Buying Guide

7 Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs UK – Reviews & Top Picks

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Author: Tilly Walker

Welcome to our review article on the 9 best puzzle toys for dogs in the UK.

We know, puzzles are a great way to keep the mind busy and boost cognitive skills, which is good for mental health. This condition also applies to your canine companion’s mental health, buying interactive toys, and puzzles for him is a great idea.

But, with so many options available in the market, it makes it a tricky job to find an appropriate puzzle toy for your pup. Right? We understand your situation, and that’s why beforehand we have done some research work and filtered out the best puzzle toys for your pup available in the UK market.

Each product has been reviewed based on quality, durability, price point and customer reviews. So, whether you’re looking for something challenging or simply a food feed dispenser, you will get everything.

Along with the list of the best puzzle toys for dogs UK, we have also covered a buyer’s guide for your better knowledge. The guide includes all the important factors, which one should know before adding a puzzle toy to their cart for a beloved canine companion.

We think you’ll find a product here that suits your pooch! So, without further thinking, let’s take a look at what each puzzle toy has to offer in our reviews of the 9 best puzzle toys for dogs UK!

The 7 Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs UK

1. Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle

Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle is our overall best choice in this category. This hide-a-squirrel dog puzzle is an easy way to keep your furry pal engage, while you are stuck at work, or not able to play with him. All you need to do is fill the tree trunk with three squirrels and let your pup find them by using his instinct hunting skill.

outward hound hide a squirrel plush dog toy puzzle

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Furthermore, it helps to keep your dog away from boredom, and boosts their mental health to find the squirrel, and solve the puzzle. Plus, squirrels are made of soft material, so it won’t hurt your pup’s teeth, even if he chews it.

Key Features:

  1. Theme: Animals
  2. Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes
  3. Specific Feature: Boost Natural Hunting Skills

Overall, this dog puzzle toy is a great choice to add, it will not only keep your pup busy but also make him feel happy, and their instinct skills will also get brushed up. If the toy gets destructible, then it is advisable to replace it, but it will not easily get damaged.

Things we liked:
  • This puzzle toy tests your pup’s instinct-hunting skills.
  • Helps in stimulating mentally.
  • Brings positive outcomes in their behaviour.
  • Suitable for all type of breed sizes.
Things we didn’t like:
  • The snag side of this puzzle toy, it might get torn out if handled by aggressive dogs.

2. Outward Hound Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

This Outward Hound Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy is our premium choice, in the category of the best puzzle for dogs in the UK market. It works as both an interactive puzzle toy and a food dispenser for your canine companion. Like, if your pup is busy solving the puzzle, it will increase the engaging time, and he will slowly nibble treats from different compartments.

outward hound interactive treat puzzle dog toy

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Furthermore, this interactive puzzle toy is very easy to use, just need to guide your pup correctly. All he needs to do is spin the centre wheel to uncover the treats compartments and slowly solve each puzzle part to get their treats as a reward. Plus, this puzzle toy is durably designed, so it won’t come out easily when your pup is playing with it.

Key Features:

  1. Theme: Animals
  2. Breed Recommendation: All Breed Size
  3. Specific Feature: Increase the Engaging Period

In addition, these fifteen minutes of mental exercise games are beneficial for your canine companion, and no need to worry about the pup licking or chewing the puzzle toy. As it is made up of BPA, PVA, & phthalate-free material, and is designed by keeping your pup’s health in mind.

Things we liked:
  • This puzzle toy aid to boost the intellectual skills.
  • Made up of high-quality material, and durable in nature.
  • Helps to keep your furry pal busy.
  • It is easy to wash.
Things we didn’t like:
  • Customers reviewed it’s too pricey. But, it’s worth buying for your canine companion.

3. Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board

If you need a more affordable choice, the Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board is a great alternative to the best dog puzzle toys uk. It is designed well with durable plastic and is easily operated by small, medium, and large pup sizes. This puzzle board has multiple compartments, which can be filled with yummy treats, and once your pup is able to solve the puzzle, he can unlock the treats as a reward.

trixie dog activity flip board

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Furthermore, this puzzle toy is very easy to use, it not only keeps your pup engaged for a longer period but also boosts the problem-solving skill of your canine companion. Plus, it’s very easy to remove the puzzle parts and makes the cleaning process easy. So, you don’t have to worry about building up the bacteria from your pup’s saliva, while solving the puzzles.

