9 Best Dog Puzzle Feeders To Keep You and Your Dog Entertained

(Last Updated On: 29/04/2023)

Last Updated on 2 years by Jenny Sovann

Would you love to just sit back and watch your dog battle creative challenges like the cast from “Mission Impossible”? The stakes are low, and the secret agent will be your furry companion. Challenging your dog to mental workouts with the contraptions we will mention will not only keep them entertained for hours but also reward them with a tasty treat or meal. Enter dog puzzle feeders.

Dog puzzle feeders are the ultimate way to turn mealtime into a game of brain teasers for your canine companion. They are gadgets that require your dog to solve problems to reward them with delicious treats. It’s more like watching your dog battle the colors of a Rubik’s cube, only that this time the challenges are not as tough. It’s a fun experience for you and your furry friend. There are many available puzzle feeders in the market to keep you and your dog entertained.

 

Best Puzzle Feeders To Entertain Your Dogs

Let’s explore some of the variations of puzzle feeders out in the market. Here is a comprehensive review of the 9 best dog puzzle feeders you should consider getting.

9. Yoboeew Dog Puzzle Toys

To start us off in this countdown is the Yoboeew dog puzzle toy. It is equipped with multiple levels ranging from easy to hard that require your dog to move red round sliders and center parts to access the food. This toy serves as a mental exercise and will break the boredom, hence taming the destructive nature of dogs. Your dog will have to use its sense of smell and paw skills to conquer these brain teasers to earn its rewards.

The puzzles are made with food-grade materials, which ensures that your pets can play for a long time without worrying about swallowing some parts. They can easily be washed with ease, even with a dishwasher. It has no removable parts as; the pieces are built in. This will make your furry buddy safe, and accidents like chewing and choking won’t happen. This also means that you don’t have to supervise your dog when it is playing solo.

The toy is also interactive. This makes it very suitable for training your canine companion easily. You can improve your relations with them as a bonus. Acting as a slow feeder, the toy can aid digestion and prevent your dog from bloating. Your furry friend will be so engrossed in solving puzzles that they will make them easily forget everything around them. You will eventually have to battle to gain their attention back.

Overall, it is a good-quality feeder that lives up to its advertised purpose.

Pros and Cons

8. Foxmm Dog Puzzle Toys

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y5V3PQV?th=1

If you are looking to grab your dog’s attention, this Foxmn dog puzzle toy has a squeaky sound device that your canine companion just can’t avoid. The sound is irresistible and sure to bring a smile to you every time that you hear it. It will greatly improve your relationship with your pet. Not only will it help with the mental exercise that your dog needs, but it will also create that comical effect whenever your dog is exploring.

Dogs get destructive when bored. This toy is a great boredom buster that will keep your smart dog engaged. The toy will help reduce anxiety, making it an all-round entertaining and practical purchase for you. Being made from food-safe pp material ensures that your pet is safe and healthy while they are engaged. It is hilarious to watch your furry companion battle the mechanisms that will dispense their reward.

The toy features a sliding mechanism that will encourage your pet to play detective to get their favorite treat. It slows down your dog from eating hurriedly. This will prevent your dog from getting health-related issues due to improper feeding habits. Overall, it’s a joy to watch your canine companion operate the toy. It’s even funnier watching him scratch his head in frustration to set free the imprisoned treats.

Pros and Cons

7. Loobani Dog Puzzle Toy

LOOBANI Wooden is a toy that challenges your dog to flip three bottles upside-down to earn its reward. It is not that simple though, your dog will have to keep them balanced to get that treat. It is as fun as it sounds, imagine it like a game of Jenga, but for dogs. You don’t just have to hand your food in a bowl to your dog. With this toy, you can finally make your dog learn the art behind balance.

These challenges not only help with early brain development for our tiny cute puppies but senior dogs can also be indulged to keep them mentally stimulated. This reduces the risk of mental decline over the years. Importantly, if your furry friend eats food fast like “the flash”, downing its meals unchewed, this toy will come in handy. This toy will serve as a slow daily feeder that will keep your canine companion eating more like a refined gentleman.

You are probably perplexed by the design of this toy. Surprisingly, it won’t tip over no matter how much your dog tackles it in frustration. It is made with durable bamboo with a heavy-duty base. Your furry companion won’t win the war unless it decides to solve the challenges like a well-learned student. You can even add a snuffle mat to the mix to make the puzzle even more challenging. It is like a puzzle on top of another puzzle which is good when the dog is already used to the original puzzle.

Pros and Cons

6. Joansan Dog Puzzle Toy

Joansan dog puzzle toy is a toy that will awaken your pet’s natural hunting instincts. With options like SPIN & SLIDE, HIDE & SEEK, and more, your dog will unlock its ancestors hunting genes to win the challenges. This will ensure that your furry friend is always entertained for hours. You will also enjoy watching your dog seeking its prey intelligently. It is made with high-quality non-toxic PVC materials and features 15 holes. These holes allow you to place different foods in them and spice up the dog’s experience. 

