Just as we may enjoy a brainteaser to sink our teeth into, our dogs equally love to be challenged, so why not introduce them to some mind-boggling dog puzzle toys? These interactive dog toys are very good at stimulating your pet's mind. They can also keep them occupied if you're heading out for a few hours and don't want them to get bored (although some of them require supervision).
The best dog puzzles at a glance:
•Best for multiple activities in one: TRIXIE Intelligence Dog Activity flip board, £6.19
•Best puzzle toy for small dogs: Nina Ottosson Puzzle Game, £16.99
•Best slow feeding dog puzzle: ADOGO Dog Puzzle Feeder Toy, £8.99
•Best easy dog puzzle toy: Nina Ottosson Dog Treat Maze, £12
•Best for different learning levels: Brightkins™ Spinning Hydrants Treat Puzzle, £20.84
It's often this boredom that can lead to naughty behaviour. 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. Actually, we're not that different, there are loads of similarities.", which is why investing in some mentally stimulating dog toys is important.
So, to help keep your four-legged friend entertained, we've rounded up the best dog food puzzle toys perfect for all the mental stimulation that any pooch could need. They'll love to push, flip and paw their way to a treat. Many of these games can also double-up as cat toys too, so if you've also got feline friends, they can give them a try!
The best dog puzzle toys 2024
Best for multiple activities in one
Tested
Arabella Horspool, Yours.co.uk writerDescription
My dogs had had some experience with puzzles before they tried the TRIXIE Intelligence flip board (which is promoted as a level 2,medium-level challenge), but I decided to use this one, in particular, to introduce them to the skittles and levers, as they had previously only used ones with sliding recesses.
Upon testing the product, I found that it was easy to fill with treats and that it was easy to wash by hand (although you could use a dishwasher if you wanted to). I have three dogs - two senior and one a puppy - and each of them spent at least 5 minutes interacting with the puzzle, using their paws and noses to find the food inside.
We used the puzzle outside, as it's lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travelling, although the skittles are detachable, so it's worth storing it in a box or bag when you're not using it.
Reviewed by Arabella Horspool, our Commercial Content Writer at Yours.co.uk, who has two Jack Russell Terriers and a Dachshund puppy.
Pros
- Three different types of activities in one
- Training instructions are included
Cons
- There are non-stick feet, but these may come off if your dog moves the puzzle (can be re-fitted)
Best puzzle toy for small dogs
AmazonDescription
The Dog Tornado has 12 removable pieces that uncover compartments, perfect for hiding your dog's favourite wet or dry treats inside. Your pet must then use its paws to rotate the different sections and lift off the bones to find its reward.
Many reviewers are impressed with how long the toy keeps their dog occupied for, stating that it's challenging but not boring. It's marketed as a "level two puzzle," so it's more suited to dogs that have used other pet-friendly puzzles before. One owner said that they'd "recommend this game for dogs that aren't naturally great with their nose" to build up their scent-based training.
Although this toy is ideal for combating their boredom, some people have had issues with their dog chewing the plastic bones, so human supervision is required at all times.
Pros
- Freezer-safe base, so you can freeze treats in water to create an extra layer of challenge
- Can hold a large amount of food
Cons
- Bones may be easy to lose (as they are detachable), but you can buy replacements
Best portable dog puzzle
AmazonDescription
This fun Pet Snuffle Feeding Mat is perfect for encouraging your dog to use their foraging senses. Simply hide small treats deep inside the mat for your furry friend to find everything you've hidden.
Many buyers have bought this feeding mat not only as a toy, but as a tool to help slow their dog down when they are eating, which can have a positive impact on their pet's digestive health. They like that this toy is portable so you can easily take it with you and play "hide and seek" with treats on the go.
Some people found that their dog was tipping it over to get to the treats more quickly, but you can shrink/tighten the mat into a bowl-shape to keep the food more contained.
Pros
- Easy to clean as it's machine washable
- Belt adjustment shrinks and expands the mat, so it's easier to store
Cons
- Not suitable for wet food as it will make it harder to clean and for the dog to eat it
Best slow feeding dog puzzle
AmazonDescription
Made from safe, non-toxic plastic, this puzzle comes with 22 different treat compartments and 9 moving pieces to keep your pup busy as you go about the house, doing chores or getting important tasks done.
