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Best Treat Dispensing Toys

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  September 8th, 2021

From quality and durability to levels of difficulty – choose a treat dispensing toy that will suit your pet’s unique needs and play style.

It’s safe to say that treat dispensing toys are favorites for many dogs. After all, why wouldn’t they be – these toys combine both fun and yumminess. The hidden treats entice dogs to put in some work and use their little cells to reach the delicious reward inside the toy. They’re ideal for dogs with separation anxiety, smart cookies who love a challenge, and any pooch you want to be focused and entertained for hours on end. However, not all treat dispensing toys are the same. From quality and durability to levels of difficulty, it’s important to pick out a toy that will suit your pet’s unique needs and style of play. Take a look at our selection of the best treat dispensing toys for dogs of all shapes and sizes and choose one (or a few) for your pampered fur baby.

1. Editor’s Choice – Titan Busy Bounce

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Many treat-dispensing toys are a no-match for an aggressive chewer, but the Titan Busy Bounce is tough enough to endure the gnawing and clawing of an overly enthusiastic pupper. Made in the USA from pet-safe, FDA-approved rubber, this durable toy will keep your pooch occupied and engaged. Not only is it brightly colored and bouncy – which is more than enough to entice a dog – but you can also put treats, peanut butter, or chew treats inside it to make your pet work for his reward. You can even use frozen treats to provide refreshment in those dog days of summer! Thanks to the unique material and asymmetrical shape, this toy has an erratic bounce pattern that your pet will love. Titan Busy Bounce comes in two sizes, medium and large, and it’s suited for dogs that weigh between 15 and 35 lbs, or those that are 30 to 65 lbs. This toy is easy to clean since it’s dishwasher safe, so don’t skimp on that peanut butter!

2. Runner Up – StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

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Treat dispensing toys are a great way to force your pooch to slow down and eat his meals at a normal pace, rather than gobbling up all of his kibble in seconds. Bob-A-Lot is a fabulous solution for fast feeders as this plastic tilting toy engages your pooch and drops kibble (or treats) sparingly. When the toy is always bobbing and the opening is small, it’s not that easy to pry the yummies out, no matter how much gnawing or pawing one applies. The opening can be adjusted to lower or increase the number of treats that this toy dispenses. It’s available in small and large sizes and has become increasingly popular among customers.

3. Best for Separation Anxiety – Brain Ball by Project Play™

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What seems like a simple ball with a hole for treats is actually a clever puzzle toy for hungry pups. To get to the treats hidden inside this durable rubber ball, your dog will have to roll it around, paw it, maybe even toss it around a bit. As the interior of the ball hides multiple tiers that block the treat from simply falling out, your pooch will certainly be mesmerized. Combining a ball with food is always a win-win in the canine world. This toy is ideal for senior dogs, or for those who struggle with separation anxiety.

4. Best for Oral Health – Jolly Pets Jolly Jumper Ball Dog Toy

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The jumping bouncy ball filled with treats is bound to occupy every pooch- it’s as engaging as they come. The textured rubber ball with nodules has an “erratic bounce and movement pattern” which will require your pooch to run around and chase a toy before trying to shake a treat out of it. It’s great for their oral health, too, as the rounded nodules will massage their gums while they gnaw the toy. The Jolly Jumper is best suited for extra small and toy breeds.

5. Best Size Variety – PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat

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Available in four sizes, this rubber Twist’n’Treat toy can be used as a slow feeder with kibble, or as a dispenser with dry treats, wet food or other yummies such as PB. The two caps are twisted together and hold goodies inside, and the ingenious shape allows dogs to carry, toss, chase or paw this toy around. The adjustable treat dispensing feature ensures that this toy is a good fit for almost any pooch – as you can manually manage the difficulty level.

6. Best Treat-Hiding Toy – ChoChoCho Ramen Noodle Cup

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Who doesn’t love a bowl of ramen? Nosework is very important for your pet and encouraging them to use their snout to explore their surroundings, and figuring out things will enrich their life and improve their mental health. While this interactive toy doesn’t dispense treats per se, it does hide yummies that your pet has to work for in order to get – which, in the end, counts the same. Modelled on snuffle mats, this treat-hiding toy allows you to place treats in the flaps, in between the noodles, or inside the ramen “cup” in order to stimulate your pet to forage for yummies using his nose. For brainiacs, it might not be the most challenging toy in the world, but most dogs will love the combination of fun and treats in one single soft toy!

