Things to Look for in a Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
When choosing a treat dispensing toy for your dog, it’s a good idea to consider several factors to ensure you choose the best option.
Good Quality Materials
Choosing a toy with good quality materials reduces the chances of the toy breaking while your dog is using it. Quality materials also increase comfort for your dog and tend to last longer.
Correct Size For Your Dog
Choosing the correct size of toy for your dog ensures they can play with it properly. This enables them to move the toy easily and to fit it in their mouth comfortably. The right toy size also helps to ensure it’s strong enough for them.
Consider Difficulty Level
Dogs love their food, so most will enjoy a treat-dispensing toy. However, it’s important to strike that balance between making the activity difficult enough to keep them interested yet easy enough to allow them to get the treats. If this is your dog’s first time with this type of toy, it’s a good idea to get an easier level of toy. Some of the best toys will have adjustable difficulty levels.
Consider Treat Size and Type
If you have a specific size and type of treat you want to use, make sure your treats will fit in the treat dispensing toy you buy.
Easy to clean
Dogs are not the tidiest of eaters, so choosing a toy that can be put in the dishwasher or quickly rinsed off is helpful.
Treat Dispensing Toy Safety Advice
Even the toughest of dog toys are not guaranteed to be indestructible. Therefore, it’s a good idea to supervise your furry friend if they often destroy toys quickly. If you plan to leave your dog alone with a treat dispensing toy, ensure you get a toy that is suitable for their chew strength. Toys may state that they are designed for light, average, or tough chewers: this increases safety.
The Benefits of a Treat Dispensing Toy for Your Dog
Treat dispensing dog toys can provide many benefits for your dog (and you)! These toys mentally stimulate your pooch, preventing them from getting bored and providing hours of entertainment. Some toys even provide physical exercise, providing a positive outlet for your dog’s energy.
Treat dispensing toys encourage natural foraging and hunting behaviours. They can redirect destructive chewing; keep your dog busy while you’re out or otherwise occupied, and slow down your dog’s eating promoting healthier digestion.
Treat Dispensing Dog Toy FAQ
How can you teach your dog to play with a treat dispensing toy?
If your dog has never used a treat dispensing toy before, you’ll need to show them how to use it. Start with high-value treats, which simply means the treats your dog loves the most. Let your dog see or smell the treats and allow them to watch you put the treats into the toy.
If the toy has adjustable difficulty levels, start with the easiest option for your dog. Let them sniff the toy and show them how the treats come out. Then allow them to investigate. You may need to encourage them with an excited tone of voice and perhaps show them how to use the toy more than once. Remember to be patient as some dogs take longer to get the idea than others.
Can you feed your dog a meal with the toy?
Yes, you can feed your dog a meal using a treat dispensing toy. If you want to use the toy for meals, make sure you choose a toy that can fit their regular kibble.
How often should you let your dog use the toy?
You can let your dog use their treat dispensing toy regularly, but it’s crucial that you don’t allow it to become a vessel for overfeeding your dog. You shouldn’t feed your dog more dog food or treats each day than they would usually get, as this can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Some people choose only to use treat dispensing dog toys now and then to prevent treats losing their value and becoming expected as part of the daily routine. Other people may use them only once a day while they’re out at work. Take your time to figure out what’s right for you and your dog.
Can your dog be left alone with the toy?
As with all dog toys, there isn’t a way to ensure your dog won’t destroy the toy. However, treat dispensing toys can be a great way to keep your dog active, occupied, and happy while you’re out. The key is to know your dog and choose a toy with a suitable chew strength. Trying out the toy while you’re home first can be helpful.
Conclusion
Treat dispensing dog toys can be a great way to mentally stimulate your dog, among many other benefits. It’s also a lot of fun to see your dog so happy and engaged. If your dog hasn’t tried one out yet, I’d highly recommend giving it a go.
