Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

These are the best treat puzzles for larger dogs

Debbie Clason
By

The next time you’re looking for a good toy for your big dog, consider buying him one that stimulates his mind and rewards his creative thinking skills at the same time. We’re talking about treat puzzles, of course. Not only can this type of toy exercise mind and body, but they’re also a great way to slow down a fast eater and keep him entertained for hours.

Where to begin? Whether your big dog is a couch potato, anxious worrywart, or a bit slow on the uptake, these are the best treat puzzles for larger dogs.

Recommended Videos

Awoof Snuffle Mat for Large Dogs

Your domesticated dog may not realize this, but his ancestors used to be foragers. That’s only one of the reasons this feeding mat is so much fun for your dog. Because he has to use his keen sense of smell to find the food you hide in the fabric petals and grass on this mat, your big pup is exercising his natural instinct to forage. Not only is this fun for your dog, but it also encourages him to eat slower, which is good for his digestion.

Related

The nonslip cloth on the bottom holds the large mat in place, and the durable fabric is washable.

SNiFFiz SmellyUFO Durable Interactive Treat Dispenser

Fill this treat dispenser with your jumbo doggo’s favorite treats and have fun watching him scoot it around the floor to access the food. Made to look like a UFO, the completely washable plastic disc can be adjusted to dispense treats quickly or slowly, depending on how long you want your dog to play.

We like it because the toy is made of non-toxic materials that can be completely disassembled for easy cleaning. And because you can adjust the level of difficulty, the toy grows along with your dog’s ability to problem-solve.

Kong Wobbler

For durability, you can’t beat the Kong brand, and this wobbler is no exception. Simply screw the top off this toy and fill the bottom portion with kibble or treats. The weighted base keeps the toy upright until your dog pushes it around to dispense the food. Thanks to its unusual shape, it moves unpredictably, keeping your fur buddy engaged in the chase.

The toy is made of food-grade, durable polymer and is dishwasher safe. The large size accommodates up to 1 cup of kibble or treats.

Nina Ottosson Puzzle by Outward Hound

Challenge your intelligent pup with this highly interactive toy by Outward Hound. To get to the treats you’ve hidden, he must complete three steps: swivel the flippers, scoot the blocks, and spin the center wheel. (Note: This is a level 3 toy. The manufacturer recommends purchasing for dogs who have completed levels 1 and 2.)

The toy is made of BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free materials and can be easily washed in the sink with mild, soapy water. None of the pieces are removable; however, it’s recommended you supervise your dog during play and store it when not in use.

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle

Big dogs who enjoy a good plush toy will love searching for the squeaky squirrels hiding in this fabric tree trunk. Besides the challenge of removing the squirrels from the tree, your dog is rewarded by exercising his natural instincts to hunt. And the squeaky noise the squirrels make when squeezed is immensely satisfying.

Although it’s not recommended for aggressive chewers, we like this toy because you can purchase replacement animals.

One last thing….

Just in case you need one more reason to invest in a puzzle toy for your dog, know this. Even if you think your dog is already too smart, a puzzle toy can greatly reduce the amount of boredom he experiences when you’re not around. Think of it this way: A bored dog can develop a lot of undesirable behaviors, such as destructive chewing, barking, and separation anxiety. The right puzzle toy can stimulate his brain and satisfy some natural canine behaviors. And that’s a reward both of you can appreciate.

Editors' Recommendations

Debbie Clason
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
How to tell if your older dog’s health decline means the end is near
Signs your old pup is close to the end-of-life period
An old Great Dane with a white face leaning against a man's side.

If you've stumbled across this article after searching terms like "old dog behavior before death," we are so sorry for your situation. There's nothing we want more than for our fur babies to live forever. Unfortunately, death is a part of life we all must face, and the loss of a pet is a major trauma because of the tight bonds we form with our fur babies.

Knowing death's a part of life doesn't make the loss of a pet any easier — it can be as difficult as losing a human family member. Despite the many ways we can try to grieve once our beloved pet has passed, it can be helpful to know the end is near. Here's what you should look for if you suspect your dog may be nearing the end of the road.  

Read more
Looking for signs your dog has ticks? These telltale symptoms mean you have a flea or tick problem
What to lookout for if your dog has ticks or fleas
Beagle scratching body

Fleas and ticks are common issues with dogs, but they aren't harmless. These pests attach themselves to a dogs' body, feed off their blood, and make them extremely uncomfortable, if not ill. It can be a miserable experience — for both you and your pet. Left undetected, fleas and ticks can transmit a host of unsavory diseases. You need to keep a close eye out for the signs your dog has ticks.

So, where does a dog pick up these nasty critters, anyway? And if they do, how will you know? We’ve got the answers plus a few tricks on how to prevent them (and why this matters). These are the sign your dog has ticks or fleas.

Read more
Video: This family dog is the world’s best babysitter
This golden takes the best care of his tiny human
A dog sits outside and watches a baby

If you think family dogs don't make good babysitters, think again. While it's true a lot of pets encourage mischief, sometimes a particularly sweet animal will be perfect for the role of human watching. This adorable beastie has his child minding duties down to a science, as seen in the latest TikTok video in which a happy golden retriever follows around his little girl bestie as she plays through her day. It's called "Who needs a babysitter?" and proves that our buds are up to the task. (Okay, so you shouldn't actually leave your dog in charge of your child — but there are definitely pups out there who make perfect companions for kids.)

"Dogs can't be babysitters," reads the first title in this funny dog video. We see our golden star with his small child and then cut to her in the bounce house with the label "My dog." What follows is a look at all the ways he watches her go about the life of an active toddler, always followed by her trusty companion. (Obviously, the pup pup is not truly babysitting as presumably the parent is the one filming.) In addition to being safe, she clearly adores the attention of her furry friend.

Read more