Dog puzzle toys that your pooch won’t be able to resist

My dogs had had some experience with puzzles before they tried the TRIXIE Intelligence flip board (which is promoted as a level 2,medium-level challenge), but I decided to use this one, in particular, to introduce them to the skittles and levers, as they had previously only used ones with sliding recesses.

Upon testing the product, I found that it was easy to fill with treats and that it was easy to wash by hand (although you could use a dishwasher if you wanted to). I have three dogs - two senior and one a puppy - and each of them spent at least 5 minutes interacting with the puzzle, using their paws and noses to find the food inside.

We used the puzzle outside, as it's lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travelling, although the skittles are detachable, so it's worth storing it in a box or bag when you're not using it.

Reviewed by Arabella Horspool, our Commercial Content Writer at Yours.co.uk, who has two Jack Russell Terriers and a Dachshund puppy.

The Dog Tornado has 12 removable pieces that uncover compartments, perfect for hiding your dog's favourite wet or dry treats inside. Your pet must then use its paws to rotate the different sections and lift off the bones to find its reward.

Many reviewers are impressed with how long the toy keeps their dog occupied for, stating that it's challenging but not boring. It's marketed as a "level two puzzle," so it's more suited to dogs that have used other pet-friendly puzzles before. One owner said that they'd "recommend this game for dogs that aren't naturally great with their nose" to build up their scent-based training.

Although this toy is ideal for combating their boredom, some people have had issues with their dog chewing the plastic bones, so human supervision is required at all times.

This fun Pet Snuffle Feeding Mat is perfect for encouraging your dog to use their foraging senses. Simply hide small treats deep inside the mat for your furry friend to find everything you've hidden.

Many buyers have bought this feeding mat not only as a toy, but as a tool to help slow their dog down when they are eating, which can have a positive impact on their pet's digestive health. They like that this toy is portable so you can easily take it with you and play "hide and seek" with treats on the go.

Some people found that their dog was tipping it over to get to the treats more quickly, but you can shrink/tighten the mat into a bowl-shape to keep the food more contained.

Made from safe, non-toxic plastic, this puzzle comes with 22 different treat compartments and 9 moving pieces to keep your pup busy as you go about the house, doing chores or getting important tasks done.

Some people have pointed out that "the sliders are a bit stiff and not easy to slide", but after a few uses most dogs seem to get the hang of it. If you've got pooches who are fast eaters, this will slow them down and aid their digestion.

When it comes to puzzle games and toys for dogs and cats, Nina Ottosson is a brand that's trusted by many and it's easy to see why. This Casino Treat Dog Toy in particular, has no removable parts to avoid choking and it's suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes.

It is designed for more challenging play, as you can adjust the position of each bone to increase the difficulty level, making it ideal for a dog who has most other puzzle toys sussed. The reviews state that most dogs find it engaging, with one saying "My dog has been bored on rainy days when she can't go in the garden. With this she's got about 10-15 minutes entertainment and usually settles well after one round".

This treat dispenser puzzle is a firm favourite amongst dog owners and trainers due to it being easy to use and carry around. Many like it because it is a great treat to give them as a reward for good behaviour. It can also help dogs slow down how fast they eat.

We recommend it for pets with lots of energy to burn because it encourages them to push, twist, flip and turn it around to dispense the yummy treats you put inside it.

We all know how sharp puppies teeth are, so if you have a little one who loves to chew anything and everything, it's best to either wait until they're out of that stage or keep an eye on them whilst they're using it, as it's not as durable as some of the harder plastic options.

If you're after brain games for your dog that can be adapted to keep them mentally stimulated for longer, it's worth considering the Brightkins™ Spinning Hydrants Treat Puzzle.

Your pup will love using their nose and paws to spin the hydrants of this game and spill out the treats hidden inside. You can slow down or speed up how fast your dog accesses the treats inside by adding more treats into the hydrants or adjusting the opening at the bottom of each hydrant. 

It's made by Learning Resources, who have expanded into the educational dog toys market. With decades of experience designing educational toys for kids, they know how to make an engaging toy with bright colours.