The 12 Best Interactive Dog Toys of 2023: Treat Dispensers, Electronic & More
by Tom Ken
Interactive dog toys are playing tools that keep pooches fully engaged and stimulated. They are important because they keep your pet busy, away from boredom, and prevent the destruction of seats & other items when you are not home.
Additionally, some toys help to make your pet smarter as they have to figure out what to do to get treats or unlock levels. If you are not sure about which one to buy, we have reviewed the best interactive dog toys in the market for you. Read through and pick the best one for your pooch.
Editor's Recommendation: Top Interactive Dog Toys
- #PreviewProductRating
- Bestseller No. 1
Rating:
- Bestseller No. 2
Rating: - Bestseller No. 3
Rating:
- Bestseller No. 4
Rating: - Bestseller No. 5
Rating:
- Bestseller No. 6
Rating: - Bestseller No. 7
Rating: - Bestseller No. 8
Rating: - Bestseller No. 9
Rating: - Bestseller No. 10
Rating: - Bestseller No. 11
Rating: - Bestseller No. 12
Rating: - Bestseller No. 13
Rating: - Bestseller No. 14
Rating: - Bestseller No. 15
Rating: - Bestseller No. 16
Rating: - Bestseller No. 17
Rating: - Bestseller No. 18
Rating: - Bestseller No. 19
Rating: - Bestseller No. 20
Rating:
7 Best Interactive Dog Toys: Review
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Starmark SMBALS (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball (Best Inexpensive) |
|
 | 3. Outward Hound 67338 (Best Puzzle) |
|
 | 4. Wobble Wag Giggle WG071104 (Best Giggling) |
|
 | 5. BarkBox 2-in-1 Dog Toy (Best for Chewers) |
|
 | 6. Outward Hound 31004 (Best Hide-and-Seek) |
|
 | 7. ZippyPaws ZP109 (Best for Large Dogs) |
|
1. Best Overall: Starmark SMBALS
- Size: S & L
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Yellow, Green & Purple
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Starmark's SMBALS is the best overall in this interactive dog toys review because it combines two functions in one: a toy and a treat dispenser. This helps to keep your pooch mentally engaged in a rewarding activity.
The product is easily adjustable on the opening, which controls the release of treats. This customizes the difficulty level to challenge your dog more as he learns the game. Additionally, it helps to foster natural hunting and foraging behaviors, while preventing destructive boredom.
That said, this adjustment gate should match the kibble size inside. If you fill the chamber with large kibbles, leave the gate wide open. For small kibbles, you can close it up a bit.
The chamber has a 1.5-cup capacity for the small toy, which is ideal for dogs weighing under 20 lbs. On the other hand, the large toy has a 3-cup capacity and is meant for dogs weighing over 20 lbs. Each size has a weighted base that keeps them wobbling, but upright.
On the downside, it can be quite slow to fill up the food chamber because it has a small intake opening.
Pros:
- Treat dispenser with an adjustable opening
- Ideal for small and large kibbles
- Sizeable 1.5 and 3-cup chamber capacity
- Weighted base
Cons:
- Small intake opening
2. Best Inexpensive: Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball
- Size: 3 & 4 in.
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Multiple
- Weight: 0.15 lbs.
You don't have to spend a lot to get your dog a toy. This IQ treat ball is an affordable option to consider and it is available in two sizes: 3 and 4-inch diameter sizes for small and large dogs respectively.
Each option encourages slow, healthy feeding, which reduces bloating and improves digestion. You can adjust the difficulty level using the ball's interior disc and this determines how hard it is to release the treats.
The ball is easy to clean as it is made using hard plastic that disassembles easily. Simply rinse the parts in warm soapy water, then leave them to dry. However, the toy is not chewable, and therefore, if your pet likes to chew, this is not the best to consider.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Encourages slow, healthy feeding
- Adjustable difficulty level
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Not chewable
3. Best Pule: Outward Hound 67338
- Material: Wood, Plastic
- Color: Tan
- Weight: 2.05 lbs.
If you want to give your pooch a more complex challenge of solving puzzles to get a tasty reward, this Outward Hound 67338 is the best option to consider.
