We can’t always be around to play with our dogs, which can make them feel bored and lonely. Luckily, toys are advanced enough that there are now interactive ones available to keep your favorite pup entertained when it’s alone or when you’re busy. There are many kinds of these toys out there, from treat dispensers to high-tech. The question is, which one do you choose for your pet?
Purchasing an interactive dog toy involves considering the usual factors for buying a new product and keeping in mind your pet’s likes, dislikes, and more. This can make the job more difficult. Thankfully, you can make a better-informed decision and pick the perfect toy for your dog with the help of our reviews of the 10 best interactive dog toys on the market below, plus the guide to everything you need to know about these fun pet accessories!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2023 Update
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Hide and Seek Toy
Offers lots of hide-n-seek fun
Pet owners reported their dogs loving this toy
Made from soft material that’s gentle on teeth
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Best Value
Ethical Pet Sensory Ball
Durable for heavy chewers
Entices all your pet’s senses
Comes in various sizes and colors
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Premium Choice
PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Feed
Simulates hunting for food
Engages your pet’s brain and nose
Great for slowing dogs who eat too quickly
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Outward Hound Hide
Super cute
Comes in four sizes
Full of squeaky toys
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KONG Wobbler Toy
A classic
Made from durable material
Great for mealtimes for quick eaters
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The 10 Best Interactive Dog Toys
Our choice for the best overall interactive dog toy is the Frisco Hide and Seek Plush Volcano Puzzle. This cute puzzle toy provides a soft volcano and tiny dinosaurs that offer hours of hide-n-seek entertainment for your pup. Stuff the dinosaurs in the volcano and watch as your dog figures out how to get them all out! The squeakers in the dinosaurs mean your pet will love this puzzle even more. Plus, when your dog is done playing, they can snuggle up with the super soft and plush volcano and dinosaurs for a nap. The soft material also means it will be gentle on your dog’s teeth.
Breed size: Medium & large
Material: Polyester
Toy feature: Squeaky
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However, you may want to avoid this toy if your dog is a heavy chewer, as they could end up destroying it.
Pros
Offers lots of hide-n-seek fun
Made from soft material that’s gentle on teeth
Pet owners reported their dogs loving this toy – as a puzzle or as separate play pieces
Cons
Not suitable for heavy chewers
Dinosaurs are less durable than the volcano
Want the best interactive dog toy for the money? Then this sensory ball is just what you need! It may look like just another chew toy, but this ball offers so much more for your pet than chewing. It contains both a squeaker and a bell for fun sounds, smells, and tastes like beef to stimulate the nose and tastebuds, plus offers multiple colors and textures for sight and touch. That means the toy will engage each one of your dog’s senses during play!
Offers lots of hide-n-seek fun
Made from soft material that’s gentle on teeth
Pet owners reported their dogs loving this toy – as a puzzle or as separate play pieces
- Offers lots of hide-n-seek fun
- Made from soft material that’s gentle on teeth
- Pet owners reported their dogs loving this toy – as a puzzle or as separate play pieces
Not suitable for heavy chewers
Dinosaurs are less durable than the volcano
- Not suitable for heavy chewers
- Dinosaurs are less durable than the volcano
Breed size: Small
Material: Rubber
Toy feature: Tough chewer
While no toy is ever indestructible, the sensory ball is made from thermoplastic rubber to offer more durability. The ball comes in two sizes and a variety of colors.
Pros
Durable for heavy chewers
Entices all your pet’s senses
Comes in various sizes and colors
Cons
Medium & large dogs may be able to destroy ball
Some reports of squeaker giving out quickly
When you want to get your favorite doggo a premium interactive dog toy, you’ll want to consider this feeding mat by PAW5. This toy is designed to simulate how it would be to hunt for food out in the wild, so it engages not only their sense of smell but their brain as they sniff out treats. Simply place your pet’s food (dry only, of course) or treats throughout the mat, then let them enjoy the hunt!
