It's joyful to watch our dogs learn new skills, reinforcing just how intelligent and capable we know they are. And what better motivation than their own reward in the process: a delicious doggy treat. Sometimes you just require a harmless distraction to keep your pooch occupied whilst you go out or attend to something privately. Nobody likes to think of their pet pining near the door as they wait in isolation for your return. That’s where food and treat puzzles and toys come in: so here are our top picks.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Slow feeding interactive wobble bowl
This great puzzle toy can increase the entertainment factor at feed times. By simply removing the plug and pouring a cup full of food in, the Outward Hound Slo Bowl can be rocked back and forth releasing treats. Not only does this reduce your dog’s eating pace encouraging healthy digestion, it also motivates them to work for their rewards using their eyes and brains. Owners can easily demonstrate how it’s done first, by rocking and wobbling the bowl to release the treats.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Classic stuffable rubber toy which encourages healthy play
Recommended by vets and animal trainers the Kong Dog Toy has multiple uses: from being a toy to play fetch with, to stuffing with treats, or an alternative safe object to chew. Encouraging healthy interaction, you can stuff this with delicious doggy delights for them to try to retrieve, and even freeze the contents a few hours before offering it to the dog if you need to distract them for a longer duration. As an added bonus this toy is very easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
KONG Extreme Dog Toy
Incredibly strong natural rubber dog toy
Made from much tougher rubber than the Kong Classic, the Kong Extreme is designed to withstand even the strongest of bites, and distract your dog from chewing things that it shouldn’t. As well as doubling as a fetch toy, the Extreme has all the benefits of the Classic but proves a better choice for owners that have pets with much more robust jaws. The Kong Extreme can be filled with all your pooch’s favorite treat and is easy to wash and clean.
JW Hol-ee Roller
Hard Natural Rubber Roller Treat Dispensing Dog Ball
Thanks to the stretchy material it’s made of, the Jw Hol-ee Roller is suitable for getting your dog puzzling over how to retrieve treats of all types, shapes, and sizes including bones and chews. The natural rubber is non-toxic and long lasting, and keeps your dog energized and playful. Designed to help the dog breathe as it is carrying the ball, you won't have any worries about harm coming to your pet. It also doubles as a training toy as well as dispensing rewards and greatly assists in increasing their problem-solving abilities.
EPHIIONIY Dog Lick Pad
Slow Feeder Silicone Dog Lick Pad with Strong Suction
Smear peanut butter, yogurt, or other fillings on the food-grade silicone surface to distract and calm your dog when it's being cleaned. Freezer friendly, you can stick this on multiple surfaces including the bathtub, tiles, and fridge door, using the 37 suction cups to keep it in place. The EPHIIONIY dog lick pad comes with 2 pads - blue and red - and proves a great distraction for a dog that's terrified of baths or showers. Designed to be safe and reduce choking risk, the lick pad is an ideal distraction for 10 to 15 minutes to help ease anxiety and boredom.
YINXUE Pet Snuffle Mat
Washable slow feeding mat for all dog breeds
Providing mental stimulation for all breeds of dogs, this engages their problem-solving skills as they search for treats cleverly hidden and spaced within the mat. The Yinxue comes in 6 different colors and mimics your dog’s natural tendencies to hunt in nature, slowing down their digestion, and keeping them entertained in the process. The safe non-slip cloth under the mat ensures worry-free use out of sight.
How to choose the best dog puzzles for your pooch
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The best food puzzles alleviate boredom, reduce anxiety, educate and entertain, and dissuade your pooch from biting or chewing things you don’t want them to. You need them to be made of pet-safe materials and be durable so they last more than a couple of hours. Our top pick is the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl designed to slow down feeding time to aid digestion while engaging your pooch’s brain.
Those on a budget will want to look at the KONG Classic Dog Toy or, for larger dogs or aggressive chewers, the KONG Extreme Dog Toy. For those that want their furry friend to puzzle out how to get at a variety of different-sized treats will find the equally inexpensive JW Hol-ee Roller will suit them down to the ground.
