10 Best Interactive Dog Toys Reviewed & Rated in 2024

Entertainment Value

There are squeak toys, and then there's the Outward Hound Hide. This brilliant creation features several plush toys that are hidden through the "tree trunk" base, designed to heighten your dog's hunting skills. Each toy squeaks when it's chewed which will increase your dog's desire to find each one. It comes in four different sizes depending on your dog's needs and will serve to improve their sense of smell as well as their natural foraging instinct. When not in use as a puzzle, these squirrels can easily be pulled out and used as chew toys or to play fetch, providing you with a great bang for your buck. It's a smart toy for the even smarter pup.

Physical Development

This is one puzzle that will never get old for your dog. Each toy can be hidden in a different hole and the more you switch it up, the more your dog will learn. It's great to ward off boredom and provides a suitable form of play.

Ease of Use

The versatility of this toy is something that we really appreciate. As opposed to most dog puzzles that are straight-forward and only have one use, this one has several. It can be used as a reward or just a way to entertain your dog when they're feeling a bit restless.

Entertainment Value

The Kong seems to be everyone's favorite go-to dog toy and there's a great reason behind that. Kongs are made with hard rubber and are extremely durable and long-lasting, which is an excellent option for larger dogs who love to chew on things. It's very rare that these deteriorate quickly or cease to last over the span of several months to a year which is why they're a great investment. This Kong, in particular, is perfect for large dog breeds. It's designed to hold things such as tennis balls and squeaky toys in order to engage and interest your pup. The handles on the side allow for easy throwing which provides a modernized twist on the traditional game of fetch. This won't likely get lost or be destroyed easily no matter how hard your dog bits or paws at it.

Entertainment Value

The indestructibility of Kong toys is what has us so enamored with them for larger dog breeds. Toys such as these can go through plenty of abuse and withstand it all, making them one of your dog's favorite toys, too.

Ease of Use

There's some decent versatility when it comes to using this Kong creation. You can shake it, roll it, or even play tug of war with your dog in order to keep them from getting bored. This toy also floats which would make it a great pool or water toy as well.

Entertainment Value

Puppies have lots of energy! Dogs in general burn through activities. These flip boards and puzzles offer quiet, creative ways to keep your dog entertained without requiring lots of room to run around or someone to play fetch! The challenges all motivate dogs through a rewards system to keep them coming back for more.

Physical Development

Based on the training level you choose, there are different designs. All of the games requires dogs to repeat an action to receive treats, though. These increase dogs’ critical thinking and dexterity as they work for their favorite food!

Ease of Use

You choose the level of difficulty for your dog! In the easiest manifestation, puppies tug on the ropes of this interactive toy tower and treats fall down. At the most challenging level, there are four different games dogs can play that involve nosing tiles aside, tugging on ropes, lifting up cones, and moving knobs.

Entertainment Value

An interior disc allows you to adjust the difficulty of this ball so that dogs don’t quickly figure out the trick and get bored of it. This is a fun take on the slow feed bowl idea as it won’t release food or treats all at once. It’s available in 2”, 3” and 4” diameters so you can choose the best size for your pet.

Physical Development

Due to the need to solve puzzles for their food, this dog toy helps to slow down your puppers’ eating habits. This can help to prevent bloating and indigestion. It also forces them to be active, building healthy hearts and muscles.

Ease of Use

Tired of scrubbing inside tiny, hard to reach places? Our Pets designed this ball with your comfort in mind. It easily disassembles for quick washing and maintenance. Make sure you’re not purchasing this for a toy-sized dog though, as their little mouths and noses get stuck easily.

Entertainment Value

Is your dog a tough chewer? Or perhaps you have a puppy who just can't stop gnawing on your pillows? If this is you, then this toy is for them. This durable toy by West Paw is specifically designed with aggressive chewers in mind and will have them searching for this toy rather than the legs of your couch. It's built to last and completely non-toxic, making it safe for long-term use. It's not likely to be destroyed and with one unique added feature, your dog won't be looking to do that anyway -- This toy can be stuffed with all types of goodies! This takes the attention away from destroying the actual toy and directs your dog's focus to the delicious treats awaiting them inside. They'll be fit in there snugly, but not too much so that your dog won't be able to get them out. With a bit of work and effort, your dog will have a toy that addresses their chewing issues while also providing them with a reward for not chewing up your shoes instead.

Physical Development

This is the perfect training toy for dogs that just can't seem to stop chewing. This can be a very problematic habit not only because of what can be destroyed but because not everything dogs chew on is safe for them. This toy will redirect their attention and give them something safe to chow down on without putting them in harm's way.

Ease of Use

What you stuff inside this toy is up to you and that's what makes it so great. You can store frozen treats on hot summer days or even fill them with bits of dog food or your pup's favorite treats. Either way, they'll be distracted enough to investigate their new favorite toy a bit further.

