The 8 Best Treat Dispenser Toys for Dogs of 2023
Treat dispenser toys for dogs are a great way to engage their minds and provide enrichment during treat times. These toys can also serve as slow feeder bowls, helping to slow down fast eaters. When choosing a treat dispenser toy, it should be sturdy, challenging, and able to withstand the enthusiasm of your pet.
Certified dog trainer Erin Marion emphasizes the importance of mental stimulation for puppies to prevent destructive behavior. Treat dispenser toys provide a safe outlet for dogs to engage in activities like pushing, digging, or consuming treats without causing trouble.
After testing and researching numerous treat toys, we found the Kong Wobbler to be our favorite. It is durable, easy to clean, and provides a fun challenge for dogs to work for their meals. Here are our top picks for the best treat dispenser toys for dogs.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:KONG Wobbler Dog Toy at Amazon
Best for Freezing:WEST PAW Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle at Amazon
Best Budget:JW Treat Dispenser at Amazon
Best Quiet:Planet Dog Treat Dispensing Dog Toy at Amazon
Best for Bully Sticks:West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle Treat Toy at Amazon
Best Remote:Furbo Dog Camera at Amazon
Best for Small Dogs and Puppies:SodaPup Dog Treat Dispenser & Chew Toy at Amazon
Best Adjustable:StarMark Interactive Dog Toy at Amazon
Best Overall KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Amazon:
What We Like
- Challenging, even for experienced dogs
- Sturdy and difficult to chew
- Dishwasher safe
- Weighted bottom
What We Don’t Like
- Can be noisy, particularly on hard floors and against walls
The Kong Wobbler is a popular treat-dispensing toy that provides mental stimulation and physical activity for dogs. Here are some key features and benefits:
- Interactive Design: Shaped like a beehive, the Wobbler wobbles and rolls unpredictably when nudged by your dog, keeping them engaged and entertained.
- Treat Dispenser: The toy can be filled with kibble or treats, which are dispensed as your dog plays with it. This encourages problem-solving and slows down eating, promoting healthier digestion.
- Durable Construction: Made from food-grade plastic polymer, the Wobbler is designed to withstand chewing and gnawing. It is built to be sturdy and long-lasting.
- Size Options: The Wobbler comes in two sizes to accommodate different breeds and sizes of dogs. The Small Wobbler holds up to a half cup of treats and is suitable for dogs weighing 25 pounds and under, while the Large size can hold a full cup of treats and is better suited for larger breeds.
- Enrichment and Training Tool: The Wobbler can be used as a tool for mealtime enrichment or as a training aid. It provides mental stimulation, helps alleviate boredom, and can be used to encourage positive behaviors.
- Easy to Clean: The Wobbler is dishwasher-safe, making it convenient to clean after use.
It’s important to note that while the Kong Wobbler is durable, no toy is completely indestructible, and it’s always recommended to supervise your dog during playtime to ensure their safety.
Price at time of publish: $20 (Large)
Materials: Hard plastic polymer︱Treat type: Best for kibble and small, firm treats | Capacity: 1/2 cup (small), 1 cup (large)︱Dimensions: 6 x 5.3 inches (small), 7 x 6.5 inches (large) | Color: Red
Best for Freezing WEST PAW Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle
Amazon:
What We Like
- Versatile, fresh or frozen
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Can be gnawed on by dedicated chewers
The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl is a versatile and interactive toy designed to challenge and entertain dogs. Here are some key features and benefits of the Toppl:
- Unique Design: The Toppl has a bowl-shaped design with a hole on the side and small prongs in the bottom, creating a fun and engaging puzzle for dogs to solve. The open design allows for various filling options and encourages dogs to use their problem-solving skills to retrieve treats or food.
- Treat Dispensing: The Toppl can be filled with a variety of treats, kibble, or even wet food. The hole and prongs help to hold the treats in place, making it a rewarding challenge for your dog to retrieve them. It can also be frozen with treats inside to provide a longer-lasting and more engaging experience.
- Size Options: The Toppl comes in three different sizes, allowing you to choose the size that best suits your dog’s needs. Whether you have a small breed or a large breed, there is a suitable size available.
- Durable and Safe: Made from West Paw’s Zogoflex material, the Toppl is durable, non-toxic, and free from BPA and phthalates. It is designed to withstand rough play and chewing, ensuring the toy lasts for a long time.
- Easy to Clean: The Toppl is dishwasher-safe, making it convenient to clean after each use. This helps maintain proper hygiene and ensures the toy is ready for the next play session.
