Best Interactive Toys and Feeders for Border Collies
A Border Collie that paces the kitchen is usually asking for something to do. The right toys and feeders turn that energy into a game.
Part of my smart dog breeds guide.
Why Border Collies Need Special Attention
Picture this: Skye, a Border Collie in North Vancouver, finished her walk, her training and a round of fetch, and still followed her owner from room to room.
Border Collies are known for their intelligence and energy. They enjoy toys that give them a task, so choose ones that ask them to think as well as move.
Interactive Dog Toys for Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders ask your Border Collie to work for treats. The PawSlide Interactive Puzzle Feeder releases kibble when your dog pushes the paw slider, and the 2 Layer Rotating Treat Cases Puzzle Feeder adds a turn-and-nudge challenge. My step-by-step guide shows how to use a puzzle feeder with your Border Collie.
Slow Feeder Bowls for Border Collies
A slow feeder bowl stretches mealtime into an activity. The Sunset Design has a maze base that slows gulping, and the Slow Feeder Dog Bowls collection has more shapes. See my slow feeder dog bowls guide for how they work.
Chew Toys for Your Energetic Pup
Some Border Collies love to chew. Browse the Dog Chews collection, and check the size and supervise play with any chew toy, such as the Crocodile Dog Chew Toy.
Border Collie vs French Bulldog: Toys and Feeders
Not all dogs need the same toys. A Border Collie and a French Bulldog live very differently.
| Feature | Border Collie | French Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | Very high | Low to moderate |
| Play style | Tasks and problem-solving | Relaxed, simple play |
| Toy ideas | Puzzle feeders, treat dispensers | Soft toys, simple treat dispensers |
| Mealtime | Slow feeder and puzzle feeder | Slow feeder bowl |
| Walks | Long walks and active play | Short walks and indoor play |
| Home | Active homes with a routine | Apartments and smaller homes |
Picking the Right Toy for the Dog You Have
The best product is the one that matches your dog. For a present idea, see my Border Collie gift ideas, and for the full list of breeds, read smart dog breeds and interactive toys. Living with a German Shepherd too? Try mental games for German Shepherds.
What toys suit a Border Collie? Puzzle feeders, treat dispensers and toys that give a task, along with a slow feeder bowl for mealtime.
How do I start a Border Collie on a puzzle? Begin at the easiest level, use a few treats and praise every win. See my step-by-step guide.
Should I supervise chew toys? Yes. Check the size and supervise play with any chew toy.
Give a clever dog something to figure out. Browse the Mental Stimulators and the Interactive Pet Toys.
Related smart dog guides
- Smart dog breeds and interactive toys
- How to use a puzzle feeder with your Border Collie
- Border Collie gift ideas
- Mental games for German Shepherds
Shop the collection: Mental Stimulators
Let customers speak for us
Willow loves eating out of this leaf feeder! The construction is very good quality and feels solid/ not like it’s going to break. She is a picky eater and doesn’t normally eat full meals but will eat full meals out of this! Love the grippy bottom so it doesn’t slip. Nothing to complain about :)
Golden Luca is pretty and it has my name and phone number on the flip side.
I bought it for Bao Bei to help him eat slower, also have a unique feeding bowl
He is busy with it for hours and also I can fetch the toy when we want to spend time together
It made Sabar’s meal time more than double and I enjoy watching him eating from his unique bowl
My paw was eating too fast and this bowl helped me to fix this problem
It can keep my cat's busy for a long time, but it should be under supervised I think. Long time playing with it can make them tired!
Maki playing with her ball. 😀
I'm using this stuff to keep my puppy busy and happy everyday.
It keeps my puppy busy for more than 30 mins every time for a meal. and even after that she plays with it around as long as She get tired!
Fun "beginner level" toy. Works for cats too:)
Durable plastic, feels nice.
it is a bit hard on the walls but the cat just watches it. Does not interact with it. The ball works really well for what it is supposed to do.
If it was a bit softer the cat might enjoy it more.
I gave one to a neighbour who's dog loves it. She has a small dog so the size is just right.
Great bowl and such fun. Amazing the difference in time it now takes for my puppy to finish her meals. Much healthier for her! And she loves to play with it once it’s empty
Got this toy for my girl Archie and she absolutely loves it! It’s super durable, keeps her entertained for hours, and the treat dispenser is a fun bonus. Totally worth it
As soon as this ball comes out he gets very excited. The ball allows him to play by himself with the ball. His favourite toy by far.
