.
If you are there, it is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your canine companion while encouraging them.
3. Ethical Pet Laser Exerciser Original 2 In 1 Dog & Cat Toy
Take a break and get ready to start playing. If you have both a cat and a dog companion, they will eagerly chase their prey throughout the area.
This laser exerciser toy is pretty easy to use and incredibly cheap. You simply point the laser at the floor or wall and let your pet chase down this very elusive prey.
The toy seems to be most loved by pet owners with pit bulls, according to reviews of interactive dog toys.
The moment they witness the owner grabbing the device, they immediately begin scanning in eager anticipation to identify the spot where the laser light will eventually fall, enabling them to commence pursuit. It can be utilized in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Benefits or advantages
- Very easy to use as it only requires pointing the LED light to a wall or surface.
- Both dogs and cats love chasing down the elusive prey, making it diverse.
- Very affordable compared to normal toys.
- The batteries can always be replaced when they run out.
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- Although durable, the gadget is delicate and may stop working if accidentally dropped.
What you will discover to be quite impressive about this toy is the ability to bond and have a great time with your pets without any effort (or expensive cost!) as they tirelessly pursue the elusive laser. Who wouldn’t adore that?
4. ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide & Seek Plush Dog Toy, Hedgehog Den
When it’s time to play, it’s highly likely that your dog gets extremely excited, as he simply can’t resist engaging in a fun game of hide and seek.
Dogs, being intelligent animals, greatly enjoy mental stimulation that activates their natural hunting instincts. It is highly likely that your furry companion will be delighted by the prospect of digging into a den and successfully capturing the hedgehogs.
This toy is perfect for dogs of a medium size. The sounds produced by the hedgehogs concealed in the den will be enough to make your canine go wild with excitement. The task of extracting the hedgehogs from the den provides an opportunity for engaging and smart play.
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- Retrieving the hedgehogs from the den offers mentally stimulating play.
- Prevents your pooch from getting bored.
- Plush fabric that is safe to bite but resilient enough for mild chewers.
- You can keep stuffing back the hedges into the den to prolong play.
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- Not recommended for aggressive chewers.
- Requires close monitoring.
If your dog is a mild chewer, he will enjoy finding and pulling out the hedgehogs inside this toy. However, if you are away, the hedgehogs may get destroyed. Nevertheless, this toy provides engaging and clever play and may be worth the price.
5. Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Dog Toy
The Starmark Dispensing Chew Ball is designed to tap into your dog’s natural instinct to scavenge and search. Constructed from dog-safe, long-lasting plastic, it is also free of latex, phthalates, and vinyl.
If your dog has a tendency to destroy toys, she might finally meet her match with this toy. I appreciated the toy’s flexibility as it can be used for indoor, outdoor, and even water play since it is able to float.
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- Bright colors help you spot the toy easily during play.
- You can opt to incorporate a snack in the toy and let your dog figure out how to get it out.
- Tough toy yet soft enough not harm your pooch.
- Easy to wash making it convenient for regular use.
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- Some pet owners claim their aggressive chewers ripped the toy apart in minutes.
Given that all dogs have varying temperaments, it is advisable to observe your dog closely during her initial interaction with this toy in order to gauge her behavior towards it.
6. Nina Ottosson By Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Dog Toy
If you think it’s time to advance, this dog puzzle is ideal for your pet, particularly if he has already outsmarted other puzzles. This one will surely challenge your buddy to use his intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the rewards he receives as a result will serve as an appropriate incentive to encourage him to continue seeking more.
You can begin by introducing your dog to the first difficulty level, and as his hunting skills progress, you can gradually raise the level of difficulty.
This game provides mental stimulation for your dog as well as the chance to bond with your furry friend in an entertaining and enjoyable way.
The advantages are…
- Several difficulty levels ensure that it will be a while before your pet outgrows this toy.
- The toy can take a good gnawing as it is made of plastic.
- Great interaction for dog and owner as you monitor his progress.
- Rewards your pooch with a treat for a job well done.
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- The difficulty level may be too much for some dogs.
As your pooch contemplates intensely, he may choose to alleviate mental pressure by nibbling on the toy’s edge while solving this puzzle.
Due to its tough plastic construction, it is capable of enduring his bites. In general, this toy is essential for intelligent dogs and owners who enjoy solving challenging puzzles.
7. JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy, Color Varies
When you see this toy, it reminds you of a honeycomb. It is perfect for playing fetch in the park or backyard.
This bouncy ball can also be used as a chew toy. To enjoy some tasty alone time, you can put a few snacks inside the combs and let your dog enjoy them.
When playing fetch in the park or backyard, the toy is available in various bright colors that are simple to spot. You can include a snack of your preference by utilizing the numerous holes in the toy.
Advantages
- Machine washable making it convenient for regular use.
- Constructed from durable yet soft plastic.
- Serves as a chew toy.
- Has a decent bounce and rolls easily.
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- Some consumers complained that the toy is great but not tough enough for aggressive chewers.
The JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy is unique among chewy toys because it is both interactive and not all chewy toys possess this quality. It is an excellent option for active pups and can be used daily.