The challenges available are designed to even keep the smartest dogs on their toes. Your dog will have to use its nose and paw skills to retrieve the hidden reward. It’s like playing Sherlock Holmes, but with dog treats. It may take some time for your pet to master these puzzles. When you finally train your pet to achieve its success, the sense of accomplishment you and your dog will feel is worth it. You’ll get a good laugh watching them conquer this contraption.

What makes this toy more unique and enjoyable is that it is not designed for solo play. You can hop in on the fun too and have quality time teaching your furry friend how to solve the puzzle. Is that not a great bonding experience? The puzzles are not only eye candy but also durable, you won’t have to worry about them breaking apart.

Pros and Cons

5. Dr. Catch Dog Puzzle Toys

Dr. Catch Dog Puzzle Toys presents a fun and interactive way to keep your furry friend entertained. Its size is perfect for puppies and is bound to be your dog’s new favorite toy. Your dog will have to combat the challenge by sliding different parts to uncover the hidden treats. Not only will this improve their mental abilities but will also release their pent-up energy and keep them preoccupied. It is sure to provide a healthy dose of mental stimulation for your canine companion.

We can try as best as we can, but sometimes it may seem a challenge to remove the gluttonous side of our dogs. This toy will come in handy as it is a slow feeder. It will be encouraging, hence training your dog to eat slowly. This is beneficial to your dog because it will help with digestion. It’s the perfect way to keep you and your dog entertained and healthy. With this dog puzzle feeder toy, you are sure to see less chaos during mealtimes.

This dog puzzle feeder is the perfect mental exercise toy for your dog. It unlocks your dog’s natural instincts. Your furry friend will make use of their sense of smell to unlock the challenges, providing the perfect mental stimulation. Their paw skills will also be put to the test as they move the slider to find the treats. This is fun to watch and is sure to bring you smiles even on the toughest of days. You should always supervise your dog since no toy is indestructible from any canine’s frustrations.

Pros and Cons

4. Pet Zone IQ Dog Treat Ball

Available in 3″ and 4″ sizes this Pet Zone IQ Dog Treat Ball is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes. It is a great way to keep your canine companion mentally stimulated. As a bonus, your dog will also be physically active while solving these intriguing challenges. With an adjustable interior disc, you can change the difficulty for our adorable companions. This will keep them engaged and challenged.

Being used to seeing your furry friend wolf down their meals can be messy and unsightly. This toy encourages slower and healthier eating habits, thanks to the challenges it has. It makes meal times a more engaging scenario and an enjoyable experience. Your dog will have to critically figure out each piece of the kibble, and this will result in mental stimulation. Clean-up times won’t have to be strenuous, with this toy you simply have to disassemble the toy and rinse in warm soapy water.

Not only does this interactive toy limit the number of treats your dog gets, but it also encourages longer play times with your furry companion. It is a great alternative to slower feeder bowls and other feeding accessories since it provides a fun way to keep your dog engaged. Your dog will stay active and mentally sharp. It is important to supervise your pet while using the pet feeder. After all, your dog may try breaking the safe rather than cracking the lock.

Pros and Cons

3. Trixie Dog Activity Gambling Tower

  

Trixie Dog tower is a great treat dispenser toy designed to reward your dog for gently tugging on rope loops to release treats down to the bottom of the tube. It’s like watching your dog become “Indiana Jones”, and breaking ancient ciphers to get that valued treasure. Trixie gambling tower will channel your dog’s energy and curiosity into its unique design. It is a great way to keep your dog intelligent and smart.

Equipped with three base cones and hidden compartments, the gambling tower is sure to challenge your furry friends’ problem-solving skills. The unique design of the cones prevents them from getting knocked over. Your dog will have to lift them straight up to unlock the gateway to reveal the hidden rewards. This adds to the difficulty of the game hence keeping your dog challenged and curious.

Overall, the gambling tower is a fun and interactive way to challenge your dog. Your playful friend’s mind will be sharpened as it gambles its way through the toy’s mechanism. The non-slip rubber feet keep the tower in place for your dog to explore. Included is an instructional booklet. This is not for the dog, it’s for giving you tips and tricks for training dogs of all ages. The toy’s compact size and weight is perfect for indoor and outdoor playtime.

Pros and Cons

2. Kong – Classic Dog Toy

KONG Classic red rubber toy comes in handy in ensuring your furry companion stays healthy physically and mentally. It is designed with your dog’s instinctual needs in mind, hence providing mental stimulation. This treat-dispensing puzzle feeder is perfect for dogs of all ages and breeds. It tackles a range of challenges such as chewing, teething, separation anxiety, boredom, weight management, and so on. It’s like a Swiss knife for dog owners.

The unpredictable nature of its bounce makes it perfect for games of fetch and other games to play with your dog. Average chewers will get the exercise they need to keep them active throughout the day. You can make the toy more challenging by simply stuffing kibbles and peanut butter, treats, snacks, or Ziggies into the KONG Classic. It can be cleaned using a dishwasher.

