Best Dog Puzzle Toys
If you've ever read anything about keeping your mind sharp, you know that doctors recommend that we "use it or lose it." Doing things like crossword puzzles and other mental challenges is so important to keep our minds sharp as we age.
It's no different for dogs, and dog puzzles are a great way to ensure that your best friend is staying sharp. Not to mention that dog puzzles that challenge your dog's mental capacity are fun for them! Here are some of the best dog puzzle toys for dogs.
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick |
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The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick puzzle toy is a hardy, durable plastic dog toy with several compartments to hide treats for your dog to open and find. Some of the compartments flip, and others slide, so there's some variety to keep dogs thinking as they explore the toy and find their snacks. ' It's made of BPA and phthalate-free plastic, too, so it's safe for your dog, and it's easy to clean.
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DR CATCH |
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The DR CATCH dog puzzle toy is on the smaller side, so it's better suited to smaller dogs and puppies than larger, stronger dogs. The toy has several compartments that open and close differently to keep things interesting as your dog searches for the snacks they can smell in the toy. It's made of tough plastic and is easy to clean, and it can also be used as a slow-feeding device for dogs that tend to eat too fast. |
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Potarama |
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The Potarama is a two-level dog treat puzzle toy that works for dogs of all sizes. Different types of compartments in the bottom layer of the toy give dogs the first level of challenge, and once they've mastered that, you can fill the top level of the toy with treats and snacks. This compartment needs to be pushed to deliver a treat, so dogs have to master a new skill to get their snacks. This can also be used as a slow feeder, and it's hard to tip over, so it's great for dogs that are a little more rambunctious. |
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Petsta |
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The Petsta dog puzzle toy has 16 compartments and three different types of mechanisms, making it a challenging and fun toy for dogs of all sizes. It has anti-skid pads to keep it from moving during use, and it's made of nontoxic and durable plastic, so it's easy to clean and long-lasting. The Petsta dog puzzle toy can be used as an occasional treat dispenser and as a slow feeder for dogs that eat too fast.
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AWOOF Snuffle Mat |
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A slightly different choice for dog puzzle toy is a snuffle mat, like this one from AWOOF. A simple concept that gives your dog hours of engaging entertainment, you simply hide treats inside the snuffle mat, and they have to use their nose and their wits to find them. They can be used open or partially closed too, so you can mix it up to keep things interesting. This snuffle mat is machine washable too, so it's easy to keep it clean after your dog has had their fun.
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Aelflane Treat Puzzle |
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The last dog puzzle toy on our list of best options is the Aelflane Treat Puzzle. Unlike many of the other toys on this list, the Aelflane Treat Puzzle only has one compartment to hold the treats, but with only one small hole to release the treats, your dog has to figure out exactly how to move it to get to them, providing hours of fun. The Aelflane Treat Puzzle has a clear plastic treat compartment, so you can see when it needs to be refilled, and it's made from durable, non-toxic plastic, so you can keep it clean easily.
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How to Get More Out of Dog Puzzles
Now that you've seen a few of the best dog puzzles out there and why we love them, the next thing you need to know is how to get the most out of them.
The most important thing is to get more than one dog puzzle, and try to get different types that work differently. Dogs, like people, get bored doing the same things over and over, and you want to rotate their dog puzzles frequently to keep them engaged and interested.
Dog puzzles are a great toy, and provide very important stimulation. Every dog owner should invest in this kind of toy to keep their dogs happy and healthy mentally. They're also great to use as slow feeders for dogs that tend to gobble their dinner down. Having to slow down and find and access their food first will naturally slow them down.