The ChoChoCho Ramen Noodle Cup is made from pet-safe lylex fabric that can also be machine washed. Just make sure you put it in a laundry net first. Due to its size and the materials it’s made from, this toy is not suited for large dogs or those that chew their toys.

7. Best for Small Breeds – Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Smart Orange Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

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This interactive dog ball is all but magical: it feeds you and makes you burn calories at the same time! Fun and engaging, this ball dispenses kibble or treats when pawed or nudged: fill it with yummies and toss it to watch your pooch go bananas, running and pushing the ball around to make it rain treats. Durable and easy to clean, this treat-dispensing toy can be used outside and inside, so you can double the fun you get with one toy!

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Smart Orange Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy is a level one puzzle, so it’s suited for beginners and most dogs of all ages. But if your pooch is exceptionally smart, it won’t take long before they figure out how to get to the reward quickly and without much of a workout. The size of the ball makes it best suited for small breed dogs, as bigger pooches could destroy it to get to the treats instead of playing with it.

8. Best for Tough Chewers –West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Treat Toy

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Tough and brilliantly designed, the Qwizl extends the life of your pet’s favorite treat and gives them a challenge they’ll love to rise up to. This tube-like treat dispensing toy can be stuffed with dry food, smearables, jerky, bully sticks, carrot sticks, dog biscuits – you name it. Also, if your pooch happens to destroy the Qwizl after years of use, you can recycle it through the manufacturer’s closed-loop recycling program. It’s also user-friendly for all kinds of pups, big or small. Fun and eco-friendly to boot!

9. Most Challenging – Trixie Activity Poker Box Interactive Dog Toy

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If your pooch is one of the more sharper tools in the shed, they’ll need a more challenging treat dispensing toy. Otherwise, they’ll get bored with their new toy quickly and get to the treats much faster than intended. This interactive dog toy is designed for an intermediate canine gamer and will require your dog to use various tricks and techniques to get to the treats hidden in the toy’s compartments.

10. Best for Large Breeds – Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Dog Toy

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The Tug-A-Jug lets your pooch see, hear and smell treats, which will definitely get them in the mood for play. If your pooch is a little lazy or doesn’t seem interested in most treat dispensers, this one will do the trick. To boot, you’ll get to be the part of the fun, too, as the braided rope allows you to play tug of war with your pooch and get some quality interactive bonding time. It’s made of plastic, rope and rubber and is best suited for large breeds.

Are treat dispensing toys good for dogs? What should I consider when choosing one for my dog?

Treat dispensing toys can be a great option for dogs that love a challenge, struggle with being away from their pet parent, or simply have lots of energy and need to expend it in the form of play. However, it’s important not to use these toys too often – by giving them too many treats (particularly ones that are high in calories) this can be unhealthy for your pup, so always reward them in moderation. It’s important to consider your dog’s individual needs and their unique play style, as these will vary for all dogs – big and small.

How do dogs get treats out of toys?

This solely depends on the make of the treat dispensing toy. Some are puzzles, most have holes for the treat to eventually come out, and more complicated ones have levers that require your pup to use trial and error to retrieve their treat.

What do you put in a dog treat dispenser?

