The 8 Best Dog Puzzle Toys to Keep Your Pup Entertained

Dog puzzle toys are not just for play; they serve a purpose in stimulating dogs mentally, enhancing problem-solving skills, and satisfying their curiosity. These toys are especially beneficial for energetic dogs, as they provide hours of engagement and help burn off excess energy, leading to improved sleep. However, the ideal dog puzzle toy varies depending on the dog’s breed, chewing habits, and size. To choose the right toy, consider factors such as durability, interactivity, and size appropriateness. After extensive research and testing with real dogs, we have compiled a selection of the best dog puzzle toys suitable for all kinds of dogs, including heavy chewers and new puppies.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:Outward Hound Hide N Slide Puzzle Dog Toy at Amazon
Best Budget:Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Dog Toy at Amazon
Best Splurge:LOOBANI Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder at Amazon
Best for Treats:Outward Hound Tornado Puzzle Dog Toy at Amazon
Best for Large Dogs:Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Dog Toy at Amazon
Best for Small Dogs:Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball at Amazon
Best for Puppies:Trixie Gambling Tower at Amazon
Best for Heavy Chewers:KONG Classic Dog Toy at Amazon

Best Overall Outward Hound Hide N Slide Puzzle Dog Toy

Amazon : View On Amazon

What We Like

• Made of durable composite
• No removable parts

What We Don’t Like

• Noisy

The Outward Hound Hide N Slide Puzzle Dog Toy is a versatile choice suitable for dogs of various sizes, ages, and breeds. This puzzle toy offers a moderate level of difficulty, classified as level 2, requiring more time and effort for dogs to solve. Despite its wood-like appearance, the toy is constructed from a durable composite material that ensures it remains intact and safe, even under intense chewing. One notable advantage of this puzzle toy is its design, which eliminates the presence of removable parts, minimizing the risk of choking hazards for dogs of all sizes. However, it is still recommended to supervise playtime to ensure safety.

Price at time of publish: $20

Best Budget Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Affordable price
• Keeps even smart dogs entertained

What We Don’t Like

• Some pieces are removable

The budget-friendly dog puzzle toy from Outward Hound is a highly popular choice among dog owners. This particular design features a series of steps involving flipping, lifting, and sliding mechanisms, as well as three different types of treat compartments. It serves the purpose of challenging your dog’s cognitive skills and providing mental stimulation. Similar to our top overall pick, it falls under the category of level 2 difficulty, ensuring that your dog will be engaged for a significant period of time while attempting to solve it. It is important to note, however, that this puzzle toy does have removable parts, which necessitates close supervision if your dog has a tendency to chew. Furthermore, unlike some other options on the list, this toy is made of plastic rather than a more durable composite material, reducing its overall durability.

Price at time of publish: $15

Best Splurge LOOBANI Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Takes a while to get all of the food out
• Made of durable bamboo
• Doesn’t tip over

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive
• Large footprint

The LOOBANI puzzle feeder toy, although slightly pricier than other options, stands out due to its unique design, making it a worthwhile investment. It is suitable for both puppies and senior dogs, as well as all age groups in between, aiding in early brain development and providing ongoing mental stimulation to mitigate the risk of cognitive decline over time. The toy features three interconnected tubes attached to a sturdy base, ensuring stability and preventing tipping while the dog attempts to access the treats. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent choice for daily feeding, particularly for dogs prone to quickly inhaling their food rather than engaging in proper chewing and eating behavior.

Price at time of publish: $32

Best for Treats Outward Hound Tornado Puzzle Dog Toy

Amazon : View On Amazon

What We Like

• Large treat compartments for dogs of all sizes
• Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like

• May not be durable enough for heavy chewers

Among the listed options, this particular puzzle toy stands out due to its stacked design and relatively spacious compartments, making it a top choice. The toy consists of four layers with hidden treat compartments, requiring the dog to spin each layer to access the treats. This spinning movement captures the dog’s attention and promotes the development of problem-solving skills, thereby providing mental stimulation. While initial guidance may be necessary to familiarize the dog with the toy’s mechanics, they are likely to quickly grasp the concept and exhibit efficient puzzle-solving abilities.