Durable for heavy chewers
Entices all your pet’s senses
Comes in various sizes and colors
- Durable for heavy chewers
- Entices all your pet’s senses
- Comes in various sizes and colors
Medium & large dogs may be able to destroy ball
Some reports of squeaker giving out quickly
- Medium & large dogs may be able to destroy ball
- Some reports of squeaker giving out quickly
Breed size: All sizes
Material: Cotton, polyester
Toy feature: Foraging
This feeding mat is made from materials that are sustainably sourced and non-toxic, so it’s safe for your dog to eat from. Just keep it off the floor when it’s not in use, as it isn’t made to be chewed on. Cleaning it is simple – just toss it in the wash!
Pros
Simulates hunting for food
Engages your pet’s brain and nose
Great for slowing dogs who eat too quickly
Cons
Mat may slide around
Some smart pups simply picked up the mat and shook food out
Needs to be cleaned often
This adorable interactive dog toy is another hide-n-seek game that dogs seem to love! Just place the squirrels into the tree trunk, so your pup can sniff and dig them out. The squirrels all have squeakers for hours of chewing and squeaking fun! This toy comes in four sizes – junior, large, jumbo, and ginormous – so no matter the size of your doggo, you can find a size that works for them.
Simulates hunting for food
Engages your pet’s brain and nose
Great for slowing dogs who eat too quickly
- Simulates hunting for food
- Engages your pet’s brain and nose
- Great for slowing dogs who eat too quickly
Mat may slide around
Some smart pups simply picked up the mat and shook food out
Needs to be cleaned often
- Mat may slide around
- Some smart pups simply picked up the mat and shook food out
- Needs to be cleaned often
Breed size: Large
Material: Polyester
Toy feature: Squeaky, exercise, training
The squirrels and tree trunk are made of materials built to be durable, but, as with all toys, some dogs may be capable of chewing the toy apart. It’s recommended that you keep an eye on your pet during playtime.
Pros
Super cute
Full of squeaky toys
Comes in four sizes
Cons
May not be suitable for heavy chewers
Some people received products that seemed inferior
It’s not surprising to find the KONG on this list; it’s a classic for a reason! Made from a plastic polymer that’s FDA food-approved and incredibly durable, this fun toy allows your pet to get treats whenever they want – so long as they can get them out. The KONG rolls, tips, and wobbles to provide plenty of engagement for your dog. And bonus, you can use it at mealtimes to slow down hasty eaters. The KONG has a screw top that allows for easy refilling and is dishwasher safe for simple cleaning. This product comes in two sizes – small and large – and is vet-recommended.
Super cute
Full of squeaky toys
Comes in four sizes
- Super cute
- Full of squeaky toys
- Comes in four sizes
May not be suitable for heavy chewers
Some people received products that seemed inferior
- May not be suitable for heavy chewers
- Some people received products that seemed inferior
Breed size: All
Material: Plastic polymer
Toy feature: Training
Some dogs need to get used to the size of the KONG toy, especially if they are a smaller dog breed. The plastic polymer is also not as durable as rubber, so keep this in mind if your dog has strong jaws.
Pros
A classic
Great for mealtimes for quick eaters
Made from durable material
Cons
Toy is way larger than people thought and size sometimes scared dogs
Occasional reports that plastic polymer isn’t as durable as rubber
This interactive dog toy has a unique design – it features a crevice that pops out so you can add small treats or food. When you’re done adding treats, just pop it back in so your pup can figure out how to pop it out again! The Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff is made from eco-friendly and chemical-free materials, so it’s safe for your dog to chew to their heart’s content. Cleaning this toy is incredibly simple; fill it with water and shake it around!
