best Intellectual Dog Toys
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
Bottom Line
Dogs love to dig and this toy will let them dig as much as they can! This hide and seek game provides hours of fun to small and medium-sized breeds.
Aggressive chewers will meet their match with this toy. Made of food-grade rubber, this toy is designed to take on heavy chewing and promote better oral hygiene.
For a dog that loves to play hide and seek, this is the perfect toy. The plush toy includes 3 stuffed squirrels that will keep your dog engaged for hours.
From the makers of well-known Swedish puzzle toys, this interactive game will keep your dog mentally engaged and stimulated.
A treat-dispensing toy made for chewers. This interactive toy dispenses treats and can also be used as a fetch toy. Available in two sizes.
Pros
Inexpensive.
Soft material doesn’t harm teeth and gums.
Highly engaging.
Helps clean teeth and gums.
Can dispense treats.
Very engaging for heavy chewers.
Inexpensive.
The soft texture is gentle on the teeth and gums.
High engagement factor.
Available in 4 sizes for different breeds.
The discounted price makes it a great buy.
Safe – made from food-grade materials.
Great mental exercise.
Reward-based puzzle toy reduces anxiety and bad behavior.
Inexpensive.
Multi-functional toy.
Very engaging.
Fun, bright colors.
Eco-friendly.
Cons
Won’t last against aggressive chewers.
The suction cup doesn’t always stick.
Not for aggressive chewers.
Game can get old if used too often.
Smarter breeds will find it too easy.
Requires supervision – aggressive chewers can destroy the cover and can be a choking hazard.
Inconsistent durability.
- As Good As It Gets
ZippyPaws - Woodland Friends Burrow, Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy
Bottom Line
Dogs love to dig and this toy will let them dig as much as they can! This hide and seek game provides hours of fun to small and medium-sized breeds.
Pros
Inexpensive.
Soft material doesn’t harm teeth and gums.
Highly engaging.
Cons
Won’t last against aggressive chewers.
- Best On A Budget
KAIMINGQIAN Dog Chew Toys, Aggressive Chew Fixed Chew Toys
Bottom Line
Aggressive chewers will meet their match with this toy. Made of food-grade rubber, this toy is designed to take on heavy chewing and promote better oral hygiene.
Pros
Helps clean teeth and gums.
Can dispense treats.
Very engaging for heavy chewers.
Inexpensive.
Cons
The suction cup doesn’t always stick.
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy
Bottom Line
For a dog that loves to play hide and seek, this is the perfect toy. The plush toy includes 3 stuffed squirrels that will keep your dog engaged for hours.
Pros
The soft texture is gentle on the teeth and gums.
High engagement factor.
Available in 4 sizes for different breeds.
The discounted price makes it a great buy.
Cons
Not for aggressive chewers.
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toys
Bottom Line
From the makers of well-known Swedish puzzle toys, this interactive game will keep your dog mentally engaged and stimulated.
Pros
Safe – made from food-grade materials.
Great mental exercise.
Reward-based puzzle toy reduces anxiety and bad behavior.
Cons
Game can get old if used too often.
Smarter breeds will find it too easy.
Requires supervision – aggressive chewers can destroy the cover and can be a choking hazard.
West Paw Zogoflex Tizzi Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Bottom Line
A treat-dispensing toy made for chewers. This interactive toy dispenses treats and can also be used as a fetch toy. Available in two sizes.
Pros
Inexpensive.
Multi-functional toy.
Very engaging.
Fun, bright colors.
Eco-friendly.
Cons
Inconsistent durability.
How We Decided
Every dog loves its toy! But to find out which intellectual dog toys were the most engaging, the MDWT team looked for online reviews and did our own product tests with the help of our in-house puppy testing team! Here’s how we decided:
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide For The Best Intellectual Toys for Dogs
Intellectual toys are highly recommended by any dog behaviorist. Aside from being loads of fun for your dog, the mental stimulation helps with their mental development and keeps them busy especially when left on their own. This prevents boredom, anxiety, and discourages unwanted behavior.
There are different kinds of intellectual toys for dogs, all of which provide a certain level of engagement and fun. Of course, some dogs prefer some toys over others, but it’s beneficial to have a good mix of toys that they can play with. It’s important to remember that dogs have different personalities too and not every toy will fit their personality.
These toys come in the form of puzzle toys that usually dispense treats, hide, and seek toys that activate a dog’s natural instinct to hunt, fetch launchers, tension toys, among others. Using these toys together with chew toys, tug of war and other standard toys provide the needed physical and mental exercise for your dog to be happy, healthy, and well behaved.
