Puzzle toys challenge our dog’s brains and make them work for their food—just as nature intended. The best puzzle toys for your dog also provide mental stimulation to help tire your dog out so they don’t turn their energy towards destruction. As puzzle toys have grown in popularity and recommendation, so have the types, range, and quality of toys available.
“Science has shown that dogs actually have more enjoyment of food they’ve had to work to receive,” explained Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, Veterinarian and Founder of Petlearnia. “A dog can gulp a bowl of food in seconds, but making it last longer not only improves the enjoyment, it also reduces boredom, the risk of bloat, and improves satiety,” she added.
We’ve split the best 17 puzzle toys for dogs into four categories: beginner, skill-building, advanced. And a special category for extra-durable options (perfect for enthusiastic chewers).
The Best Beginner Dog Puzzle Toys
For puppies or older dogs without any experience of puzzle toys, these beginner-level toys help your dog develop their problem-solving skills.
Best All-Round Puzzle Toy: KONG Classic Dog Toy
The perfect introduction to the world of puzzle toys—every good dog deserves a KONG! This instantly recognisable toy has a hollow interior that can be stuffed with all manner of tasty goodies. Try stuffing with dog-safe peanut butter, chunks of veggies, or cubes of cheese. Your dog will get plenty of mental stimulation as they figure out how to get their treat from inside the KONG. For an added challenge, freeze the stuffed KONG before giving it to your dog.
Key Features:
- Great for puppies and novice dogs alike
- Available in a range of models
- Made from non-toxic rubber
- Long-lasting
Worth watching:
- Make sure to choose the right model for your dog
- Can be hard to clean
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Hide-and-Seek: ZippyPaws Zoo Friends Plush Puzzle Toy
This cute, soft toy from ZippyPaws is a great choice for puppies and older dogs alike. Place the three plush monkeys in the soft banana and watch as your dog pulls them out one by one. Each monkey has a squeaker inside for added enrichment. If your dog isn’t overly food-motivated but loves playing with toys, this is a great option.
Key Features:
- A great choice for beginner dogs or puppies
- Soft on your dog’s teeth and gums
- Easy to solve
- A good alternative to food-based games
Worth watching:
- Some dogs may chew the soft fabric
- Small monkey toys may get lost over time
Where to buy: Amazon
Best Long Lasting Boredom Breaker: Benebone Indestructible Dog Chew Toys
This fish-shaped, long-lasting chew from Benebone doesn’t look like your typical puzzle toy, but it is designed to keep your dog entertained for hours. The slightly curved shape makes it easy for them to hold in their paws, while the fishbone sections clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. These durable dog chews are also available in a wide range of other shapes, sizes, and flavours—so try a few and see which one your dog likes best!
Key Features:
- Real salmon flavour
- Choose from five sizes
- Helps clean your dog’s teeth
- Made with only two ingredients
Worth watching:
- Needs replacing at least once a month
- Edges can get rough
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Variety: Pet Impact Enrichment Box
If you’re looking for a range of toys for your puppy or older dog to try out, this enrichment box from Pet Impact is the perfect choice. This contains a selection of four toys—a treat ball, a snuffle mat, a lickimat, and a rope tug toy. This brand also places a high priority on sustainability, so each toy is made using renewable, recycled materials and packaging materials are plastic-free.
Key Features:
- Made in the UK by vets
- Ultra sustainable
- Includes four toys
- Toys are all washable
Worth watching:
- Snuffle mat can slide around on hard surfaces
Where to buy: Amazon
Best Multi-Purpose Puzzle Toy: Jolly Pets Monster Ball Dog Toy
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose toy, this ball from Jolly Pets can be used for games of fetch but then doubles up as a treat ball when you want your dog to get some mental stimulation. Fill the mouth section with pieces of kibble or your dog’s favourite treats and watch them concentrate as they try to release the food. For a longer-lasting option, fill it with a mix of kibble and peanut butter or soft cheese, and freeze it before giving it to your dog.
Key Features:
- Helps clean your dog’s teeth
- Designed for chasing and chewing
- Choose from two different sizes
- The small size makes it a good choice for travel
Worth watching:
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers
Where to buy: Amazon
Best Canine Puzzle Toys for Skill-Building
If your dog has progressed through the beginner-level toys above, they’re probably ready for a new challenge! Intermediate-level toys are perfect for building and developing new skills as your dog levels up their abilities.
Best for Skill Building: Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado IQ Game
Introducing two movements, dogs first need to lift the plastic bones out of their places, and then spin the central section to reveal their treats! You can slowly build up to this, by first allowing your dog to use the toy with the bones removed. Once your dog understands how to swivel the central section, add the bones back in but with the highest edge towards the outside. To make this toy from Outward Hound last even longer, add soft dog treats and then freeze before use.
