The Best Interactive Dog Toys
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to live their best lives — and to behave their best for their owners. Interactive dog toys are a great way to help them achieve this. These innovative toys offer treats, sounds, or movements to keep your pup completely engaged. They're great for play while you're at home or away and they can even help with separation anxiety. Read on to learn more and discover the best versions of these toys for you and your furry friend.
What To Look For:
Taking features, fun, and upkeep into consideration, we gathered and reviewed the best interactive dog toys on the market today. We looked at every detail to ensure your purchasing process is as easy as possible. For example, if you have a dog that loves to chase moving things, the wiggly doggy tail toy from Hyper Pet may be a perfect choice. And if your pup is all about chasing lights, the LED toy from Bentopal is sure to entertain them. You can learn more about both of these products, as well as the rest of our top picks, in the list below.
Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Dog Toy
Shake, wiggle, and bark
This may look like a normal dog toy on the surface, but it’s actually much more. It wiggles, vibrates, and barks while your pup plays to keep them engaged for extended periods of time. It has an on/off button, so the humans in the home can decide when the toy turns on and when it doesn’t. It holds up well through play sessions with pets of all sizes, and it can even help reduce anxiety when owners are away. Several animal designs are available to choose from and affordable replacement covers can be purchased if the original one gets wrecked.
Pros:
- The toy moves around well on both hard floors and carpets.
- The electronic ball inside can be stuffed into a sock after the cover wears out — if your pup likes to destroy soft toys, that is.
Cons:
- This requires batteries, but they’re secured within the toy so they aren’t dangerous for your pets.
Pet Qwerks Talking Interactive Dog Toy
Tell me all about it
This talking ball sounds a little bit strange at first, but once you see your dog enjoying it, you’ll understand the hype. It has more than 20 sayings — each of which can humorously entertain the humans at home while the pups play. It works well for chewing or playing fetch, especially for dogs who are hard of seeing. Three sizes are available to choose from depending on the size of your pet, and the ball shuts off automatically when it’s not being played with to conserve battery power.
Pros:
- If you’re worried about your pup breaking through the hard plastic, you can slide this into a puzzle toy or cut-up tennis ball.
- Its sounds can help soothe dogs with separation anxiety.
Cons:
- This needs LR44 button batteries, which are somewhat uncommon.
Bentopal LED Wicked Ball Dog Toy
Light the way
Does your dog love lights? This rechargeable LED toy from Bentopal may be their new favorite. It’s motion-activated, so your pup can turn it on all by themselves when they’re ready to play. It also moves on its own, making for a great game of fetch or chase. Mode one makes it roll all over the floor, and mode two makes it jump around for even more fun. It charges quickly, too — three hours plugged in translates to eight hours of playtime.
Pros:
- The built-in wake-up sensor is great for the days when you’re away from your pup, as it encourages them to play every 1.5 hours.
- Cats also love this toy, so it’s a great choice for multi-pet homes.
Cons:
- The price is higher than most interactive dog toys on the market today.
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball Dog Toy
Time for treats
If your pup is motivated by food, this interactive treat toy is sure to be a hit. It dispenses snacks or food pieces as it rolls around the floor, encouraging your pet to think and move. The difficulty level can be adjusted to suit the needs of different dogs. The entire device is easy to clean, too — simply rinse the hard plastic body in the sink with warm, soapy water. When it’s dry, it’ll be ready for playtime once again.
Pros:
- Entire meals can fit into this toy if you have a pet who eats their food too fast.
- The plastic is durable enough to be rolled and tossed around during playtime.
Cons:
- It’s important to choose the right size for your pup for safety.
Multipet Deedle Dude Singing Mouse Dog Toy
Sing along with me
Singing toys may not be what you imagine for dogs, but they’re often one of the most-loved toys nonetheless. This version from Multipet sings a cute song that humans can enjoy every time it’s squeezed. It works well for keeping pets company while their owners are away at work, as well as for blind pets who still want to play fetch. It’s just as durable as it is cuddly, making it a perfect choice for snugglers and intense chewers alike.
Pros:
- Some pets who like to chew will treat this toy gently due to the soft sounds it makes.
- The price point is fair for an electronic interactive dog toy.
Cons:
- This requires LR44 button batteries. The first set is included, but you’ll eventually need to replace them to keep the toy singing.
How do interactive toys help dogs with separation anxiety?
Interactive dog toys work as a distraction when pups are home alone. They would otherwise have no stimulation, leaving them to their worries and potentially destructive habits. Instead, these toys roll around, make noise, or offer treats to incentivize play and distract your pet’s minds from the fact that they’re by themselves.
Do all dogs like interactive toys?
Most dogs do, yes. It’s important to choose a version you think your pup will be interested in. For example, if they love food, a puzzle toy may be a good fit for them. And if they like chasing living things, a toy that moves or makes sound may be their best option.
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