Buying Guide For The Best Intellectual Toys for Dogs
Intellectual toys are highly recommended by any dog behaviorist. Aside from being loads of fun for your dog, the mental stimulation helps with their mental development and keeps them busy especially when left on their own. This prevents boredom, anxiety, and discourages unwanted behavior.
There are different kinds of intellectual toys for dogs, all of which provide a certain level of engagement and fun. Of course, some dogs prefer some toys over others, but it’s beneficial to have a good mix of toys that they can play with. It’s important to remember that dogs have different personalities too and not every toy will fit their personality.
These toys come in the form of puzzle toys that usually dispense treats, hide, and seek toys that activate a dog’s natural instinct to hunt, fetch launchers, tension toys, among others. Using these toys together with chew toys, tug of war and other standard toys provide the needed physical and mental exercise for your dog to be happy, healthy, and well behaved.
Key Considerations
Caution
Some toys have small parts that can be bitten off and swallowed by accident and can cause serious health issues. Always supervise your dog when they play with toys that have that risk.
Intellectual Dog Toys Features
Different toys have different features to offer, but one common trait they should have is safety. Materials used for the toys should be free from any agents toxic to your dog. Be wary of any products that don’t list down the materials used.
For puzzle toys, the reward-based toy offers a way to dispense treats after the required action is made. This feature emphasizes positive reinforcement and encourages your dog to obey or accomplish certain tasks in hopes of getting a reward. If you have an intelligent dog, they will enjoy these kinds of toys.
Some hide and seek toys feature a plush material so that it’s safe and comfortable for your dog to hunt for the toy and find a way to get them out of hiding.
Then there are the more high-tech options like automated ball launchers for playing fetch. These work both as a physical and mental exercise for your dog. These gadgets are more expensive but are designed to be used by dogs on their own.
Because these toys offer different kinds of engagement, what’s important is to get the toy with the features that will fit your dog’s personality and will be the most enjoyable.
Expert Tip
Rotate your dog’s toys every so often. This keeps the level of excitement high each time you bring a new set of toys out. Leave out 4 to 5 toys at a time, and be sure to include their favorite!
Intellectual Dog Toys Prices
All of our picks are affordable, with nothing over $20. But dog toy prices vary greatly, depending on the type of toy and the brand. Simple intellectual toys are inexpensive but puzzle toys and interactive toys can be pricey especially technology-based toys.
But before buying a toy, pet parents must understand that there are no indestructible toys, no matter what the product description says. A determined dog will be able to destroy any toy. With that being said, if you intend to buy a puzzle toy for your aggressive chewer, make sure to supervise them every time they play so that they don’t end up destroying the toy.
You can also choose to get inexpensive toys meant for your dog to “kill” or chew on. So even if they’re easily destroyed, it won’t hurt your wallet as much.
Tips
- There are many counterfeit toys on the market that can be unsafe for your dog. Avoid these and the risks they pose by buying from trusted brands.
- Some toys offer dental health benefits. If you have a hard time brushing your dog’s teeth, these kinds of toys are your allies.
- Get the appropriate toy size for your breed. A small toy might be a choking hazard for a large breed. Toys usually come in with a description of the appropriate age or size of the dog.
other products we Considered
Looking for other options to add to our picks? They didn’t make our list but here are more toys that your dogs may find enjoyable too.
Gnawsome Squeak & Light LED Soccer Ball Dog Toy: If your dog likes squeaky toys and visual stimulation, this toy is for them. This squeaky ball lights up when thrown or dropped, catching your dog’s attention.
PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat: Satisfy your dog’s urge to search for food using this snuffle mat. Made of soft and durable material, it mimics hunting in the wild and gives your dog the chance to forage.
FAQ's
Do dogs really need intellectual dog toys?
There are several benefits that intellectual dog toys have on dogs. Two of the most important reasons are exercise and mental stimulation. Both are important for your dog’s health and well-being. Using toys to exercise your dog prevents obesity and physical health issues.
The intellectual stimulation allows your dog to be more obedient and well-behaved. Otherwise, boredom can lead them to be destructive and disobedient.
What size should I get for my breed?
Manufacturers normally indicate what breed size or weight the toys are for. However, if you’re unsure, you need to get a toy that won’t be swallowed easily or isn’t too big for your dog. You can directly inquire with the manufacturer or look for online reviews to determine the appropriate size.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director