Trixie Activity Flip Board Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy review

Features

  • Best puzzle toy
  • Variety of puzzle types
  • Mentally and physically stimulating

The Trixie Activity Flip Board Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy is one of the best toys for bored dogs. Unlike some puzzle toys, there are a variety of puzzle types in one toy to get your dog’s mind working. Your dog must figure out to access the treats you put in each section.

As your dog moves around to access the puzzle, the toy also provides some physical exercise. At a very reasonable price, I’d recommend this toy for small to medium breeds, best suiting those who have some experience with puzzle games. My Pomeranian loves the challenge of this puzzle board, her tail doesn’t stop wagging as she tries to figure out how to access her treats.

Pros

  • Variety of puzzle types likely to keep dogs mentally engaged for longer
  • Non-slip rubber feet help to keep the toy in place during play
  • Great option for puppies – just make sure to keep them supervised
  • 2 levels for beginner and intermediate levels of mental stimulation so you can choose what’s best for your dog
  • Can be used with a variety of small treats or your dog’s kibble – perfect for slowing your dog’s feeding down if they’re prone to inhaling their food

Cons

  • Small, removable parts can pose a choking hazard, meaning you can’t leave your dog alone with this toy
  • Not suitable for dogs who are prone to chewing as they may destroy the plastic
  • Less physical stimulation than other options
  • Some owners found that the toy was too easy for more intelligent breeds like Jack Russells or German Shepherds
  • Size of puzzle pieces may be tough to play with for the smallest toy breeds

ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy, Hedgehog Den, Puzzle Set review

Features

  • Best plush puzzle toy
  • Plush, squeaking hedgehogs to play with
  • Plush den to create a puzzle

The ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy, Hedgehog Den, Puzzle Set is an ideal puzzle toy for pups who enjoy something plush. 3 small, squeaky, plush hedgehogs can be hidden inside their den. My dogs had hours of fun digging them out and playing with them.

The toy’s puzzle aspect provides a mental challenge, while the squeaky toys and digging motions provide that all-important physical activity. This is an excellent choice for small to medium dogs who are light to average chewers. My dogs found this plush puzzle toy very exciting, interactive and engaging, and it even comes at a low price.

Pros

  • Provides both plush and puzzle elements, creating multiple ways to play
  • Machine washable, which makes cleaning easy
  • Mentally and physically challenging to engage your dog for long periods
  • A great option for supervised playtime with a puppy
  • Squeaking element provides additional stimulation

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs who are prone to heavy chewing
  • Not very mentally challenging for dogs who are experienced with puzzles
  • May not be suitable for unsupervised play
  • May not last the duration if your dog is prone to chewing

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Smart Puzzle Game Dog Toy review

Features

  • Best adjustable puzzle toy
  • 2 levels of difficulty
  • Great for all breeds

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Smart Puzzle Game Dog Toy is a brilliant toy choice for dogs who are just getting started with puzzles. You can hide treats under plastic bone shapes which your dog has to figure out how to move. The puzzle provides both mental stimulation and some physical activity.

The puzzle is even adjustable with an option to raise the bones for beginners or to lower the bones, making them even with the board to increase the difficulty. I found that the ability to change difficulty levels was great to accommodate my 3 (very different) dogs.

This toy is great for any breed of dog, although it’s not designed to be chewed. At a very reasonable price, this puzzle is great value for money.

Pros

  • 2 difficulty levels to cater to dogs at both beginner and intermediate level
  • Provides both mental and physical stimulation to keep dogs interested for longer
  • Can be used with a range of treats or to feed your dog their meals, which helps dogs to eat slower and promotes healthy digestion
  • Highly durable, even with rough play
  • Perfect for training puppies and keeping them entertained

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy chewers
  • Detachable parts can pose a choking hazard, so you can’t leave your dog alone with this toy
  • May be too simple for dogs who are experienced with puzzles
  • Not dishwasher safe, making it harder to clean
  • Lightweight, which means it can be easily tipped over

KONG Jumbler Ball Dog Toy review

Features

  • Best for large breeds
  • Available in 2 big sizes
  • Encourages exercise

The KONG Jumbler Ball Dog Toy is one of the best dog toys to tackle boredom, especially for active dogs. With an interior tennis ball that moves around as your dog plays and a loud squeaker, this toy will have your dog excited in no time! It’s perfect for tug and fetch games, with handles on each end for easy grip (which I find very handy).

The toy is excellent for average chewers and suitable for medium to large breeds. The features of this toy provide mental stimulation as well as a ton of exercise. The KONG range is always a big hit with my dogs. This toy has a slightly higher price tag than other options, but I feel it’s well worth the price.

Pros

  • Amazing for both mental and physical stimulation
  • Good for both interactive and solo play
  • Tough enough for average chewers
  • Handle makes playtime easier
  • Squeaker and tennis ball provide extra excitement

Cons

  • Won’t stand up to power chewers as they may bite the pieces off
  • Can be easily destroyed by very rough play
  • Less durable than other KONG toys

Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew Chicken Flavored Dinosaur Dog Chew Toy review

Features

  • Best chew toy
  • Strong and durable
  • Interesting shape and flavor

The Nylabone DuraChew Dental Chew Chicken Flavored Dinosaur Dog Chew Toy provides a fun way to introduce some chewing fun into your bored dog’s life. The uneven texture, interesting dinosaur shape, and chicken flavor will keep your dog’s mind engaged for hours.

This toy is perfect for small to medium breeds, designed to stand up to the toughest of chewers. Nylabone chews are always a favorite in our house! Perhaps most exciting for owners, this toy is an exceptionally low price, so is perfect for those on a budget.

Pros

  • Stands up to aggressive chewers
  • Long-lasting and keeps dogs entertained for hours
  • Some owners found this chew was great for puppies, especially during teething
  • Flavor and shape keep dogs coming back for more
  • The raised nubs and shape are great for dental care

Cons

  • Once the toy is destroyed it can pose a choking or blockage hazard, so must be taken away from your dog immediately
  • Older dogs or those with fewer teeth may find this toy too tough for chewing
  • Not suitable for some average or gentle chewers, as it can be too hard
  • Many owners find the chew smaller than they expected
  • Some owners feel this toy requires supervision during play