A classic
Great for mealtimes for quick eaters
Made from durable material
- A classic
- Great for mealtimes for quick eaters
- Made from durable material
Toy is way larger than people thought and size sometimes scared dogs
Occasional reports that plastic polymer isn’t as durable as rubber
- Toy is way larger than people thought and size sometimes scared dogs
- Occasional reports that plastic polymer isn’t as durable as rubber
Breed size: Small
Material: Plastic
Toy feature: Tough chewer, training, exercise
The material does contain peppermint oil to provide a minty fresh flavor. Though peppermint oil has been said by some not to be safe for dogs, there were no complaints of the small amount here making dogs ill in any way.
Pros
Interesting design for more brain stimulation
Easy to clean
Eco-friendly materials
Cons
Some complaints of toy having a sticky texture
May not be suitable for dogs with small noses, as they could get snout stuck in toy
Occasional reports of intense, unpleasant smell on toy
If your doggo needs some extra brain stimulation, this puzzle toy could be just right. This toy offers plenty of engagement and learning. Simple pop some treats into the compartments, then enjoy watching your pup learn how to slide pieces around to find them! There are several compartments to try out different combinations of treat placement. This way, your pet will have the chance to have a different experience each time the toy is used.
Interesting design for more brain stimulation
Easy to clean
Eco-friendly materials
- Interesting design for more brain stimulation
- Easy to clean
- Eco-friendly materials
Some complaints of toy having a sticky texture
May not be suitable for dogs with small noses, as they could get snout stuck in toy
Occasional reports of intense, unpleasant smell on toy
- Some complaints of toy having a sticky texture
- May not be suitable for dogs with small noses, as they could get snout stuck in toy
- Occasional reports of intense, unpleasant smell on toy
Breed size: Small
Material: Polypropylene, Wood
Toy feature: Training
The built-in pieces are designed to stay in place, and the materials used are made to hold up. Because the game is a bit elevated, making it easier for those with short snouts to move pieces around.
Pros
Plenty of brain stimulation
Good for pups with shorter snouts
A new experience each time
Cons
Occasional complaint of treats getting stuck in between pieces & hard to retrieve
May not be as challenging as promised
Keep your dog entertained and away from destructive behaviors with this interactive dog toy that not only lights up but also talks! Once it’s been activated by your pup knocking it around, it has a vast array of 18 phrases and sounds to entertain your pet. While it’s talking, it will also flash some lights to hold your dog’s attention. With this combination, it can stimulate the senses of sound and sight. This toy is activated by touch, but it will turn off automatically once your pet is finished playing with it to conserve battery power.
Plenty of brain stimulation
Good for pups with shorter snouts
A new experience each time
- Plenty of brain stimulation
- Good for pups with shorter snouts
- A new experience each time
Occasional complaint of treats getting stuck in between pieces & hard to retrieve
May not be as challenging as promised
- Occasional complaint of treats getting stuck in between pieces & hard to retrieve
- May not be as challenging as promised
Breed size: Extra small & toy
Material: Plastic
Toy feature: Electronic, glowing/light-up, exercise
Something to keep in mind is that some dog owners felt the toy was quite loud. If you want a quieter household while your dog plays, this toy might not be a good fit!
Pros
Light-up
Plays 18 different sounds
Turns off after playtime to conserve batteries
Cons
Complaints of toy being incredibly loud
Contains the phrase “no” which owners said made their dogs stop playing with it
Toy is hard and not made to be chewed on
Keep your favorite pupper happy with this (literally) happy toy! Designed to sound like human giggling, laughter, and happiness, this interactive dog toy entices your pet’s curiosity and need for play. It doesn’t only include happy sounds, though; it also offers unique motions and comes in fun colors. This ball is made from vinyl that is phthalate-free and pet safe so that it won’t harm your dog’s health. The vinyl is also extremely hardy to keep the ball from being destroyed by chewing. The best part? No batteries are required for this one!