- Enhances Mealtime: The Toppl can be used as a feeding toy to slow down fast eaters or to provide mental stimulation during mealtime. By filling it with food, you can make mealtime more enjoyable and challenging for your dog.
Remember to supervise your dog while they play with the Toppl and choose an appropriate size for their chewing strength. It’s always important to prioritize your dog’s safety and provide interactive toys that are suitable for their size and play style.
Price at time of publish: $25 (Large)
Materials: Zogoflex, a rubber-like material︱Treat type: Anything goes | Capacity: About 1/4 cup (small) or 3/4 (large)︱Dimensions: 7.09 x 5.51 x 3.15 inches (small), 8.27 x 6.69 x 4.33 inches (large) | Color: Blue, orange, green
Best Budget JW Tumble Teez Puzzler Treat Dispenser
Amazon:
What We Like
- Very durable
- Three sizes
- Inexpensive
- Doubles as a chew toy
What We Don’t Like
- Hard to wash and fill
These durable rubber toys with a maze inside, such as the Kong Genius or similar products, offer an interactive and engaging experience for dogs. Here are some key points to note about these toys:
- Treat Dispensing: The maze inside the toy creates a challenge for dogs to roll, tumble, and manipulate the toy in order to release treats. It provides mental stimulation and encourages problem-solving skills. These toys are a great way to introduce puppies or dogs who are new to treat dispensers.
- Size Options: The toys come in three different sizes to accommodate various dog breeds and sizes. It’s important to choose the appropriate size for your dog to ensure they can comfortably play with and manipulate the toy.
- Freezing Treats: Similar to traditional Kong toys, you can stuff these rubber toys with treats, peanut butter, or baby food and freeze them for extended playtime. Freezing adds an extra challenge and helps keep dogs entertained for longer periods.
- Durability: These toys are made from strong and durable rubber, designed to withstand chewing and rough play. However, if your dog is able to remove pieces or the toy becomes damaged, it’s important to take it away to prevent any potential ingestion of small parts.
- Cleaning Challenges: One aspect to consider is that the maze inside the toy can make it challenging to clean thoroughly. It may require extra effort to ensure all food residue is removed from the maze. Regular cleaning is important to maintain good hygiene and prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Overall, these rubber maze toys are a popular choice for treat dispensing and mental stimulation. They can provide hours of entertainment and enrichment for your dog. Just remember to select the appropriate size, supervise your dog during play, and clean the toy regularly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Price at time of publish: $7
Materials: Rubber︱Treat type: Dry or wet | Capacity: N/A︱Dimensions: 5 x 3.7 inches x 2.6 inches (small), 5.1 x 3.8 x 3 (medium), 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.5 (large) | Color: Red, green, blue
Best Quiet Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Amazon:
What We Like
- Quiet and soft
- Some dogs play with it even when empty
- Easy to fill
What We Don’t Like
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Squishy material can pick up hair, fiber, and lint
The Orbee Tuff Snoop is a squishy toy designed to provide mental stimulation and treat-dispensing fun for dogs. Here are some key features of this toy:
- Treat Dispensing: The toy can be opened and filled with kibble or hard treats, creating a challenge for dogs to nose and roll the toy to access the goodies. It promotes mental stimulation and engages dogs in problem-solving behaviors.
- Soft and Quiet: The soft material of the toy makes it quieter during play, reducing noise disturbance. Dogs can enjoy rolling it around without creating excessive noise.
- Peppermint Scent: The toy is infused with a peppermint oil scent, which can be enticing to dogs and puppies, further engaging them in play. Even without food, the scent may encourage dogs to interact with the toy.
- Size Options: The Snoop toy comes in different sizes, with the Lil Snoop being more suitable for puppies and small breeds. The smaller size ensures a better fit for their noses, allowing them to use it as a bowl.
- Cleaning: It’s important to note that the Orbee Tuff Snoop is not dishwasher safe and should be washed by hand. The rubbery material may pick up dog hair and lint while rolling around, so regular cleaning is necessary to maintain hygiene.
Overall, the Orbee Tuff Snoop provides an interactive and enjoyable play experience for dogs, stimulating their senses and encouraging problem-solving. However, it’s important to wash the toy by hand and keep it free from excessive hair and debris to ensure cleanliness and safety for your dog.
