The Best Puzzle Toys For Dogs

Puzzle toys serve a number of great benefits for dogs. They are interactive and engaging, keeping your pup mentally stimulated on their most boring days. They can also be used as slow feeders to encourage slower eating and thereby help your pet better digest their food. Various styles are available, including balls, chew toys, and puzzle plates. And you can discover the very best versions by reading below.

What To Look For:

Taking durability, entertainment, and safety into account, we gathered and reviewed the best puzzle toys for dogs on the market today. We dove into the details to make sure it’s easy for you to find your perfect fit. For example, if you’re looking for a toy that will keep your pup engaged for months on end, the multi-challenge, adjustable version from Nina Ottosson may be a good choice. And if your pet needs a reward other than food, the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel could be ideal. You can learn more about each of these products, as well as our other favorites, in the list below.

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle Toy for Dogs

Lift, slide, and flip

This large, adjustable puzzle toy has several challenges to stimulate your pup's learning.
Best Overall

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If you’re looking for a stimulating, fun, and rewarding puzzle toy for dogs, this version from Outward Hound is sure to be a hit. At an intermediate level two, it’s challenging while still being enjoyable for pups of every experience level. Each compartment opens uniquely, with some lifting, others sliding, and others yet flipping over to reveal the food inside. The plastic material is safe and free of phthalates, BPA, and PVC. Similar versions are available in different difficulty levels (from easy to expert), as well as various styles, to help you switch things up as your furry friend gets to know the games.

Pros:

  • This can be used for an entire meal for most dogs since it holds one cup of food.
  • It works for dogs of all sizes, from mini breeds to giant breeds.

Cons:

  • This isn’t meant to be chewed on or left with your pup unattended.

Dr. Catch IQ Feeder Puzzle Toy for Dogs

Small pups, unite

Have a small dog at home? This puzzle toy is just their size, and it's just as challenging as it is rewarding.
Runner Up

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This puzzle toy is perfect for the small dogs in your family. It can be used as a treat system or a slow feeding tool with its compartments that slide open to reveal food inside. It works well with noses or paws, so your pup can use whichever method he prefers. It’s made of safe, non-toxic plastic and it comes in a few different styles, so you can keep your pet stimulated for a long time to come.

Pros:

  • It can take up to 20 minutes for dogs to finish their meals with this device, which is perfect for pets who often make themselves sick from eating too fast.
  • Washing is a breeze — simply rinse it clean in the kitchen sink.

Cons:

  • If your dog is sensitive to sounds, he may be afraid of the lids moving at first. Once he notices there are treats inside, however, he will more than likely want to play.

Pet Zone IQ Puzzle Toy for Dogs

Roll for rewards

This fun puzzle toy rolls around the floor and drops treats. You can even increase the difficulty level as your dog learns more.
Best Ball Puzzle

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This fun puzzle toy for dogs comes in ball form, so your most active pets can chase it around the house while they get the contents out. It comes in 3-inch and 4-inch diameters, so you can customize your purchase to suit the needs of your pup. It can be used as a slow feeder or for treats, and there is a disc inside that lets you adjust the difficulty. Start out on easy to interest your dog and continue to challenge them by increasing the challenge as they play.

Pros:

  • The hard plastic exterior is surprisingly durable — even when pups roll it around and toss it in the air for months.
  • Some of the toughest chewers will feel unmotivated to break into this since the treats falling out will provide them with enough stimulation.

Cons:

  • It’s important to purchase the right size ball, as a small dog could potentially get their teeth or jaw stuck in the dispensing hole of too-large versions.

HoundGames Teether Puzzle Toy for Dogs

Chews for days

This unique puzzle toy can be tossed, dropped, and chewed, all with the reward of treats in the middle.
Best For Chewers

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If your dog is a chewer, you need a puzzle toy that’s built to last. This version from HoundGames is made up of four connecting teethers — simply fill them with treats or food and connect them in any way you please. You can adjust the difficulty level inside to keep your pup engaged. Attaching the pieces in different orders can keep your pet stimulated as time goes on, too. The interior cavities are huge, allowing you to use trets of all sizes. The pieces are also made of safe materials and are easy to clean in the dishwasher.

Pros:

  • This puzzle toy can keep dogs busy for up to an hour at a time.
  • The material is durable — even for the most aggressive chewers.

Cons:

  • This is designed with medium-to-large dogs in mind, so small pups may struggle to get the pieces apart.

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy for Dogs

Squeaky stimulation

Grab this squirrel puzzle toy for a fun, non-food challenge for your pets.
Best Non Food Puzzle

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Your dog deserves to experience the joy of puzzle toys even if they aren’t able to have extra food or treats in their daily diet. This product from Outward Hound makes this possible as it hides squeaky squirrels instead of food. It comes in small to extra-large sizes to suit every furry family member and replacement animals are available in case yours ever get lost or ruined. Try tossing this around the house and relax as your pet chases it and pulls out every squeaky piece before moving on to his next activity of the day.

Pros:

  • The log and squirrels are good for playing with, chasing, snuggling, and more.
  • Various animal options are available in case your pup loves this so much that they need a second one.

Cons:

  • The toughest chewers may be able to get the squeakers out of these toys.

Can puzzle toys be used to serve everyday meals?

Yes, though there are a few factors to keep in mind if you plan on using your toy for regular mealtime. First, make sure it will hold an entire serving of your dog’s food. Some puzzles may be too small, especially if you have a large dog. Second, make sure the product is easy to clean as you’ll be washing it often. And third, be prepared for your pup to figure the puzzle out at some point. At that time, you may need to purchase a different version to keep them engaged.

How can puzzle toys be used in multiple-dog homes?

You could handle this situation in one of two ways. Consider getting a puzzle toy for every dog you own so there is no jealousy involved. Otherwise, have your pups play with the toy individually in a room away from their pet siblings to avoid rivalry.

About the Author

Jessica is the proud owner of two dogs: an adorable dalmatian and a very active retriever mix. With all her years of experience caring for her own pups, Jessica hopes to help other dog moms and dads make the most of their time with their furry friends by finding them products that make dog ownership convenient, easy, and fun. As a mom of two, Jessica is always looking for products that are safe for her dog, her kids, and her home.

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