Light-up
Plays 18 different sounds
Turns off after playtime to conserve batteries
- Light-up
- Plays 18 different sounds
- Turns off after playtime to conserve batteries
Complaints of toy being incredibly loud
Contains the phrase “no” which owners said made their dogs stop playing with it
Toy is hard and not made to be chewed on
- Complaints of toy being incredibly loud
- Contains the phrase “no” which owners said made their dogs stop playing with it
- Toy is hard and not made to be chewed on
Breed size: All
Material: Plastic
Toy feature: Squeaky, outdoor, crinkle, exercise
Some people have complained about the noise level of this toy. Although the sounds are meant to convey human emotions, a few buyers of this product felt the sound was too loud. In addition, there has been mixed reviews on the toy’s durability.
Pros
Fun sounds
Made from safe & durable material
No batteries needed
Cons
Quality of materials seems to be varied – some reported extremely durable, others reported as short-lasting
Smaller dogs were sometimes scared of the size
Is very loud
With this challenging yet fun toy, you can have your dog puzzle out how to get their treats with various levels of difficulty. Start at the beginner level, then work your way up to more difficult ones to keep your dog entertained, engaged, and stimulated. The different levels guarantee your pup will never get bored! You can also use this toy to slow down mealtimes for those doggos who tend to eat too quickly. This toy comes in two sizes – 3 inches or 4 inches. You can wash it easily by taking it apart and cleaning it with soap and water.
Fun sounds
Made from safe & durable material
No batteries needed
- Fun sounds
- Made from safe & durable material
- No batteries needed
Quality of materials seems to be varied – some reported extremely durable, others reported as short-lasting
Smaller dogs were sometimes scared of the size
Is very loud
- Quality of materials seems to be varied – some reported extremely durable, others reported as short-lasting
- Smaller dogs were sometimes scared of the size
- Is very loud
Breed size: Medium
Material: Polyester
Toy feature: Tough chewer, exercises
There have been a few people who bought this toy that reported some difficulty taking it apart as well as changing the levels.
Pros
Different levels for more challenge
Can help slow down mealtimes
Easy to clean
Cons
Requires extra small treats/kibble
Some had difficulty taking apart and putting back together
Some had trouble figuring out how to change levels
Different levels for more challenge
Can help slow down mealtimes
Easy to clean
- Different levels for more challenge
- Can help slow down mealtimes
- Easy to clean
Requires extra small treats/kibble
Some had difficulty taking apart and putting back together
Some had trouble figuring out how to change levels
- Requires extra small treats/kibble
- Some had difficulty taking apart and putting back together
- Some had trouble figuring out how to change levels
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Interactive Dog Toy
What are Interactive Dog Toys?
Interactive dog toys are toys that keep your pup fully stimulated. As dogs are social and active creatures, they need lots of time with others and play. When you have more than one animal and plenty of people in a home, your pet will typically get enough social interaction and playtime to meet its needs. But what if you only have one pet or household members who are away from home for long periods of time? The result could be bored dogs, which leads to destructive behaviors. Interactive dog toys can help ward off that boredom.
Types of Interactive Dog Toys
Interactive dog toys come in several different forms (not all of which are on this list). However, here are some of the most popular types of interactive toys
Treat Dispenser Toys
Probably the most common type of interactive dog toy is one you’re familiar with – the treat dispenser. With these toys, food or treats are hidden inside the toy, and your pup works to get it out through various means. These work great for dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement; you can also use these during mealtimes for pets who tend to eat too fast.
Responsive Interactive Dog Toy
Responsive toys usually have movement, sounds, and light. These toys are triggered by sound or movement, so they can easily catch pets’ attention. This type of toy is good for active dogs with plenty of energy.
Puzzle Dog Toy
This type of toy is fairly self-explanatory – they’re puzzles for dogs! This type of interactive toy offers plenty of mental stimulation to keep your pup from becoming bored. They’re great for dog breeds that are smart with active minds. Puzzle toys can come in a variety of levels, from easy to so challenging you may not even be able to do it.
Hide-n-Seek Interactive Dog Toy
Also straightforward toy is the hide-n-seek interactive toy. This kind of toy involves you hiding some form of toy within another (like dinosaurs in a volcano or squirrels in a tree trunk). The hide-n-seek toy encourages your dog’s hunting instincts and is great for pups who like to snuffle.