Key Features:

  1. Theme: Animals
  2. Breed Recommendation: All Breed Size
  3. Specific Feature: Boost the cognitive skills

Moreover, the great thing about this puzzle is that it does not require any assembling, just open the package and it’s ready to use. Ultimately, this interactive puzzle toy for your dog is a great addition, and, aid in teaching cognitive skills, and boosts mental as well as physical health.

Things we liked:
  • Suitable for small, medium, and large size pups
  • It is an ideal puzzle toy to keep dogs busy for an hour
  • Easy to remove the puzzle and parts for the cleaning
  • No assembling required
Things we didn’t like:
  • The pup might get frustrated if you provide them with a problematic level initially, so start from basic

4. Outward Hound Dog Casino Toy

Check out one of the best interactive dog toys UK by Outward Hound, which is easily available in the market, and fits into your budget. It offers advance level puzzle tricks, that will help your canine companion to learn the sequential steps and find the hidden treats from the puzzle. In this way, his mental health will remain healthy and active.

outward hound dog casino toy

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Furthermore, this casino dog toy is great for redirecting or correcting the negative behaviour of your furry pal in a very fun and exciting way. This casino toy is very simple to use, all you need to do is fill the treats in the orange drawer and lock it by swivelling the bone.

Key Features:

  1. Theme: Animals
  2. Breed Recommendation: All Breed Size
  3. Specific Feature: Boredom Buster

In addition, this Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound interactive puzzle toy is designed by keeping your canine companion’s health in mind. It is made up of food-safe material, so you don’t have to worry even if he licks or tries to chew the puzzle box.

Things we liked:
  • The pieces of this puzzle toy are non-removable, which prevents choking
  • It is easy to clean with warm water and soap
  • Great for redirecting the negative behaviour of dogs
  • Remove the boredom of your furry pal, and boost your pup’s mental health
Things we didn’t like:
  • Your canine companion might require some training beforehand. So, that he is easily able to understand how to use the toy effectively;

5. Elezenioc Dog Puzzle Feeder Toy

The Dog Puzzle Feeder by Elezenioc is made up of high-quality ABS material, and a non-toxic substance, which is completely safe for your pup to use. It is easy to wash and gives a happy time to your canine companion.

elezenioc dog puzzle feeder toy

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Furthermore, this dog puzzle feeder, not only helps the puppy to smell their treats but, also motivates them to move the puzzle and solve it. Plus, also help to boost the intelligence power, and strength of your pup’s mental health. Ultimately, you will receive a positive outcome, and your canine companion will feel energetic all day.

Key Features:

  1. Theme: Animals
  2. Breed Recommendation: All Breeds
  3. Specific Feature: Boost the intelligence skill

In addition, this dog puzzle toy has 22 treat compartments, and 10 moving pieces, which will keep your pup busy for an hour. Plus, teach them problem-solving skills, and makes the puppy work extra hard to get his food, and get rid of his laziness mode.

Things we liked:
  • The puzzle toy is made up of ABS material and is highly durable.
  • It is easy to wash, and completely safe for your pup to use it.
  • It has 22 treat compartments, and 10 moving pieces.
  • Boost the intelligence power, and make them work hard to gain treat to eat.
Things we didn’t like:
  • This puzzle toy is not suitable for large, aggressive dogs. There are chances they will lose their patience level.

6. Loobani Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder Toys

The dog food puzzle feeder toy by Loobani is also one of the best puzzle toys available in the UK market. It is an ideal time pass for your canine companion, when you are busy at some work or tired and have no time to play with him. All you need to do is fill the bottle with some treats, and command your furry pal to solve the trick, it will engage him for an hour.

loobani dogs food puzzle feeder toys

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To start the play, spin the bottles, and let your canine understand, how it works. Let him use his paws to spin the bottle, and collect the treats from the bottle dispenser. In this way, he will enjoy his treats, and will also have fun activity sessions for an hour. Furthermore, this puzzle toy stand is made of high-quality wood, and the edges are smooth enough, so it won’t hurt your canine companion’s paws while playing the spin game.