It is a fun hide-and-seek challenge that requires your pooch to learn a sequence of actions that lead to the reward. These actions include sliding seven treat blocks and flipping seven swiveling flippers.
The structure is made using durable plastic and wood composite material with non-removable parts. This material is BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, which is very safe for your pooch.
A non-slip base is fitted on the underside to keep the toy from sliding as your pet makes his moves. The only problem is that the piece is expensive and can be destroyed by chewing. Do not leave your dog to play with it unsupervised.
Pros:
- Fun hide-and-seek puzzle challenge
- Durable plastic and wood composite construction
- BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free
- Non-slip base
Cons:
- Costly
- Can be destroyed by chewing
4. Best Giggling: Wobble Wag Giggle WG071104
- Material: Vinyl
- Color: Green & Black
- Weight: 0.08 lbs.
Wobble Wag Giggle's WG071104 is one of the best interactive toys for dogs because it produces giggling sounds as your dog shakes or rolls it.
This is made possible by an internal tube noisemaker that produces enticing "play-with-me" sounds without requiring any batteries. These sounds will arouse your dog's curiosity and instincts to play.
The toy is in form of a ball and it has six clutch pockets distributed on the sides. These make it easy for your pet to pick it up when playing.
You should not be worried about your pooch's safety as the ball is made using flexible and durable phthalate-free vinyl. The only problem is that some buyers complain of quick destruction when dealing with heavy chewers.
Pros:
- Produces enticing giggling sounds
- Does not require batteries
- Six clutch pockets for easy pickup
- Safe phthalate-free vinyl construction
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy chewers
5. Best for Chewers: BarkBox 2-in-1 Dog Toy
- Size: S - L
- Material: Plush
- Color: Brown
- Weight: 0.25 lbs.
Heavy chewers will find this dog toy very interesting because it is densely packed with fluffy stuffing that feels great on the teeth. Best of all, there is a rubber spikey ball squeaker reward inside.
That said, the toy is meant to be destroyed to reveal this reward. Therefore, if your pooch likes to tear stuff down, what a good surprise he will get. There are two toys in one.
The exterior destroyable part is made using non-toxic plush material that is safe for your pooch. On the downside, once destroyed, there are no two toys anymore. Only the squeaker remains.
Pros:
- Designed to be destroyed
- Surprise rubber spikey ball squeaker inside
- Non-toxic plus material construction
Cons:
- Once destroyed, only one toy remains
6. Best Hide-and-Seek: Outward Hound 31004
- Size: S - XL
- Material: Plush
- Color: Brown
- Weight: 0.86 lbs.
Outward Hound's 31004 features a fun hide-and-seek design that is more of hide-and-squeak. It consists of a trunk with six holes that you can fit the six included squeaky squirrels. After this, let your dog's natural hunting instincts come into play.
The squirrels are stuffed using plush material, which is gentle on the teeth. As such, it is ideal for puppies and adult dogs.
That said, you can also use these squirrels for a game of fetch, which means you get 2-in-1 interactive play. The only problem is that the product is expensive.
Pros:
- Fun hide and squeak six-hole trunk
- Includes six squeaky squirrels
- Gentle on your pet's teeth
- Squirrels are ideal for a game of fetch
Cons:
- Expensive
7. Best for Large Dogs: ZippyPaws ZP109
- Size: Burrow
- Material: Plush
- Color: Brown
- Weight: 0.75 lbs.
ZippyPaws' ZP109 is a large interactive chipmunk and log toy that is ideal for large dogs. The burrow measures 14 inches long with a 6-inch diameter and includes three chipmunks to fill the three holes on the trunk.
The chipmunks have squeakers inside to raise your pooch's curiosity. Additionally, they are stuffed using soft plush material that is soft on your dog's teeth
On the downside, some customers complain of easy tearing after heavy chewing. Therefore, this is not ideal for heavy chewers. It requires to be supervised playing.