Key Features:
- Easy to clean
- Holds half a cup of kibble or food
- Made with food-safe materials
- Varying difficulty levels
Worth watching:
- Dogs that love chewing may decide to chew the removable plastic bones
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Tugging and Shaking: PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug
This unique puzzle toy from PetSafe features a transparent bottle, a rope toy, and a rubber chew toy combined. Fill the bottle with treats and watch as your dog works out how to release the treats. As they roll the jug around, pull on the rope, and chew the toy, the food will fall out. If your dog loves tugging and shaking, this is the perfect choice for them, as it’s one of the only puzzle toys we’ve seen with an integrated rope section.
Key Features:
- Unusual design with multiple toys
- Choose from three sizes
- Hand washable
- Holds a large amount of treats
Worth watching:
- Some dogs may find this too challenging
Where to buy: Amazon
Best Long-Lasting Puzzle Toy: Starmark Everlasting Bento Ball
If your dog races through their puzzle toy in no time at all, this Bento Ball treat might be just what they need. The virtually indestructible ball has raised dimples to help clean your dog’s teeth and it’s filled with a long-lasting, chicken-flavoured treat. It might not last for literally forever, but once your dog has finished it, the ball can be filled with treats or kibble for even more fun.
Key Features:
- Dishwasher safe
- Keeps dogs occupied for a long time
- Available in three different sizes
- Customizable opening for carrying difficulty levels
Worth watching:
- Some dogs may get frustrated having to lick the treat
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Speedy Eaters: K9 Pursuits Forage Slider
Perfect for dogs that gobble their dinner, this 2-in-1 interactive puzzle toy is designed to slow down your dog’s eating habits while also encouraging them to solve a fun game at the same time. Pop a few high-value treats (or some of your dog’s regular food) in the hidden chambers, slide the covers over, and watch to see how your dog reacts. This can be used for meals and as a fun game at any time of day.
Key Features:
- Anti-skid base
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free
- Suitable for wet and dry foods
Worth watching:
- May be too big for smaller dogs
Where to buy: Amazon
The Best Advanced Dog Puzzle Toys
As your dog becomes faster at solving their puzzles, it’s time for a new challenge. These advanced toys involve buildable levels of difficulty, to help avoid frustration. Start slow, and build up as your dog’s confidence grows.
Best for Expert Puzzle Solvers: Nina Ottosson Outward Hound MultiPuzzle Toy
If your dog is a puzzle-solving pro, this best-selling toy from Nina Ottosson offers an advanced challenge. The design includes 28 hidden compartments which can only be opened when your dog uses the right combination of sliding and rotating movements. This toy is recommended for expert-level dogs who are confident using puzzle toys with advanced levels of difficulty—otherwise, they may get frustrated.
Key Features:
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for wet and dry food
- Non-toxic, BPA, PVC and Phthalate-free
- Suitable for vigorous chewers
Worth watching:
- Too advanced for some dogs
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Brain Training: Loobani Spin Interactive Dog Puzzle
This spinning puzzle toy from Loobani is designed to challenge your dog as they spin the rolling drum to release treats. The drum can either be attached to the durable bamboo base, or used as a rolling toy designed to engage your dog’s chase reflex. We love the large capacity of this toy—the drum can fit 11 cups of treats or kibble—maximising the amount of satisfied playtime for your pup.
Key Features:
- Large capacity
- Adjustable height settings
- Heavy-duty, no-tip design
- Base made from sustainable bamboo
Worth watching:
- Some dogs may chew the wooden supports
- Very expensive
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for a Challenge: Trixie Mad Scientist Turn Around Interactive Dog Toy
If your dog has solved most other puzzle toys—it’s time for a real challenge! This Mad Scientist toy from Trixie has three rotating “test tube” cups that must be tipped over so the treats can fall out. The tubes can be used without lids, or with the two different openings included with the toy. Varying the challenge in this way helps your dog work their way up to the most difficult level. And if your dog masters this toy—Trixie offers a huge range of other puzzle toys.
Key Features:
- Three levels of difficulty
- Non-slip feet
- Rotating cups are dishwasher-safe
- Challenging design, best for advanced pups
Worth watching:
- Not suitable for enthusiastic chewers
- Some impatient dogs may flip this toy over
Where to buy: Amazon
The Best Canine Puzzle Toys for Durability
Some dogs love to solve puzzle toys—but they also love to chew pretty much anything! If that sounds familiar, then choosing a durable puzzle toy that can stand up to rough play is a priority. Always regularly check any toys for damage, and replace them when they’re looking worn.
Best Multi-Purpose Puzzle Toy: Ruffwear Huckama Rubber Throw Toy
This ball from Ruffwear is the perfect combination of a puzzle toy and a bouncing ball. The holes at either end create a whistling sound as this is thrown through the air, while the irregular shape means it bounces and rolls erratically—which dogs love! After the chasing games are over, fill this treat with small treats or pieces of kibble and watch as your dog rolls the ball around to knock each treat out.
