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5 Best Puzzle Feeders for Dogs (2024)

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on March 19, 2024

Puzzle feeders are a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. These interactive toys can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior, while also providing a fun challenge for your furry friend. Puzzle feeders come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they require your dog to work for their food.

When it comes to puzzle feeders for dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure the feeder is appropriate for your dog’s size and skill level. Some puzzle feeders are designed for small dogs or puppies, while others are better suited for larger or more experienced dogs. You’ll also want to consider the type of food your dog eats – some puzzle feeders are better for dry kibble, while others work well with wet or raw food.

One important factor to consider when choosing a puzzle feeder is the level of difficulty. Some feeders are fairly simple and can be solved quickly, while others are more complex and require more time and effort. You’ll want to choose a feeder that is challenging enough to keep your dog engaged, but not so difficult that they become frustrated or give up.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best puzzle feeders for dogs on the market today. We’ve tested a variety of different feeders to bring you our top picks, taking into account factors like size, difficulty level, and overall quality. Whether you’re looking for a simple feeder for a small dog or a more complex option for a larger pup, we’ve got you covered.

Best Puzzle Feeders for Dogs

We all love our furry friends, but sometimes they can get a little too excited during mealtime. That’s where puzzle feeders come in. Puzzle feeders are a fun and interactive way to slow down your dog’s eating and provide mental stimulation. We’ve researched and tested various puzzle feeders to bring you our top picks for the best puzzle feeders for dogs. Check out our list below to find the perfect one for your pup.

#1 – HOUNDGAMES Puzzle Toys for Dogs

If you’re looking for a mentally stimulating and rewarding play session for your furry friend, the HOUNDGAMES Puzzle Toys for Dogs is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Adaptable puzzle blocks with five difficulty levels for personalized experience
  • Treat dispensing feature rewards your pup’s problem-solving skills
  • Designed for smart pups of all sizes and breeds
  • Provides hours of mentally stimulating and rewarding playtime
  • Perfect for birthday celebrations

Cons

  • Some customers reported that the plastic is brittle and can break easily
  • A few customers noted that their dogs were able to break open the hardest setting within a few weeks
  • One customer mentioned that their dog got frustrated with the toy at times

The HOUNDGAMES Puzzle Toys for Dogs offer a range of challenge levels to keep your dog’s mental agility sharp. The adaptable puzzle blocks feature five difficulty levels, ensuring your pup enjoys a mentally stimulating and rewarding play session every time. As your pup skillfully solves the puzzle blocks, treats spill out, rewarding their problem-solving skills, making it the perfect engaging game for all smart and playful dogs.

Our puzzle block toys offer a personalized experience, letting you hide treats and modify puzzle setups to accommodate various skill levels, supercharging interactive play. You can customize the difficulty of our puzzles to keep your dog intellectually engaged, ensuring a fresh, stimulating play experience for dogs of all ages and skills, preventing boredom and promoting mental growth.

The HOUNDGAMES Puzzle Toys for Dogs are the ultimate boredom busters, providing your pup with a mentally stimulating and rewarding play session each time. Our brain-boosting puzzle toys are crafted to engage your dog’s intelligence, offering a range of challenge levels to keep their mental agility sharp. Whether you have a small, medium, or large breed, our versatile toy guarantees hours of stimulation.

Make your pup’s birthday special with our interactive toys and challenge levels, combining fun games with mental stimulation for memorable playtimes. The HOUNDGAMES Puzzle Toys for Dogs are the perfect choice for medium to large dogs, and their universal appeal ensures that even small breeds and puppies can’t resist their interactive and engaging nature.

#2 – Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy 2 Levels, Slow Feeder, Dog Food Treat Feeding Toys for IQ Training, Dog Entertainment Toys for All Breeds 4.2 Inch Height 4.2 Inch Height 2 Level Puzzles Blue

If you’re looking for a dog puzzle toy that can keep your furry friend entertained while also providing a healthy way to slow down their eating, the Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy might be the perfect solution.

Pros

  • The two levels offer different levels of difficulty to challenge your dog’s intelligence and problem-solving skills.
  • The large capacity top transparent granary can hold a lot of food, making it a great slow feeder for dogs who eat too quickly.
  • The non-slip rubber mats and weighted base ensure that the toy stays in place, even when your dog is enthusiastically playing with it.

Cons

  • Some dogs may figure out how to get the treats out of the toy too quickly, which could make it less challenging over time.
  • The toy may be too small for larger breeds of dogs.
  • The toy may be too noisy for some pet owners.

The Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy is designed to be safe and easy to clean, with non-removable parts made of durable food-grade PP materials. It’s also a great way to reduce boredom and destructive behavior like chewing, digging, and excessive barking.

In addition, the toy is great for dogs of all breeds and sizes, and it can be used as a slow feeder to promote healthy ingestion by slowing down eating speed by over 10x.

Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and challenging way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated, the Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy is definitely worth considering.

#3 – DR CATCH Dog Puzzle Toys

If you’re looking for an interactive puzzle toy for your furry friend, DR CATCH Dog Puzzle Toys is a great option.

Pros

  • Suitable for cats, puppies, and small dogs
  • Encourages slower feeding to aid digestion
  • Helps stimulate your pet’s brain

Cons

  • May not be challenging enough for some dogs
  • Some users found it too easy to clean
  • Not suitable for larger dogs

This fun and interactive puppy puzzle toy can become your pet’s closest companion and toy, providing mental stimulation and releasing pressure. It’s perfect for pets of all ages, including cats, puppies, and small dogs. The slow feeder function encourages your pet to eat at a slower pace, aiding digestion and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

The educational game toy can help meet your pet’s instinctual needs, train their sense of smell, and provide them with a fun feeding experience. The slider design requires your pet to use their nose or paw to move the slider and find their food, providing mental stimulation and preventing boredom.

