10 Amazing Dog Puzzle Toys! (And Why You Should Be Using Them) – GWC Mag

Recently, with the rise of social media stars like Bunny the Dog, dog puzzle toys have gained increasing attention among pet parents. These toys promise a ton of benefits beyond entertainment for their furry companions. They boast claims of alleviating boredom, soothing separation anxiety, enhancing cognitive skills, and even contributing to a dog’s daily exercise regimen. But, with so many on the market, it’s hard to choose the perfect one!

Why Should Dogs Use Puzzle Toys?

Dog puzzle toys offer a multifaceted approach to mental and physical stimulation, addressing various needs and behaviors exhibited by our canine companions. For starters, these toys provide an outlet for natural instincts, such as sniffing, licking, and foraging, which can help reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviors.

Additionally, puzzle toys engage a dog’s cognitive abilities, requiring problem-solving skills to access hidden treats or navigate intricate designs. This mental stimulation not only keeps dogs entertained but also promotes brain health and sharpens cognitive function over time. Moreover, puzzle toys can serve as effective tools for managing anxiety, and providing comfort and distraction during times of stress or separation. By focusing on a challenging toy, dogs can redirect their attention away from triggers that cause anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.

1. Potaroma Dog Puzzle

Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy is an engaging slow feeder and treat dispenser designed to stimulate your furry friend’s IQ. With two levels of difficulty, it challenges dogs of all breeds, encouraging problem-solving skills. Its sturdy design prevents tipping and ensures hours of entertainment for $24.98.

CD said, “My dog LOVES this puzzle feeder! I have a beagle for whom food is one of the things she craves most! She also needs lots of mental stimulation. This puzzle is great! It took her a couple of times using it to figure out that she had to tap the top with her paws to get the kibble out to the outer rings and then flip open the little containers on the outer ring with her nose to get to the kibble. She still takes a while to eat from it, which is really good as if I just give her a bowl of food, she eats so fast that she just throws up! This slows down the eating considerably and solves THAT problem! She spends a couple of minutes after all the kibble is gone tapping it and checking to make sure she got ALL the kibble out! This product is very sturdy (my dog is kind of rough with stuff like this) and the suction tabs they send with this really do work on my kitchen floor. I used it at first without the suction cups, but my dog just batted this all over the kitchen. With the suction cups, it stays in place no matter how hard she bats at it. Besides the suction cups, they also include an extra little cover in case the dog manages to tear one of the covers to the little outer ring cups off. I just rinse this with hot water with my kitchen faucet on the sprayer selection. If there are areas that need a little dish soap, I just put that on them and spray with hot water to rinse. I had a question about something that came with my puzzle, so I contacted the seller by email and received a reply the same day. Not only was the reply prompt, it was not a “canned” reply-clearly a PERSON actually READ my email and responded with a direct answer to my question! If you have a dog that needs a little stimulation while inside during the winter or on a rainy day, or a dog that needs to slow down their eating (or both), I highly recommend this puzzle feeder! You could also put small treats in this instead of kibble if you prefer.”

2. Large Breed Snuffle Mat

Engage your large breed canine’s senses with the Snuffle Mat for Dogs by OACOTRAN, offering a variety of activities on one easy-to-clean surface for $19.99. This interactive enrichment tool slows down treat consumption, promotes mental stimulation, and satisfies your dog’s instincts, making mealtime both fun and mentally engaging.

One reviewer said, “I dog-sit for a few friends. One of them had a snuffle mat for their dog, and it was such a fun way to feed little Buddy. I wanted to share this enriching experience with Gypsy and Shasta, too, but I didn’t want to spend a fortune. I’m VERY happy with this mat. It’s got several different kinds of puzzles for the dog to explore, and there is some rubberized material on the bottom to keep the mat from sliding around. EXTREMELY happy with this item.”

3. Loobani Dog Puzzle

Crafted from natural bamboo, LOOBANI Dog Puzzle offers interactive entertainment, IQ training, and mental stimulation for dogs of all sizes at $42.99. This eco-friendly toy doubles as a treat dispenser and slow feeder, encouraging cognitive development.

Laura K said, “We LOVE this! Best thing we have ever purchased for our dog, and he’s spoiled. I put his dog food in it. It takes him longer to eat it and makes him work for it. His tail wages the entire time. Fun to watch too. Wish I would have bought long ago!”

4. Outward Hound Brick Puzzle

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Dog Puzzle challenges your pup’s problem-solving abilities with its interactive treat-dispensing design for $12.99. The vibrant blue puzzle toy enriches your dog’s playtime, stimulating their mind.

Dawn said, “We bought two of these for our 20-ish pound furbabies. They’re amazing! Great quality and so cute! It’s like a charcuterie board for dogs lol. We use all different things to fill all the spots with things like tiny dog bone pieces, small squirts
of squeeze cheese, cottage cheese, blueberries, and/or peanut butter. Just little amounts, just for a special treat. They were so into finding the goodies. We loved seeing them figure out how to open and slide the pieces with their paws and little noses. It was as fun for us to watch as it was for them to explore. Great for entertaining them and getting them to think. It’s built so nice and I’m sure we will get a lot of use out of them.”

5. Trixie Strategy Game

TRIXIE Mad Scientist Turn Around Strategy Game offers an intermediate level of challenge for inquisitive canines, providing mental stimulation and treat rewards for $8.02. This level 2 activity engages dogs of all breeds, encouraging them to strategize and problem-solve as they navigate the rotating compartments to find hidden treats.

