Best Interactive Dog Toys: 22 Ways To Keep Pups Entertained

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Interactive toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. Mental stimulation is very important for your dog’s happiness and health as well.

If they don’t receive enough stimulation, they might become bored, which can then result in destructive behavior that can make your life with a pet so much more difficult.

There are different types of interactive dog toys so choosing the right one can sometimes be really challenging.

Finding the one that your dog is gonna like might require a lot of time and wasted money, so that’s why we decided to step up, test the choices on the market, and make a list of the best interactive dog toys (2022 edition) that will keep your pup entertained and as happy as ever.

Top 3 Best Interactive Dog Toys

1. Premium Pick: PetSafe Treat & Train – Remote Treat Dispensing Dog Training System

2. Budget Pick: Omega Paw Authentic Tricky Treat Ball

3. Best Value For The Price: ZippyPaws – Zippy Burrow Interactive Squeaky Hide And Seek Plush Dog Toy

The 22 Best Interactive Dog Toys Your Furry Friend Will Love

1. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick puzzle toy is a great interactive toy that provides an interesting occupation for bored dogs. It offers three types of treat-hiding compartments, with obstacles that will keep your furry friend searching and sniffing all day long.

It is designed to be completely safe for your pet, encourage healthy eating habits, and reduce stress and anxiety. This is a reliable brand that you can trust with your dog, and that many dog owners simply adore… dogs also!

It is easy to clean – all you need is a little bit of water and soap. However, if you have a heavy chewer on your hands, you will need to be careful not to leave the dog unsupervised with this toy because he might chew something off and swallow it.

2. Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy For Dogs

Next on our list, we present you Amazon’s number one best seller in the category of plush toys for dogs. The Snuggle Puppy stuffed toy is a great anxiety reliever and calming gadget for all types of dogs.

Since 1997, this wonderful plush toy has helped more than a million dogs all over the world. It’s great for all kinds of training, such as crate and kennel training, and it also provides comfort to dogs so they are less likely to whine, bark, or have anxiety episodes.

Most importantly of all, it will help you have a good night’s sleep without waking up because of your dog’s whining.

However, just as most dog toys, this one is not completely indestructible so you always have to be careful not to let your dog break it apart or swallow something that might be a choking hazard.

RELATED: Puppy Crying At Night In The Crate: Everything You Need To Know

3. Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Interactive Dog Toy

Wobble Wag Giggle ball is a great solution for interactive play, and it is suitable for all dog breeds, sizes, and ages. It offers a great design that makes it easy for your dog to pick it up during playtime, and its interesting “play with me” giggle sound will pique his curiosity.

Not only will this toy keep your pup entertained throughout the whole day, but will also encourage him to be active, and will serve as great physical exercise. Due to its interesting sounds, this dog ball will also be suitable for blind dogs since they are able to track it down while it rolls.

If you have a particularly active dog that likes to chew a lot, be aware of the possibility of your dog breaking it. It is meant to be used as a prop for you to play with your dog by rolling it on the ground – not as a chew toy.

4. Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Pet Toy

Starmark’s treat dispensing dog toy is a great wobble toy for your pooch to play with, and it can also fit almost three cups of your dog’s favorite meal-time food. It also offers you a possibility to change the level of difficulty with its adjustable openings at the top and the bottom of the toy.

Additionally, it serves as a slow feeder for dogs that eat too fast, but if your dog is a chewer, then this is definitely not the toy for him. On the other hand, it doubles as a cat toy, which many cat owners have testified to.

So, if you have both a cat and a dog as family pets, this may be a great choice for both of them to play with.

5. Dog Toys Soccer Ball With Grab Tabs

This soccer ball with grab tabs is a great interactive dog tug toy for playing tug-of-war. Since it has nylon tabs sewn into it, it is easier for doggies to fetch, toss, tug, and retrieve.

The soccer ball material that is used in the making of this toy gives it a great bounce that dogs will love. Due to its ultra bounciness and lightweight structure, it is also suitable for water play (lake, pool, and beach).

Keep in mind that this is solely an interactive dog toy, and is not suitable for chewers and destroyers.

6. Pet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball Flashing Interactive Chew Toy For Small Dogs

If your dog likes flashing and squeaking toys, this one is definitely a great option for him. Pet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball is as interesting as its name suggests.

It is motion activated, so if your dog passes near it or breathes on it, it will be activated and start its playful banter. This toy is durable, long-lasting, and great for dogs of all sizes. Additionally, it will be great for visually impaired dogs, but perhaps not for those sensitive to light flashes.

Many pet owners have stated that it is pretty loud, and it has no on/off switch, so you should keep this in mind before purchasing it if you don’t like the sound of that.

