10 Best Interactive Dog Toys 2026 in the United States

The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Multipuzzle Level 4 is designed for dogs that enjoy a mental challenge, especially those who have outgrown easier puzzles. Its size (15 x 15 x 1.7 inches) is suitable for dogs of all breeds and life stages, making it versatile. The puzzle offers multiple ways to interact—sliding tiles, spinning wheels, and moving sliders—to uncover treats, which keeps your dog engaged and helps reduce boredom and anxiety. This mental exercise can be a good way to slow down fast eaters by using it as a feeder.

In terms of durability, it’s made of plastic and meant for supervised play since it’s not chew-proof; dogs should not be left alone with it to avoid damage or injury. Cleaning requires hand washing, which is manageable but not as easy as dishwasher-safe toys. The puzzle’s complexity suits experienced dogs, but beginners might find it too challenging. Safety is emphasized with clear instructions to supervise and inspect regularly, ensuring pieces don’t break off.

If you have a smart dog that needs a fun mental workout and you can supervise playtime, this toy is a good fit. However, if your dog tends to chew aggressively or if you need a low-maintenance toy, you might want to consider other options.

The Outward Hound Puppy Hide N' Slide Treat Puzzle is a solid choice for puppy owners looking to engage their pets mentally while helping reduce boredom and anxiety. Its size (about 11.6 inches square and 2 pounds) fits well for puppies and small dogs, making it manageable without being too small to swallow. The toy challenges puppies to slide blocks and swivel flippers to uncover hidden treats, which offers interactive play that encourages problem-solving and slower eating during mealtime. This helps keep young dogs busy and mentally stimulated, which is great for their development and calming down unwanted behaviors like chewing or barking.

Made of plastic, the toy is fairly durable but not indestructible—owners need to supervise play closely and remove the toy if damaged, as small parts could pose a risk. The design is relatively easy to clean, though some treat crumbs may get trapped in the sliding pieces. Safety is emphasized, especially since it's designed for supervised use only and not for chewing.

While the toy is categorized as intermediate level, it’s well-suited for puppies who are new to puzzle toys, with tips available to adjust the difficulty. It holds a small amount of treats (around 1/4 cup), which is enough to keep the pup interested without overfeeding. This toy is best for owners wanting to introduce their puppies to interactive treat games in a safe and engaging way. However, it might not be ideal for very destructive chewers or larger dogs who might break it more easily. Its mental engagement benefits make it a helpful tool for training and behavior management in young dogs.

The Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle, XL is designed to offer both fun and mental stimulation to dogs of all sizes. Its 2-in-1 design combines a plush dog puzzle with squeaky toys, promoting interactive play and keeping your dog engaged. The toy's plush texture is gentle on your dog's teeth and gums, making it suitable for puppies and adult dogs alike.

Measuring 12.25 x 7 x 7 inches and weighing 4.8 ounces, it is a good size for most breeds to handle comfortably. However, supervision is strongly recommended as the toy is not indestructible, and it should be replaced if damaged to prevent any safety risks. This aspect may limit its durability, particularly for more aggressive chewers.

The toy's interactive nature helps to satisfy natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom, but it may require regular inspection to ensure its longevity. Ease of cleaning might be a concern given its plush material, but its high engagement value and safety for supervised play make it a popular choice among pet owners.