Dog Enrichment Toys by Type: Puzzle, Treat and Chase
Dog enrichment toys come in a few main styles. Knowing the difference makes it much easier to pick the one your dog will love.
Part of my dog enrichment guide. See also: top 5 interactive dog toys.
Puzzle Feeders
A puzzle feeder hides food behind lids, layers or rotating parts. The Honeycomb Puzzle Feeder for Dogs and the Round Puzzle Feeder for Dogs are good examples, and the 2 Layer Rotating Treat Cases Puzzle Feeder adds two rotating cases.
Treat Dispensing Toys
These release food as your dog nudges or rolls them. The Bear Slow Feeder & Treat Dispensing Toy, the Robot Slow Feeder & Treat Dispenser Toy and the Oval Slow Feeder & Treat Dispenser Toy all work this way.
Chase and Fetch Toys
Chase toys add movement. The USB Vibrating Ball Toy bounces and rolls, and the Dog Ball Launcher Toy with Tennis Ball sends a tennis ball 10 to 12 metres. For chewers, browse the Dog Chews collection.
Dog Enrichment Toys Compared
Match the type to your dog.
| Type | What it asks of your dog | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzle feeder | Think and move parts | Honeycomb Puzzle Feeder |
| Treat dispenser | Nudge and roll | Bear Treat Toy |
| Chase toy | Run and chase | USB Vibrating Ball |
| Fetch toy | Run and retrieve | Dog Ball Launcher |
Mixing Toy Types
Most dogs enjoy a mix: a puzzle at meals and a chase game in the afternoon. For more ideas, see dog enrichment toys for mental stimulation and the dog enrichment guide.
What are the main types of dog enrichment toys? Puzzle feeders, treat dispensing toys and chase or fetch toys.
Which type is best for a beginner? A treat dispenser or an open puzzle feeder.
How many toys should I own? A few at a time, rotated every week or two.
The best toy is the style your dog enjoys. Browse the Interactive Pet Toys to find it.
Related dog enrichment guides
Shop the collection: Interactive Pet Toys
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.