Price at time of publish: $12
Materials: TPE rubber-like material︱Treat type: Kibble or hard treats | Capacity: About 1 cup︱Dimensions: 5 x 3.75 x 5 inches (regular), 4 x 4 x 3 inches (small) | Color: Orange, blue
Best for Bully Sticks West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle Treat Toy
Amazon:
What We Like
- Good for bully sticks or freezer treats
- Floats and fun for fetch
- Dishwasher safe
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t use for kibble or treats alone
A determined dog can chew up a bully stick in no time. But poke one through the middle of a Qwizl and suddenly that treat gets a lot more challenging. The durable toy has a passage in the center and slots along the side, so your dog can work at getting his prize from all angles.
Not only does the Qwizl hold a long treat like a bully in place, but it’s also great when you smear peanut butter or cream cheese in the crevices, add a few treats, then freeze it. West Paw toys are made in the United States from durable, non-toxic, recyclable materials. The Qwizl is perfect for fetch games (it also floats) and is dishwasher safe. They have a “love it” guarantee where they’ll replace or refund any toy that doesn’t make your dog happy.
Price at time of publish: $25
Materials: Zogoflex, hard rubber-like material︱Treat type: Bully sticks, soft spreads, treats| Capacity: Varies by size︱Dimensions: 1.97 x 5.31 x 1.97 inches (small), 5.91 x 2.36 x 6.5 inches (large) | Color: Blue, green, orange
Best Remote Furbo Dog Camera
Amazon:
What We Like
- Great camera resolution
- Helps prevent separation anxiety
- Easy to control from app
What We Don’t Like
- Treat-dispensing sound startles some dogs
- Several useful features requires a subscription
The Furbo 360 Dog Camera is a pet camera with a treat dispenser that offers several features to keep your dog entertained and alleviate separation anxiety. Here are some key points about the Furbo 360:
- 360-Degree View: The camera provides a 360-degree view of the room, allowing you to monitor your dog from various angles. This gives you a comprehensive view of your dog’s activities and behavior when you’re away from home.
- Two-Way Communication: You can talk to your dog and listen to their responses through the camera. This feature allows you to provide comfort and reassurance to your dog, even when you’re not physically present.
- Treat Dispenser: The Furbo 360 includes a treat dispenser that you can operate remotely. You can dispense treats to reward your dog or provide interactive play sessions. This feature helps keep your dog engaged and entertained while you’re away.
- Video and Photo Recording: The camera allows you to record videos or take photos of your dog’s activities. This feature enables you to capture special moments or monitor any unusual behavior while you’re not at home.
- Placement and Noise: It’s recommended to place the Furbo 360 on an uncluttered table or a surface at least 3 feet off the floor. This ensures that the camera can rotate easily and is not easily knocked over by your pet. It’s worth noting that some dogs may take some time to get used to the noise the dispenser makes when treats are dispensed.
- Cost: The Furbo 360 Dog Camera is relatively more expensive than traditional treat toys. However, its advanced features and interactive capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for pet owners who want to monitor and engage with their dogs remotely.
Overall, the Furbo 360 Dog Camera is a high-tech solution for pet owners who want to stay connected with their dogs and alleviate separation anxiety. With its wide-angle view, treat dispenser, two-way communication, and recording capabilities, it offers a comprehensive package for remote monitoring and interactive play.
Price at time of publish: $210
Materials: Plastic and bamboo︱Treat type: Hard, firm | Capacity: N/A︱Dimensions: 5.24 x 4.92 x 9.17 inches | Color: White
Best for Small Dogs and Puppies SodaPup Durable Dog Treat Dispenser & Chew Toy
Amazon:
What We Like
- Dishwasher safe
- Holds small kibble and treats
- Lots of fun designs
What We Don’t Like
- Runs small
The whimsical and colorful SodaPup toy is a great option for providing mental stimulation and entertainment to your dog. Here are some key features of the SodaPup toy:
- Treat Dispensing Design: The toy has an opening where you can fill it with small kibble or insert a larger treat. This allows your dog to engage in interactive play and work to retrieve the treats from the toy. The design is relatively simple, making it suitable for puppies and dogs that are new to treat-dispensing toys.
- Size Considerations: The medium-sized SodaPup toy is recommended, but it’s important to size up if you have a larger pup. Choosing the appropriate size ensures that the toy is suitable for your dog’s breed and size.
- Versatile Use: In addition to filling the toy with dry kibble or treats, you can also use it for wet food. However, keep in mind that the opening is not very large, so it may be more suitable for licking out wet food rather than pouring it in.
