- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Not only are treat-dispensing dog toys a lot of fun, but they also serve many useful purposes. For example, treat-dispensing toys can slow the pace of your dog’s eating and add more exercise to their routine. They also mentally engage your dog, busting boredom or helping them wind down after a training session.
Treat-dispensing dog toys come in many shapes and sizes—from balls and wobblers to bully stick holders and puzzles. We’ve curated a list of our favorites so you can pick the right one for your dog. Not sure where to start? Hop down to our pointers on using slow feeders, or dive right into our list of the best of the best.
- Best Overall: StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy
- Best for Beginners: KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
- Best for Large Dogs: Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Rock Treat Dispenser
- Best for Small Dogs: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Raspberry Toy
- Best Quiet: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop Dispenser
- Best for Chewers: West Paw Qwizl Treat Dispensing Toy
- Best Shape: PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat Toy
- Best for Chasing: OurPets IQ Treat Ball
- Best for Dental Health: KONG Stuff-A-Ball Teeth Cleaning Dog Toy
Best Overall: StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy (Verified Reviews)
This popular treat-dispensing dog toy has a weighted, anti-slip bottom that makes it wobble uncontrollably. The unpredictable movement makes it great for high-energy dogs or pups who need a bit more exercise in their day. Available in two sizes, each toy has a large capacity, so you can feed your dog their entire meal via this treat dispenser.
Our test pups liked the challenge, and their pet parents liked that adjustable openings at the top and bottom let you control how much food is released and how hard your dog has to work.
Our only caveat? While this sturdy toy holds up to being batted around, the heaviness can be quite noisy—not ideal if you have downstairs neighbors.
Key Features:
- Requires a lot of physical engagement to knock loose treats
- Contains two adjustable openings to increase the challenge
- Small fits 1.5 cups of kibble; large fits 3 cups
- Heavy-duty design
To Watch:
- Hard to clean; best for tidy kibble and treats
- This heavy toy makes for loud play
Best for Beginners: KONG Wobbler, Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Similar to the Bob-A-Lot, the KONG Wobbler offers the same wobbly movement but with a simpler design (only one level of difficulty) that’s ideal for puppies and dogs new to treat-dispensing toys. Holding half a cup in the small and a full cup in the large, it doesn’t have as large of a capacity as the Bob-A-Lot. Still, pet parents give it high marks for being easier to fill and clean—just twist off the top and the two sides of this dishwasher-safe toy come apart.
Key Features:
- The simple but engaging design is ideal for beginners
- Twists in half, making it easy to fill and clean
- Dishwasher safe
- Small holds half a cup, large fits one cup
To Watch:
- Durable but noisy design
- Only one level of difficulty that some pups might find too easy
Best for Large Dogs: Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Rock Treat Dispenser
Made of natural latex rubber, the Gnawt-a-Rock offers a gentle but strong design that’s built to hold up to large jaws. Pet parents of bigger pups, like Great Pyrenees and German Shepherds, appreciate that the long, stretchy slit lets you put in large pieces of kibble and treats. The two smaller holes provide an interesting challenge as pups try to work out the bigger pieces, while an irregular bounce pattern adds a fun element.
Reviewers do note, however, that this toy dispenses treats quickly and easily when using smaller pieces of food, providing less of a challenge. They also say the hole can stretch out over time.
Key Features:
- Made of natural latex rubber
- Reviewers say it fits about 3/4 cup of food
- The large slit makes it easy to fill with bigger pieces of kibble/treats
- Two holes dispense treats on the side
To Watch:
- Dispenses treats quickly if not using bigger pieces
- Opening can stretch out over time
- More expensive than similar treat-dispensing toys on the market
Best for Small Dogs: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Raspberry Treat-Dispensing Toy
Measuring 1.75 inches in diameter, this snack-sized raspberry toy is a great pick for small dogs under 15 pounds. Reviewers with tinier breeds (we see you, Toy Yorkie Poos) like that this treat dispenser fits small pieces of kibble and treats while still adding a challenge—though it may not be the most suitable toy for actual meals. Infused with natural mint oil, this fun raspberry has a textured surface that bounces and floats.
Pet parents do point out, however, that the tiny toy is easy to lose, as it tends to roll under furniture. Larger dogs will also want to pick a bigger toy in this Orbee-Tuff Foodies line, like the artichoke or carrot.
Key Features:
- Snackable design is great for small-breed kibble and treats
- Suitable for pups up to 15 pounds
- Bouncy design that floats
- Diameter of 1.75 inches; capacity of about 1/8 cup (according to reviewers)
To Watch:
- Could be a choking hazard for larger breeds
- Small design is easy to lose under furniture
Best Quiet: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop Dispenser (Verified Review)
Also from Planet Dog, the Orbee-Tuff Snoop provides a quieter enrichment option for sound-sensitive dogs and pet parents. In our testing, we found the soft bowl-shaped design didn’t make a lot of noise but still kept Rover test pup Oscar engaged while he pawed and nudged his snacks out.
Reviewers have noted, however, that the squishy design tends to pick up pet hair and lint when rolling around. Smaller dogs and puppies might also find the regular size too deep for their snoots and need the Lil’ Snoop version. For pups who are ready to level up, Planet Dog makes the Orbee Nook, which can also be stuffed with treats and inserted into the Snoop for an added challenge.