Key Features:

  1. Theme: Animals
  2. Breed Recommendation: All Breed Size
  3. Specific Feature: Stimulate Mental Health

This food puzzle design help to boost the thinking power of your canine companion. For puppies, it helps in brain development, for adult help to keep the mind active, and for an oldie, it stimulates cognitive skill, and reduce the risk of mental decline. Whether you are raising a puppy, an adult or a senior dog, this puzzle toy is beneficial for all of them.

Things we liked:
  • This puzzle food dispenser is made of high-quality material.
  • Different sizes of holes are given, which is suitable for mostly all sizes of treats.
  • Easy to operate.
  • Will keep your canine companion engaged for at least half an hour.
Things we didn’t like:
  • The snag side of this product is might be challenging to set up initially. But, the instruction manual will help you out.

7. Kong Gyro Interactive Treat Dog Toy

The interactive treat toy from Kong Gyro, is one of the simply designed puzzle toys for your pooch. It doesn’t involve any strategy planning, to solve it. Your pup just needs to roll the ball, and the treat will come out. So, it’s highly recommended for the canines who don’t want to put much effort into solving the puzzle, and just want to enjoy the game for a short period.

kong - gyro - interactive treat dog toy

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Furthermore, the design for this best interactive dog toys UK includes a small rolling ball with a hole, in which you can place his treat and command him to find and eat. In addition, KONG toys are specially made up of high-quality material, be rest ensured even if your pup tries to chew the puzzle toy his health will not get affected.

Key Features:

  1. Theme: Animals
  2. Breed Recommendation: Large Breeds
  3. Specific Feature: Keep your pup engage

This entertaining roll and flip is a great choice for independent large breeds. Especially, if they are in the senior stage, where they prefer to stay more at home. This treat dispenser puzzle toy will help to keep them active and boost their mental health.

Things we liked:
  • It’s very easy to solve and helps to keep your pup engaged
  • Made up of high-quality material, even if he chews it won’t harm his health
  • This treat dispenser puzzle toy helps to boost the mental health of your canine
  • Perfectly suitable for those pooches who don’t want to put extra effort into solving the puzzle
Things we didn’t like:
  • The snag side of this product might be that it can increase the intake of treats.
  • Not suitable for super active breeds, they will easily get bored within 15 minutes.
  • It’s tricky to dispense food, only made for small treats

Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Puzzle Toy for Dogs

We have just discovered some product’s name, which is the best in the market. Apart from these brands, there are other brands also available that supply puzzle toys for your dogs. So, to make a wise decision from the thousand of varieties, it is important to know the key factors to look for before adding the product to your pup’s accessories cart.

To figure out which one is best for your pup. We have a prepared a buyer’s guide containing all the key factors. That will provide you with all the information you need to consider when selecting the perfect puzzle toy for your dog.

By taking into consideration all these factors when selecting your pup’s puzzle toy, you can be assured that they are getting the best possible option for them. With this buyer’s guide in hand, you can be sure to make an informed decision that will keep your furry friend happy and entertained for many years to come.

Let’s quickly dive in for better knowledge, to make a smart decision for your canine companion.

1. Consider Your Dog’s Personality

One of the important key factors is to consider your pup’s personality. Find out if your pup needs more mental exercise, just needs to satisfy his curiosity level, or just for a fun time while having a meal.

Let me explain it to you with an example, if your pup is more into food, and like to hunt his food, and then eat. Then in such cases, puzzle toys, which are specially designed to hide treats, will be more appropriate for him.

On the other hand, dogs with high curiosity levels can give non-food puzzle toys, which will help to boost their brain and improve their cognitive skills.

2. Select an Appropriate Puzzle

Just like puzzle game help in boosting the human mind, similarly, it’s equally good for your canine companion’s mental health. Before, adding a puzzle to your cart, it is important to check whether the puzzle matches your pup’s skill. This is because, if you are raising a super active one, offering him an easy puzzle, will easily make him bored, and soon he will lose interest in it.

So, it is advisable to select an appropriate puzzle toy, which matches your pup’s skill. To find the appropriate one, you need to observe your pup’s behaviour carefully. Suppose, if your pup is an active one and likes to hunt, then it’s suggested to go for the puzzle, which gives him challenges in solving it and requires more body movements.

Whereas, if he just wants to sit and play. Then for them, it is recommended to go for the soft puzzle toy, which they can chew it also, and will keep them busy for a longer period.