7. OurPets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Dog Toys

What if you could have a slow feeder, a puzzle game, a treat dispenser, and a snuffle mat all in one? Well, this OurPets IQ Treat Ball lets you have all of that in just one interactive toy.

It is available in two different sizes: 3-inches, which is more suitable for smaller dog breeds, and 4-inches for larger dogs. It also has adjustable levels of difficulty, so while your dog is getting smarter by playing with it, you can, at the same time, step up the game and make it harder each time.

It provides you with a great alternative for slow-feeding bowls and snuffle mats, and at the same time, it encourages your dog to exercise more. Since it is made from plastic, it might not be great for heavy chewers, and it would need to be supervised; otherwise, it will get destroyed.

8. DR Catch Dog Food Puzzle Feeder Toys For IQ Training & Mental Enrichment

DR Catch’s dog food puzzle toy is a great educational game and fun interactive way for puppies (and cats, also!) to improve their IQ, provide mental enrichment, and encourage slow feeding habits.

You can fill it up with the healthiest dog treats, and puppies will have a wonderful time trying to slide the parts in order to find the food. Not only does this toy provide great mental stimulation, but it also train’s the pet’s sense of smell and his instincts.

A lot of trainers recommend this toy if your dog is getting bored during meal time or refusing to eat. It also doubles as a cat toy, which is great if you are looking for something to improve your cat’s feeding habits.

9. Dog Training Ring Fitness Tool Flying and Floatable Disc Interactive Pet Toy

If you are looking for something that will be equally good at entertaining your dog as well as training, this PetSpy dog fitness ring is a great way to achieve both. Playing is a great way to build your relationship with your furry friend, and this interactive pet toy may help you with that.

The L-sized ring is perfect for medium to large dog breeds, and great for training your pup to run, jump, and pull. Its efficient design lets you transport it easily, and its bright colors will make sure you are not able to lose it from your sight.

It is made from safe and soft eva material that is safe for your dog’s teeth and gums. It can be used in water if your dog prefers to play some water sports, but either way, this toy is a great way to exercise, train, and entertain.

10. KONG – Classic Dog Toy

This is one of the classic dog toys that many dogs and dog owners worldwide simply love. A lot of veterinarians around the world recommend this toy as being one of the best on the market for a dog’s interactive play.

This toy can help you with problems such as chewing, teething, boredom, separation anxiety, barking, and digging. It can also be used in an exciting game of fetch, but if you stuff it with your dog’s favorite snack (treats, kibble, peanut butter…), he will love it even more.

If you want to challenge your dog even more, freeze it for four to six hours before giving it to your pup. Try it and see for yourself why so many people love it.

READ ALSO: Why Is My Dog Barking At Nothing?

11. West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle Treat Toy

Many pet owners deal with heavy chewers at home, so this durable dog toy that is made specifically for aggressive chewers will be perfect to keep them entertained and keep you sane.

It features a hidden treat inside that your dog has to find, which will keep him busy for hours and save some of your valuable furniture. It can also be used as a fetch toy afterward.

It is really easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe, which is a great plus for pet owners because it saves a lot of time trying to clean smelly dog toys.

12. Omega Paw Authentic Tricky Treat Ball

The Omega Paw Authentic Tricky Treat Ball is a great way to give your canine friend much-needed exercise and keep him focused and challenged throughout the day.

It can be filled with your pup’s favorite kibble, which will just make him more excited to play with it. This treat ball is great for mental stimulation and active foraging, but please do remember that it is not a chew toy, but something your dog has to play with.

If your dog easily figures out how to get the treats from the ball, you can put fewer treats inside or change the treat size to make it harder.

13. PetSafe Large Sportsmen Barnacle Pet Chew Toy

This multi-chambered large barnacle chew toy offers your pup a great entertaining experience that will randomly disperse the treats while your dog plays with it. This will keep him very excited throughout the day.

It features a treat meter that you can trim to your own wish, and customize the rate at which the treats will be dispersed. If you want to improve the dog’s experience, you can smear peanut butter all over the toy, which will make him play with it even more.

14. TRIXIE Dog Activity Turn Around Game

This Trixie turn around game offers your dog a very fun time and exciting experience. It is also suitable for cats as it is meant to be for small to medium-sized dogs.

Some of the best qualities that this interactive dog toy offers are: durability – (you will hardly have to tighten or adjust any part after playtime), easy to clean – it is quiet, really easy to set and load up, and there are no pieces that you have to collect or keep track of.

If you want to change the level of difficulty, just mix and match the different lids and that should do the trick. It may take your pup some time to figure it out in the beginning, but after he does, he will definitely love it.