Pros:
- Large 14 x 6 x 6 in. log toy
- Includes three chipmunks with squeakers
- Stuffed using teeth-friendly plush material
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy chewers
Other Recommended Interactive Dog Toys
8. Hyper Pet 49484EA
With its battery-powered wiggling and barking internal mechanism, Hyper Pet's 49484EA is one of the best electronic interactive dog toys. These actions entice your pet to chase, run, play, and exercise with the toy. It includes the three required AAA batteries.
That said, this component is wrapped in a removable doggie tail cover that makes the toy appear more fun to play with. This cover has a safety strap and Velcro to secure the electronic ball inside.
Key Features
- Battery-powered wiggling and barking ball.
- Includes 3 AAA batteries.
- Wrapped in a removable doggie tail cover.
- Safety strap and Velcro closures.
9. Pet Qwerks BLBB1
What stands out about the BLBB1 is its motion-activated flashes, and this makes it ideal for dogs with poor vision. Additionally, it makes 18 different sounds so that your blind dog can still enjoy playing.
It turns off automatically after use to conserve the battery. There are three size options for small, medium, and large dogs. They measure 2.125, 2.75, and 3.125 inches in diameter respectively.
Key Features
- Motion-activated flashes.
- Makes 18 different sounds.
- Turns off automatically.
- Three size options.
10. Nylabone NDP305
Nylabone NDP305 is a vet-recommended interactive dog toy as it helps with dental care, weight management, teething, stress & anxiety, and destructive chewing. It has a mop design with fun patterns, textures, and premium fabrics to form the tails.
These are tied to a center ball that is easy to pick up. There is also a tug strap, which allows for tugging at the multiple tails shake to stimulate more play. Double stitching is applied across all stress points for maximum durability.
Key Features
- Vet recommended.
- Mop design with premium fabric tails.
- Center ball.
- Double-stitching on the stress points.
11. Our Pets 2130010792
This dog toy helps to stimulate your pooch mentally and physically because it is a slow feeder. Your pet gets to play with the ball and he/she must figure out which side to roll the toy to release the treats.
As he/she figures this out, you can adjust the difficulty level using the interior disc. This also helps to prolong the play. The ball is made using strong and durable non-toxic plastic. It is easy to disassemble for cleaning and refilling the food.
Key Features
- Slow feeder ball toy.
- Adjustable difficulty level.
- Strong and durable non-toxic plastic construction.
- Easy to disassemble.
12. West Paw ZG040GRN
If your dog is an aggressive chewer, you should get him/her the West Paw ZG040GRN. It is a brightly colored toy that is made using non-toxic, recyclable, and dishwasher-safe material. You can hide kibble or treats inside to stimulate your dog to play for longer as he/she tries to discover the reward.
Aside from that, you can use the toy to play fetch, catch or toss, and it floats on water, so you can play fetch on your pool.
Key Features
- Ideal for aggressive chewers.
- Brightly colored, non-toxic, recyclable, and dishwasher-safe.
- Hides kibble or treats.
- Floats on water.
How to Buy the Best Interactive Dog Toys
1. Types of Interactive Dog Toys
Treat-Dispensing Toys
The name says it all. Treat dispensing toys end up rewarding your pet with a treat or kibble after playing. They promote mental and physical stimulation because your dog must think of how to get the food out. As he/she gets smarter, most have adjustable difficulty levels to make the process a bit harder.
Electronic Toys
Electronic toys run on batteries and incorporate the use of light & sound effects to arouse curiosity in your pet. They are usually recommended for blind dogs (due to the sound) or those with poor vision (due to the flashing lights).
Ball Launchers
Ball launchers eliminate the human element because they throw balls for your dog to play fetch, then bring it back to the launcher. This cycle continues as long as the launcher is powered.
Hide-and-Seek Toys
Hide and seek toys usually consist of a set of small, stuffed toys packed and hidden in a large toy container. For instance, you can have small, stuffed squeaker squirrels packed in a log with holes. Your dog has to learn how to get them out of the log.
Tension Toys
Tension toys are for pooches that like playing the game of tug-of-war. If you have two dogs or more, consider getting such a toy because it also helps to handle dental care and teething problems.
Mobile Toys
These toys are designed to move (mostly using wheels), which stimulates your dog's curiosity. Some are built to work automatically, while others need to be controlled via a computer or smartphone app.
