9 Best Treat Dispensing Dog Toys For Exciting Playtime

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Dog toys are an essential element in pet care, but the best treat dispensing dog toys can take playtime to a whole new level. These unique puzzle toys not only offer a fun time, but they also keep your dog active and mentally stimulated. When your dog interacts with these types of toys, treats or food will come out, depending on what you fill the toy with.

Would your dog benefit from one of these enriching toys? This article will discuss the important features of treat dispenser toys for dogs and review some of the best products.

Buyer’s Guide: Treat Dispensing Dog Toys

Choosing the perfect treat-dispensing dog toy for your furry companion can be intimidating. There are so many options on the market, so how do you know which one is the best for your pet? The following aspects can help you narrow down your search.

Size

First and foremost, consider the size and breed of your dog. A toy that’s too small can be a choking hazard for larger dogs, but a toy that’s too large might be difficult for a smaller dog to enjoy.

Also, make sure the openings on the toy are suitable for the size of treats you’re using. If you plan to use a variety of treats and food, look for an option with large or adjustable holes.

Materials

Dogs are natural chewers, and some dogs can be aggressive in their chewing. Look for a toy made from durable, non-toxic materials that can withstand your dog’s teeth. If you have a large dog who’s a heavy chewer, a strong rubber toy may be what they need. A puppy or senior dog, especially a smaller breed, may need something that’s easier on their teeth.

Remember that no toy is indestructible. So, always monitor your dog when they’re playing with a treat dispensing toy to ensure they stay safe.

Difficulty Level

The level of difficulty the toy presents should align with your dog’s abilities. A toy that’s too easy will bore your dog, while a toy that’s too difficult can frustrate them. If you’re unsure what level your dog can handle, start with an easy toy or find one that has adjustable difficulties.

Cleaning

Treat-dispensing toys can get messy and need regular cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. Thus, choose a toy that’s easy to clean. Some treat-dispensing toys are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup even easier.

Cost

Lastly, consider your budget. While some treat-dispensing toys may be more expensive due to their unique features or high durability, there are also more affordable options that still provide fun and stimulation for your pet. When in doubt, check the reviews to make sure the product is worth the price.

Best Treat Dispensing Dog Toys

The KONG Wobbler is an interactive dog toy designed to keep your dog engaged and motivated. Shaped like a small weebly-wobbly punch bag, this toy ingeniously combines play and treats. The Wobbler dispenses treats or kibble as your pet pushes, paws, and spins it, offering an exciting challenge for your dog. It’s also an effective tool for slowing down meals for dogs that eat too quickly, thus improving digestion. Made with high-strength, food-grade polymer, it’s durable enough to withstand the rough-and-tumble play of most dogs. Plus, it unscrews for easy filling and cleaning, making it a convenient choice for pet parents.

The Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball is an interactive and adjustable dog toy that’s great for keeping your furry friend busy. This innovative toy is designed to dispense dog treats or kibble as your pet rolls and nudges it. You can adjust its difficulty level, which allows you to control how quickly treats are dispensed. This feature lets you adapt the toy to your dog’s abilities and keep them interested over time. This is one of the best slow-feeding toys, making meal times longer and more engaging for fast eaters. This dog treat dispenser toy is made from hard plastic, providing durability that can stand up to persistent play. It also comes apart easily for cleaning, making maintenance a breeze.

The West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Toy is a versatile and durable product that offers both mental and physical stimulation for your dog. Built with a unique design, this toy can hold a variety of treat types, including training treats, sticks, dental chews, or kibble. Small treats are dispensed as your dog interacts with the toy. It can extend the life of larger treats, turning quick snacks into a longer-lasting, challenging game. The Qwizl is made from West Paw’s non-toxic, recyclable, and dishwasher-safe Zogoflex material, ensuring safe and easy maintenance. It’s also dishwasher-safe and floats in water. Furthermore, it’s designed to withstand the aggressive chewing of even the most enthusiastic dogs, adding to its durability.

The StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Pet Toy is an innovative treat-dispensing toy designed to engage your dog’s mental and physical capabilities. With its unique bobbing and wobbling motion, the Bob-A-Lot dispenses treats or kibble as your dog nudges, paws, and plays with it. The treat dispensing system features adjustable openings to accommodate various sizes of food and control the difficulty level. This toy can hold up to three cups of food, making it an excellent tool for slow feeding and weight management. Its weighted, anti-slip bottom enhances the toy’s bobbing motion, increasing the challenge and making playtime more entertaining. Made from durable, non-toxic plastic, the StarMark Bob-A-Lot is robust and designed to withstand vigorous play.

The Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop Interactive Treat Dispensing Toy offers an engaging play experience for your dog that combines mental stimulation with a satisfying reward. This toy has a unique translucent and pliable design, with a deep crevice that conceals the treats. As your dog interacts with the toy, it dispenses treats, challenging your pet to figure out how to get to them. The flexible material and dynamic shape cause it to pop back into its original form after being squished, adding an additional level of challenge and excitement for your dog. It’s made from non-toxic, recyclable materials that can withstand even the toughest chewers. Also, it’s easy to clean, as the toy can be filled with warm water, shaken, and rinsed to remove residue from treats.

The PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Dog Toy is a great method for slowing down fast eaters and aiding their digestion. It features a clear bottle where treats or kibble can be placed, a rubber ball for chewing, and a rope for tugging. The toy dispenses treats as your dog tugs, chews, and manipulates it, keeping them engaged and mentally stimulated. The design allows dogs to see, smell, and hear the treats inside, which enhances their curiosity and desire to play. The Tug-A-Jug is made from durable, non-toxic materials, ensuring it withstands the most vigorous of play sessions. It’s also available in different sizes, making it suitable for all breeds.

The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble is a spherical toy that has small holes, allowing your dog to smell the treats hidden inside. As your pet rolls and nudges the toy, treats or kibble are dispensed, rewarding their efforts and encouraging more play. It’s constructed from food-safe, BPA-free plastic, and it’s durable enough to withstand heavy chewing. This company makes a variety of puzzle toys, and this one is a Level 1 toy, meaning it’s a great mental stimulation ball for beginners. If your dog quickly gets the hang of using this one, you can buy a higher-level toy to challenge them.

The OurPets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Food Dispensing Toy dispenses treats or kibble as your dog rolls it around, offering a rewarding challenge. One of the best parts is that you can adjust its difficulty level to cater to all dogs. By twisting the ball, you can change the size of the treat-dispensing opening, making it harder or easier for your dog to get the food. Thus, as your dog gets the hang of it, you can raise the difficulty. This toy can slow down meal times, promoting healthier eating habits for dogs that eat too quickly. It’s made from durable, non-toxic plastic that can withstand strong chewers. It can be taken apart for easy cleaning, ensuring hygiene while prolonging the life of the toy.

The West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Toy is a durable, innovative toy designed to engage your pet while satisfying their natural urge to chew. This toy features a unique, three-lobed shape that’s perfect for stuffing with treats or kibble. Once filled, the toy dispenses the goodies as your dog chews, tugs, and tosses it. Its high durability makes it suitable even for aggressive chewers. It’s made from non-toxic, recyclable materials, and it’s also dishwasher-safe, making cleaning easy. Furthermore, it’s designed to bounce erratically, adding an element of surprise during fetch games. Plus, it comes in two sizes so both small and large dogs can enjoy it.

Related: 9 Best Heartbeat Puppy Toys

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Treat Dispensing Dog Toys Safe?

Most dog toys that dispense treats are safe, but the safety largely depends on the quality of the toy. Your dog’s size and chewing behavior are also factors. Always look for toys made from non-toxic, durable materials, and ensure the size of the toy is appropriate for your dog. Plus, supervision during playtime is always recommended.

What Type of Treats Work Best for a Treat Dispensing Dog Toy?

You can use a wide range of treats in a treat-dispensing toy, including kibble, small biscuits, or specially-designed treat inserts. However, avoid wet or semi-moist food and treats since they could get clogged in the toy. The type of treat you use will depend on the design of the toy and your dog’s dietary needs and preferences. Always ensure the treats are safe and suitable for your pet.

Can I Use Treat Dispensing Dog Toys for Mealtime?

Yes, many pet owners use treat-dispensing toys to feed their dogs. This can slow down the eating process, which can help prevent issues like bloating in dogs that tend to eat too quickly. It also turns mealtime into a fun and engaging activity.

How Do I Clean a Treat Dispensing Dog Toy?

Cleaning methods vary depending on the toy. Some are dishwasher-safe, while others need to be washed by hand. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended cleaning method. It’s important to clean these toys regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

Are There Treat Dispensing Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers?

Yes, certain treat-dispensing toys are designed with tough chewers in mind. For example, KONG and West Paw are known for making durable treat dispensing toys. However, no toy is indestructible, so monitor your dog while they chew.

Can Treat Dispensing Dog Toys Help with Separation Anxiety?

Treat-dispensing toys can provide mental stimulation and physical activity, which can help alleviate some symptoms of separation anxiety. However, they should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to managing separation anxiety, and not as the only solution.

Are Treat Dispensing Dog Toys Good for Training?

Yes, treat-dispensing toys can be great tools for training. They can be used to teach your dog problem-solving skills, reward good behavior, or distract them during stressful situations.

Final Thoughts

The products in this article are just a handful of the best treat dispensing dog toys on the market. Choosing the right one for your pet will depend on their size, breed, preferences, and chewing behaviors. Regardless of which toy you select, always supervise your dog during playtime, and inspect the toy regularly for signs of damage. In the end, the goal is to provide a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for your canine companion.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.