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.
Smart Choice Treat Dispensing Birthday Cake Dog Toy
TPR birthday cake treat dispenser dog toy, approximately 14cm, in assorted colours
£5.99
Wobble Carrot Tumbler Treat-Dispensing Dog Toy
A wobbling carrot-shaped tumbler that dispenses treats as pets nudge it, rewarding play and slowing eating.
£17.99
Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Dog Toy
A level 1 treat-dispensing ball that turns a handful of biscuits into a job
£10.00
Duck Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toy
A duck-shaped puzzle toy that dispenses treats when your pet presses the paddle.
£36.99
Smart Choice Hide & Seek Treat Birthday Cake
Polyester birthday cake hide-and-seek dog toy with four pieces, squeak and crinkle
£9.99
Guru Rock 'N' Treat
A medium rocking slow-feeder toy with a protected weighted base and over-one-cup capacity
£10.29
Coolpet Frisbee Treat Dispenser Orange
Orange Coolpet frisbee toy combining a lick mat, slow feeder and treat dispenser
£16.69
Rosewood Flingerz Treat Ball Launcher
A 20cm thermoplastic-rubber launcher ball with textured ridges for hiding treats
£10.00
Chase Buddy Boredom-Busting Dog Toy
An interactive chase toy that gives a restless dog somewhere to put its pursuit instinct, providing mental and physical exercise indoors or in the garden.
£14.99
Takeaway Snuffle Hide-and-Seek Dog Toy Set
A novelty takeaway-bag snuffle toy with squeaky, crinkle plush food pieces to hide inside. Encourages natural foraging to keep your dog's nose and brain busy and beat boredom.
From£23.99
Kingdom Fruit Rope Dog Toy
A plush fruit-shaped rope toy with a squeaker in both the head and the body
£6.99
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.
Related
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.