3. Durability and Safety

Another key factor to check is safety and product durability. While purchasing puzzle toys, it is recommended to cross-check the elements are not of very small size, the edges are not sharp, etc… This is because in case your pup tries to put the puzzle part in the mouth, he won’t swallow it easily. Plus, no sharp edges should be there so, that he won’t be able to hurt his paws or mouth while playing with the puzzle toy.

Along with safety, it’s also important to check the material’s sturdiness, it is advisable to go for a high-quality puzzle toy. It will not only last for a longer period but, also be safe for your pup to play with it freely without hurting himself.

4. Size and Weight

As a variety of puzzle toys for dogs uk are available in the market, with different designs, features, sizes, etc… So, for selecting the best puzzle toys for dogs, it’s a good idea to check the size and weight of the product. It will be convenient for your pup to use it, and you will also be able to carry it from one place to another hassle-free.

If you are raising a tiny puppy breed, for him, it’s a good idea to go for the medium size puzzle tot, it allows him to play freely without feeling any discomfort. On the other hand, if you give a big size puzzle to a small puppy breed, he will not be able to manage the toy and play freely.

FAQs

Which are the best dog puzzle toys in the UK market?

Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle, and, Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board are among the best dry dog puzzle toys in the UK market. These puzzle toys for dogs UK are designed by keeping the pup’s health in mind. So, it includes only safe materials. Plus, it helps to improve cognitive skills and provide a healthy mental sight, which is equally important as physical health. Moreover, keep them busy for a period of time, and keep brushing up their hunting skills.

How much does the best dog puzzle toys cost in the UK market?

The cost of the best dog puzzle toys UK will vary greatly, depending upon the style, brand, and type you select for your canine companion. As per our recent analysis, we concluded that the best dog puzzle toys UK, will tentatively, cost you something around £9-£60. Prices will vary depending on whether you are purchasing online, via discount coupon, shop, etc… Ultimately, it’s important to consider both price and quality when purchasing a puzzle toy for your furry pal. So, that your pup gets the best possible play experience.

Are puzzle toys good for dogs?

Yes, puzzle toys are good for your canine companion. It helps to stimulate cognitive skills, and, boosts their brain, which is good for their mental health. Initially, they will find it hard to understand. But, after a few trials, they will find it interesting and will enjoy the playing puzzle.

How long should my dog play with a puzzle?

Well, 15 minutes session, twice a day is more than enough to stimulate your pup’s brain. You can also do one thing, hide their treats, in the puzzle and command them to find and eat them. In this way, he will get the vibe of hunting his own food to fill his tummy. Plus, he won’t get bored easily, along with physical, his mental health exercises will also be done.

Do puzzle toys frustrate dogs?

Puzzle toys are good for your pup’s mind, help to keep them involved and improve their mental strength. But, if you will introduce the tough one at the initial stage, then it’s possible he will get frustrated and will leave the game. It is advisable to first introduce the simple puzzle toys, let them enjoy them, and slowly you can increase the brainstorming level by introducing tough levels.

Conclusion

The winner of the best dog puzzles toy goes to Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle. It is made up of soft material, which is gentle on their teeth and gums. Plus, boost their hunting skills, and keeps them busy for an hour.

Our second-place winner goes to Outward Hound Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, which might appear costly, but it’s worth the money. As this dog interactive toy aids in boosting your pup’s intellectual skills. Plus, completely safe, and puzzle parts can easily be washable.

If you’re looking to save but want results, then go for Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board. Because this interactive puzzle toy for your dog is a great addition, and, aid in teaching the cognitive skills, and boosts mental as well as physical health.

Apart from our top three choices, there are products also available in our list, which will surely help to stimulate your pup’s mind and keep him engaged for an hour. Furthermore, with the help of our buyer’s guide, now you know very well, which key factors to check first before adding a puzzle toy to your cart.

A friendly piece of advice for you, do not force your pup to use it, give him time. If you force him to play with the puzzle toy, there is a possibility he will get frustrated. And will never want to play that game again.

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About
Tilly Walker
Tilly Walker is an avid animal lover and dog owner for several years. She owns a mix breed Cockapoo named Rio. She, along with her group of friends who wanted to help others learn more about the proper ways to take care of their pets, founded this website.

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