If you have been working from home for the past few years (!) and dealing with the challenge of staying focused on your computer while your dog constantly craves your attention, dog-puzzle toys and brain games offer an excellent resolution.
According to Stacy Alldredge, a certified dog trainer, behaviorist, and founder of Who’s Walking Who, numerous dogs lack mental and physical stimulation and therefore become bored. Unlike humans, they cannot use phones or watch TV for entertainment. Alldredge suggests that dog puzzles and interactive toys can effectively address this issue by providing dogs with a stimulating activity. Additionally, these toys offer an opportunity for children to engage with dogs in a way that does not provoke unruly behavior.
15 Best Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys
Fable Pets The Game
The initial entry of the high-design accessory brand into puzzle toys involves a product that can hold 1 1/2 cups of food. This makes it a great choice for individuals who eat quickly and require mental and physical stimulation.
PetDreamHouse Spin Interactive Slow Feeder
Barks N’ Rec is a comprehensive destination for all your essential pet requirements, as well as your more distinctive ones. This little business in Chicago competes with large retailers in terms of variety, and additionally offers exclusive products to entertain your dog. Additionally, using a visually appealing slow feeder like this will assist in slowing down their mealtime pace.
PetDreamHouse 2-in-1 Slow Feeder & Lick Pad
If your puppy quickly eats their food and then throws it up, you might require a lick pad. This device slows down their eating and prevents their mealtimes from becoming a two-step event.
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy
The latest offering from beloved dog brand Outward Hound features 12 concealed compartments and three dog-bone covers, enabling pet owners to customize the toy’s difficulty level based on their furry friend’s requirements. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to challenge your dog with more complex puzzles, this toy provides a simple progression.
Xfdaoph Snuffle Mat
To deter destructive behavior from our pets, we can occupy them and prevent it by simply hiding their favorite treats within the folds of a snuffle mat. This will encourage them to utilize their scent detection abilities and sniff out the hidden treats.
Wild One Tennis Tumble Toy
The Wild One toy is perfect for dogs who have chewed an excessive number of tennis balls, surpassing the amount Rafa Nadal has seen in his lifetime. It aids in slowing down the destructive behavior by keeping the item that your puppy loves just beyond its grasp. This provides a gratifying reward when they eventually manage to release it.
West Paw Designs Toppl Assorted Color Dog Toy
Although this toy may appear to be small enough for a puppy to succeed in, its inner ridges prevent pets from reaching their food without investing the necessary time and effort to open it. It will exhaust your dog and demand considerable focus as they strive to obtain their deserved treat.
Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Rock Toy
This REI favorite is perfect for bigger dogs that like to chew on various things like chair legs, couch cushions, and, although not the best choice, tennis balls. Its unique shape allows your dog to push it around with their nose and they will never get tired of it for hours.
Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Kongs are not primarily designed for puzzle solving, but rather to keep dogs occupied. You can put your dog’s preferred treats inside this toy, and they can play with it to have an enjoyable and interactive experience. This will also aid in reducing their separation anxiety when you are away from home.
West Paw Qwizl Tough Treat Dispensing Chew Toy
This is the perfect toy for dogs that require a treat-dispensing and scent-releasing toy with more complexity. Additionally, it adds an extra level of difficulty to games of fetch.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy
For dogs who require a mental challenge, Nina Ottoson’s puzzle games for Outward Hound are considered the top-notch choice.
Petstages Treat-Dispensing Interactive Dog Toy
The reality is that we often purchase toys for our pets simply because they are visually appealing and this Petstages carrot toy is no different. Not only does it provide entertainment and keep our furry friends occupied, but it also serves as a gum massager and plaque remover, making it a perfect solution.
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush
Our dogs always find squirrels and squeaks fascinating, and now they can finally enjoy both together! By hiding six squeaky squirrels in a tree, your dogs can engage in a fun game of hide and seek to search for them.
BarkBox Super Chewer Box
This subscription box is designed for dogs who enjoy chewing. In addition to meaty chews and large bags of treats, it includes two sturdy toys that are free of fluff and highly durable, like a treat-dispensing acorn. By the way, did we mention that these toys are themed?
Ethical Pet Durba-Brite Treat Ball
To prevent boredom and slow down digestion, these colorful globes dispense treats gradually within their internal maze.
There are various kinds of interactive dog feeders available, and each dog is distinct and has individual preferences. It might be beneficial to experiment with a few feeders to determine which one your dog prefers the most, and the remaining ones can be donated to your nearby dog shelter or rescue. It is recommended to offer your dog a variety of feeders and puzzles, so having more than one type is advantageous.
Stuffable Feeders
These feeders are designed to hold your dog’s food and treats, promoting licking to consume them. Licking serves as a beneficial activity for hyperactive or anxious dogs to relax. Optimal results with stuffable feeders can be achieved by using dry food soaked in water, wet dog food, or a combination of both. We have included an image of one of our office dog’s meal combinations in their Toppl, which effectively helps in reducing their eating speed.
