Puzzle Toys in U.K.

11 Best Puzzle Toys For Dogs

The best puzzle toys for dogs include hidden compartment puzzles, snuffle mats, licking mats, and hide-and-seek toys. These toys provide mental stimulation and physical activity while challenging your dog's problem-solving skills. Choose a toy based on your dog's size, breed, age, and skill level.

Why You Should Trust Us

Handpicked puzzle toys. Our expert researchers, data analysts, and editors have put more than 12 hours of effort into researching the best available puzzle toys for dogs in the United Kingdom. We had researched 113 puzzle toys sold in 5 countries before handpicking the 11 best puzzle toys for dogs.

Hours Researched
12+
Products Researched
113
Products Handpicked
11
Acceptance Rate
9.7%

How to choose The Best puzzle toy:

Puzzle toys for dogs are a great way to keep our beloved dogs entertained and mentally stimulated. These toys often involve a dog solving a problem or figuring out how to get a treat, which can be both fun and challenging. One of the most important features of these toys is that they are interactive and engaging. This means that dogs have to use their natural curiosity and problem-solving skills to play with the toy, which helps develop their cognitive abilities.

Another key feature of puzzle toys is that they come with adjustable difficulty levels. Since dogs have different intelligence and skill levels, it's essential for these toys to be customizable so that each dog can be challenged appropriately. Many puzzle toys have settings that allow pet owners to increase or decrease the difficulty level as needed, making sure their pets stay engaged and challenged during playtime.

It's important for puzzle toys to be made from durable and safe materials. High-quality, non-toxic materials should be used in making these toys so they can withstand a dog's chewing habits without posing any risk to their health. Also, these toys should not have small parts that could potentially cause choking hazards. In short, the best puzzle toys for dogs are those that capture a dog's interest through interactive play while providing adjustable challenges suitable for different skill levels, all while being made from safe and durable materials.

in this article:

product ratings and reviews:

common questions about puzzle toys:

Best Puzzle Toys For Dogs

  1. #1 — Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Dog Toy

    Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Dog Toy reviewOutward Hound Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Dog Toy

    product rating:

    • our rating
      86 out of 100

    If you want to engage your dog and help them improve their problem-solving skills, consider this level 2 puzzle dog toy. It features three unique compartments for hiding treats, ensuring your pet stays mentally stimulated while using their natural hunting instincts to find each hidden reward. The compartments consist of a flip-open lid, a sliding top layer, and hollow brick-style bones for easy treat placement. This interactive toy is ideal for dogs that have already mastered level 1 puzzles and are ready for a more challenging activity.

    Its durable construction is made from removable plastic parts and food-safe materials free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates, ensuring your pet's health remains a priority. The design allows for simple cleaning with warm water and soap between uses. This level 2 puzzle offers a fun and mentally stimulating experience that will keep your dog engaged while testing their problem-solving skills.

    Where to buy in U.K.:

    Price range:

    £20 - £24GBP

    What we like:

    • Easy to clean
    • Different levels of difficulty
    • Wide variety of puzzles
    • Keeps dogs engaged for a longer time

    What could be better:

    • Not suitable for heavy chewers
    • Center blocks need improvement
    read more features and photos

  2. #2 — Trixie Dog Brain Booster Strategy Game

    Trixie Dog Brain Booster Strategy Game reviewTrixie Dog Brain Booster Strategy Game

    product rating:

    • our rating
      84 out of 100

    One of the best features of this dog brain booster strategy game is that it offers four unique puzzles. Each puzzle challenges your dog to use different skills to find hidden treats. The interactive board game has two skittles and recesses with folding and sliding lids, creating a fun and engaging experience for your pet. This medium-difficulty Level 2 game is perfect for small dogs and follows animal welfare standards.

    Another excellent aspect of this brain booster strategy game is its practical design. The non-slip rubber ring makes sure the toy stays stable while your dog plays, preventing accidents or messes. Cleaning up after playtime is easy with its dishwasher-safe construction. You can even use this innovative toy as a slow feeder during mealtime, helping dogs who tend to eat too quickly develop healthier eating habits. With included training instructions, introducing this exciting new game to your pet will be a breeze.

