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5 best dog toys to boost your pet’s health

Does your dog destroy new toys in minutes? Or maybe their toy basket is overflowing, yet nothing seems to catch their interest anymore.

The truth is, not all dog toys are created equal, and every pup has different play preferences. As a loving pet owner, you want toys that keep your dog mentally engaged and physically active for more than just a few minutes.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the 5 best dog toys that boost your pet’s health, keep playtime exciting, and help you avoid wasting money on toys that don’t last.

Treat dispenser dog toys

Looking for the best dog toys to keep them busy? Treat dispenser dog toys are a fun and effective way to keep your dog’s mind active. They encourage your pup to roll, push, or chew the toy to release tasty treats, turning playtime into a rewarding challenge. If you need to keep your dog calm and occupied, treat dispenser toys are a great choice. 

Benefits of treat dispenser dog toys

These dog toys do more than keep your dog quiet and entertained. They provide real health benefits for your dog by stimulating their mind, slowing down their eating, improving their dental health, and providing a positive distraction during stressful situations. 

Why dogs love treat dispenser toys 

• Dogs love a challenge and the satisfaction that comes with solving a difficult problem.

• A tasty treat encourages dogs to interact with the toy repeatedly.

• The physical activity required to play with these toys taps into dog’s natural instincts.

Which type of dogs love them?

• Intelligent breeds: Dogs like Border Collies, Poodles, and Australian Shepherds thrive on mental challenges.
  

• High-energy dogs: Breeds that need both physical and mental stimulation, like Labradors or Terriers, enjoy working for treats.
  

• Food-driven dogs: Any dog motivated by treats, regardless of breed, will likely enjoy the puzzle aspect of these toys.
  

• Dogs prone to boredom or anxiety: They benefit from the distraction and engagement these toys provide.

Try this treat dispenser dog toy from our website! 

The Snuffle Ball Interactive Enrichment Puzzle Toy for Dogs is the ultimate interactive scent game designed to stimulate your pup’s mind and satisfy their natural foraging instincts.

Licky pads for dogs

Licky pads are textured mats that allow dogs to lick soft foods, pastes, or treats more slowly than a standard dog bowl. These pads are typically made from rubber or silicone and use grooves to hold the food in place.

Benefits of licky pads for dogs

The main benefit of licky pads is that they encourage dogs to eat slower, thus improving their food digestion. Licky pads also offer dogs a calming place to retreat during a stressful situation. Dogs who are easily scared during thunderstorms, for example, can be helped to calm down by licking a frozen broth off a licky pad. Small puppies who are scared of a new kennel may feel more comfortable in a new environment when they have a licky pad covered in their favourite treat. 

Why dogs love them 

• Licking releases endorphins which helps dogs to feel more relaxed

• Dogs love eating their favourite treats, especially when it’s turned into a fun activity

• Figuring out how to get all of the food from the grooves keeps a dogs brain engaged and occupied

What types of dogs love them

• Anxious or stressed – Licking is naturally calming, so dogs who get nervous during storms, vet visits, or alone time benefit most.
  

• Fast eaters – Dogs that gulp their food can slow down and improve digestion when using a licky pad.
  

• Bored or under-stimulated – Dogs left alone for long periods or with low mental stimulation enjoy the challenge of licking the food out.
  

• Senior dogs or dogs with low activity levels – Licking provides gentle mental and sensory stimulation without physical strain.

Try this licky pad for your dog! 

This Square Puppy Lick Enrichment Bowl encourages slower licking and keeps your dog entertained during meal or snack time.

Puzzles toys for dogs

Puzzle toys for dogs are designed to challenge a dog’s brain by encouraging them to solve a puzzle to earn a reward, usually a treat. These are a great way to keep dogs entertained and occupied, while also challenging them through mental stimulation! 

Benefits of puzzle toys for dogs

One of the biggest benefits of puzzle toys for dogs is that they keep a dog’s brain sharp and prevent boredom during the day. By keeping dogs entertained, they are also distracted from destructive habits such as chewing the furniture or getting into the trash. 

Another benefit to puzzle toys is that they encourage dogs to eat slower, by challenging them to think before they are able to take a bite. This encourages better digestion of food and prevents harmful effects of fast eating such as bloating. 

Why dogs love them 

• Dogs are naturally inquisitive and love being able to tap into their problem-solving instincts.

• Using effort to get a reward (a treat or kibble) keeps dogs motivated and excited to keep playing.

• Being able to solve the puzzle boosts their confidence reduces anxiety.

What types of dogs love them

• Intelligent breeds – Dogs like Border Collies, Poodles, Australian Shepherds, and German Shepherds thrive on mental challenges and love using their brains.

