Interactive Canine Entertainment: Exploring Best Dog Treat Dispensers

Instead of simply offering your dog a meal in a regular bowl, treat dispenser toys provide an engaging way to feed your pet while also providing mental stimulation. They can serve as a slow feeder, doling out small portions of food, which is particularly beneficial for dogs prone to eating too quickly. A good treat dispenser toy should be robust enough to withstand your pet’s enthusiastic paws and teeth, and it should also present a challenge to keep them engaged.

Certified dog trainer Erin Marion, owner of Down to Earth Dog Lady in Chester County, Pennsylvania, emphasizes the importance of mental stimulation for puppies. She explains, “You have to get your puppy mentally stimulated or it’s going to get in trouble and chew the things you don’t want and dig things you don’t want. This provides your dog a mental outlet that they can push or dig or eat up something without getting themselves in trouble.”

In our extensive testing and research, we examined numerous treat toys, considering factors like durability, capacity, and ease of cleaning. However, the most crucial aspect was how much enjoyment our dogs derived from using them. Our top pick, the Kong Wobbler, stood out for its durability, ease of maintenance, and its ability to keep even clever dogs engaged in the pursuit of a meal. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the finest treat dispenser toys for dogs.

Best : KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

Resembling the familiar Kong toy with its beehive shape, this treat dispenser provides an engaging challenge for your pup during mealtime. Its weighted bottom ensures stability, and the robust food-grade plastic polymer guarantees durability against chewing.

The Wobbler is available in two sizes, accommodating either a full cup or half a cup of treats. The Small Wobbler, designed for dogs weighing 25 pounds and under, holds the half-cup portion, while the Large size suits larger breeds.

Using it is a breeze: simply unscrew the top and load the bottom with kibble or treats. When nudged by your dog, the Wobbler wiggles, rolls, and intermittently dispenses treats. Dogs find it irresistible, but do note that it can produce some noise on hardwood floors or if pressed against a wall.

For your convenience, the Wobbler is dishwasher-safe and built to last. Its unpredictable movements keep even clever dogs engaged, preventing them from getting too complacent. This versatility has led trainers and veterinarians to often recommend it for mealtime or as an enrichment tool.

Best : WEST PAW Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle

Many devoted dog owners get creative with the Toppl, concocting intriguing mixtures like yogurt, cream cheese, pureed pumpkin, and various treats, perhaps even topped with a bully stick for an extra touch. Once prepared, you can simply freeze the entire ensemble, offering your pet an engaging and delicious challenge.

The Toppl is ingeniously designed with a bowl-like shape, featuring a side hole and small prongs at the base to secure treats in place. Its sturdy base prevents any accidental tipping.

Personally, I like to moisten kibble and then pack it into the Toppl, adding a touch of peanut butter or Greek yogurt before freezing. I always have a few of these in the freezer, ready to entertain foster puppies or to slow down my own rescue dog at dinner.

Although the open design of the Toppl provides an unexpected way to serve a meal, it may not pose much of a challenge once your dog is accustomed to it. To up the difficulty, try nesting a smaller Toppl inside a larger one, using the smaller one like a lid, allowing treats to only exit through the smaller holes. Alternatively, you can wedge a treat between the prongs, smear it with peanut butter, and let your pup wobble it around.

The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl comes in three sizes and three vibrant colors: granny smith, tangerine, and aqua blue.

Best : JW Tumble Teez Puzzler Treat Dispenser

These sturdy rubber toys feature an internal maze, prompting dogs to roll and maneuver them to access treats. They offer an excellent introduction to treat dispensers, providing a challenge without being overly complex. Additionally, you have the option to stuff them with peanut butter or baby food, then freeze them, much like with a traditional Kong.

The toy comes in three sizes: small for pets under 15 pounds, medium for those in between, and large for pets over 40 pounds. While it may be a bit challenging to fill with more than a few treats, and cleaning can be a bit tricky due to the internal maze, the rubber material is exceptionally robust, making it suitable for use as a chew toy. However, it’s crucial to monitor your dog and remove any pieces if they manage to chew them off.