This is a toy that is highly recommended by veterinarians and trainers around the world. Its unique natural rubber is ultra-durable and has a bounce your dog will simply love. When stuffed with treats it will become enticing for your furry companion. If you’re looking to mentally stimulate your dog or just keep it entertained, this will turn out the perfect toy for the job. It is a versatile toy that will keep your dog entertained for hours.

Pros and Cons

1. Outward Hound Hide N’ Slide Puzzle Toy

Outward Hound Hide N’ Slide is an intermediate dog puzzle feeder that serves as an exciting game challenge for your furry friend’s problem-solving skills. This puzzle feeder is the best-selling in the market. And there is a reason to that. It involves a game of hide and seek. You hide treats under flippers or place them in blocks on the top opening for added difficulty. There are levels to this game, and this is appropriate to dogs that have mastered level 1 puzzles and need more advanced challenges. It is a great way to keep your pet entertained and engaged while taming its destructive behavior.

This toy’s Hide N’ Slide puzzle is made of durable composite wood. It’s designed to have non-removable parts and a non-slip base. This is done for the safety and efficiency of cleaning the toy. Additionally, materials used in the puzzle are BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free (in simpler terms it features nontoxic and bio-safe). 

It is important to supervise your furry friend during its playful sessions with the toy. If the toy happens to be damaged, you should remove and replace it to avoid any potential hazards. Overall, the Dog Hide N’ Slide is an enjoyable way to challenge your pet’s mind and reduce boredom. It provides a safe and durable option for your pet’s playtime.

Pros and Cons

Choosing The Best Dog Puzzle Feeder

Choosing the best dog puzzle feeder for your furry friend can be easier if you consider some factors. The factors shared below will ensure that you get the best one to buy.

Size and Level of Difficulty

It is important to consider the size and level of difficulty before getting a puzzle feeder. It is important to make your dog curious and entertained, rather than frustrated and overwhelmed. Some puzzle feeders are designed for small dogs while others are designed for large ones. It would be a wasted effort to get one that your pet can comfortably use.

Material

Puzzle feeders should be made of durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your dog to play and chew on. Your dog is likely to break and ingest parts, so the parts must not affect your dog’s health. Also when choosing, the best dog puzzle feeder, it should be a durable one. If the toy breaks on its first day, then it is unreliable for use on your dog. 

Type of Puzzle

Puzzles come in various forms. Some are treat dispensing while others are interactive. Choosing a puzzle that your dog will be interested in will be beneficial for you and your dog. Some dogs are so smart you will have to get complicated puzzles, while some dogs love it easy meaning you have to get less complicated puzzles. Some puzzles have levels, hence you have to figure out the right puzzle to get for your dog.

Purpose

Sometimes you just want to slow down your pet from eating like a glutton. At times you just want to provide mental stimulation, improve dental health or just keep your dog entertained. Choosing a puzzle feeder that handles your dog’s needs will make it more useful to have than just having a puzzle with no purpose.

Expert Opinion & Reviews

Reading reviews will help you in deciding whether to get the toy or not. Some dog owners may have already used the toy you have in mind, knowing their opinion will go a long way in helping you make a decision. Know whether the puzzle you have in mind benefited or did not benefit other dog owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a dog puzzle feeder?

A: Is an interactive feeder that requires your dog to solve a challenge to get a treat or access to their meal. There are many different types of puzzles that range in difficulty to help train and mentally stimulate your dog.

Q: What is the purpose of dog puzzle feeders?

A: The purpose of dog puzzle feeders is to provide mental stimulation and challenge your dogs while they eat their meals. They are designed to make your dogs work for their food, which can prevent boredom, reduce anxiety and prevent destructive behavior.

Q: Why use puzzle feeders for dogs?

A: Using puzzle feeders for dogs is a fun and engaging way to keep your dogs active and occupied. It is particularly useful for dogs that eat their food hurriedly without even chewing. It can provide the needed mental stimulation and break boredom from their routine.

Q: How do you use dog puzzle feeders?

A: You have to select a feeder that is appropriate for your dog’s size and skill level. Fill the feeder with your dog’s meal and treats and then present it to your dog. By making your dog play detective with its food, you are providing much-needed mental stimulation.

Q: How do dog puzzle feeders work?

A: A dog has to interact with the sets of mechanisms to solve challenges to get its reward. It would involve your dog using their paw skills and sense of smell to break the maze, treat-dispenser, or puzzle in order to get their treat. This would unlock your dog’s natural instincts to forage and hunt.

Conclusion

Puzzle feeders for dogs are an excellent and fun way to provide mental stimulation and engagement from our canine companions. These contraptions can prevent boredom, reduce anxiety and prevent destructive behavior. As a bonus, they will improve your dog’s cognitive function and problem-solving skills. Shared in this guide are some of the best dog puzzle feeders that you can get.

They come in a wide range of design options and shapes, so you can keep getting new ones for your dog. It will be fun watching them since they will be occupied for longer periods while battling the food machine. It is important to keep your dog physically and mentally active, puzzle feeders are a great way to do just that.