15. ZippyPaws – Zippy Burrow Interactive Squeaky Hide-And-Seek Plush Dog Toy

This beautifully-designed unicorn interactive dog toy is one of the highest rated ones on Amazon. It is a very high-quality product that is safe and durable, perfect for modern dog owners.

It is made of three adorable unicorns that the dog has to dig out, with a twist that each unicorn has one high-quality squeaker that will intrigue your pooch even more. Great for providing your dog with a bit of mental challenge.

However, although this product is very safe for dogs, it is not recommended for aggressive chewers because it is made of plush material which they can break off easily.

16. LOOBANI Dog Outdoor Bungee Hanging Toy

If you have a big garden or a yard, and you’d prefer your dog to play outside, we have found something for you — the LOOBANI outdoor bungee hanging toy.

Just secure it to a tree and watch how your dog spends hours playing with it while you rest a little bit or do some of your chores. It is recommended for Pitbulls, but it is also safe for small to large dog breeds and aggressive chewers.

It is really easy to hang, and the height can be adjusted to match your dog’s height perfectly. Don’t worry – it is made from indestructible dual-spring bungee cord, so it can resist your dog’s pulling all day long.

However, be careful as to which tree you secure it to (make sure the tree can handle the pulling), and don’t let your dog play without supervision.

17. AWOOF Snuffle Mat Pet Dog Feeding Mat

Dogs love to sniff around, and dogs love food, and when you combine these two in one, you get a snuffle mat that your pooch is going to love.

This is an extra fun activity for your dog that will keep him entertained for a long time. The AWOOF snuffle mat is made of thick oxford cloth and metabolic polar fleece, which are high-quality materials that are durable, odorless, and non-toxic to ensure the highest possible safety.

They also provide four additional feeding games for extra-smart and experienced pups, so you don’t have to worry that your pup is going to get bored with it. The only downside is that it is a little bit more on the pricier side, but as many wonderful reviews state, it is very much worth it.

18. Benebone Dental Durable Dog Chew Toy For Aggressive Chewers

Having to deal with an aggressive chewer can sometimes be a real nightmare, so the perfect dog chew toy is something that you absolutely need.

Benebones are super tough and suitable even for the most aggressive chewers out there. They should be able to last for weeks. They offer three different flavors and three sizes, so if your dog does not like the chicken flavor, you can try the bacon or peanut one.

Like all toys, this one comes with a risk warning. Make sure to supervise your dog’s playtime, and if you notice any breakage on the toy, replace it as soon as possible.

19. Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher

Does your dog like a game of fetch? If yes… perfect because we are presenting you an innovative ball launcher that will upgrade the throwing speed and the distance to provide your dog with the challenge to run faster and further.

The Chuckit! tennis ball launcher is a great product that will strengthen your relationship with your pet, and provide your dog with the best entertaining experience. It is great for dogs with a high-prey drive because it will tire them out and help satisfy some of their needs.

A great advantage of this product is that it folds so it is easy to carry around. Plus, it is super long so you can pick up the ball without bending over, which is great for owners with mobility issues.

20. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle

The Hide-A-Squirrel dog puzzle toy is a fun way to provide mental and physical stimulation and keep your dog’s tail wagging. This 2-in-1 interactive toy can be great to engage your dog’s natural hunting instincts, but also for a little bit of fetch with the squeaky plush toys.

The interesting animal design will keep your dog curious and interested at all times. Besides the squirrel shape, they also offer various other animal designs, such as a bee, a bird, a hedgehog, a raccoon, and others.

Be aware of the possibility that your dog might rip off the toys, especially if he is a chewer, so supervision is always recommended.

21. HOLYSTEED Latex Dog Squeaky Toys

All dogs love squeaky, fun toys, and small dog breeds are no exception, so we present you this HOLYSTEED squeaky toy that your small pup is going to absolutely adore.

Made from high-quality latex material, these toys are completely safe for pets (toxic-free, chemical-free, and lead-free). The soft, fun, and bouncy design of these toys will be great for all sorts of interactive dog play, which can also be a great bonding experience.

Each toy comes with a built-in voice device that makes squeaky noise, which will get your dog even more excited and eager to play.

22. PetSafe Treat & Train – Remote Treat Dispensing Dog Training System

Lastly on our list, we present you with something that requires a bit more money; however, it is a high-quality product with many benefits, so it is worth it.

PetSafe Treat and Train is a treat-dispensing dog toy that also serves as a training device. It helps you train the dog through praise and positive reinforcement by giving a reward in the form of food for a desired behavior, and best of all – train from a distance.

