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20 of the Best Interactive Dog Toys to Keep Your Pup Busy When You Need It Most

Plus expert tips on how to choose the best toys for your dog's size, personality, and energy level.

Headshot of Ni'Kesia PannellBy Ni'Kesia Pannell
labrador puppy outdoors
Uwe Krejci//Getty Images

Having a dog is undeniably one of the best joys of life (you know, aside from the fact that you're constantly on the hunt for the best carpet cleaner for pets.) Dogs can quickly become part of the family and for most, even become the BFF you've always wanted. Though playtime with your pup is probably the best part of both your day and theirs, during the times when you're super busy and need to keep them busy too, having a few of the best interactive dog toys handy can keep them from making mischief around the house in an effort get your attention.

"Toys can help prevent boredom and your pup from messing up your home if they aren't crate trained," says Jasmine Coffiel, vice president of the Paws of Hope Foundation and former veterinary technician. As a lover of all breeds, the pet enthusiast also noted that combatting boredom isn't the only thing you need to focus on when shopping for your pooch — knowing them well is important, too. "If you have a large or extra large breed that may be an active chewer, be aware that smaller interactive toys could be swallowed by accident."

The best interactive dog toys to buy in 2023

  • Nina Ottosson Dog Hide N' Slide Interactive Treat Puzzle

    Best Intermediate Puzzle Toy

    Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Hide N' Slide Interactive Treat Puzzle

    $11 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Interactive Squeaky Giggle Ball

    Best Nosework Toy for Small and Medium Dogs

    Interactive Squeaky Giggle Ball

    Read more
  • Snuffle Mat Dog Feeding Mat

    Best Feeding Mat

    Snuffle Mat Dog Feeding Mat

    Read more
  • Interactive Floppy Fish

    Best Squeaky Plush Toy

    Interactive Floppy Fish

    Read more
  • Adjustable Treat Dispensing Ball

    Best Budget-Friendly Treat Dispenser

    Adjustable Treat Dispensing Ball

    Read more

Through recommendations and reviews, we've compiled a list of interactive dog toys perfect for dogs of any size — from small dog breeds like teddy bear dogs to large dog breeds like wolfish dogs — and energy level on this list. Who knows, it may even encourage you to start shopping for new outdoor dog toys, too.

Best Intermediate Puzzle Toy

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Hide N' Slide Interactive Treat Puzzle

Best Seller
Nina Ottosson Dog Hide N' Slide Interactive Treat Puzzle
Best Intermediate Puzzle Toy

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Hide N' Slide Interactive Treat Puzzle

Now 56% Off
$11 at Amazon$13 at Walmart$13 at Petco
Credit: Outward Hound
Pros
  • Great for dogs who have mastered easier puzzle toys
Cons
  • Dogs will need to take sequential steps

This interactive treat puzzle game will challenge your pup's brain, reduce boredom, and help prevent destructive behavior. You can hide treats under the flippers or put them in the blocks through the opening on top for an additional challenge. It's great for all breeds and sizes who've already figured out beginner puzzle toys.

RELATED: 25 Unique Dog Mom Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Pup Parent

Best Nosework Toy for Small and Medium Dogs

Interactive Squeaky Giggle Ball

Interactive Squeaky Giggle Ball
Best Nosework Toy for Small and Medium Dogs

Interactive Squeaky Giggle Ball

Credit: FFDOGGY

Available in a variety of colors, this wobbling, giggling ball only takes a nudge of your small to medium-sized pup's nose to be activated. (There's also a version made for large dogs only.) Damage resistant and safe for habitual chewing, your dog will be rewarded with different types of laughter depending on the ball's rolling angles. As one reviewer noted, it'll definitely keep your pooch "happy and occupied."

Best Feeding Mat

Snuffle Mat Dog Feeding Mat

Snuffle Mat Dog Feeding Mat
Best Feeding Mat

Snuffle Mat Dog Feeding Mat

Credit: AWOOF
Pros
  • Will keep them entertained.
Cons
  • Hand wash only.

Great for nose training and slowing down how quickly your pup eats, this feeding mat which encourages them to sniff out hidden treats is large, durable, and non-slip. "This is one of my favorite mats," said Coffiel. "It will keep your fur babies entertained and comfy when they're home alone."

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Best Squeaky Plush Toy

Interactive Floppy Fish

On Sale
Interactive Floppy Fish
Best Squeaky Plush Toy

Interactive Floppy Fish

Now 20% Off
Credit: IOEN
Pros
  • Great for teeth cleaning.
Cons
  • Not for aggressive chewers.

Made of natural cotton, this tail-waving shark toy is also great for teeth cleaning. Though safe and durable, if your pup happens to be an aggressive chewer, this is not made for them. For every other furry friend, it may just be a new favorite. "Sammi has only had this for a short while but he is obsessed with it — when I took it away to try to find the sound bladder he freaked out," wrote one reviewer. "Hasn't touched another toy since getting this."