    Where to buy in U.K.:

    Price range:

    £10 - £15GBP

    What we like:

    • Slows down eating
    • Diverse challenges
    • Well constructed
    • Suitable for different pets

    What could be better:

    • Pets may master quickly
    • Not challenging enough for some dogs
    read more features and photos

  3. #3 — KPFIGHT Brainy Buddy Interactive Puzzle Toy

    KPFIGHT Brainy Buddy Interactive Puzzle Toy reviewKPFIGHT Brainy Buddy Interactive Puzzle Toy

    product rating:

    • our rating
      82 out of 100

    The Brainy Buddy interactive puzzle toy is an excellent choice for keeping your pet engaged and mentally stimulated. With its 16-hole dog food dispenser and 11 mobile operation buttons, this well-designed toy extends your pet's feeding time to over 20 minutes. Your pet will slide the sliders to find their food, captivated by the built-in squeak device that grabs their attention. Enjoyable interaction not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet but also enhances their problem-solving abilities and intelligence.

    Safety is a top priority with this interactive puzzle toy, as it's made from non-toxic materials and has no detachable parts. The integrated toys are securely fastened to prevent choking hazards while your pet plays independently. Additionally, four rubber anti-skid pads on the bottom ensure stability on smooth surfaces, so the toy won't tip over during play or mealtime. Perfect for large dogs, puppies, and cats new to puzzles, this treat-dispensing toy encourages natural hunting instincts by allowing pets to use their nose and paw skills in a step-by-step problem-solving process. As an advanced educational tool for dogs, it keeps them busy while reducing boredom and promoting activity for overall wellbeing. In summary, The Brainy Buddy Interactive Puzzle Toy provides a remarkable combination of entertainment value, mental stimulation opportunities, and essential safety features for your beloved pets.

    Where to buy in U.K.:

    Price range:

    £15 - £18GBP

    What we like:

    • Sturdy and well-made
    • Mix of easy and difficult puzzles
    • Easy to clean
    • Rubber pads keep it in place

    What could be better:

    • May be too simple for intelligent dogs
    • Middle components can get stuck occasionally
    read more features and photos

11 Highest Rated Puzzle Toys

  1. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Dog Toy review

    Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Dog Toy

    Perfect for dogs advancing from level 1 puzzles, this interactive toy has three unique compartments - a flip-open lid, sliding top layer, and hollow brick-style bones - to keep them entertained while discovering hidden treats.

    • our rating
      86 out of 100

    • price range:

      £20 - 24GBP
  2. Trixie Dog Brain Booster Strategy Game review

    Trixie Dog Brain Booster Strategy Game

    This strategy game not only provides mental stimulation but is also promoting healthier eating habits while keeping them entertained.

    • our rating
      84 out of 100

    • price range:

      £10 - 15GBP
  3. KPFIGHT Brainy Buddy Interactive Puzzle Toy review

    KPFIGHT Brainy Buddy Interactive Puzzle Toy

    Constructed with non-toxic materials and no detachable parts, this puzzle toy is safe for independent play or mealtime sessions. The rubber anti-skid pads on the bottom provide stability.

    • our rating
      82 out of 100

    • price range:

      £15 - 18GBP
  4. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Puzzle Game review

    Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Puzzle Game

    The toy is suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds with its adjustable difficulty levels. You can place the bones flat or tilt them over treat compartments.

    • our rating
      82 out of 100

    • price range:

      £15 - 18GBP
  7. Outward Hound Puppy Puzzle Treat Game review

    Outward Hound Puppy Puzzle Treat Game

    The toy is made from food-safe materials free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates, ensuring your dog's safety during playtime.

    • our rating
      79 out of 100

    • price range:

      £20 - 24GBP
  8. Ultimate Performance Enhancer review

    Ultimate Performance Enhancer

    With user comfort in mind, the Ultimate Performance Enhancer has an ergonomic design that is easy to use. Its intuitive interface allows quick navigation through settings while giving you control over performance. Customize your experience to fit your preferences.

    • our rating
      79 out of 100

    • price range:

      £25 - 30GBP
  9. Outward Hound Dog Casino Brain Exercise Toy review

    Outward Hound Dog Casino Brain Exercise Toy

    The Outward Hound Dog Casino is a level 3 brain exercise toy that provides your dog with an engaging and mentally stimulating challenge.

