Treat-dispensing dog toys
A treat-dispensing toy turns eating into a bit of a task — a dog has to roll, nudge or paw at the toy to release food, rather than having it appear in a bowl — which works well for a dog that finishes meals too fast or needs more to think about.
The different styles, and what they're for
The Ancol Pawty Pinata and Guru Treat Trio both ask a dog to work at getting a treat out through movement and persistence, which suits a dog that enjoys a physical challenge over a purely mental one.
A Dog Snuffle Foraging Mat works differently again, hiding small pieces of food in fabric strips for a dog to sniff out, which taps into scent rather than problem-solving and suits a dog that enjoys nose work.
Getting a new puzzle toy off to a good start
Start with something easy the first few times so your dog succeeds quickly and learns the toy is worth the effort, rather than giving up on a difficult puzzle and losing interest before they understand how it works.
A feeder like the Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl can also double as a way to slow down a whole meal rather than just treats, which is worth considering for a dog that bolts its food generally, not only at treat time.
Cleaning treat-dispensing toys
Anything with a cavity for food needs washing out regularly, not just rinsing, since grease and small food residue can go rancid inside a toy that looks clean from the outside. Most rubber puzzle toys are dishwasher-safe on a top shelf; check the individual product if you are not sure.
A fabric snuffle mat is different again — shake it out after use and wash it occasionally on a gentle cycle, since crumbs left in the fabric strips will eventually attract more than your dog's attention.
In this section
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Interactive Activity Ball Dog Toy with Cover
A bouncy activity ball in a tough zip-on cover that keeps dogs chasing, nudging and herding for hours.
From£23.99
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs with Pump
A large inflatable herding ball with pump that taps into your dog's chase instinct.
From£19.99
Remote-Controlled Jumping Ball Dog Toy
A self-rolling, light-up ball that jumps and rolls to keep dogs entertained. A paw-shaped remote sets three activity gears, so both small and large dogs can chase and play. Rechargeable and tough against chewing.
From£19.99
Inflatable Herding Ball for Dogs
A large inflatable ball too big for a dog to pick up, with a bite-resistant double-layer shell that slow-deflates if punctured, for high-drive chasing and nudging.
£23.99
Inflatable Herding Ball with Handles for Dogs
A large, tough inflatable herding ball that taps into your dog's natural chase-and-nudge instinct. Reinforced bite-resistant fabric and grab handles make it great for active outdoor play with medium and large breeds.
£29.99
Durables Toy Crocodile
The crocodile from Red Dingo's Durables line: solid hardware, hard-wearing materials and a five-year manufacturer guarantee, which is rare enough to be the reason to buy.
£20.49
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Tuffy Junior Zoo Hippo
A junior-sized Tuffy hippo built in bonded layers with webbed, multi-row stitched seams, light enough for smaller dogs and puppies, that floats and is machine washable.
£18.99
No-Stuffing Crinkle Plush Dog Toy
A cuddly stuffing-free plush lion with built-in crinkle and dual squeakers to keep small and medium dogs entertained. Less mess if chewed open, and the soft body is machine washable for easy cleaning.
£10.99
Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw
Meet the Tuffy No Stuff Ultimate Ring Red Paw — one of the toughest dog toys we stock. Tuffy build their toys in multiple bonded layers with several rows of stitching and protective webbing on the seams, so they stand up to serious chewers far better than an ordinary plush. They float, and they’re machine washable (air dry).
£13.99
Chase Buddy Boredom Busting Dog Toy
A sturdy chase toy for dogs left alone for short spells, redirecting the energy that turns into barking, pacing and chewed skirting boards into active play.
£23.99
Common questions
- Are treat-dispensing toys good for anxious or bored dogs?
- They can genuinely help with boredom by giving a dog something constructive to do, and the calm, repetitive effort of working at a puzzle toy can also help take the edge off mild anxiety, though it is not a substitute for addressing the underlying cause.
- Can I use a treat-dispensing toy for a whole meal, not just treats?
- Yes, many owners feed some or all of a dog's daily kibble through a puzzle toy rather than treats specifically, which both slows down a fast eater and adds mental stimulation to an otherwise routine mealtime.
- My dog gives up on puzzle toys quickly — what should I do?
- Start with an easier toy or an easier setting if the toy has one, so your dog gets rewarded quickly and learns that persisting pays off. Increase the difficulty gradually once they are confident, rather than starting with the hardest option available.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.