Key Features:
- Soft rubber design makes for quieter play
- Different designs to level up or down
- Mint-infused for fresh breath
- Reviewers say the larger Snoop holds about half a cup of kibble
To Watch:
- Picks up pet hair and lint
- Not dishwasher safe
Best for Chewers: West Paw Qwizl Treat Dispensing Toy (Verified Review)
Have a committed chewer? West Paw claims that this is one of its strongest toys—and our test pups agree. The cylinder shape with slits on the side makes it a smart choice for bully sticks and other long-lasting chews, though you can also fill it with dry treats and smear spreads inside. When your pup is done, the stick-like toy doubles for a fun round of fetch. It even floats for water play!
Since this treat dispenser is on the harder side, pet parents with puppies or senior dogs might want to opt for a softer toy.
Key Features:
- One of the strongest toys in the West Paw line
- Helps extend the life of chews and bully sticks
- Good for fetch and water play
- Goes in the dishwasher for easy cleaning
To Watch:
- Not ideal for dogs with sensitive teeth (think puppies and seniors)
Best Shape: PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat Toy
With its unique saucer shape, the PetSafe Twist ‘n Treat offers a fun spin for pups and pet parents looking to add something different to their treat-dispensing mix. Available in four sizes, this toy works well for a wide variety of breeds and can be used with either hard or soft treats.
Two adjustable halves let you set the level of difficulty—just twist the sides closer together to level up the challenge. And while reviewers like the price point of this toy, saying it holds a lot of value, they point out that it has a particularly strong rubber smell upon first unboxing it.
Key Features:
- Unique saucer shape with two adjustable halves
- Available in four sizes (from x-small for under 10 pounds to large for 50+ pounds)
- Can be used with kibble, treats, and spreads
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
To Watch:
- Can have a strong, unpleasant rubber smell
- Doesn’t come fully apart for filling and cleaning
Best for Chasing: OurPets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Food Dispensing Toy (Verified Review)
For high-drive and energetic dogs, the IQ Treat Ball is a solid choice. It rewards your pup for chasing and pouncing on it by dropping treats as it rolls. An interior disk gives you the ability to adjust the difficulty level, letting you up the ante as your dog becomes a puzzle ball pro. Available in two sizes, the treat-dispensing ball twists apart, making it easy to clean and fill.
Our testers found they could fit almost a cup of kibble in the larger ball. Note that this treat-dispensing toy is made of plastic and isn’t as durable as some of the other rubber options on our list. If your pup’s heart is set on roughhousing with it, a sturdier and softer puzzle ball might be the way to go.
Key Features:
- Ideal for high-drive and energetic pups
- Two sizes: 3 inches for dogs 10-40 pounds, 4 inches for dogs 40-90 pounds
- An interior disk lets you adjust the difficulty level
To Watch:
- The plastic design isn’t as durable as other rubber treat-dispensing toys on the market
- This toy can be loud on hardwood floors
- Handwash only
Best for Dental Health: KONG Stuff-A-Ball Treat and Teeth Cleaning Dog Toy
This multipurpose KONG dog toy offers a treat dispenser, teeth cleaner, and bouncy ball all in one. Whether you have a teething puppy or just want to take your dog’s dental care to the next level, the patented “Denta-Ridges” on the side are specifically designed to help clean teeth and gums.
Working double duty, this ball can be filled with kibble or treats on the inside and topped off with soft spreads on the ridged outside. Available in three sizes, the KONG Stuff-A-Ball is a crowd-pleaser among a wide variety of breeds. In particular, pet parents like that it can also be used as a durable fetch toy after the treats have been snuffled, licked, and rolled out.
Key Features:
- “Denta-Ridges” on sides help clean teeth and gums
- Inside can be filled with treats; outside ridges can be topped with spreads
- Available in three sizes for dogs up to 65 pounds
- Doubles as a fetch toy
To Watch:
- Not suitable for larger breeds and super chewers
How To Choose a Treat-Dispensing Toy
Different treat-dispensing toys are designed to serve a specific purpose. The toy you choose will reflect the needs of both you and your pet. Does your dog get bored easily and need some mental engagement? Are you trying to provide a safe chewing option for your dog or prolong the life of expensive chew sticks? Or are you trying to encourage your dog to eat more slowly? Asking and answering these questions is a good place to start.
You’ll also want to make sure that the design of the toy works for your dog and their habits. If your pup is an aggressive chewer or has an especially large or small jaw, the materials and size of the toy may or may not be appropriate. If your dog is playful, some of the balls or fetch models might provide the best engagement.
Similarly, if you have a dog who loves a good challenge, some of the puzzle toys can help to alleviate boredom and keep them on their toes. If your dog wolfs down their meals, you’ll want to consider toys that dispense food slowly to promote healthy eating habits. There are even options for dogs who need extra dental care!
As a pet parent, you’ll also want to look at how easy the toy is to clean, how much food it can fit, and whether or not your dog’s favorite treats will work in a specific toy.
How We Chose
The treat-dispensing dog toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized durability, safety for teeth and gums, capacity, and challenge level. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.