Finn McGowan said, “I’m very impressed with the Trixie Mad Scientist. We also own and love the Windmill, and while they are similar, they require very different movements on the part of the dog. Both are sturdy and not easily knocked over. My dog figured out the Mad Scientist quickly, but the difficulty is such that it takes him a good while to get all his dinner out. I was worried at first when he chose to tip the beakers by grabbing them with his teeth and pulling them over that the lids might be marred and destroyed by his teeth. While they are definitely not chew-proof, I’ve been very pleased that there is not even a tooth mark from his mouthy solution. This is one of the more unique kibble dispensing toys in our collection, and I’d highly recommend it.”

6. Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers

The Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers Interactive Dog Puzzle Game and Slow Feeder combines mealtime with mental stimulation for $18.60. This innovative puzzle toy challenges dogs to lick and nudge their way through layers, encouraging slower eating habits while keeping them entertained.

One reviewer said, “My dog had to have back surgery and was put on strict rest. He is super active and has been struggling so I am taking every opportunity to make day-to-day things more interesting for him. This has been great for his regular meals. It slows him down and he gets to mess around with it to find all the kibbles. We don’t use wet stuff in this, so cleaning the nooks isn’t an issue. It is larger than I thought and very sturdy, he scratches at it but hasn’t learned to flip it yet. It seemed a little on the expensive side but quality was totally worth it.”

7. MateeyLife Treat Dispenser

The MateeyLife Treat Dispensing Dog Toy offers interactive enrichment for dogs of all sizes, stimulating their minds and keeping them engaged for $11.99. Made from thick, long-lasting materials, these toys are designed to withstand rigorous play, providing hours of mental stimulation and fun

Teresa said, “My toy poodle loves this toy! We put the treats in and it takes him a few to get the treat. It has entertained him quite a bit. He carries it around in his mouth like a bone. Great product!”

8. beetoy Snuffle Ball

beetoy Snuffle Ball for Dogs is an interactive hide-and-seek toy designed to enhance mental stimulation and train sniffing skills for $14.99. Crafted from safe and durable fabric, this toy is suitable for dogs of all sizes, offering engaging playtime while satisfying their natural instincts.

One reviewer said, “Unlike my male greyhound, my female greyhound can root out treats hidden in a snuffle mat with zero effort. They’re no challenge. This snuffle ball, on the other hand, gave her a great mental workout and an activity that lasted for long enough to make a difference in her boredom. In fact, though her favorite toys are the stuffed puzzle kind with squirrels in a log, this snuffle ball initially frustrated her until I called her back and started a couple for her. After I did that, she got it, but it was still a stimulating activity, as she had to figure out which way the strips were rolled into the slots and maneuver around the already pulled-out strips to find the ones that still had goodies to be found.

I won’t leave this ball mixed in with my dogs’ regular toy stash–the strips could be pulled out if the dog isn’t supervised. I’m happy that it’s washable. Bottomline, I definitely recommend this toy for a dog that needs a bit more of a challenge than a regular snuffle mat provides (my male got overly frustrated in less than a minute and didn’t want to continue trying with this ball, so he went back to his mat), but I’m not in love with the current price point.”

9. MateeyLife Interactive Treat Puzzle

This MateeyLife Interactive Dog Puzzle Toy provides mental stimulation and enrichment for dogs, helping to alleviate boredom and promote IQ training for $12.99. It has movable hidden treat compartments, perfect for natural instincts. Suitable for dogs of all sizes, these toys offer a fun and challenging way for your furry friend to stay engaged.

Nikolette said, “My puppy, a 7-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix with a high energy level is a smart cookie who loves a good challenge. When I saw this toy I knew I had to give it a try and I’m happy I did. It’s like a buffet of puzzle options. The sliding compartments, rotating discs, and combined sliding and rotating challenges keep my puppy engaged. It has been sturdy and has handled anything my puppy has thrown at it so far and she plays with it weekly if not daily since I purchased it in October. It stays in place well which allows my puppy to play longer to work open the higher levels This puzzle is a lifesaver for those days when my pup’s energy is high and I’m busy. This keeps her mentally stimulated and occupied.

The Bottom Line:
This dog puzzle toy is a fantastic buy! It’s well-made, engaging, and keeps my pup happy and entertained. If you’re looking for a boredom buster and brain booster for your furry friend, look no further!”

10. Tomahauk Snuffle Mat

The TOMAHAUK Snuffle Mat for Dogs is an interactive feed game and puzzle toy designed to relieve stress, stimulate foraging skills, and provide mental stimulation for $11.99. It is even machine washable for easy cleaning and includes a free frisbee!

Hannah said, “I have a rescue beagle who is 9 years old and I am trying to give him the best life I can since he has been in my care and this feeder has been the one he enjoys the most by far!! you can’t beat it for the price and the amount of mental stimulation it provides! I got another puzzle that slides and he finesses it in 2-5 minutes, this slow feeder he spends 15-20 minutes sniffing around and eating with the same amount of food as the other puzzle!! I will say you should supervise this to a degree with this feeder particularly if you have it in more of a “bowl” shape as opposed to a “plate” shape but I highly recommend you get this for any dog, especially if their breed is driven to use their nose or your dog is particularly food driven!”

Dog puzzle toys offer an array of options aimed at engaging dogs both mentally and physically. From lickable puzzles to intricate interactive toys, these innovations have demonstrated their potential to alleviate boredom, calm anxious pups, and foster skill development. While puzzle toys undoubtedly enrich a dog’s life, it’s essential to recognize them as supplements rather than substitutes for crucial aspects of canine care, such as bonding, training, and regular exercise.

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