Many happy customers have stated that this device has helped them greatly with socializing reactive dogs, with separation anxiety, noises, doorbells, nail trimmings, and much more.

Although it is an expensive purchase, it opens up all sorts of training options that can be extremely beneficial to you and your doggie.

What Are The Benefits Of Interactive Toys?

We have already mentioned that interactive toys are great for mental stimulation, but do they have any other benefits for dogs?

Of course, they do. Interactive toys offer many benefits to your dog, and provide a fun solution to many problems.

First and foremost, they are always mentioned in the context of mental stimulation because they help stimulate the dog’s brain, encourage him to solve problems, keep him active, and prevent many neurological health conditions from happening.

They are the most effective way to keep your dog entertained and not bored, especially when you have to be out for work or do some errands. They will be able to play by themselves, and will hardly notice you’re gone. Read “how to keep a dog entertained while at work” for more tips and tricks.

Many interactive toys will have a positive effect on stress and anxiety, and will keep away destructive behavior. They also help satisfy natural hunting instincts because this kind of play stimulates the same receptors used in hunting.

These toys are also great for getting your dog busy and giving him a job to do, which most dogs love. If your dog is more of a lazy dog breed, most of the interactive dog toys will be a great reason for him to move a little bit, which is great for his weight management and overall health.

Lastly, a lot of doggies are known for “inhaling” their food, so something like a treat dispensing toy or a treat puzzle toy will be a great way to slow down their eating and stop many health issues from happening.

RELATED: Why Is My Dog Obsessed With A Ball – Reasons And Solutions

FAQs

What Is The Best Interactive Toy For A Puppy?

Puppies are usually highly energetic, so they need a toy that will match their energy and be able to satisfy their need for entertainment. Since they are still growing dogs in development, they need mental stimulation that will be adapted to their size and age.

Cognitively-challenging toys that are able to teach puppies some skills are the best ones for them because not only do they provide entertainment, but also a valuable lesson.

OurPets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Dog Toys and DR Catch Dog Food Puzzle Feeder Toys For IQ Training & Mental Enrichment are two wonderful examples of interactive toys for puppies, which are great for improving healthier feeding and IQ.

What Is The Best Toy For Bored Dogs?

Bored dogs are usually up to no good. They will resort to all kinds of behavior like chewing your favorite shoes or destroying something in the house. In order to prevent that, you need to find some ways to stimulate your pup and keep him active.

A durable dog toy that is made from a good material, provides treats, and will keep your dog entertained for hours is an excellent solution for pups that are seeking something fun to do. KONG – Classic Dog Toy is one of the classic interactive dog toys that you must try.

READ ALSO: My Puppy Won’t Stop Biting Me, I’ve Tried Everything: 10 Ways To Stop It

What Is The Best Interactive Toy For A Dog With Separation Anxiety?

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety need something that will calm them and, at the same time, keep them highly entertained so that they don’t even notice that you are gone.

The Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy For Dogs is a great example of an interactive dog toy that is designed to calm your pup and offer him relief from his anxious behavior.

This toy can also serve as the perfect buddy for your dog, which will keep him company while you are away and reduce negative behavior. Its heartbeat (imitation of a human heartbeat) and a heat pack will provide him comfort and warmth while cuddling.

What Is The Best Interactive Dog Toy For A Dog That Is Blind?

Blind dogs are not like other average dogs – they have special needs and preferences, even when it comes to interactive toys.

When looking for the best interactive dog toy for a blind dog, always look for interesting sounds because blind dogs rely more on their other senses, such as hearing and smell. Scented toys are also a great choice that will keep your pup busy and happy.

When it comes to food, blind dogs are the same as sighted dogs. They absolutely love eating, so treat-dispensing toys should be a great choice in allowing your dog to enjoy playtime like never before.

The AWOOF Snuffle Mat and ZippyPaws Squeaky Hide And Seek Plush Dog Toy are two amazing examples of interactive toys that your visually-impaired pup will definitely enjoy.

To Sum Up…

There are many interactive dog toys on the market, but not all of them are the same quality or suitable for your dog. Before purchasing any product, take your dog’s personality and behavior traits into consideration in order to find the best one that will satisfy your pup’s needs.

Here, we have provided you with 22 examples of the best interactive dog toys for this year, and we sincerely hope that you like our top picks, and that at least some of them will be a great match for you.

PupVine’s advice:

• Look for high-quality, durable, and safe products

• Make sure not to overfeed your pup with treat-dispensing toys

• Supervise your dog’s playtime

• Lastly, don’t ever let toys replace actual physical exercise or precious quality time with your beloved pooch!

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