The Best Treat Dispensing Dog Toys
A great way to keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated is with a treat dispensing toy. Unlike other dog toys, these options feature special designs that allow you to hide treats inside, which your pup will work tirelessly to retrieve. And thanks to this, your dog is sure to stay entertained while you're working from home, getting some chores done, or when you just need a little me-time. Plus, they can also be helpful for slow-feeding dogs who tend to practically inhale their meals. With that said, it can be challenging to find the right treat dispensing toy for your furry friend. So if you're looking for ideas, keep reading to discover a list of our favorite treat dispensing dog toys available today.
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toy
Fun ball for your fluff ball
This small blue and yellow ball features two holes that you can fill with treats to help your pooch fight boredom. It’s considered an easy puzzle, so your dog will simply need to roll it over a couple of times to get the delicious reward inside. We love that the wipeable surface makes it a breeze to clean, and the sturdy material is BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free. Offered in both small and large sizes, this toy will stimulate your dog’s mind while providing lots of fun.
Pros:
- Great for all breeds, sizes, and ages
- Not too challenging
- Comes in a small and large size
Cons:
- You will need to use fairly small treats with this toy
Bojafa Dog Puzzle Teething Toy
Made with non-toxic flexible rubber, these balls come in a pack of two. The rubber is durable and puncture-resistant but is still soft and flexible enough to prevent damage to those puppy teeth. You’ll receive two balls that each are designed with grooves that you can fill with their favorite treats. There are also rubber points inside the grooves to help clean teeth to prevent plaque and tartar build-up, all while your puppy has fun playing.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Non-toxic material
- Features a light mint scent
Cons:
- The small grooves can make it a little difficult to clean
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball
Customizable treat toy
Perfect for medium-sized dogs, this treat toy helps to improve your pet’s intelligence. They will eventually learn how to roll the ball to get the goodies to fall out, and you can even adjust the difficulty by using the ball’s versatile interior disc. The large compartment means you’re able to fill it with your dog’s kibble to encourage slower active feeding, making it a great alternative to a slow-feeder bowl or mat. Plus, the ball can be disassembled for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Great for slow-feeding
- Adjustable difficulty
- Can be broken down to clean
Cons:
- We wouldn’t recommend this toy for small dogs
Titan Busy Bounce
It's a dog-bite-toy world
Have a tough chewer on your hands? This strong treat dispensing dog toy is made with FDA-safe rubber that stands up to heavy biting and tearing. The hole to place your treats into is a bit larger than most, so it can hold peanut butter or dog bones to keep your pup happy and occupied. We also love that the bulging design makes the toy bounce in an unpredictable way that your pet will enjoy chasing around. So if you need a toy that’s tough enough to hold up to your strong-jawed pooch, we recommend this option by Titan.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Can be frozen with a filler for extended stimulation
Cons:
- Ideal for larger dog treats
Loobani Dog Food Puzzle Feeder
Fun and challenging
This standing food puzzle toy is sure to aid in your dog’s intellectual development. This puzzle features three large cups that each have small holes at the top. The cups sit loosely on a pole so that when your dog begins to paw or nudge at them with their nose, they start to swing and will drop the treats or food. And don’t worry: the heavy base is specially designed so that the toy cannot be knocked over. Plus, it can be adjusted to three different heights to fit both small and large breeds.
Pros:
- Offers an adjustable height
- Quick and easy to install
- Suitable for all treat or kibble sizes
Cons:
- This model is on the pricier side
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave treat dispensing toys out while I’m away?
Although most dog toys are generally safe, we wouldn’t recommend that you leave your dog completely unattended with the toy. While you may have a durable toy, there is always a chance that small pieces could be broken or chewed off which then become choking hazards. And if you have more than one dog, we would suggest that you keep an eye on your pets while they are enjoying their treat toys. The reason for this is that some dogs can become protective over food and show a bit of aggression when other dogs are near. Overall, we highly recommend that you are present while your dog is playing with toys.
How can I clean the treat dispensing toy and how often should I?
The toy you purchase should come with instructions on how to clean it. But if not, we would suggest that you use mild soap and warm water to clean your dog toy. How often you should be cleaning it will depend on how often you fill the toy. Generally, we recommend washing the toys once a week or once every two weeks. If you notice a build-up of residue from old treats or peanut butter, feel free to clean it more regularly. This will not only get rid of bacteria growth, but it will also make the toy last longer.
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