Entertainment Value

Similar to the idea behind the squirrel burrow, this toy works in very much the same way except it's low to the ground rather than towering high. That makes it suitable for small dogs who are prone to digging rather than sniffing things out. It's a good way to prevent your dog from digging in the yard, couch, chairs, etc., and will easily cure them of their boredom. This plush dog toy is safe for all types of breeds and while it's not designed for aggressive chewing, it will help them hone in on some natural skills. ZippyPaws promises hours of fun with this interactive barn and it's a great option for small and medium-sized pups. You'll also have a choice of seven other fun themes, all with the same benefits as the pig barn.

Physical Development

While many toys are designed for medium to large dog breeds and aren't necessarily small-dog-friendly, we love that this one is. Many small dogs don't need something that's built for aggressive chewing or durability and this is a great option for them.

Ease of Use

This toy can be easily reused time and time again in order to ward off boredom and have your dog practice their burrowing skills. Each squeaky plush toy can be placed in a different location, making the game unique and different each time it's played.

Entertainment Value

This neat little puzzle is one of the easier ones out there but still serves as a great learning
source for all types of dogs. It's versatile and will suit any breed which is one of the reasons we included it on our list. With multiple places for hiding treats or even food, dogs will love learning how to flip over these tiny hatches to find the goodies that await them inside. This game is great for slowing down eating or just for teaching your dog something new. Since it is relatively easy compared to other puzzles, it's more dog-friendly and not as intimidating for dogs that are initially unsure of themselves. It's also a great way to build trust between you and your pup as you can easily show them how it's done.

Physical Development

There are two different ways that dogs can work their way into each treat holder. The first is by flipping a door open and the second is by knocking the cover off each one. This teaches your dog how to use logic and reasoning in order to find the hidden treats inside.

Ease of Use

This puzzle is super easy to clean which is also what puts it fairly high on our list of favorite puzzle-themed toys. With a little soap and water, this toy will be ready for use again in no time.

Physical Development

For a bit more of a challenge, why not try this fun puzzle? Ethical Pets has designed this puzzle in such a way that provides an adequate challenge for the most determined of dogs. Rather than simply flipping open doors or uncovering trays, dogs will be encouraged to slide certain pieces on the board in order to reveal the openings adjacent to them. This provides a significant challenge and will really test your dog's ability to hung treats down while using all the skills they have. This toy hasn't been overcomplicated and can be used by any breed, but it definitely takes a bit of patience and maybe even a helping hand to help them become engaged.

Entertainment Value

Just because this toy says it's great for use by dogs doesn't mean that it can't be used by other pets, too. Cats will also benefit greatly from a puzzle such as this, as they're analytical creatures by nature.

Ease of use

We like that this toy provides somewhat more of a challenge than the others. It takes treat-hunting to the next level and will really encourage pets to work for what they're smelling.

Entertainment Value

If you have multiple dogs in the household and want to get everyone up and playing together, try throwing a few of these out in the yard together. It’s a simple enough concept that it won’t frustrate dogs or bore them when they can’t figure it out quickly enough, and it forces them to be active if they want their rewards.

Physical Development

The soft rubber helps with sensitive gums and prevents enamel decay. Pups will love the texture of this ball as well as the challenge of rolling it around to get their treats to fall out! It’s not a toy that requires a lot of technique or method, they just have to be willing to be active.

Ease of Use

Putting treats in is a bit of a process unless you have a funnel handy. Use larger treats for better results as smaller treats will more easily roll out of the holes between the inner and outer ball.

Entertainment Value

This unique take on a traditional hunt-and-sniff toy is truly one of a kind and will have your dog sniffing their favorite mat even when there's no kibble in it. It's versatile and great for training, but also a great source of random fun, too.

Physical Development

If you have space, this SNiffiz Mat is perfect for dogs who love to use their sniffer and seek out treats, toys, and anything else that will pique their interest. This mat is versatile and serves as a sweet way to get your dog to slow down on their eating habits, making it very useful for puppy training. By filling the seemingly "hidden" pouches will a bit of kibble, you can encourage your dog to sniff out the food they love inhaling so much. It's the perfect (cute!) way to train your dog to ease up on how quickly they eat while also making eating fun. For dogs who don't need help in this area, the Snuffle Mat can be a fun way to sniff out their rewards in the form of their favorite treats while also helping them hone in on their hunting skills. Dogs are naturally prone to using the sense of smell before anything else, so this mat functions as a fun way for them to exercise that sense.

Ease of Use

This mat serves as a great distraction for dogs who are easily nervous or scared as well. It provides a fun, yet easy, challenge, which will help them to remain occupied and ward off boredom.