It’s most common to use kibble for dog treat dispensers, as these shouldn’t break or crumble while your dog is working to find their yummy treat. You can also fill them with wet foods like peanut butter, but it’s important to make sure the toy can be easily washed if you’re using wet foods.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Puppies bought during the COVID-19 pandemic are more likely to exhibit one or more problem behaviors, a new study suggests. Research by the Royal Veterinary Colledge (RVC) has found that four in five (82%) owners of pandemic puppies have resorted to using punishment-based training methods to try to curb their dog’s problem behavior. The study found that moving the dog or shouting at them were the most commonly used aversive training methods. Other owners reported using water pistols, rattle bottles, and choke chains. Only 18% of owners who participated in the study said they didn’t use any aversive training methods or aids. Not only are aversive training techniques such as yelling at the dog or pulling its lead ineffective but they are also linked to further behavioral problems. The survey which was funded by the Battersea animal rescue charity asked more than 1,007 UK dog owners to list problem behaviors exhibited by their dogs. The list consisted of 24 problem behaviors reported by the owners. They ranged from control behaviors ( pulling on the leash) and attention-seeking behaviors, to aggressive behaviors and fear behaviors (anxiety around other dogs or people).Almost all (97%) owners said their dog exhibited at least one problem behavior from the list. At 21 months, owners on average reported five behavioral problems, while 20% of owners reported that their dogs had eight or more problem behaviors. According to owners, pulling on the leash is the most common problem behavior (67%), followed by jumping on people (57%), and not coming back when called (52%).Denise Mariner-Chappell got a Labrador retriever Ted during the pandemic. Strict lockdown measures made it hard to properly train and socialize her new pooch.“He’s a crazy dog when he’s out,” she said. “He’s just manic. He just wants to play and sniff, and everything, but not with humans.” Dr. Rowena Packer, the lead author of the study explained that problem behaviors are very common in pandemic puppies. In many cases, owners exacerbate these issues by using punishment-based training methods. “Although we understand these problem behaviors can be very frustrating for owners, they are often a sign a dog is struggling to cope or that they haven’t been taught an appropriate response in a situation, rather than dogs intentionally behaving badly,” she added.Packer warned that punishing the dog can make it anxious and fearful and cause it to develop further behavioral problems, including aggression. According to Robert Bays, Battersea’s senior animal behavior manager, the charity has seen an influx in dogs with behavioral problems coming into centers. These pups are suffering from separation anxiety and show other problem behaviors, which can be linked to training challenges brought on by the pandemic. “Without the right kind of positive training and support, a small behavioral problem in a puppy or a dog can quickly escalate into a serious issue, so we are deeply concerned with this study’s findings that so many owners are using aversive training methods,” said Bays.This training approach can cause additional behavioral problems in adulthood and also significantly damage the relationship between the dog and its owner. The study found that puppies who were still exhibiting problem behaviors by the age of 21 months were at a higher risk of being rehomed or euthanized. “A key piece of guidance arising from our study is that attending puppy classes is a vital way to support owners in using the best training techniques available.”Although many pandemic puppy owners missed these training classes due to lockdown restrictions there are thankfully many certified trainers who offer training classes for adult dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

42% of Pet Parents Feel Caring for Pets is More Stressful Than Kids!

Pets can be an incredible addition to any family, but they can also come with a bit of stress. In fact, a recent study revealed that nearly half of pet parents shared that caring for their pet was more stressful than caring for their partner or even their children! What is it about our pets that worries us the most? That was the goal of the recent survey conducted by OnePoll and ElleVet Sciences. They polled 2000 pet owners, asking them questions about their relationships, their pets, and the stress that they experience in their role. The answers revealed that the top three sources of stress in most people’s lives include their finances (54%), their job or career (49%), and their ability to care for their pets (42%). The survey went on to discuss reasons for being stressed about our pets, and there was one concern that the majority of respondents shared – as pet parents, we worry about our ability to provide the care our pets will need in their senior years. As our pets get older, their needs often change. We can see this in the way they act and the activities they engage in. A once hyperactive, high-energy dog may start to slow down and sleep more. A dog that easily jumped onto the couch most of their lives now requires stairs or a ramp to get up for cuddle time. Not all changes that come with aging are inherently bad, but 68% of parents say watching their pet age and suffer would be more hurtful to them than losing their job (61%) or breaking up with their partner (61%). “Supporting your pet through all stages of life can minimize their stress, allowing you to create more happy memories together,” shared Amanda Howland, co-founder and CCO of ElleVet Sciences. “As your pet gets older, it’s important to be proactive in identifying the signs of aging, such as difficulty moving, trouble sleeping, and social isolation. It’s all about more time, and more quality time with your pet, and for them, aging and stress are intertwined so taking care of discomfort-related aging and cognitive decline can reduce their stress significantly.” The concern shared by the survey respondents (and other pet parents nationwide) clearly illustrates how important our pets are in our lives. While 73% of those surveyed described their pet as their “protector,” they serve many other vital roles in our lives – our best friends, sounding boards, cheerleaders, motivators, and companions. Your senior pet may require some changes around the home. Throw rugs can be used to provide traction on slippery floors. Safety gates are key for blocking off unsafe areas like staircases that could lead to injury. Caring for our senior pets may be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to repay our pets for everything they have given us throughout their lives. Even just setting aside time in your schedule each day for a walk around the block followed by a short cuddle on the couch can positively impact their lives, reducing stress and promoting better health. “Just like us, pets’ needs can change as they age, so their daily routines, diet, and exercise may need to be adjusted to improve their quality of life, as well as adding high-quality supplements,” Howland explained. “Small adjustments can ensure your pet’s golden years are less stressful for both themselves and their human companion.”