Best : Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

This pliable toy is designed for easy filling. Simply open it up, insert kibble or hard treats, and then securely close it. Dogs engage with it by nosing and rolling it to access their treats. Its soft texture means it doesn’t generate much noise when bumped around. However, be aware that the rubbery material tends to collect dog hair and lint as it rolls.

Interestingly, dogs and puppies often find enjoyment in playing with this toy even in the absence of food, thanks in part to the appealing peppermint oil scent infused in the material. Smaller dogs and puppies may even be able to use the Snoop as a sort of bowl, which is why the Lil Snoop variant might be the better choice for them.

Regrettably, the Orbee Tuff Snoop is not suitable for dishwasher use and should be washed by hand to maintain its quality.

Best : West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle Treat Toy

While a determined dog can make short work of a bully stick, inserting it through the middle of a Qwizl instantly elevates the challenge. This resilient toy features a central passage and side slots, allowing your dog to strategize and retrieve the treat from various angles.

The Qwizl not only secures longer treats like bully sticks but also excels as a vessel for spreading peanut butter or cream cheese into its crevices, along with a few extra treats before freezing. Crafted in the United States from durable, non-toxic, and recyclable materials, West Paw toys, including the Qwizl, prioritize safety and sustainability.

Moreover, the Qwizl is ideal for spirited fetch games and even floats in water. Cleaning is a breeze as it is dishwasher safe. West Paw stands by their products with a “love it” guarantee, promising to replace or refund any toy that doesn’t bring joy to your furry friend.

Best Remote : Furbo 360° Dog Camera

After rigorously testing 17 of the latest pet cameras, the Furbo 360 Dog Camera emerged as one of our top picks.

For those moments when you’re away from home, cameras equipped with treat dispensers can be a game-changer in preventing separation anxiety in your dog. The Furbo 360 provides an impressive 360-degree view of your space, allowing you to keep an eye on your furry friend. What sets it apart is the ability to communicate with your dog through the camera, and even dispense treats remotely. Additionally, you have the option to capture videos or snap photos of the action while you’re away.

While the Furbo 360 is a cutting-edge camera and dispenser combo, it does come with a higher price tag compared to standard treat toys. However, it offers a valuable alternative to leaving your pup with a treat-filled toy in your absence. Keep in mind that some dogs may take a little time to adjust to it, as it produces a distinct noise when dispensing treats. To ensure optimal performance, it’s advisable to place it on an uncluttered surface or somewhere at least 3 feet off the ground, allowing it to rotate freely without being knocked over by an overly excited pet.

Best for Small Dogs : SodaPup Durable Dog Treat Dispenser & Chew Toy

This vibrant and playful toy offers two options for engagement. You can either fill it with a handful of small kibble or insert a larger treat into the hole. It’s designed with simplicity in mind, making it suitable for puppies who are still learning. This feature helps prevent frustration, especially since some toys with larger openings can lead to kibble pouring out too easily. Keep in mind that the medium-sized SodaPup is relatively small, so if you have a larger pup, consider opting for a bigger size.

If you’re looking to provide a different experience, you can also stuff wet food in the toy and let your pet enjoy licking it out. However, be aware that the opening isn’t particularly large. The rubber material used in the toy is both durable and non-toxic, and it’s dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning. SodaPup offers a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes, from cupcakes to soda cans and rocketships. Some pups find these toys engaging even without the added incentive of treats.

Best : StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

Insert a handful of small kibble or place a larger treat into the opening of this charming, vividly colored toy. It’s designed with straightforward functionality, making it perfect for puppies who are still in their learning phase, ensuring they won’t easily become frustrated. (Additionally, it prevents the issue of small kibble pouring out too readily, as can happen with toys featuring larger openings.) If you have a larger pup, consider opting for a bigger size, as the medium-sized SodaPup is relatively compact.

For a different experience, you can also stuff wet food into the toy and let your pet savor it through licking, although note that the opening isn’t particularly wide. The rubber material used in the toy is both durable and non-toxic, and it’s conveniently dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. SodaPup offers a diverse array of shapes, colors, and sizes, ranging from cupcakes and soda cans to rocketships. Some pups find these toys engaging even without the added incentive of treats.