Best Dog Puzzle Toys & Dog Games
Last updated: by Jessi Larson Affiliate Disclosure: We hope you love the products we've recommended! As an Amazon Associate we earn a small share from qualifying purchases.We all love our dogs and want them to be happy and challenged, both mentally and physically. One great solution: dog puzzle toys. After trying countless products, talking to other dog owners, and scouring online reviews, here are the top dog puzzle toys and games.
Dog Puzzle Toys from Nina Ottosson
Nina Ottosson is a Swedish dog trainer, and boy does she create some pretty awesome dog puzzle toys.
Her philosophy is that dogs need mental and physical stimulation, so her products are designed to achieve both. Plus, they’re totally adorable.
These interactive games exercise your dog’s mind and body, reduce behavior problems, help with weight control, and prevent boredom.
Here are the top dog puzzle toys from Nina Ottosson:
Kong Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Kong has upped its game with this toy. You place dog food or treats inside, and pups must push it around to let out the tasty treats. But they don't come out all at once; dogs must work at it to earn their chow!
If I ever met the creator of the Kong product line, I would hug him. Kong toys are so incredibly durable. And fabulously designed.
And the brilliant part is that they work for all dogs, regardless of size or ability level.
My giant Labrador still has the same Kong toy we bought him as a puppy. It is the only toy that has survived his high energy level, uber strength, and destructive chewing.
But they’re not just for big dogs. My brother’s 8-lb Maltipoo loves his itty bitty Kong toy. It’s just the right size, and he plays with it for hours.
And because this is a Kong product, it will last forever.
My friend Abby has an incredibly smart Goldendoodle named Auggie. He is one of the most intelligent dogs I’ve ever met and he loves his Kong Wobbler. The unpredictable wobbling and the intermittent food distribution keep him occupied and stimulated for a very long time.
Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal Dispensing Dog Toy
The Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal Dispensing Dog Toy provides our pups with a multi-sensory experience that keeps them engaged for longer.
Like the Kong Wobbler, the ultimate goal is to be rewarded with a treat. To earn this, dogs have to pull, push and maneuver. Watch this sweet dog called Hoshi (fun name!) give it a go.
The fun part about this dog puzzle toy is that you can also use it to play fetch, tug of war, or hide and seek, adding to the physical interaction and wearing out our furry friends much faster.
This toy comes in three sizes: X-Small, Small, and Medium/Large. Check the weight ratings to see which model is suitable for your dog.
Buster Food Cube Interactive Dog Toy
Add your dog's food inside this toy and place it on the ground, and he can be entertained for up to 30-45 minutes as it rolls around.
This is another dog puzzle toy that has been a lifesaver for us.
The first winter we had Toby was incredibly cold here in Minnesota. It was so cold that some days, you couldn’t bring your dog outside for more than a bathroom break; otherwise, their paws would freeze to the snow.
At this point, Toby was six months old, full of puppy energy, and bouncing off the walls.
My husband Kyle did some online research and came across the Buster Food Cube Interactive Dog Toy. What a lifesaver.
While the Kong Wobbler is designed for strength and unpredictability, the Buster Food Cube is much more agile and can really sail.
This can get a little loud at times, especially on non-carpeted surfaces. But it is so worth it to have a dog challenged and entertained.
Of all the dog puzzle toys, this is a favorite!
Dogit Mind Games 3-in-1 Interactive Smart Toy for Dogs
This is another dog puzzle toy we purchased for Toby in that very cold winter.
We didn’t have kids yet, but I can imagine this is what it would have felt like to set up their new toys and play with them.
I loved seeing Toby’s excitement over this new game. We set it up when he wasn’t looking, so he didn’t know where the treats were, and after it was ready, we encouraged him to explore.
When Toby has to really think about something, he gets this furrowed brow and an adorable wrinkle on his forehead. Sure enough, this appeared when playing with this 3-in-1 interactive game.
Unlike the toys above, where you can give it to your dog and step away, this is one that should be done together.
As pet owners, we can help guide them and challenge them along the way. Such a fun activity together!
Trixie Pet Products Windmill Interactive Dog Toys
As soon as the windmill starts turning, dog treats are released. Once your dog gets a hang of this, you can increase the difficulty by changing up the lids, which include different patterns.
The Trixie Windmill Toy is on our Amazon wishlist at the moment. What’s cool about this one is there is not just a single way treats are released, but four!
Trixie Pet Products also offers a bunch of different models that are ranked on level of difficulty.
The company seems to understand that dogs are intelligent, curious creatures who need mental stimulation.
Once pups master a dog puzzle toy, they need another challenge, which is what is so cool about the flexible design of these products.
Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole
It's composed of a strong pole with a knotted rope toy attached. The way we use it is to hold the pole and swing around the rope toy.
Last but not least is the Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole. And yes, we own one of these for our dog Toby.
This is the type of toy you use when your dog needs physical exercise, even more than mental stimulation. We play with this toy both in the house and outside.
I must admit it’s been a while since we used this with Toby. After moving last summer, it was placed in our new basement amongst a bunch of boxes. The other day, I was downstairs and heard Toby whining loudly. He had found his toy and wanted to play!
Even though it had been over a year since he last saw it, he remembered how much fun he had with it and wanted to play again.
Conclusion: Best Dog Puzzle Toys & Dog Games
These toys can help keep your dog entertained and occupied for a long time.
But first, before you start adding dog puzzle toys to your shopping cart, here are some things to consider:
Dog size
You don’t want to get a toy that’s too small for your big dog or too large for your little guy.
Getting the wrong-sized toy happens all the time. Especially when purchasing a product online.
So take a second to look at the dimensions to ensure they match your furball’s size.
Ability Level
Some dogs, regardless of size, are crazy chewers.
It doesn’t take long to find this out. (As a puppy, our dog Toby had a graveyard of chewed up toys until we figured out he needed extra durable…well, everything.)
And while some dogs are easily entertained, the more curious and quizzical may need extra challenging dog toy puzzles and games.
Knowing your pup’s ability levels can quickly narrow down options.
Budget
How much dough do you want to spend on dog puzzle toys?
Dogs can be fickle creatures. Sometimes, they’ll latch on to a toy and play with it forever. Sadly, like kids, they can also lose interest quickly.
If you can afford it, try a couple of dog toy puzzles and see what your pup likes. Or buy just one and see how it goes.
From our experience and talking with fellow pup parents, we’ve found that certain dog puzzle toys stand out for their design, quality, and ability to keep dogs occupied and challenged.
Well, there you have it, our list of best dog puzzle toys and dog games based on our first-hand experience and that of our close friends. Are there any others we are missing that should be on the list?
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