Tips for shopping: 1. Make a list of the items you need before going to the store. 2. Compare prices and quality of products before making a purchase. 3. Take advantage of sales and discounts to save money. 4. Consider buying in bulk for items that you frequently use. 5. Don’t be impulsive when making a purchase, think carefully before buying. 6. Read product reviews to ensure you’re making a wise purchase. 7. Keep track of your budget and avoid overspending. 8. Don’t forget to check the return policy before buying an item. 9. Consider buying second-hand items to save money and reduce waste. 10. Pay attention to expiration dates, especially for perishable items.
- Easy to clean – Look for dishwasher-safe stuffable dog toys for maximum disinfecting potential.
- Choose the correct size for your dog. It should be too large for them to fit completely in their mouth or swallow.
When beginning, it is possible to use only dry food, although this does not fully maximize the potential of the stuffable toy. The KONG Classic and West Paw Toppl are both popular choices for stuffable dog toys.
Rollerballs & Tipper Feeders
Dogs use their nose or paws to knock and nudge these around in order to make the dry food come out. These feeders are designed solely for dry food and small treats. The KONG Wobbler is widely favored as a tipper due to its durability, sturdiness, and ease of cleaning.
Tips for Shopping: – Consider making a plan before you start shopping. – Make a list of the items you need to buy. – Set a budget for your shopping trip. – Compare prices and look for deals or discounts. – Read reviews or do research on products before making a purchase. – Use apps or websites to compare prices or find the best deals. – Don’t rush into making a decision, take your time to think about it. – Take advantage of sales or promotional events. – Check the return or refund policy before making a purchase. – Bring reusable bags or containers to reduce waste. – Keep track of receipts and keep them organized for future reference.
- Easy to clean – Choose a rollerball or tipper toy that comes apart easily and is dishwasher-safe.
- Make sure that the rollerball is too large for your dog to fit completely in their mouth, so it doesn’t become a choking hazard.
- Do you have hardwood floors or tile? Some rollerballs and tippers are made from hard plastic that is loud or can damage the flooring if your dog gets extra “pawsy” with it.
Snuffle Mats
Snuffle mats are designed to activate your dog’s sense of smell. Typically crafted from fleece or cotton, these mats require your dog to use their nose to locate scattered dry food or treats.
Tips for Shopping:
- You’ll want a snuffle mat that’s easy to throw in the laundry but sturdy enough that it doesn’t come apart after only a few washes.
The DiffLife Snuffle Mat is great for slowing down dogs who eat quickly. Here is a video of my dog Sookie enjoying it.
Licking Mats
Licking mats are a fantastic option for dealing with wet food smears. Whether your dog’s diet is mainly comprised of wet food or you simply wish to provide them with a fast snack (or keep them occupied while you trim their nails), just pick up a licking mat!
Tips for Shopping: 1. Break down your shopping process into steps. 2. Arrange a shopping list based on your needs and priorities. 3. Compare prices and quality of products before making a purchase. 4. Take advantage of discounts and promotions to save money. 5. Consider alternatives and options before making a final decision. 6. Check customer reviews and ratings to ensure product satisfaction. 7. Keep track of receipts and warranties for future reference. 8. Stay organized during shopping trips to avoid impulse buying. 9. Take your time and thoroughly evaluate products before buying. 10. Plan ahead and budget your expenses to manage your shopping effectively.
- Choose a licking mat that’s easy to pop in the dishwasher for maximum disinfecting potential. Make sure to handwash any deep ridges or grooves machine washing.
Puzzle Feeders
In order for your dog to access their food, these interactive feeders necessitate them to solve portions of the puzzle, such as repositioning a cup, rotating a tower, or extracting a small drawer after first “unlocking” it. There is a range of difficulty levels available for dog puzzles, and the majority are designed for dry food or treats exclusively. Reliable options for dog puzzles can be found from brands like Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound and TRIXIE.
Tips for Shopping:
- Pick a dog puzzle that’s dishwasher-safe and be aware of certain materials that are handwash only (like some of the wood puzzles.
- Think about whether your dog will try to chew and swallow the smaller removable pieces of puzzles. If they are an “inhaler,” choose a puzzle that doesn’t come apart or smaller detachable pieces.
Slow-Feeder Dog Bowls
These bowls aim to reduce your dog’s eating pace but lack the interactivity of the aforementioned options. With various designs, their purpose is to hinder dogs from taking big mouthfuls of food all at once. Instead, dogs are required to lick the kibble gradually from the bowl’s narrow troughs, taking only one or two pieces at a time.
Here are some tips for shopping, taking each step into consideration: 1. Make a shopping list before heading to the store or online. 2. Compare prices from different sources to find the best deals. 3. Take note of any discounts or promotions available. 4. Check the quality and functionality of the items before purchasing. 5. Read customer reviews to gather more information about the products. 6. Make sure to consider the return policy in case you need to exchange or return an item. 7. Keep track of your budget and stick to it while shopping. 8. Consider purchasing in bulk for items you frequently use to save money in the long run.
- Choose a material that’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
DIY Dog Food Puzzles
There are numerous methods available to create your own dog feeders and puzzles using items you already possess in your house. You can make your own snuffle mat or, if you have a yard, grass can serve the same purpose effectively. Additionally, a fun feeding game can be formed using just a cardboard box and some packing paper.
