18 Best Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys

The high-design accessory brand’s first foray into puzzle toys holds 1 1/2 cups of food, making this one ideal for fast eaters who need a side of stimulation — both mental and physical.

If your pup has a habit of scarfing down their food and regurgitating it, you may be in need of a lick pad. This lick pad is tons of fun, plus helps keep their dinnertime excitement from turning into a two-part affair.

Using 12 hidden compartments and three dog-bone covers, the latest from cult-favorite dog brand Outward Hound allows pet owners to adjust the toy’s difficulty to meet their pup’s needs. Just getting started? No problem. With this toy, it’s easy to work up to more advanced dog puzzles.

Nina Ottosson, the mastermind behind this toy, is all about exercising your pup’s brain with the help of puzzles. “My goal is for dogs and their owners around the world to have fun with my products,” Ottosson told us. “I call them ‘games’ because the owner and the pet are supposed to play together, which strengthens the bond between them.”

This Wild One toy is ideal for the dog who has chewed more tennis balls than Rafa Nadal has seen in his life. It’ll help slow the destruction process by keeping the object of your pup’s affection just out of reach, offering a satisfying reward when they finally wriggle it free.

This snuffle mat is perfect for pups who want a little extra mental stimulation at dinnertime. Just scatter treats or kibble throughout the felt mat and watch them explore.

“Snuffle mats are a great way to provide enrichment and entertainment by helping dogs use their amazing sense of smell to find the hidden food. Sniff-based mental stimulation can help promote overall relaxation in dogs, as well,” veterinary behaviorist Dr. Valli Parthasarathy told us.

While this toy may seem small enough for a pup to conquer, its inner ridges keep pets from accessing their kibble without putting in the time and effort to unlock it. It’ll tucker your dog out and requires some serious concentration as they work to access their well-earned reward.

This favorite is ideal for larger pups who enjoy gnawing on everything from chair legs to couch cushions to — more appropriately but not great — tennis balls. Its irregular shape allows your pup to nose it around for hours and never tire of it.

For super energetic pups, the iDig is where it’s at. This toy allows pet parents to hide treats and kibble under the flap, so pups can let out some of those zoomies by digging their way to the prize.

“Diggers need to dig,” trainer and Kinship Collective member Nicole Ellis told us. “I often hear frustration from pet parents about their  dogs digging  in the yard, couch, and on the bed. Dogs naturally love to dig; it’s an innate desire. Instead of reprimanding your dog(s) for digging, give them somewhere to dig. And yes, even  cats love this toy!”

We had you at “baguette,” right? It gets even better. This adorable nosework toy by Lambwolf is ideal for enrichment, with two large squeakers and four pockets for hiding treats.

For dogs who benefit from a more complicated treat-dispensing, scent-releasing toy, this is it. It also works as an added layer of complication for games of fetch.

This intermediate level two design by Nina Ottosson includes additional obstacles and step combinations. It’s perfect for extra curious pups.

Kongs are less about solving a puzzle than keeping a dog busy. Fill this toy with your pup’s favorite treats, and they can bat it around for a fun interactive experience that will help keep their separation anxiety at bay when you leave the house.

“From puppies to seniors, everyone can enjoy a Kong,” trainer Nicole Ellis said. “Studies have taught us that licking and chewing help release stress in dogs, and the Kong helps achieve that while allowing your pup to have fun. It also helps our dog get some mental enrichment and learn to settle and focus on something.”

Let’s face it, half the toys we buy for our pets are because they’re just downright fun to look at — and this Petstages carrot toy is no exception. It’ll massage your pup’s gums and help remove plaque while keeping them entertained and out of trouble, which is a win-win if we’ve ever heard of one.

This very pretty slow feeder will stimulate your pup’s mind and also slow their roll while they feast upon their dinner.

Behaviorist Karen London weighed in on why she loves slow feeders for pups: “My favorite way to keep dogs from scarfing down their food too quickly is to use a dog food puzzle or slow feeder dog bowl that is specific to this purpose ... Not only does this slow down their eating, but it also provides mental exercise and gives dogs valuable experience being persistent and handling a bit of frustration. Never a bad thing, right?”

Squirrels and squeaks: two things that endlessly fascinate our dogs, together at last! You stuff the squeaky squirrels in the tree, and your dog’s job is to hunt all six of them down in a kind of hide and seek.

This “tricky” treat ball lives up to its name. All you have to do is insert your dog’s favorite treats into the ball, and then let your pup have at it. They’ll push, roll, and paw the ball until the food falls out of the single hole. The simple design makes for hours of fun for your dog.

This subscription box is made for dogs who love to chew. Beyond meaty chews and full-size bags of treats, these come with two fluff-free, ultra-durable toys, such as a treat-dispensing acorn. Did we mention they’re themed?

The internal maze of these colorful globes slowly dispenses treats, preventing boredom, and slowing down digestion.