High Tech Interactive Dog Toy
High-tech interactive dog toys tend to be among the pricier of toys. This type of toy can be anything from an automatic ball launcher designed to let your dog play fetch by themselves to a toy that’s controlled by an app when you’re away from home.
Why Buy Interactive Dog Toys?
There are several benefits to interactive dog toys other than keeping your dogs entertained when you’re away from home!
Provides Stimulation
The fact that interactive toys provide both physical and mental stimulation for your pets is a huge benefit. Not only do these toys provide engagement when they’re on their own, but these toys can help you in training them. How so? Interactive toys require your dog to focus on the task at hand, like how training requires them to focus. The more they play with interactive toys, the better their focus!
These types of toys can also increase puzzle-solving skills that are useful for them to have during training.
Relieves Anxiety
If you’re the parent of a pupper with separation anxiety, you know that leaving them on their own can cause an increase in behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing. Leaving them alone with toys they can interact with can help make them feel more comfortable on their own.
Can Help Curb Bad Behaviors
A lot of bad canine behavior results from your pup being bored. With the mental stimulation interactive toys provide, your pet will no longer be bored, which should reduce or get rid of negative behaviors, like chewing up shoes or furniture.
Slow Down Fast Eaters
Some interactive toys such as treat dispensers are excellent for helping fast eaters at mealtimes. Not only can feeding your pets this way reduce the risk of bloat, but it can also help overweight pups to lose weight.
What to Look for in an Interactive Dog Toy
Choosing the right toys for your pet is a combination of knowing what they will like best, how easily they’ll destroy something, plus the typical factors one should consider when making a purchase.
Dog’s Personality
Your dog’s personality may be the top factor to consider when looking for new toys. Is your dog the nervous type? Then they may not enjoy toys with lights or noise – particularly if it’s a responsive toy that will sound off when it registers movement. Does your pet love to play fetch but has no interest in tug of war? An automatic ball launcher may be their thing.
Don’t waste money on a toy your dog will despise!
Dog’s Chewing Habits
If your dog is fond of chewing on things until they’re completely destroyed, you’ll want to search for a toy that’s super durable. On the flip side, if your pup is a light or moderate chewer, they may prefer a softer toy over strong rubber or plastic.
Dog Toy Size
The size of the toy is important. If it’s too large, your pet may end up scared of it. Too tiny, and it could be a choking hazard. Check to see if the product has specific breed sizes recommendations listed. If not, check the dimensions of the product to see how it stands up.
Materials Used in Toy
Not only do you want to make sure the materials used to make a toy are incredibly durable, so you aren’t throwing money down the drain on something that will be torn apart in minutes. But you also want to make sure it’s safe enough to be in your dog’s mouth. Look at the materials a toy is made of and whether they are non-toxic or chemical-free. If you have environmental concerns, you can even find some made from eco-friendly materials.
Interactive Dog Toy Price
You want to stay within budget while ensuring you’re getting your money’s worth. A toy may be super cheap, but that could be because it was cheaply constructed and will fall apart in a short time. It may also be a more expensive toy that you discover via reviews didn’t hold up well.
Interactive Dog Toy Reviews
Reading customer reviews is an essential part of purchasing any product. With reviews, you can discover information such as how well a toy stands up to chewing and general puppy chaos or whether a majority of dogs seemed to dislike the product for no particular reason. Remember, though, that all dogs are different, and you know your pup best.
Conclusion Best Interactive Dog Toy
Our choice is the Frisco Hide and Seek Plush Volcano Puzzle for the best overall interactive dog toy due to its soft material and hours of hide-n-seek fun. If you’re searching for the best value toy, we recommend the Ethical Pet Sensory Ball as it stimulates all five senses of your pet. Finally, if you want a premium toy, we suggest the PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat because it’s sustainably sourced and helps slow down quick eaters.
You may also want to read: 10 Best Dog Puzzle Toys – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Chewy