- Durable and Non-Toxic: The SodaPup toy is made of durable and non-toxic rubber, ensuring it can withstand chewing and play sessions. This makes it a safe option for your dog to interact with.
- Easy to Clean: The toy is dishwasher-safe, making it convenient to clean. You can simply place it in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning after use.
- Variety of Shapes and Sizes: SodaPup offers a range of shapes, colors, and sizes for their toys. In addition to the toy described, you can find options such as cupcakes, soda cans, and rocketships. This variety allows you to choose toys that cater to your dog’s preferences and play style.
Overall, the SodaPup toy is a fun and engaging treat-dispensing toy that can provide entertainment and mental stimulation for your dog. With its durable construction, easy cleaning, and variety of shapes and sizes, it offers versatility and enjoyment for dogs of different sizes and preferences.
Price at time of publish: $16 (Large)
Materials: Rubber︱Treat type: Hard or soft | Capacity: N/A︱Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.63 x 2.63 inches (medium), 4.13 x 3.25 x 3.25 inches (large) | Color: Green, red
Best Adjustable StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy
Amazon:
What We Like
- Adjustable opening
- Large capacity
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy and loud
- Hard to clean
Similar to the Kong Wobbler, the Bob-A-Lot rolls around on the floor, dispensing treats or kibble at random. It has a heavy, weighted bottom and the whole toy is very sturdy and durable. Even tough chewers will have a hard time doing damage to it.
The feeder has a large capacity, so you can feed your pup his entire meal this way. It also has a handy adjustable opening so you can control how much food is released and can choose the size based on how big the treats or kibble are. The biggest drawback is that the dispenser is hard to clean. Because you can’t easily take it apart, you have to fill it with soapy water, shake and air dry. If you don’t clean often or dry well, mold might form.
Price at time of publish: $21 (Large)
Materials: Hard plastic︱Treat type: Kibble or hard treats | Capacity: 1 1/2 cups (small), 3 cups (large)︱Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 11 inches (small), 6 x 6 x 8.5 inches (large) | Color: Green, yellow, and purple
What To Look For
Durability
If you have a heavy chewer, choose a toy that’s sturdy enough to withstand impatient teeth and paws. The Kong Wobbler, for example, is made from a durable, very hard plastic that’s FDA-approved for use with food. Look at the construction before you buy. We tested some thin plastic ball-like dispensers that cracked on first use.
Cleaning
Bits of leftover food can stick in the crevices and surfaces of treat dispensers, creating breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. If you don’t want to spend time cleaning these toys by hand, opt for the ones that are safe to use in the dishwasher.
Capacity and Overall Size
Getting the right size for your dog is really important, certified dog trainer Erin Marion, owner of Down to Earth Dog Lady, told The Spruce Pets. “You don’t want a big dog to consume anything too small or a little dog to be afraid of the toy,” she said.
Choose a dispenser based on the size of your dog. Even a mighty small dog might not be able to move a heavy, large dispenser. If a large dog is able to get his mouth around a small toy, then it’s definitely unsafe.
If you plan on using a treat dispensing toy for feeding full meals, then a large capacity will be a defining feature. If you find one you like and it’s not large enough, you can always fill it up a few times or offer several different toys at dinner.
FAQ
- Can I feed my dog with a treat dispenser toy?Yes, trainers and owners agree that treat dispensing toys are an excellent method for feeding your dog. “It’s much healthier for dogs to eat food slowly than just gulp it,” says Marion. And it keeps their mind exercised while they do it.“How boring is it to just eat out of a bowl?” she says. “It’s mental stimulation, using their natural instincts pushing food around or searching for food. It’s like a person doing a crossword or sudoku to keep the brain muscle growing.”If you feed kibble, choose a toy that is big enough to contain a full serving of your pup’s food. If you feed wet food, try a Topple with your dog’s frozen dinner inside. It’s very helpful to feed puppies this way. It slows down mealtime and doubles as an enrichment activity. (My foster puppies often take naps after having so much fun and spending so much energy eating this way.)
“Dogs of every age group can benefit,” says Marion. “For puppies it’s more like a pacifier and so cute when they figure it out. But it’s a beautiful way of mental enrichment for all dogs so they don’t get bored.”
- How do I clean a pet dispenser toy?Be sure to read the instructions. Many feeders are dishwasher-safe and can be cleaned in the top rack of your machine. Others have to be washed by hand, usually with a gentle dish soap and warm water, and then rinsed and dried thoroughly.