Finding a suitable puzzle toy requires the assessment of three areas – what your will dog enjoy most, what level of difficulty will be suitable for them based on various aspects and age, as well as what the quality of the puzzle toy is like in terms of materials, construction, and longevity.
Many dogs enjoy having a variety of activities as well, so you may choose to have a combination of toys that target various skills simultaneously as well. Dolly loves a good brain game so we have tried and tested quite a few, here are our top picks for this year.
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle | View on Amazon | |
 | KONG Bamboo | View on Amazon | |
 | Hide-A-Squirrel | View on Amazon |
Puzzles for Hunter Instincts
Puzzle toys that involve catching, searching, or prey type activities are fantastic for dogs that have natural hunter instincts.
The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy is a fun and interactive hide and seeks activity for dogs, focusing on prey instincts. It’s soft and plush, gentle on canine teeth, is available in various size options, and will surely be a hit with any active breeds who love hunting and catching.
Dolly loves to pull the squeaky squirrels out and we have a game of tug and fetch. I tend to hide other treats in the trunk, like a himalayan chew so there’s a bonus inside for her.
So far the squirrels have stayed intact, but you can buy replacement squirrels if you have casualties.
- HIDE & SQUEAK FUN: The Hide A Squirrel dog puzzle is an easy way to get your furry friends engaged for hours of fun! Just fill the tree trunk with 3 stuffed squirrels, toss it, and let your dogs natural hunting instincts kick in!
- 2-IN-1 INTERACTIVE PLAY: Toss the squirrel-filled trunk, place it on the ground, or take the squeaky plush toys out and launch them for a game of fetch your dog is sure to love!
- CHALLENGING & IRRESISTIBLE: Keep boredom at bay and youre curious canine mentally-stimulated while feeding their natural instincts to hunt with plush squeaky squirrels they wont be able to resist!
- GENTLE ON THE TEETH AND GUMS: The stuffed plush texture of the Hide-A-Squirrel dog toy is easy on the teeth making it a great choice for both puppies and adult dogs alike.
- PLAY IT SAFE: No toy is indestructible. Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damag
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Problem-solving Puzzles
This is definitely the most popular puzzle toy type, as problem solving activities are incredibly beneficial for all dog breeds and especially breeds such as herding dogs, or even dogs with naturally high intellects.
The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle Game series has plenty to offer, focusing on mental stimulation and problem-solving skills. There are many styles to choose from based on availability, including varying style, shape, and color options, as well as options more suited for puppies. Topped by a range of difficulty levels from easy to advanced, you can ensure that your dog is getting exactly what it needs out of each puzzle.
We love the Brick which is an intermediate design which has 3 different ways of hiding the treats. Separate skills are required to remove the bone shaped bricks before you can slide the blocks on their tracks to get to the treats underneath. The hardest part for Dolly was flipping the lids to get inside the blocks, but she manages it.
It’s easy to keep clean too as it comes apart and can be washed in the sink with hot soapy water.
- Intermediate level 2 designs, the Dog Brick interactive puzzle includes additional obstacles and combinations of steps that will keep your dog focused and mentally-stimulated as they search and sniff out the tasty treats!
- 3 types of treat hiding compartments to test your furry friends skills! Flip lid compartments open and slide to reveal two separate treat hiding spots while removable brick bones conceal the third hidden compartments in this puzzle dog toy.
- Great for reducing anxious dog behaviour and redirecting destructive behavior.
- Easy to clean with warm water and soap between uses.
- Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damag
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Treat Dispensing Puzzle Toys
There is nothing like tasty incentives to get your dog interested in puzzle toys, with the bonus of puzzle feeders being able to assist in training, discipline, self-control, obedience, and a healthy digestive system.
The Kong Bamboo is our go to toy for this section. Quiet, durable this toy is made from ‘bamboo infused material’, so not quite the eco-friendly toy it claims to be. But still so much fun!
- Unpredictable treat dispensing for mental & physical stimulation
- Natural bamboo for quiet play
- Great for a bowl replacement alternative
- Twist off top section on top of ball to open
- Fill Bamboo Ball with dry food or small treats. For TREAT DISPENSING fun, add a small handful. For MEALTIME FEEDING, add up to 2 cups per fill
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.