Puzzle toys are created with the intention of keeping dogs occupied and amused, resulting in them utilizing energy in a beneficial manner. The most effective puzzle toys for dogs provoke curiosity, provide mental stimulation, and aid in the enhancement of their problem-solving abilities. Additionally, these toys can alleviate stress levels by giving dogs a specific activity to concentrate on, which is particularly advantageous for dogs experiencing separation anxiety.
When selecting a dog puzzle toy, one should take into account its durability, especially if the dog has a tendency to chew. Additionally, the size of the toy, the level of interaction required, and whether it necessitates treats to operate effectively should also be considered.
We conducted a thorough evaluation of various dog puzzles using actual dogs to assist you in determining which puzzle is appropriate for both you and your dog. Whether you have a heavy chewer or a new puppy, we have identified the top dog puzzle toys suitable for all types of dogs.
What Are Interactive Dog Toys?
Are you interested in testing your dog’s problem-solving abilities and improving their mental stimulation during playtime? Interactive dog toys such as Nina Ottosson puzzles and games by Outward Hound are specifically created to keep your dog’s mind active and make sure your lively pup remains entertained and engaged!
If you don’t have sufficient time to exhaust your dog with a long walk, these entertaining puzzles can mentally tire out your pup in the absence of physical exercise, although daily exercise is irreplaceable.
Engaging in play, a busy dog is less prone to engaging in destructive behaviors. Dog puzzles redirect your pup’s surplus energy towards an enjoyable, beneficial, and satisfying activity. Additionally, they present a safer option compared to chew toys that could potentially harm the dog’s teeth.
Interactive dog toys are beneficial for older dogs and dogs in the process of recuperating from injury or surgery as puzzle toys. If you own a dog with restricted physical abilities, these toys offer mental stimulation that demands little movement.
Dogs benefit from both mental and physical exercise
Did you know that engaging in mental exercise for 15 minutes is equal in value to engaging in physical exercise for 30 minutes?
Isn’t it incredible? Interactive toys for dogs not only grab your dog’s interest but also help them release built-up energy while playing. Combining physical and mental stimulation results in the perfect combination.
If your dogs have a tendency to chew, an interactive puzzle toy can be a beneficial tool to redirect their destructive chewing behavior. Moreover, once your dog has successfully completed their initial puzzle, they can progress to more difficult dog puzzle toys for an added challenge.
The 5 Best Dog Puzzle Toys to Keep Your Pup Entertained
Best Overall
Outward Hound Hide N Slide Puzzle Dog Toy
The intention of the Outward Hound Hide N Slide Puzzle Dog Toy is to provide a challenge for dogs of various sizes as they search for delicious bites of their preferred kibble or treats. In the case that your dog tends to eat food too rapidly, this puzzle can be given during mealtime to assist them in chewing and swallowing at a slower pace.
Outward Hound classifies their puzzle toys based on a rating system ranging from one to four, with the Hide N Slide being rated as a two. This indicates that it offers a slightly greater level of difficulty compared to other dog puzzles, but it is not the most challenging. It is expected that your dog will require more time to solve this puzzle compared to a level 1 toy, although the actual duration may vary for each individual dog.
Best Splurge
LOOBANI Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder
The LOOBANI Dog Food Puzzle Feeder is appropriate for dogs in all stages of life and of various sizes. It aids in promoting brain development and offers mental stimulation to ensure dogs remain sharp as they grow older.
The toy’s design is unique as it allows for three spinning bottles to be adjusted to three different heights that are best for your dog. Each bottle can hold treats or dry kibble, with a total capacity of eight cups of food. Moreover, the toy successfully encourages dogs to eat at a slower pace during mealtimes. Additionally, it offers the possibility to include various dog-safe items to add unexpected textures and flavors, surprising your dog.
The Dog Food Puzzle Feeder has a larger footprint compared to other puzzle toys due to the use of durable bamboo for the wooden base, thereby ensuring a sturdy and stable structure.
Best Without Treats
Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy
The Hide A Squirrel Toy from Outward Hound is available in four different sizes and can captivate a dog without the need for treats. If you own a large squirrel-chasing dog, the Hide A Squirrel Toy will definitely catch their interest.
The plush toy has a tree trunk, consisting of six holes. These holes can be used to hide squirrel stuffies that contain squeakers, allowing for a game of hide and seek. After the squirrels are concealed, your dog can explore and retrieve them.