    • our rating
      78 out of 100

    • price range:

      £20 - 24GBP
  10. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Twister Puzzle review

    Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Twister Puzzle

    Made from BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free material, this puzzle toy is safe for your pet and easy to clean with warm water and soap. The built-in play pieces prevent choking hazards during playtime.

    • our rating
      78 out of 100

    • price range:

      £20 - 25GBP
  11. Outward Hound MultiPuzzle Dog Puzzle Toy review

    Outward Hound MultiPuzzle Dog Puzzle Toy

    The Outward Hound MultiPuzzle dog toy is crafted from strong, lightweight plastic that lasts through daily use without easily wearing out.

    • our rating
      78 out of 100

    • price range:

      £25 - 30GBP
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Questions About Puzzle Toys

  • What are the benefits of these puzzle toys for dogs?

    Dog puzzle toys offer a fun way to engage your canine's mental and physical abilities while providing numerous benefits. These toys stimulate your dog's mind, helping combat boredom and reduce anxiety. As your dog tackles these puzzles, they exercise not only their brains but also their muscles, promoting overall health.

    Puzzle toys also help slow down fast eaters, reducing choking or indigestion risks. As your dog accesses treats through the toy, they're more likely to savor each bite instead of rushing. Furthermore, these toys foster positive behaviors by providing appropriate outlets for foraging, chewing, and problem-solving, preventing destructive habits.

  • Types of Dog Puzzle Toys and Their Differences

    Dog puzzle toys come in many styles, each with unique challenges and levels of interaction. There are four main types: hidden compartment puzzles, snuffle mats, licking mats, and hide-and-seek toys.

    Hidden compartment puzzles test a dog's problem-solving skills by hiding treats in compartments that the dog must open or move to get the reward. These puzzles have different difficulty levels, from simple one-step solutions to complex multi-step challenges. Some puzzles can be adjusted for dogs with different skill levels.

    Snuffle mats are fabric mats with layers and hiding spots for treats. Dogs use their sense of smell and foraging instincts to find the treats in the mat. Snuffle mats work for dogs of all sizes and breeds, giving mental stimulation and physical activity as the dog searches for treats.

    Licking mats slow down a dog's eating while providing mental stimulation. These mats have textured surfaces for spreading soft treats or wet food. Dogs use their tongue to lick and get the food, which helps calm them and reduce anxiety.

    Hide-and-seek toys have smaller toys or treats hidden within a larger toy for the dog to find. These toys often use plush materials and may not be good for aggressive chewers. Hide-and-seek toys improve a dog's problem-solving skills while giving physical exercise as they search for hidden items.

    When choosing a puzzle toy for your dog, think about their size, breed, age, chewing strength, and problem-solving ability. Start with an easy puzzle toy and make it harder as your dog gets better at solving them. Always watch your dog during playtime with puzzle toys to make sure they are safe and having fun.

  • Teaching Your Dog to Use Puzzle Toys

    Teaching your dog to use puzzle toys can be fun and rewarding for both of you. Here are some steps to help your dog learn how to use puzzle toys:

    1. Pick a suitable puzzle toy: Choose a puzzle toy that fits your dog's size, breed, age, and skill level. Start with an easy toy to help your dog learn about puzzle-solving.

    2. Introduce the toy when your dog is calm: Show the puzzle toy to your dog when they are calm and relaxed, so they can focus on the task.

    3. Show your dog how the toy works: Help your dog understand what they need to do by showing them how the puzzle toy works. For example, open the compartments of a hidden compartment puzzle to reveal the treats inside.

    4. Encourage your dog to play with the toy: Put treats in the puzzle toy and encourage your dog to explore it. Praise or give extra treats when your dog interacts with the toy successfully.

    5. Be patient and help if needed: Some dogs may need more time and help to learn how to use a puzzle toy. Be patient and offer assistance, but don't do the puzzle for them, as this may stop them from learning to solve problems on their own.

    6. Make puzzles harder over time: As your dog gets better at using puzzle toys, try more challenging puzzles or change the difficulty settings on adjustable puzzles.

    7. Watch playtime: Always keep an eye on your dog during playtime with puzzle toys to make sure they are safe and enjoying themselves.

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