The best interactive dog toys and puzzles

Need help entertaining your pup while you’re gone? We share nine of the best interactive dog toys that we promise WON’T tear things up.

Dog with glasses thinking about three interactive dog toys and puzzles

by Emily Farquhar |
Updated on

If I told you there's a solution to keeping your canine companion out of trouble while you’re at the shops, would you be interested? Suitable for any household struggling with managing their dog’s constant cry for attention. Wait for it... interactive dog toys!

Not only are they very good at stimulating your pet's mind (body and soul), but they will also keep them occupied if you're heading out for a few hours and need some reassurance that your house will be left in one piece.

Your role is simple - refill this interactive gadget with delectable doggie treats and you’re good to go.

Related: The dog subscription boxes you’d be barking mad to miss

It's often this boredom that can lead to naughty behaviour, as dogs need to be mentally stimulated just as humans do. Top dog trainer Graeme Hall says, "Dogs are actually just like children, they pick up on tension and stress in their owners just as children do in their parents.

"The traditional mantra is dogs are animals and humans are humans but actually we're not that different, there are loads of similarities. "

We've rounded up the best interactive dog toys and puzzles perfect for the mental stimulation of big, small and medium-sized pooches that will require them to push, flip and paw their way to a treat.

Gallery

Best interactive dog toys and puzzles

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle, Small1 of 8

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle, Small

Every dog loves a game of fetch. This Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle is the best interactive toy for any dog who loves a bit of a workout. With over 26,235 ratings, this interactive toy comes in small, medium and large. Just fill the tree trunk with three stuffed squeaky squirrels, toss it, and let your dog's natural hunting instincts kick in. It's a 2-in-1 game in the sense that you can toss the squirrel-filled trunk, place it on the ground, or take the squeaky plush toys out and launch them for a game of fetch. Challenging and engaging, this interactive product is a winner.

AWOOF Dog Puzzle Toys, Pet Snuffle Feeding Mat2 of 8

AWOOF Dog Puzzle Toys, Pet Snuffle Feeding Mat

This fun AWOOF Snuffle Feeding Mat allows you to hide small treats and toys deep inside the mat for your furry friend, as their senses go wild trying to find everything you've hidden. Being Amazon's number one best-seller, the toy is portable, so you can easily take it with you and play hide and seek on the go. It trains your dog's smell, consumes your dog's energy and keeps them occupied. There's also a non-slip cloth on the bottom, preventing the dog from moving the mat in case they decide to bury it somewhere in the back garden. And don't worry, it's machine washable and dryer-safe.

HETOO Dog Chew Toys, Indestructible Tough Durable Dog Toothbrush Toys3 of 8

HETOO Dog Chew Toys, Indestructible Tough Durable Dog Toothbrush Toys

Interactive and indestructible, this tough toy is a toothbrush for dogs (especially for aggressive chewers). With rave reviews, this product allows you to monitor your dog's teeth cleaning and dental care. Not only does it get them into a healthy chewing habit, but it cleans their teeth, gives them fresh breath and prevents gum diseases Dogs just can't get enough of the crocodile like features. Made out of 100% natural rubber, this toy is suitable for 30-60lbs dogs (not puppies). And, you can even play a squeaky game of fetch with it.

Pet Food Ball, Fun and Interactive Treat4 of 8

Pet Food Ball, Fun and Interactive Treat

This WESTHL Pet Food Ball is the best interactive dog toy when it comes to treat time! The dispensing ball increases the IQ and mental stimulation. It lets the dog see, smell, and hear that there are snacks inside and arouses their senses to try and unlock them. Not only is it the best alternative to bowl feeding as it slows the process down, but the reward system also helps discourage bloating and digestion. The toy also maintains your dog's physical alertness and fulfils their hunting instincts.

Starmark Bob-a-Lot Interactive Dog Toy, Small5 of 8

Starmark Bob-a-Lot Interactive Dog Toy, Small

The Starmark Bob-a-Lot Interactive Dog Toy is another great way to monitor feeding. Coming in small and large, all you need to do is insert the food and treats at the top and then the bob-a-lot wobbles and bobbles – dropping treats as it goes. You can also adjust the openings on the toy to customise the difficulty and keep your dog engaged.

Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board, 23 cm, Assorted color6 of 8

Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board, 23 cm, Assorted color

With over 24,380 ratings, the Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board is the best dog puzzle for any pooch up for something new (and fairly easy). Made for a dog of any size, this puzzle is designed to really challenge your dog's brain and you can make it easier or harder depending on how your dog finds it. Stimulating and durable, this will definitely keep your companion entertained.

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Tornado Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy7 of 8

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Tornado Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

For a more intermediate interactive dog puzzle, Outward Hound has a Dog Tornado toy by Nina Ottosson. It has 12 different compartments, perfect for hiding your dog's favourite wet or dry treats inside. This very interactive toy is ideal for dogs who can be quite destructive and left alone as it combats their boredom. With over 33,900 ratings, it exercises your dog's mind and keeps it satisfied. Super easy to clean, this toy could be your canine companion's newest addition.

Nina Ottosson Casino Treat Dog Toy Multi Coloured8 of 8

Nina Ottosson Casino Treat Dog Toy Multi Coloured

For a more advanced interactive dog puzzle, this Nina Ottosson Casino Treat Dog Toy is a great investment. This toy has no removable parts to avoid choking and is suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes and energy levels. It is also designed for more challenging play, making it ideal for dogs who have most other puzzle toys sussed. For just £16, find out just how smart your dog really is with this unique puzzle mechanism.

What to read next:

The best dog clippers

The best dog shampoos for every type of pooch

The best flea shampoo for dogs

The best calming products for dogs and cats

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us