Some people have pointed out that "the sliders are a bit stiff and not easy to slide", but after a few uses most dogs seem to get the hang of it. If you've got pooches who are fast eaters, this will slow them down and aid their digestion.
Pros
- Slots move both clockwise and anti-clockwise
- Available in a selection of colourways (at an affordable price for an engaging tool)
Cons
- Not ideal for larger dogs that may be able to destroy it
Best mentally stimulating dog toy
www.argos.co.uk
Description
When it comes to puzzle games and toys for dogs and cats, Nina Ottosson is a brand that's trusted by many and it's easy to see why. This Casino Treat Dog Toy in particular, has no removable parts to avoid choking and it's suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes.
It is designed for more challenging play, as you can adjust the position of each bone to increase the difficulty level, making it ideal for a dog who has most other puzzle toys sussed. The reviews state that most dogs find it engaging, with one saying "My dog has been bored on rainy days when she can't go in the garden. With this she's got about 10-15 minutes entertainment and usually settles well after one round".
Pros
- Drawers slide out for easy filling and access to treats
- Can arrange the pieces to be flushed or elevated
Cons
- A more expensive option, but this is reflected in the quality
Best easy dog puzzle toy
www.petsathome.com
Description
This treat dispenser puzzle is a firm favourite amongst dog owners and trainers due to it being easy to use and carry around. Many like it because it is a great treat to give them as a reward for good behaviour. It can also help dogs slow down how fast they eat.
We recommend it for pets with lots of energy to burn because it encourages them to push, twist, flip and turn it around to dispense the yummy treats you put inside it.
We all know how sharp puppies teeth are, so if you have a little one who loves to chew anything and everything, it's best to either wait until they're out of that stage or keep an eye on them whilst they're using it, as it's not as durable as some of the harder plastic options.
Pros
- Encourages solo play as it's lightweight and easy to use
- Great for hyperactive dogs as it gets them moving around, burning off excess energy
Cons
- Could be more durable - may break after being chewed
Best for different learning levels
AmazonDescription
If you're after brain games for your dog that can be adapted to keep them mentally stimulated for longer, it's worth considering the Brightkins™ Spinning Hydrants Treat Puzzle.
Your pup will love using their nose and paws to spin the hydrants of this game and spill out the treats hidden inside. You can slow down or speed up how fast your dog accesses the treats inside by adding more treats into the hydrants or adjusting the opening at the bottom of each hydrant.
It's made by Learning Resources, who have expanded into the educational dog toys market. With decades of experience designing educational toys for kids, they know how to make an engaging toy with bright colours.
Pros
- Solid construction - wipe clean
- You can adjust the treat flow with simple movements
Cons
- Some users have said that the plastic is too stiff
FAQs
Are puzzle toys good for dogs?
In the Dogs and Toys episode of his podcast, Graeme Hall says that "Not all dogs are bothered about toys and play, although it is good to keep them mentally stimulated and there's different ways of doing that. Hide and seek is good."
"There are lots of ways of stimulating your dog mentally - there are a lot of brain training ideas out there like puzzles. We've been talking about getting dogs to play; there are some dogs that just can't be bothered with a toy - it's just not them. So don't beat yourself up if you do have a dog that just doesn't want to play. There are different ways of physically and mentally stimulating them - I think that's really important."
What treats should I put in dog puzzle?
If you're using a puzzle feeder for dogs, trying filling it with some dry dog food as it's more convenient and less messy to use than liquid options, particularly if you're indoors.
Graeme recommends "a bit of cream cheese or dog-appropriate peanut butter or pate - something that's really smelly" to grab their attention. These options are brilliant for outdoor play, or the kitchen if your dog isn't that messy!
Meet The Experts
Graeme 'the dogfather' Hall is one of the UK's top dog trainers. He has worked with thousands of dogs and has his own television show called 'Dogs Behaving Badly'. He also has a podcast: 'Talking Dogs with Graeme Hall', which he set up to respond to listeners' canine-related queries and questions.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV and film. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.