How to Teach Your Dog to Use a Food Puzzle
Puppies and dogs who are new to “working” for their food should have a smooth introduction to the process. If the puzzle toy is too challenging to retrieve the food from, dogs may become frustrated and often give up, resulting in a puzzle toy left untouched in the corner. Consequently, we are then responsible for emptying and cleaning the mostly full puzzle toy, which can be quite laborious. Our main objective is to maintain the dog’s engagement with the puzzle feeder. In order to achieve this, we require a puzzle that consistently rewards your dog at a steady rate.
If your dog is having trouble getting food out of their interactive feeder, you can assist them by loosening sticky pieces from the bottom or by shaking the toy to bring the kibble closer to the opening for them. Additionally, you can help your dog locate any overlooked pieces of food in snuffle mats.
If your dog is in the process of learning how to utilize a puzzle, it is important to ensure that the puzzle is adjusted to the simplest level. Subsequently, demonstrate to them how to unlock the compartment or adjust the piece. In fact, you may consider leaving the puzzle components partially open to allow them to become accustomed to manipulating them.
Introducing Your Dog to a KONG, Toppl, or Other Stuffable Feeder
- Smear a small bit of peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free) or wet food on the outside and inside of the opening. This helps a dog learn where to lick.
- Fill the stuffable with just a spoonful of totally dry food and add the smear of wet food or peanut butter on the lip. Don’t overstuff with dry food, as that can make the kibble hard to empty out. With less food inside, it’s easy for bits to fall out and your dog to get rewarded for interacting with the toy. If you use only wet food with your dog, smear the wet food inside the stuffable but keep it close to the opening so it doesn’t get stuck at the bottom and out of your dog’s reach.
- Once your dog has the hang of knocking out the dry food and licking off the smear, start to soak the food in water (or low-sodium and unseasoned broth) before stuffing the toy. If using wet food, start to fill the toy more than you have been in previous steps.
- As your dog gets confident in eating from the stuffable toy and isn’t leaving any uneaten, then you can make it a bit harder.
How to Make Interactive Feeders and Dog Puzzles More Challenging
After your dog becomes accustomed to eating from their puzzle or feeder, you can add more challenge by progressively raising the difficulty levels.
- Place a puzzle or roller on top of a snuffle mat to extend the fun.
- Start hiding multiple interactive feeders (each filled with just a portion of the meal) around the room for some nose work practice.
- Some roller feeders have adjustable levels or interchangeable parts to make it harder to get the kibble out.
- Think about layering different brain games around the interactive feeder to make it more challenging. Put a stuffable inside of a cardboard box so your pup has to first figure out how to get it out.
To make mealtime last longer, the easiest method is to freeze a stuffable or lick mat. When the Toppl is unfrozen, my dog takes about 5 minutes to finish it, but when it is fully frozen, it can last up to 45 minutes! Chilled or frozen toys that can be filled with treats are ideal for hot summer days or for teething puppies. To prevent your dog from becoming frustrated, I recommend not completely freezing it solid during the initial attempts. Instead, partially freeze or thaw it for a while before giving it to your dog so that it is not too challenging for them to finish.
Why You Should Use Interactive Dog Feeders and Puzzles
- Provides Enrichment: All dogs can benefit from more enrichment in their daily lives, and swapping regular food bowls out for food puzzles is the simplest way to start. They provide sensory enrichment for a dog’s sense of taste, smell, and texture, and behavioral enrichment by working their brain. Click to get more ideas for increasing your dog’s enrichment beyond puzzles at mealtime.
- Slows Down Dogs Who Eat Too Fast: If your dog eats too quickly, they are at higher risk of choking or bloat – which can be deadly. Some breeds are predisposed to higher bloat risk, and the condition can be fatal. Slow feeder bowls, puzzles, and interactive feeders mean your dog can only take one bite (or lick) at a time.
- Helps Dogs Who Are Picky Eaters: Some dogs just need to have that work-to-eat aspect of their meals to get them interested. I’ve found that many picky dogs I’ve worked with enjoy interactive toys and puzzles for their meals. You can mix in some high-value treats to entice them to eat the regular food as they get closer to the extra yummy stuff.
- Soothes Puppy Teething: Teething is not a fun process and puppies need to chew to relieve the discomfort they feel in their mouths. Giving them a chilled stuffable can soothe their gums and distract them from nipping and biting at you.
- Helps with Crate Training: We want a dog to love being in their crate! One of the easiest ways to do this is by pairing crate time with food time. Puzzle feeders take longer to finish, which means more continuous reinforcement for hanging out in the crate. And often a dog will be ready for a nice nap in the crate once they finish.
- Perfect Crate Rest Activity: If your dog is on crate rest after a surgery or injury, providing work-to-eat toys and puzzles gives them a way to burn excess energy, keeps them occupied, and prevents boredom. Pair meal enrichment and puzzles with simple, low-energy training cues, like teaching them a chin rest or touch cue while they recover.
- Calms Hyper or Anxious Dogs: Licking, chewing, and sniffing are very calming activities for dogs. The repetitive nature of working on a work-to-eat toy lowers heart rate and burns excess energy.