• High-energy dogs – Breeds with lots of energy, such as Labradors, Terriers, and Huskies, benefit from puzzles that tire them out mentally as well as physically.

• Bored or destructive dogs – Puzzles keep curious or home-alone dogs busy, reducing chewing, digging, or barking out of frustration.

• Anxious dogs – Focusing on problem-solving can help redirect nervous energy and promote calmness.

• Senior dogs – Gentle puzzle play helps keep their minds sharp and provides enrichment without too much physical strain.

Try this puzzle toy for your dog! 

Try this ZippyPaws Interactive Puzzle Donut Slider Interactive Dog Toy to combine play with mealtime! 

Plush toys for dogs

Plush toys are some of the cutest types of toys for dogs, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes and often combined with squeaky noises. Their soft texture makes them a comforting toy for dogs to cuddle or hold in their mouth. They are also some of the best dog toys for small dogs because they come in a variety of sizes that can fit into small mouths. 

Benefits of plush toys for dogs 

Soft and fun plush toys provide dogs with comfort and companionship during the day. They are like comfort objects for dogs, whose smell and feel can help a dog to calm down and feel safe. Their soft texture also makes them a great play toy for light chewers, small puppies, or senior dogs that can’t handle tough play objects. 

Why dogs love plush toys

• Soft toys give dogs a sense of companionship, especially for dogs who spend lots of time alone in the home without other pets.

• The squeaky sounds and crinkles make plush toys exciting without too much work.

• Many dogs have a natural instinct to care for others which they can use to carry, shake, or “care for” plush toys.

What types of dogs love plush toys

• Puppies – They enjoy the softness and security of plush toys, which remind them of littermates and help with teething.
  

• Small or gentle breeds – Dogs like Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Cavaliers often love carrying or cuddling soft toys.
  

• Nurturing dogs – Some dogs, especially females, like to “mother” their plush toys, carrying them gently or sleeping with them.
  

• Anxious or comfort-seeking dogs – Plush toys can provide emotional comfort and reduce stress when they’re alone.
  

• Senior dogs – Older pups enjoy the softness and lightness of plush toys, especially when heavy chewing isn’t an option.

Try this plush toy for your dog! 

This Dragon Squeaky Plush Dog Toy is a great toy for dogs who play, cuddle and chew!

Rope toys for dogs

Does your dog love to play fight? Rope toys are durable toys made from twisted cotton or polyester fibres that are designed for fun, interactive play! They allow dogs to chew and tug for hours, with many including added balls, loops, or squeaky noises to add to their mental stimulation. Rope toys are some of the best dog toys for large dogs because they can withstand large, strong teeth while providing a safe way for them to release energy!  

Benefits of rope toys for dogs 

Rope toys are a fantastic way to give your dog both physical exercise and mental stimulation. They encourage your pup to pull, tug, and chew while also engaging their problem-solving instincts as they try to “win” the toy. This type of dog toy is often played together between the pet owner and dog, encouraging bonding and loving interaction. 

If your dog loves to chew on things in the house, rope toys can provide a safe outlet for them to chew without being destructive. The chewing also helps to clean their teeth and massage their gums! 

Why dogs love rope toys

• Tug-of-war is a classic game that all dogs love, providing dogs with interactive play and friendly competition.

• All dogs love to chew, and rope toys are designed to satisfy this natural urge to chew without falling apart.

• Rope toys provide an easy way for owners and dogs to play together, indoors or outdoors, which makes it an even more exciting experience for pups. 

What types of dogs love them

• Strong, energetic breeds – Dogs like Labradors, Boxers, and Pit Bulls love the physical challenge of tugging and pulling.

• Working and sporting breeds – Border Collies, Shepherds, and Retrievers enjoy the mix of mental focus and strength rope play requires.
  

• Chewers – Any dog with a strong urge to chew (especially teething puppies) finds rope toys satisfying and engaging.
  

• Social or playful dogs – Pups that love interactive play with their owners or other dogs are drawn to the teamwork and fun of tug-of-war.

Try this rope toy for your dog! 

This Grip & Tug Fist Tug Rope Durable Dog Toy is designed with strong dogs in mind, providing a great opportunity for tug-of-war games! 

Discover more toys for your dog

We believe that dog toys should be fun and support your dog’s health and overall well-being. Whether your pup loves the challenge of a puzzle toy, the comfort of a plush friend, or the excitement of tugging on a rope, there is a wide range of toys that can keep them active, engaged, and content. 

Take a look at our full range of toys for dogs as well as healthy dog treats to make play time even more fun!