Buying Guide: Each dog toy type has its benefits and specific application area. However, treat-dispensing toys have an edge over the rest as they promote mental and physical stimulation. For this, be sure to check out Starmark's SMBALS.
2. Your Dogs
Another important factor to consider is your pet's characteristics. If he is overweight, a treat-dispensing toy is ideal. For pooches that love to play fetch, a ball launcher is best. However, if you have two or more destructive dogs, get them a tension toy to measure each other up.
3. Toy Size and Weight
When it comes to chewable toys, size and weight matter. Getting a small toy for a large dog is risky as it can lead to choking. On the other hand, a small dog will not enjoy a large toy as much because he won't be able to bite it properly.
That said, the best interactive puppy toys also need to be lightweight so that they can carry them around easily. A perfect example is Wobble Wag Giggle's WG071104, which only weighs 0.08 lbs. However, adult dogs have the strength to carry heavy toys.
4. Materials
Dog toys are made using different materials like wood, plastic, vinyl, etc. Whichever the case, ensure it is pet safe. Check for features like BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free.
5. Safety
This goes hand in hand with the material used. If your dog has allergies, ensure you check what the toy is made of. Aside from that, most manufacturers recommend supervised playing so that you can monitor and avert any dangers.
6. Durability
Dogs can be very rough, especially if they like chewing. We recommend toys that can withstand chewing, but if your pet is gentle, other varieties are okay.
Buy on Etsy
Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toys (Wiggles, Vibrates & Barks - Dog Toys - Walmart Link
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound - Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toys - Walmart Link
PetDroid Interactive Dog/Cats Ball Toys,Durable Motion Activated Automatic Rolling Ball - Walmart Link
Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, Interactive Dog Toy, Fun Giggle Sounds When Rolled or Shaken, - Walmart Link
ELOPAW Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers Large Breed Interactive Dog Toys Indestructible - Walmart Link
PETGEEK Automatic Interactive Dog Toys, Dog Interactive Toys for Boredom, Dog Toys Self - Walmart Link
StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy - Walmart Link
This IQ treat ball - Walmart Link
this Outward Hound 67338 - Walmart Link
Wobble Wag Giggle's WG071104 - Walmart Link
the West Paw ZG040GRN - Walmart Link
BarkBox's 2-in-1 dog toy - Walmart Link
Buy on eBay
Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toys (Wiggles, Vibrates & Barks - Dog Toys - eBay Link
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound - Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toys - eBay Link
PetDroid Interactive Dog/Cats Ball Toys,Durable Motion Activated Automatic Rolling Ball - eBay Link
Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, Interactive Dog Toy, Fun Giggle Sounds When Rolled or Shaken, - eBay Link
ELOPAW Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers Large Breed Interactive Dog Toys Indestructible - eBay Link
PETGEEK Automatic Interactive Dog Toys, Dog Interactive Toys for Boredom, Dog Toys Self - eBay Link
StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy - eBay Link
This IQ treat ball - eBay Link
this Outward Hound 67338 - eBay Link
Wobble Wag Giggle's WG071104 - eBay Link
the West Paw ZG040GRN - eBay Link
BarkBox's 2-in-1 dog toy - eBay Link
Conclusion
To summarize, Starmark's SMBALS is our best interactive dog toy overall as it combines a toy and a treat dispenser in one. The dispenser has an adjustable opening to control the difficulty level. It also has a sizeable chamber capacity and a weighted base to create a wobbling effect.
However, if you prefer puzzles, Outward Hound 67338 is the best option. Your pooch must learn to carry out a sequence of actions to unlock treats by moving seven blocks and swiveling flippers.
For chewers, we recommend BarkBox's 2-in-1 dog toy because it consists of a fluffy outer layer that is designed to be destroyed. Once torn, it reveals a spikey squeaker ball as the second toy.
 |
 |
 |
 |
About Tom Ken
Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.
There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.
He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.
With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.
Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Thoughts on "The 12 Best Interactive Dog Toys of 2023: Treat Dispensers, Electronic & More"
|
|
|
|
Pet Care Tips
|
|