However, some users may find the toy too easy for their pet to solve, especially if they are already experienced with puzzle toys. Additionally, the toy may not be suitable for larger dogs due to its size. Some users also found it too easy to clean, as there are no loose pieces to worry about.

Overall, DR CATCH Dog Puzzle Toys is a great investment for pet owners looking to provide their furry friends with mental stimulation and a fun feeding experience.

#4 – Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers Interactive Dog Puzzle Game and Slow Feeder

If you’re looking for a way to keep your pup mentally stimulated and entertained, the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers Interactive Dog Puzzle Game and Slow Feeder is worth considering.

Pros

  • The three layers of spinning compartments provide a fun and challenging way for dogs to find hidden treats.
  • As a level 2 enrichment game, it helps develop dogs’ problem-solving skills and mental agility.
  • The ridges on each layer can also function as a slow feeder, improving digestion and encouraging healthier eating habits.

Cons

  • Some dogs may lose interest in the game after a while, especially if they figure out how to access all the compartments quickly.
  • The plastic construction may not be as durable as some other puzzle feeders on the market.
  • The game is not suitable for unsupervised play, as it can be chewed or damaged by dogs.

This interactive puzzle game is made with food-safe materials and features over 100 treat compartments, providing plenty of opportunities for your dog to engage in play and mental stimulation. With its spinning layers and ridged mazes, it offers a fun and challenging way for dogs to work for their food and treats.

While some dogs may not be as interested in the game after a while, others may continue to enjoy the challenge and mental stimulation it provides. One potential downside is that the plastic construction may not be as durable as some other puzzle feeders on the market, so it’s important to supervise play and inspect the game regularly for signs of wear or damage.

Overall, the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers Interactive Dog Puzzle Game and Slow Feeder is a solid choice for dog owners looking to provide their pets with fun and engaging mental stimulation during mealtime.

#5 – Puzzle Feeder Dog Bowl, Slow Feeder Bowls for Dry, Wet, and Raw Food, Puzzle Food Bowls for Large Dogs,Green L Lawn-Green

If you are looking for a puzzle feeder that can slow down your dog’s eating speed, the Puzzle Feeder Dog Bowl is a great option to consider.

Pros

  • The breaken wave design helps to slow down the dog’s eating speed up to 15x, making it an effective tool to reduce overeating behavior.
  • This puzzle feeder is suitable for most breeds of dogs, making it a versatile option for pet owners.
  • The anti-slip function ensures that the bowl stays in place while the dog is eating, which is especially useful for larger dogs.

Cons

  • Some reviewers have noted that the puzzle feeder is not as challenging as they expected, and their dogs were able to figure it out quickly.
  • The product may not be suitable for dogs with flat faces, as the design may make it difficult for them to eat.
  • The puzzle feeder may be difficult to clean, especially if the dog’s food gets stuck in the crevices.

The Puzzle Feeder Dog Bowl is a great way to help your dog develop healthy eating habits. The puzzle feeder supports four different feeding methods, making it easy to adjust the difficulty level to suit your dog’s needs. Additionally, the use of plant-based materials makes this product an eco-friendly choice for pet owners.

This puzzle feeder is suitable for most breeds of dogs, making it a versatile option for pet owners. The anti-slip function ensures that the bowl stays in place while the dog is eating, which is especially useful for larger dogs. However, some reviewers have noted that the puzzle feeder is not as challenging as they expected, and their dogs were able to figure it out quickly. Additionally, the product may not be suitable for dogs with flat faces, as the design may make it difficult for them to eat.

Overall, the Puzzle Feeder Dog Bowl is a great option for pet owners who want to slow down their dog’s eating speed and promote healthy eating habits. If you are looking for a puzzle feeder that is easy to use and eco-friendly, this product is definitely worth considering.

Puzzle Feeders for Dogs Buying Guide

When choosing a puzzle feeder for your dog, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting the best product for your furry friend.

Material

The material of the puzzle feeder should be durable and non-toxic. Avoid puzzle feeders made of cheap plastic that can easily break and possibly harm your dog. Instead, choose feeders made of high-quality materials such as BPA-free plastic, silicone, or stainless steel.

Difficulty Level

Consider the difficulty level of the puzzle feeder. If your dog is new to puzzle feeders, start with an easy one to prevent frustration. As your dog becomes more experienced, you can gradually increase the difficulty level. Some puzzle feeders come with adjustable difficulty levels, which is a great feature to have.

Size and Capacity

Make sure to choose a puzzle feeder that is the right size for your dog. If the feeder is too small, your dog may not be able to use it properly. If the feeder is too big, it may be too challenging for your dog to solve. Additionally, consider the capacity of the feeder. If you have a larger dog, you may need a feeder with a larger capacity.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Choose a puzzle feeder that is easy to clean and maintain. Some feeders are dishwasher safe, while others require hand washing. Look for feeders that have removable parts for easy cleaning.

Additional Features

Some puzzle feeders come with additional features, such as anti-slip bottoms or non-skid feet. These features can help prevent the feeder from moving around during use. Other feeders come with multiple compartments or adjustable feeding options, which can be great for dogs who eat too quickly.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best puzzle feeder for your dog. Remember to always supervise your dog while using a puzzle feeder and to choose a product that is safe and appropriate for your dog’s size and skill level.

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