8. Vitscan Dog Treat Dispensing Toy
We believe that the Vitscan Dog Treat Dispensing Toy is the best choice in terms of value. This toy offers three different features and we are confident that you will agree that these are the most effective dog toys for mental stimulation considering the price. The three distinct balls provide various ways of stimulating your pet’s mind. One ball is constructed with sturdy plastic and emits a whistle sound as it moves and dispenses treats. Another ball has soft rubber teeth that hold treats and serve as a cleaning mechanism for your pet’s teeth when they extract the treats. The third ball is soft and has stretchy spikes, offering additional teeth cleaning benefits.
After observing, we discovered that each of our pets enjoyed playing with at least one ball for a considerable amount of time. However, it should be noted that these balls are designed for smaller dogs and are unlikely to withstand the rough play of larger dogs for a significant period.
Advantages or benefits
- Three unique balls
- Cleans teeth
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- Meant for smaller dogs
9. VolacoPets Interactive Dog Toys
The VolacoPets 5 Different Functions Interactive Dog Toys is the top-notch mental stimulation dog toy that we recommend for those who are willing to spend a bit more for the best toy. The VolacoPets brand offers five balls with various functions to keep your pet engaged in different situations. There is a squeaky ball and a treat dropping ball to alleviate your pet’s loneliness and boredom. Additionally, a natural rubber ball and a rope ball are perfect for outdoor play. Lastly, there is a ball specifically designed to clean your pet’s teeth while they enjoy playing. These balls are made with durability in mind and should withstand the test of time.
This brand is not ideal for larger dogs or those who chew excessively, which is its main drawback. Although these balls can stimulate your pet, they do not offer much of a challenge, or else we would have given this brand a higher ranking.
The advantages
- 5-in-one
- Dental Cleaning
- Durable
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- Not for large dogs
10. Totoo Dog Treat Dispenser Toy
The Totoo Dog Treat Dispenser Ball Toy is designed to stay upright at all times. With this toy, you can adjust the speed at which food is dispensed, ensuring your dog remains engaged while trying to retrieve treats. Additionally, this toy is easily cleaned and can help regulate the eating pace of dogs that tend to eat too fast.
While we tested it, we discovered that it is prone to disassembling and can be easily picked up and carried by bigger dogs, thus rendering it unsuitable as a toy.
Advantages
- Tumbler Design
- Easy to Clean
- Slows down feeding
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- Comes apart easily
- Not for big dogs
11. KONG 41938 Classic Dog Toy
The KONG 41938 Classic Dog Toy is a popular choice for dogs that enjoy fetch and chewing. Available in various sizes, these Kongs are made with a highly durable design. They have a hole on one side where treats and peanut butter can be placed. Additionally, they can be frozen to create a refreshing summer treat. Furthermore, these toys are dishwasher safe, ensuring easy cleaning. With its distinctive bouncing design, it provides unpredictable entertainment for your dog.
One drawback of Kong toys is their wide range of sizes, which can make it difficult to initially choose the correct one. If one selects a size that is either too big or too small, the toy’s durability and enjoyment may be limited. Additionally, considering that it is essentially just a piece of rubber, the price is relatively high.
Advantages
- Durable
- For any size dog
- Dishwasher safe
- Unpredictable bounce
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- Hard to get the right size
- expensive
12. West Paw Tux Interactive Dog Chew Toy
The West Paw 566 Zogoflex Tux Interactive Dog Chew Toy is made with safe, non-toxic, BPA free rubber and is designed to be extremely tough and durable. It can withstand the toughest chewers and is perfect for playing fetch around water as it floats. Additionally, it can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher after being stuffed with treats.
In terms of fetch toys, we have discovered that the West Paw is an excellent choice as it is simple to toss and travels a good distance. However, it falls short when it comes to interactive treat stuffing. Unfortunately, there is no space within the toy to stuff treats, and whatever manages to fit falls out too easily. Consequently, there is no puzzle or means to keep your pet engaged unless they are simply chewing on it or returning it following a throw.
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- Floats
- BPA Free
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable
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- Shallow treat compartment
- Not very challenging
13. StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy
The StarMark SMBAL Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy has a large food compartment and can hold up to 3 cups of food or treats. This spacious compartment can be used to feed your pet and help control their eating speed, making it a great option for pets who eat too quickly. The toy’s adjustable openings can control the food flow, and it is made of durable plastic. The toy’s weighted anti-slip bottom makes it wobble in a random manner, providing your pet with lots of enjoyment and giving you entertainment as well.
During our review of this toy, we observed that despite its capacity to hold a substantial amount of food, it is not suitable for larger dogs as they tend to transport it rather than engage in play. The task of filling this toy with food is a tedious and time-consuming process. Food must be inserted through a small opening that can accommodate only a few pieces at a time, and it can take more than five minutes to complete. Cleaning is equally challenging since access to the food compartment is restricted, making it difficult to wipe clean. Although the housing is sturdy, dogs that chew excessively may cause this toy to deteriorate quickly.
In terms of positive aspects, there are a number of advantages.
- Holds up to 3 cups of food
- Adjustable openings regulate the flow of food
- Weighted anti-slip bottom
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- Not for big dogs
- Not for chewing dogs
- Hard to fill
- Hard to clean