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?

Final Thoughts – The Best Harness for Senior Dogs Many veterinarians and experts on the health and care of senior dogs will recommend using a harness. However, not all harnesses are created to meet the needs of every life stage. When selecting a harness for an older dog, there are unique factors to consider. This includes the weight and bulkiness of the harness, how easy it is to put it on/take it off, and the padding inside the harness for their comfort. Pay careful attention to ensure the design or fit doesn’t limit or impact movement. There are many great harness options on the market, including those made for regular wear and specialized lift support harnesses with convenient shoulder straps. If possible, visit your local pet store with your senior dog to check out your options firsthand. This will help you better assess the size needed and whether the design suits your dog’s unique needs. Most importantly, remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. You may find that you are using two different harnesses with two senior dogs in your home. That’s okay! The goal is to find the option that supports all your dog’s needs and helps you give them the best possible quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Shows Shape of a Dog’s Head Can Actually Affect Their Sleep

If you have noticed that your dog’s sleep quality is reduced, or that they have begun to snore heavily, there might be an unusual reason behind it – the shape of your pet’s head! Snoring problems can be quite common for many dogs, but they are most often seen in brachycephalic dogs – basically, dogs with flat faces. For example, this is the key characteristic of the  French Bulldog, one of the world’s most popular breeds. In the USA, and in Hungary where the research for these claims was conducted, the goofy little French Bulldog holds the place of the number one most common pet dog breed. And that means that some health-related issues, stemming from their flat-face appearance, are coming into the foreground. Their shortened skulls and brachycephalic morphology result in sleep problems, snoring, difficulties with breathing, and deteriorative brain morphology changes. According to the latest  study by a Hungarian research team, flat-faced dogs tend to sleep more because their breed suffers from sleep apnea and thus their daytime sleepiness is increased. Thus, their REM (deep) sleep phase is much longer than their non-REM sleep, while the EEG patterns in their sleep indicate signs of white matter loss. And while some owners across the world see these Bulldogs and their extremely flat skulls as an attractive or unique feature, it is, nonetheless, a major health hazard. These breeds, for example, the French Bulldog, the Pug, and the English Bulldog tend to live around 3 to 4 years less than other dogs, and in many cases, they don’t even live to adulthood.Some will even have to undergo surgery to correct their musculoskeletal, respiratory, and eye problems, which can cause them a lot of problems throughout their lives. To make matters worse, the rounded and short skull of these dogs results in a distorted and rounded brain, which could affect neural functioning.All this resulted in the Hungarian team’s extensive research into the sleep of these breeds. They studied the sleep of 92 dogs, using EEG. "In the sleep lab, dogs spend about three hours with their owners. As nothing exciting happens, the dogs fall asleep quickly. Meanwhile, we conduct the electrical potential generated by the brain activity with electrodes glued to their scalps," says Anna Kis, who is considered a pioneer in the study of sleeping dogs and a researcher at the HUN-REN Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. "We wanted to investigate whether flat-faced dogs sleep differently from other dogs, as they are known to suffer from oxygen deprivation due to respiratory problems and therefore have poorer quality sleep. We found that the flat-faced dogs slept more in the three hours given to them during the study. More daytime sleep is probably compensation for insufficient sleep at night.”Ivaylo Iotchev, the first author of a study of dog sleep patterns that was published in the Journal of Brain Structure and Function, adds "In the present study, we found that brachycephalic dogs had decreased beta waves and increased delta compared to dogs with longer noses. The frequency of sleep spindles increased. This pattern has previously been associated with poorer learning in dogs and loss of white matter in humans."He also adds "There may be several reasons for our results. The most interesting of these is that it seems as if the flat-faced dogs have retained the sleep pattern of puppyhood, similarly to newborns who spend more time in REM sleep.”If you own a brachycephalic dog and have been seeing a lack of quality in their sleep, these studies might provide the answers you are looking for – your pooch’s genetics might be to blame for their poor sleep.