Price at time of publish: $15

Best for Large Dogs Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Satisfies your dog’s hunting instinct
• Comes in four sizes

What We Don’t Like

• May not keep attention like treat-based toys

The Hide A Squirrel toy from Outward Hound is specifically designed to accommodate larger dog breeds, addressing the size limitation often found in other dog puzzle toys. This plush toy consists of a tree trunk with six holes, providing ample space for hiding squirrel-shaped stuffies, which initiates a game of hide and seek. Dogs are then tasked with searching and retrieving the hidden squirrels. Unlike other options mentioned, this toy does not involve treats or food as rewards. Instead, dogs derive satisfaction from the pleasure of using their sense of smell to locate the squirrels. Additionally, the interactive nature of this toy is enhanced by the requirement to manually place the squirrels back into the tree trunk for repeated play, promoting a stronger bond between the dog and its owner.

Price at time of publish: $20

Best for Small Dogs Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball

Amazon : View On Amazon

What We Like

• Comes in two sizes
• Only dispenses a one piece at a time

What We Don’t Like

• Difficult to roll on hard floors

For smaller dogs, the Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball presents a suitable option. Resembling a hamster exercise ball, this toy dispenses food or treats as the dog pushes and rolls it around. It releases one piece at a time, providing a rewarding experience for the dog. With a 3-inch size, it is well-suited for smaller dogs, although it is not recommended for toy breeds weighing under 10 pounds. It’s worth noting that the ball may not roll as smoothly on hard floors compared to carpet or rugs, but it remains a highly entertaining option for energetic pups, capable of providing hours of engagement.

Price at time of publish: $15

Best for Puppies Trixie Gambling Tower

Amazon : View On Amazon

What We Like

• Stimulates a new puppy’s mind
• Has three tiers to play
• Non-slip rubber feet

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t break down for easy storage

The puzzle tower from Trixie is specifically designed for beginner-level challenges, making it an ideal choice for puppies. This toy consists of three tiers that offer flexibility in terms of treat placement and quantity. When a puppy pulls on one of the rope loops, treats are released, gradually moving down to the next level until they eventually fall out from the bottom, providing a rewarding experience for the puppy. In terms of design, the puzzle tower features non-slip rubber feet and strategically distributed weight, ensuring stability and preventing sliding or tipping over while the puppy engages with it.

Price at time of publish: $23

Best for Heavy Chewers KONG Classic Dog Toy

Amazon : View On Amazon

What We Like

• Affordable
• Can be filled with favorite treats
• Durable to stand up to destructive dogs

What We Don’t Like

• Not as mentally stimulating as other options

Finding a suitable dog toy for heavy chewers can be challenging, but the KONG Classic Dog Toy is a highly recommended option. Despite its simple appearance, this toy is made from ultra-durable rubber that is extremely resistant to piercing or tearing. Its unique bubbled design adds an erratic bouncing element, providing maximum mental stimulation for the dog. The KONG Classic can be stuffed with treats, kibble, or your dog’s favorite snacks, enticing them to work on extracting every last bite. The toy’s versatility has been well-received, allowing for various stuffing options such as peanut butter, KONG-brand treats, or a combination of fruit and yogurt, which can be frozen for extended enjoyment. In addition to stimulating mental skills, the KONG Classic is suitable for chewing, teething, and alleviating boredom in heavy chewers.

Price at time of publish: $14

What To Look For In a Dog Puzzle Toy

Durability

Durability is a crucial factor when selecting a dog toy. The level of durability required depends on your dog’s chewing habits and jaw strength. For heavy chewers, opt for toys made of strong composite materials or ultra-strong rubber. Plastic toys can be suitable for dogs that chew less or have smaller jaws.

Interactivity

Interactivity is another important aspect to consider. The best dog puzzle toys should capture your dog’s interest and offer a level of difficulty that requires time and effort to solve. Toys that promote extended interaction are preferable. If you can actively participate, such as refilling treats or replacing plush components, it enhances the bond between you and your dog.

Size

Size is a vital consideration to ensure the toy is appropriate for your dog. Check the recommended size or weight range specified by the manufacturer. Some dog puzzle toys are available in different sizes to cater to various breeds.

FAQ:

1. Are puzzle toys good for dogs? Yes, puzzle toys provide engagement and entertainment for dogs. They promote mental and physical activity, and can help slow down fast eaters during mealtime.
2. Do puzzle toys make dogs smarter? Yes, puzzle toys stimulate a dog’s brain and can contribute to improving their cognitive skills. Dogs can learn and apply problem-solving strategies as they become familiar with puzzle toys over time.