All dogs love a good treat and a great toy, so why not combine the two? Treat dispensing toys provide your dog with the mental and physical stimulation they crave. They can even keep your dog occupied, providing hours of fun!
The Best Treat Dispensing Dog Toys2023 Review
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The Best Treat Dispensing Dog Toys
Editor's Choice
KONG Classic Dog Toy- Best all-rounder
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Great for a variety of treats
Runner Up
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy- Best for tough chewers
- Strong, durable material
- Range of medium to large sizes
Also Good
Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy- Best for natural behaviors
- Bobbing and tilting encourages foraging
- Customizable difficulty level
More Detailed Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
KONG Classic Dog Toy review
Features
- Best all-rounder
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Great for a variety of treats
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The KONG Classic Dog Toy is one of the best treat dispensing dog toys on the market, living up to its name as a true classic. The toy comes in a wide range of sizes to suit all breeds. The Kong is made of high quality, all-natural rubber, making it exceptionally durable and suitable for average chewers.
All 3 of my dogs adore their KONG, especially when it’s paired with dog-safe peanut butter. It’s a staple in our house and has been used at every life-stage so far.
With a flexible hole on the toy’s underside, this treat dispenser can hold several small treats or softer options, such as dog-safe peanut butter or spreads. With its unique shape and bounce, it can even be used for playing fetch.
Pros
- Many owners said their dogs loved their KONG, with it being a favourite in many homes
- Stands up to most average chewers, with owners saying it’s sturdy and durable
- Owners enjoyed using both soft, spreadable treats and small training treats with the KONG
- Can be frozen with treats inside, which makes playtime last longer
- Owners felt it kept their dog happily occupied while they were busy doing other things
Cons
- This type of KONG isn’t suitable for very aggressive chewers (however, there is the KONG extreme which is more suitable for power chewers)
- Some owners stated that their dogs weren’t interested in the toy
- Some owners found that the rubber smell was overpowering
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy review
Features
- Best for tough chewers
- Strong, durable material
- Range of medium to large sizes
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy is an extremely durable treat dispensing toy. The ball can hold a few small treats or bigger interlocking chews, pushed inside through holes on either side. As your dog chews and moves the ball, they gain access to the treats.
The ball rolls, bounces, and even floats making it great for both individual and interactive play. Despite its toughness, I found the ball gentle on my dog’s mouth. I would recommend this as an excellent option for medium and large breeds.
Pros
- Many owners said their dogs absolutely love this treat dispenser
- Mentally stimulating and keeps dogs occupied for hours, which owners found helpful
- Can be used to play fetch as well as for treat dispensing, which owners felt was value for money
- Most owners stated the toy stands up to their strong chewers who have previously destroyed other toys
- Owners found it slowed their dog’s eating, helping to improve their dog’s digestion and enabling them to enjoy mealtimes
Cons
- Some owners found their power chewer was able to chew pieces off the toy
- Some dogs found it too difficult to get the food out of the toy, leaving both owner and dog frustrated
- Some owners felt the sizing was misleading and ended up with a ball too small for their large dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy review
Features
- Best for natural behaviors
- Bobbing and tilting encourages foraging
- Customizable difficulty level
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy is one of the best treat dispensing toys available, encouraging exercise and natural foraging behaviors. The toy holds a range of smaller treats and dog food. It has a unique shape and is weighted, making it tilt and bob around as your dog tries to access the treats (which my dogs found very engaging).
Quality materials mean the toy is durable, although it’s not designed for heavy chewers. The openings are adjustable, enabling you to customize the difficulty level to suit your dog. While this is a slightly pricier option, I feel it’s a very reasonable price for the features offered.
Pros
- Adjustable difficulty kept dogs interested for longer
- Mentally and physically stimulating, which both owners and dogs enjoyed
- Can be used with treats or to feed your dog’s meals
- Many owners said the toy kept their dog interested while they were busy or out at work
- Suitable for puppies, helping to redirect destructive behaviour during training
Cons
- Not suitable for strong chewers, who can easily destroy the toy
- Some found the toy was too small or not strong enough for their big breed dog
- Some felt it wasn’t challenging enough for their intelligent dogs
- Adjustable hole can be moved by the dog if they’re very determined, letting them access the treats too quickly
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Busy Buddy Barnacle Treat Dispenser Tough Dog Chew Toy review
Features
- Best for interactive play
- Shape creates an unpredictable bounce
- Great for games of fetch
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Busy Buddy Barnacle Treat Dispenser Tough Dog Chew Toy is a fantastic treat dispenser with three hollow connecting balls of varying sizes. The irregular shape of this toy creates an unpredictable bounce, keeping games of fetch fun and interesting for both owner and dog. Each ball can be filled with treats of different sizes, which are released during play.
Additionally, hollowed-out bone shapes on the surface of the toy are great for filling with dog-safe peanut butter (my dogs love this option). The toy is made of very durable yet flexible materials, helping it stand up to tough chewers.
Pros
- Unique bounce keeps dogs interested, with owners saying it makes games more exciting
- Great for both treats and mealtimes, with owners saying it helped their dogs to eat more slowly
- Mentally stimulating, creating a lasting and challenging playtime
- Owners felt the toy was strong and durable, even for their power chewers
- Some said this toy wasn’t too harsh on their dog’s mouth, despite being a strong toy
Cons
- Some owners felt the toy was too difficult to get treats in and out of
- Some found the smell of plastic overpowering, which made them dislike the toy
- Some owners felt the toy was heavier than other similar toys, making it harder for their dog to play with
Ann-Marie Sharpe
KONG Classic Goodie Bone Dog Toy review
Features
- Best for average chewers
- Strong rubber material
- Soft on dog’s teeth and gums
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The KONG Classic Goodie Bone Dog Toy is another good old classic for dogs of all sizes. Not only do you get a bone toy, but each end also has a space to fill with small treats, longer thin chews, or even spreadable treats. The robust and high-quality rubber makes this toy great for average chewers yet soft on your dog’s teeth and gums.
My dogs love their Kong Goodie Bone; it can keep them busy for hours. We even got the puppy version when we first brought our spaniel home and she loved it (it’s great for teething). I would recommend this to keep your dog’s attention.
Pros
- Most owners felt this toy was durable and suitable for average chewers
- Can be frozen with treats inside, making playtime last longer
- Owners said it kept their dog mentally stimulated while they were busy
- Great for games of fetch was well as treat dispensing, with some bounce despite the shape
- Perfect for redirecting destructive chewing, with owners stating it helped with training
Cons
- Some owners found their power chewers were able to destroy the bone
- Some felt the sizing was misleading, stating they wish they had bought a bigger size
- Some owners felt the bone had an unpleasant scent
- Not as durable as some owners had hoped leading the bone to snap over time
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.
The Best Treat Dispensing Dog Toys
Editor's Choice
KONG Classic Dog Toy- Best all-rounder
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Great for a variety of treats
Runner Up
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy- Best for tough chewers
- Strong, durable material
- Range of medium to large sizes
Also Good
Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy- Best for natural behaviors
- Bobbing and tilting encourages foraging
- Customizable difficulty level