Husky Detects a Dangerous Gas Leak and Saves the Entire Neighborhood

Kobe, a four-year-old husky became an internet hero after saving his home and the entire neighborhood from a catastrophic gas leak. According to his owner, Chanell Bell, the canine started digging a large hole in the front yard of their Philadelphia home. At first, Bell didn’t think much of Kobe’s strange behavior. However, as the hole grew bigger, she became concerned that Kobe was trying to tell her something.“I trust his judgment because that isn’t his typical behavior and he is usually right,” said Bell, according to PEOPLE. “He has great senses and he never digs holes unless he is helping me dig; I knew something was up.”Earlier in the month, Bell had a gas leak in the house, and out of caution, she decided to check the hole Kobe dug with a gas detection device. “I had a reader already in the house to make sure there were no leaks coming from my old heater,” explained Bell. “When I saw the hole, I realized it was odd behavior for my dog. My intuition told me to check it.”Immediately the device detected gas. A potentially catastrophic amount of gas was coming from the hole Kobe dug in the yard!Bell alerted authorities right away and they informed her that the entire neighborhood should be grateful that Kobe detected the leak when he did. “We were told it could’ve caused serious health effects like respiratory issues, brain damage, and even death. They told me that something as simple as a light switch turning on could’ve caused an explosion, too.”As soon as they arrived at the address, the gas foreman and crew turned off the gas and started to work on the pipes. During the repairs, the crew discovered three other gas leaks in the neighborhood, all caused by old pipes. The crew worked for three days to repair the leaks and install new pipes. Workers told Bell that something as simple as turning on a light switch could have caused the gas to ignite and blow up the entire house. While they worked, the crew praised Kobe.“They were so impressed with Kobe and mentioned what a good dog he was,” said Bell, adding that people should always listen to their pets and their senses. The gas company said that it adds Marcaptan to the natural gas it administers to homes to produce a smell similar to rotten eggs to allow for easier leak detection. “Just like this customer, any time anyone smells a foreign odor or egg-like smell, they should immediately call,” said the utility company, in a statement. “It feels amazing to know Kobe saved our block, I am very thankful to have him,” added Bell. “I hope this spreads awareness to others about the dangers and severity of gas leaks and to pay attention to your fur babies!”  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

In households where cats and dogs coexist together, you can bet that furballs will “share” everything. Sofas, lounging chairs, cozy spots, beds, toys – you name it. Well, sure, not all of it is sharing in the real sense of the word, as it is more of your cat just claiming all of it for itself. That’s just how cats are. But hey, no harm in your cat and dog sharing a bed or a lounging spot. However, what would happen if your cat happened to “share” your dog’s food? Can dog food be bad for cats? Here’s what you should know if your feline is keen on nibbling your dog’s kibble.Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?Cats and dogs are different – it doesn’t take much thinking to figure that out. Not only in their behavioral traits but in their nutritional needs as well. And since their nutritional requirements differ, dog food will generally not be adequate for cats. While dog food is not toxic to cats, it does not have all the nutrients necessary for cats, and it is not formulated in the same way. Cats need specific nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins that are not present in sufficient amounts in dog food. For example, dogs can survive with lower levels of Vitamin A and proteins, while cats cannot. And even if your cat somehow enjoys dog food and prefers to munch on it at feeding time, it is ultimately not good for her. In fact, feeding cats dog food over a long period can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. It's essential to feed cats a balanced diet formulated specifically for their needs to ensure they stay healthy. This includes plenty of protein (more than doggos), and amino acids like taurine and arginine. In fact, these amino acids are essential for cat health. Taurine is especially important for cats. Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize enough taurine in their bodies, so they must get it from their diet. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health issues in cats, including heart problems and vision issues.Cats also require arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in animal tissues. Arachidonic acid is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and reproductive function. While dogs can synthesize arachidonic acid from other fats, cats cannot produce enough on their own and must obtain it from their diet. The same goes for Vitamins A and D. They are essential components of a cat diet, and cannot be found in dog food in adequate measures. 

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