Best for Treats
Outward Hound Tornado Puzzle Dog Toy
The Outward Hound Tornado Puzzle Dog Toy is equipped with three rotating trays containing 12 compartments that can be filled with treats. In addition, the toy includes three treat covers that can be placed on any layer to keep your dog intrigued.
Similar to our choice for Best Overall, this toy from Outward Hound is categorized as a level 2 puzzle, meaning it is created to provide extended entertainment and challenges for your dog compared to a level 1 toy. Whenever your dog engages with this toy, the positions of treats are likely to change, thus requiring them to utilize their problem-solving abilities in order to obtain their desirable treats.
Best for Movement
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball
The Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball bears resemblance to a hamster’s exercise ball, but its purpose differs. Rather than accommodating a small furry pet, this interactive toy is intended for holding kibble and/or treats. When a dog pushes the ball across the floor, a single piece of food is released from the inside. As only one piece is dispensed at a time, this toy can offer extended entertainment. Additionally, it can assist in regulating your dog’s eating pace if that is a matter of concern.
Your dog will be able to exercise while moving around your home with the Pet Zone IQ toy, but we have observed that it rolls more easily on carpeted surfaces compared to hard floors. The toy is available in two sizes – either three or four inches in diameter. However, even the smaller size is not suitable for dogs weighing less than 10 pounds.
More Dog Toys…
Plush Dog Toys
You can use this soft puzzle dog toy as an interactive game to play with your dog. Simply fill the Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel trunk with squirrels and put it on the floor for your dog to sniff and scrounge.
Dogs can gain additional mental stimulation by searching for the squeaky squirrels concealed within the plush truck, which goes beyond the usual engagement provided by standard plush toys. The amusement continues even after solving the task of finding the squirrels within the stump. The small, squeaky squirrels are ideal for engaging in a game of toss and fetch. Additionally, your dog might find the trunk of the truck intriguing for playing tug-of-war.
This enjoyable interactive dog toy with a squeaker is available in four different sizes, ensuring that dogs of all sizes can have fun with it. Moreover, the soft material is gentle on a dog’s teeth and gums, allowing even teething puppies to participate in the fun.
Hide A Hedgie
Does your smart puppy need a greater challenge? Just like Hide A Squirrel, our Hide A Hedgie features two squeaky hedgehogs tucked inside a highly plush tree trunk, providing limitless entertainment for games of hide-and-seek.
By having a top attached to the trunk, you can encourage your dog to find different methods to take out the squeaky toys. Observe how your lively pup figures out how to nosedive into the trunk and enjoy playing with the exciting squeaky toys hidden inside. Always keep in mind that these toys are not intended for dogs to chew on, and they are not appropriate for dogs who excessively chew.
Some dogs enjoy using the trunk as a toy for pulling.
Is Your Dog Bonkers For Balls? Try Interactive Ball Dog Toys.
The Tennis Maze Craze and Puzzle Cube combines hide and seek with squeaking tennis ball fun. Dogs can retrieve the tennis balls from the durable synthetic rubber, making it an interactive game for indoors and outdoors. This toy is a great choice for indoor play when it’s too rainy outside for a fetch toy ball launcher.
The Outward Hound Puzzle Cube not only challenges your dog to release tennis balls but also provides fun for your dog to fetch squeaking balls in different sizes after the balls have been released.
Playful pups are kept interested and engaged by the uniquely shaped holes and passage points until they manage to free the balls. After the balls are freed, one can either play a game of fetch or put them back inside the maze for another round of puzzling.
Is Your Dog Motivated By Food? Try Treat-Dispensing Games.
Long-lasting playtime toys such as interactive treat dispensing games, kongs, and slow feeders can be excellent options.
Pet owners have the option to include kibble, a preferred treat of your dog, peanut butter, or wet dog food in food-dispensing toys to create irresistible incentives. These can be concealed inside a dog toy that dispenses treats, in order to generate curiosity and maintain a dog’s involvement in play while they try to release the tasty treats and goodies.
Treat dispenser toys, such as treat balls, can be employed during mealtime as well in order to decelerate the eating pace of fast eaters.
It is advisable to choose plastic or natural rubber toys that do not contain BPA and phthalates for pet safety.
