Dogs need playtime to stay active and help them regulate their emotions, stress levels, and behavior. Playtime is also essential for healthy brain development and mental stimulation.
Puzzle toys are a great way to encourage interactive play, manage boredom, and keep your dog entertained. Of course, most dogs would rather be playing tug of war with you or chasing their doggy siblings or friends around the backyard. But puzzle toys are a great alternative when your dog needs to entertain themselves for a bit.
Here’s our guide to the best dog puzzle toys on the market.
Benefits of Puzzle Toys for Dogs
Puzzle toys are great for interactive playtime. They provide an enjoyable challenge and a delicious treat as a reward. But dog puzzle toys aren’t just fun – they also offer a variety of benefits to dogs of all ages, sizes, and personalities.
Benefits of puzzle toys for dogs include:
- Mental stimulation
- Skill building
- Stress relief
- Exercise
- Decreased boredom
- Reduction in destructive behavior
- Improved patience
- Slower eating
Types of Puzzle Toys
Puzzle Balls
Puzzle balls can be filled with kibble or treats. Your dog can roll or nudge the ball around to get a yummy reward. They’re among the most popular, simple, and affordable puzzle toys. They’re great for dogs of all sizes and don’t pose too much of a challenge.
Snuffle Mats
One of the lesser-known types of puzzle toys, snuffle mats feature textured folds and layers that mimic the feeling of grass or other ground cover. You can hide treats or kibble within the mat and let your dog use their nose to sniff them out.
Flip-Board Puzzle Toys
Flip boards or “activity boxes” are complex puzzle toys for ultra-motivated pups. They generally involve multiple steps. Dogs have to move sliders, turn flaps, or open compartments to get to the treats inside.
Chewable Puzzle Toys
Chewing is essential for your dog’s dental health. It’s also beneficial for stress-relief, overall happiness, separation-anxiety alleviation, and mental stimulation. Chewable puzzle toys encourage your dog to chew while also engaging their problem-solving brain.
Rotating Puzzle Toys
Dogs have to use their paws or snout to release treats or kibble when they’re given rotating puzzle toys. Rotating toys vary quite a bit in terms of difficulty. Some even have clear compartments so your dog can see the treats inside.
Hide-and-Seek Puzzle Toys
Hide-and-seek dog toys come with multiple pieces. Your dog has to “hunt” for the smaller pieces or treats that are hidden inside larger objects. From stuffed racoons hiding in a trash can to baby kangaroos in their mom’s pouches, there are endless cute designs for hide-and-seek toys.
Electronic Puzzle Toys
Electronic “smart toys” are designed to respond to your dog’s movements. This makes them feel like they’re playing with a real animal. These toys are more interactive than other types of puzzle toys, but also quite a bit more expensive.
Our Top Picks for the Best Dog Puzzle Toys in Every Category
1. Best for Big Breeds
Some puzzle toys can be a bit too small and delicate for large breeds. But the 28” x 28” HedeliE Snuffle Mat offers endless fun and enrichment for big dogs. This snuffle mat boasts multiple dog-safe layers and an anti-slip back for food-motivated dogs.
2. Best for Small Breeds
The Avoar Interactive Dog Puzzle isn’t strictly for smaller dogs. But it’s a compact slide puzzle that accommodates small treats and can work for even the tiniest teacup breeds. With various button and slide mechanisms, your dog can enjoy a mentally stimulating treat experience.
3. Best for Senior Dogs
Some puzzle toys and traditional chew toys can be too tough for older dogs. The KONG Senior Dog Toy is just like a standard KONG interactive chew toy. But it’s made from ultra-gentle rubber that’s specifically designed for senior dogs with more sensitive gums and teeth.
While less complicated than some other puzzle toys, this KONG toy will still provide some much needed enrichment for your old pal.
4. Best for Puppies
The Nina Ottosson Puppy Smart Interactive Treat Puzzle is great for young pups just starting to get the hang of playtime. This puzzle toy has nine removable pieces, allowing you to set the difficulty depending on your puppy’s needs. Simply hide treats under the compartments and watch your dog learn to uncover them.
5. Best Electronic
The Swift Paws Chase Kit is perfect for energetic dogs that love to run and fetch. This electric chase toy can be controlled with a smartphone or with a separately purchased controller. You can use this fast toy to create your own obstacle courses for your dog, helping them build their physical and mental agility.
6. Best Plush
It doesn’t get cuter than the Outward Bound Hide a Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy. This extra-soft hide-and-seek plush toy features adorable stuffed squirrels that you can hide in a tree trunk for your dog to try to reach.
7. Best Simple
Less-intelligent breeds and flat-faced dogs like bulldogs and pugs benefit from simpler, easier-to-solve puzzle toys. The AWOOF Pet Snuffle Enrichment Activity Mat is simple, but still offers a good challenge. Hide a few treats in the mat and let your dog use their instincts to sniff and forage for their reward.