Key Features:
- Made from durable, sustainable materials
- Designed to be soft on your dog’s gums and teeth
- Can be used as a ball and puzzle toy
- Choose from three colours
Worth watching:
- Only suitable for small kibble or treats
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Serious Chewers: West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle Treat Toy
If your dog devours long-lasting chews in mere seconds, the Zogoflex Qwizl toy from West Paw will help slow them down and maximise their mental stimulation. Simply insert a bully stick or other long chew into the centre of this toy, and watch as your dog works out how to get that treat out. West Paw states that this toy is specifically designed to stand up to serious chewers, but it’s still worth inspecting regularly for any damage.
Key Features:
- Designed for heavy chewers
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be recycled
- Choose from four colours and two sizes
Worth watching:
- Only fits certain types of chews
- Can be difficult to insert the chew
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Desctructivr Chewers: Goughnuts Original Chew Ring
If your dog destroys most puzzle toys, then Goughnuts dog toys might be the answer. While it’s not a true puzzle toy, you can cover this toy with peanut butter or other soft foods to increase enrichment and extend playtime. Goughnuts toys are designed with safety in mind, and use heavy-duty, durable materials designed for the most destructive chewers. If your dog does chew through this toy, they offer a lifetime warranty which includes a free replacement
Key Features:
- Available in four sizes
- Guaranteed for life
- Designed for maximum durability
- Vet recommended
Worth watching:
- Very strong rubber smell may put some dogs off
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Durability: SodaPup HoneyPot Treat Dispenser
This fun treat dispenser helps prevent your dog from getting bored but as a bonus, the cute, honey pot design will also make pet parents smile! This toy can be used as a puzzle toy or a slow feeder. For best results, SodaPup recommends filling with a blend of wet and dry food. Try mixing kibble with peanut butter or wet dog food. For an extra challenge, fill and then freeze this toy before use. SodaPup also offers a wide range of enrichment and reward toys for every size and difficulty level.
Key Features:
- Suitable for aggressive chewers
- Made from natural rubber
- Approved by vets
- Made with non-toxic materials
Worth watching:
- Expensive
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for Chewers: K9 Connectables Tuff Stuffer Pro
This puzzle toy can be used on its own, or connected to other K9 Connectables toys for even more varied play. Made with tough materials, the middle of the Tuff Stuffer Pro can be filled with food, while treats can be slotted into the bone-shaped holes around the outside. K9 Connectables are available for a range of play styles and levels of difficulty, so you’re sure to find something to suit your pup.
Key Features:
- Made from strong, natural rubber
- Connects to other toys
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Dishwasher safe
Worth watching:
- Treats used on the outside need to be the right size
Where to buy: Amazon
How to Choose the Right Puzzle Toy
While many toys will hit all the needs, some are designed to be more specific than others. If you are new to choosing puzzle toys, read this first. As cute as certain toys can be, they may not be the right fit for your dog.
Dr. Woodnutt advised that any toy you choose should be carefully matched to your dog’s experience and abilities: a moving toy like a treat ball may be a good option if your dog likes chasing, whereas a snuffle mat is ideal for sniffing dogs like terriers who often prefer to sniff through it to find every last treat.
You’ll want to purchase the right toy based on:
- Health concerns: Will it be used to stop your dog from gobbling their food?
- Entertainment value: Will it be used to tire your dog out on a rainy day?
- Enrichment value: Will the toy fulfill your dog’s needs so they don’t destroy other things?
Tips for helping your dog figure out their toy:
“It’s important to supervise your dog while using their toy,” advised Dr. Woodnutt. “You’ll want to show them how to use it, too—if they seem to be getting frustrated, help them figure it out the first couple of times, or give them a clue.”
- Start with easy puzzles: Introduce your dog to puzzle toys with simple designs. This allows them to understand how they work and builds their confidence. Gradually increase the difficulty with new toys after they solve the puzzle faster and faster.
- Provide positive reinforcement: Puzzle toys can be frustrating at first. Encourage your dog to solve puzzles by offering high-value treats (in the toy), praise, or playtime with the toy or after they solve it. Positive reinforcement creates a positive association with the puzzle toy, making it a rewarding experience.
- Supervise their interaction with the toy closely: When introducing a new toy to your dog, be present during the first play session. This allows you to see how they engage with the new toy and intervene for safety reasons. Monitoring their behaviour also helps identify potential dangers such as choking or swallowing.
How We Curated Our Picks
We selected the puzzle toys above based on our own experiences as pet parents—to some dogs who love solving the most complicated puzzles, and others who prefer an easy win!
Once we rounded up a range of toys, we also took a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide range of retail platforms and spoke with veterinary experts.