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Keep Your Canines Mind Active with the Best Dog Puzzle Toys
Many pet owners fail to realize is that they’re not the only ones who get bored. So beside physical activities like walking and hiking you can keep your dog mentally active with one of best dog puzzle toys.There are plenty of dog puzzles and toys on the market that are fun and interactive. In addition to putting a stop to your dog’s’ boredom, a good puzzle will provide him with all the mental stimulation he needs. In this guide we put together a list of the best puzzle toys for dogs so have a good starting point when choosing the best option for your dog.
| Dog Puzzle Toys | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
  | Dog Puzzle Toys,Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder Toys for IQ Training & Mental Enrichment,Dog Treat Puzzle | Buy on Amazon |
  | Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball – Adjustable Dog Treat Dog Ball and Treat Dispensing Dog Toys (Dog Puzzle Toys, Dog Enrichment Toys, and Interactive Dog Toys in One Great Alternative to Snuffle Mat for Dogs | Buy on Amazon |
  | Boredom Buster Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys. Best rated toy to hide treat for hours of fun. Stimulate your canine with washable game for your dog | Buy on Amazon |
  | Smart Dogs Love to Sniff and Chew. Interactive Toys Puzzle Games for Medium Large Dogs who Love to Lick Sniff Chew Eat and Play Total Enrichment & Fun | Buy on Amazon |
  | Zippy Paws Woodland Friends Burrow, Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy. Top rating Fun Without Treats for Dogs on Diets | Buy on Amazon |
  | Award Winning Pet Dispenser Available in Multiple Sizes. PETGEEK Automatic Interactive to Stop Boredom, Self Play for Entertainment with More Durable TPU Upgraded Material, Dog Bones for Small, Medium & Large Dogs | Buy on Amazon |
  | Dog Puzzle Toys for Boredom, 4 Pack, Chew Teething and Treat Dispensing - for Medium to Large Dogs - Endless Fun for Your Dog | Buy on Amazon |
  | Favorite puzzle toy for dogs! Large chamber fits whole meals Weighted bottom wobbles. New adjustment gate on the bottom accommodates a larger kibble size and is easier to adjust | Buy on Amazon |
  | Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider is a fun, level 3 puzzle for dog's who get bored quickly and need an engaging activity to keep them stimulated. Your pup will enjoy sniffing and pawing for treats, See all the levels for smart pups | Buy on Amazon |
Our Picks for the Best Puzzle Toys
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Canine Puzzle
Treat Dispensing Puzzle for Dogs on Amazon
If you are looking for intermediate-level puzzle toys for dogs, then this best selling puzzle by dog behaviorist Nina Ottosson is a top pick. It’s a simulating toy that comes with three types of compartments to keep your dog busy for hours. You can hide his favorite treat in one of two spots that are in the lid compartments on either side of the toy.
While a third compartment is hidden under the removable brick bones. In total, there are 20 treat compartments for your pet to discover.
The toy itself is made using phthalate-free materials that are also food safe. And it’s easy to clean. So. all you need to do is rinse it with warm water and soap to keep it clean and safe for your puppy.
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball for Dogs and Puppies
End Boredom With This Fun Treat Dispensing Toy on Amazon
If you’re looking for a toy that evolves along with your pet’s understanding of puzzle toys, then this is the option for you. This toy is a food-dispensing ball that is available in two sizes, which depends on your dog’s breed.
However, it’s noted that this toy is not a good design for tiny dogs or small toy breeds. Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure to consult their guide so that you choose the right option for your pet.
The treat within the ball falls out depending on how your dog rolls it. As your pet grows more comfortable with the ball, you can adjust the difficulty level to make it more challenging for them to use.
The toy is made from hard plastic and can be disassembled easily. To clean, all you need to do is rinse in warm, soapy water and leave it to dry.
Volacopets Interactive Dog Toys for Hours for Fun
Five Toys for Dogs Interactive Puzzle Set on Amazon
This five-in-one combination is not only a puzzle toy, it also serves as a full complement of toys for all your pet’s needs. Each pack comes with 5 balls, each with a different purpose. This includes a squeaky ball toy, a solid rubber ball, a wool ball, a dental cleaning ball, and (of course) a treat-dispensing ball toy.
The treat-dispensing ball toy will keep your pet occupied for ages as he tries to figure out how to get hold of the treats. If he gets tired of the puzzle toy, he can spend time with the other options. This toy set also comes in a variety of sizes, tailored to the size of your pet.
ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Interactive Puzzle for Dogs
Ideal for Dogs on Diet (No Food Treat Puzzle)
Treat-based puzzle toys aren’t for every dog, especially if you’ve got your pet on a strict diet. That’s where this toy comes in.
This plush toy serves as a hide-and-seek toy where your pet is motivated to dig out the chipmunks from the log. The chipmunks have a squeaky noise maker within them to attract your pet, challenging them to complete the game.
This toy is designed for tough chewers and it’s available in a hedgehog design, as well as in various sizes, depending on how big your pet is.
Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder Toy for IQ Training & Mental Enrichment
Challenge Your Dog With a Treat Puzzle for Your Dog on Amazon
This interactive toy challenges your pup to find treats by sliding the various parts in the feeder. In addition this toy will encourage your dog to eat their feed slowly if there is a habit of eating fast. This will help to digest her food better while making snack time fun and interactive.
Additionally, the toy challenges your pup intellectually as it train their sense of smell. This fun puzzle toy for dogs is made of non-toxic PVC. This way you won’t need to worry about your pet chewing on stuff that is toxic.
Bonus Picks Treat Toys
PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat, Dispensing X-Small, Small, Medium and Large Sizes
Best Small and Medium Dog Toys
If you have smaller dogs and they prefer a chew that rewards them with treats then we like the above treat dispensing toy by Petsafe. It holds a variety of treats such as small treats and kibble and you can use smearable treats.
Though it’s not a traditional dog puzzle it’s an easy to use treat and reward toy. It adjusts so that you can make it easier or more difficult for the treats to release. Start on the easy level to keep him interested or adjust to a more difficult level to slow your pup down from eating too much. Kind of like the idea of a slow feeding bowl.
It’s easy to use, and washable and made of non toxic material keeping your dogs safety in mind.
Best for soft to medium chewers
How Dog Puzzles Work
The way these toys work is simple – there are sections in the toy to fill with treats. Once you fill them it’s time for your dog play. By sniffing and chewing his goal is to get the treat out of the toy, which is his reward – yummy!
Benefits of Puzzle Toys for Dogs
- Help to redirect the energy of a teething puppy. Many treat toys force pups to chew their food instead of swallowing lots a time.
- Aids fast eaters in slowing down their eating while they try to “earn” their food. Slowing your dog’s eating has been shown to help reduce the risk of your pet developing Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), which is better known as stomach torsion or bloat.
- In addition puzzle toys provide a solution to a dog’s natural desire to hunt. This, combined with the treat at the end, can even motivate the pickiest eater to eat.
- Treat toys works to stimulate your pet while keeping him occupied for some time. This will reduce the risk of your dog getting bored. As well you’ll get a little time for yourself.
- Training your dog? Puzzle toys can help keep them to keep your dog occupied while they are inside the crate.
Should You Supervise Your Dog
Toys are meant to be fun. So playing with interactive toys is a perfect way to bond with your dog and at the same time helping to him to build his confidence.
If you plan on using puzzle toys for purpose such as crate training then you want to choose his toys with care. Many puzzle toys are designed to be thrown or rolled around, and there’s not enough space for this in a crate. And, always supervise puppies and dogs who are strong chewers to avoid choking at all cost. And for puppies with tiny teeth be sure to get the best chew toys for puppies.
Choosing the Best Puzzle Toy for Your Dog
It’s essential to make sure you choose a puzzle toy that is at your pet’s level. If you never introduced them to a puzzle toy before, then you want them to learn and grow by giving them a beginner toy. More experienced dogs, however, can move on to intermediate and expert level toys.
Size of Dog
Additionally, the toys will need to be size appropriate. If the toy in question is too small for your dog, it can pose a swallowing and choking risk. At the same time, the toy should be small enough that your pet can play with them, especially if you have a smaller breed. Similarly, strong chewers will require tougher toys, while flat-faced dogs have weaker jaws and will need softer options.
If your dog has never used a puzzle toy before, you may need to show them how to use one. One way to do so is to start with a very simple puzzle toy that your pet won’t have to spend much time on.
Puzzle Toys for Dogs With Treats or Squeakies
There are plenty of toys you can stuff with treats and there are others that have squeaky toys for your dog to sniff and find.
Outward Hound Fun Canine Toys Visit The Store on Amazon
If you opt for treat dispensing puzzle toys then make sure to use “high value” foods as the treat in the toy. These treats are your pet’s favorites that they receive for special occasions. This way they’ll work hard to get their treat. Additionally, treats should be moist (or freeze-dried) and particularly with lots of smell and flavor.
Some options include chicken, peanut butter, cheese, liverwurst, and more (depending on your pet’s preferences). Once your dog is used to the concept of puzzle toys, you can then shift to toys that are more challenging to get out of the toy.
Or if your dog is on a special diet or your are training without treats, then opt for one of the soft puzzle toys where the reward is a squeaky toy. Like the ones by Outward Hound.
Material Toys and Puzzles
Another factor to consider when choosing a puzzle toy include the materials the toy is made of. Opt for puzzle toys that are durable so that you won’t have to replace them as often. Additionally, materials should be food grade without sharp edges that can hurt your pup.
Wrapping Up the Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs
Dog puzzle toy can help stave off boredom by providing your four legged friend with hours of entertainment. The best toys are ones that are fun for your dog and will challenge him at each level. It’s important that you chose the right level. If you make getting rewards like treats too difficult your dog will quit. So make sure he gets lots of win ‘treats’ this way he’ll find that his games are super enjoyable.
When you start picking the best toys you may need to try several before you find the right ones for him. This way the more your pet uses their fun toys, then you know that you chose the right option for your bestie.
Read the Best Interactive Treat Dispensing Toys for Dogs