Best Budget-Friendly Treat Dispenser

Adjustable Treat Dispensing Ball

On Sale
Adjustable Treat Dispensing Ball
Best Budget-Friendly Treat Dispenser

Adjustable Treat Dispensing Ball

Now 19% Off
Credit: Pet Zone
Pros
  • Budget-friendly
Cons

    The ability to adjust the difficulty on this easy-to-clean treat ball when your dog figures out how to roll it in order to get the treats out makes it both mentally and physically stimulating. According to Coffiel, it's "one of the best budget-friendly options around!"

    Best Dog Food Puzzle

    Dog Food Puzzle

    On Sale
    Dog Food Puzzle
    Best Dog Food Puzzle

    Dog Food Puzzle

    Now 10% Off
    Credit: Absob
    Pros
    • Mentally stimulating
    Cons

      Hide and seek is even better when it means uncovering a treat. This sliding puzzle will help slow down feeding while entertaining, plus "it's mentally stimulating, too," adds Coffiel.

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      Best Smart Bone

      Wickedbone Smart Bone

      Smart Bone
      Best Smart Bone

      Wickedbone Smart Bone

      Credit: Wickedbone
      Pros
      • Good for any size breed
      Cons
      • Some reviewers note the toy should only be played with under supervision.

      Your smart little boy or girl will love playing with this interactive smart bone toy with or without you. Need to keep your pup busy while you're doing work? Set it to automatic. Ready to spend some quality time with your fur baby? Use the app to control it like an automatic car. With sound and a long battery life, it'll to keep any size breed busy for as long as you need. "The toy is fantastic for keeping your dog's attention and keeping focused on engaging play," one reviewer wrote. "I prefer to use the manual mode and make the bone jump, twist, run across the floor etc. with me controlling it watching how my dog reacts. She loves this toy. In fact, I purchased a second one as a back-up because this is one of her favorite toys."

      Best Hide and Seek Toy

      ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Chipmunk Log Toy

      Amazon’s Choice
      Hide and Seek Chipmunk Log Toy
      Best Hide and Seek Toy

      ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Chipmunk Log Toy

      Credit: ZippyPaws
      Pros
        Cons
        • Not for aggressive chewers

        If your furry friend loves chasing squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits... pretty much anything with a tail, they'll adore this hide-and-seek toy. Both sturdy and durable — though not recommended for aggressive chewers — they'll finally get to "catch" their wild friends when they dig them out of the log.

        Best Heavy Duty Chew Toy

        Auto Moving Rubber Chew Toy

        On Sale
        Auto Moving Rubber Chew Toy
        Best Heavy Duty Chew Toy

        Auto Moving Rubber Chew Toy

        Now 23% Off
        Credit: LIDLOK
        Pros
        • Heavy duty chew toy
        Cons

          Looking for a heavy-duty dog toy for your pup? This is the one you should run to pick up immediately. It has two modes — shaking with vibration mode and bouncing with rolling mode — and as many reviewers noted, dogs can't get enough of it.

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          Best Multi-Functional Toy

          Automatic Rolling Ball Toy

          Automatic Rolling Ball Toy
          Best Multi-Functional Toy

          Automatic Rolling Ball Toy

          Credit: PetDroid
          Pros
          • Great for dogs and cats
          Cons

            It's no secret that dogs love to play with moving items and with this automatic rolling ball toy, they'll be able to do it all day long. Bonus: The rolling with bouncing mode and the active bouncing ball mode will attract them, too.

            Best Wi-Fi Enabled

            Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser

            On Sale
            Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser
            Best Wi-Fi Enabled

            Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser

            Now 20% Off
            Credit: Petcube
            Pros
            • Has video capabilities
            Cons

              If you're one of the many people who love to look at their pup all day long, this wifi pet camera that doubles as a treat dispenser will be a treat for both of you. You'll be able to toss their treat in a short, medium, or long distance automatically all while telling them how much you love them through the screen. And, as reviewers have noted, setup is as easy as can be.

              Best Bone Toy for Non-Aggressive Chewers

              Automatic Moving Dog Toy

              Automatic Moving Dog Toy
              Best Bone Toy for Non-Aggressive Chewers

              Automatic Moving Dog Toy

              Credit: Petgeek
              Pros
                Cons
                • Only for medium to large dogs
                • Best for non-aggressive chewers

                Perfect for medium to large dogs who aren't aggressive chewers, this is one toy that will grab their attention at first glance. "My puppy remains engaged playing with the bone, it’s rechargeable, and the customer support stands by its product," one reviewer wrote.

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                Best Fetch Machine for Outdoor Use

                Automatic Fetch Machine and Dog Ball Launcher

                Automatic Fetch Machine and Dog Ball Launcher
                Best Fetch Machine for Outdoor Use

                Automatic Fetch Machine and Dog Ball Launcher

                Credit: GoDogGo
                Pros
                  Cons
                  • Best for outside use

                  Have a dog that loves to play fetch? This automatic dog ball launcher is perfect for them. It comes with five balls that your dog can easily return to a wide-mouth ergo bucket, a remote control, and rechargeable batteries for loads of fun. The ball launches at high speeds, however, so you'll want to use this outside.

                  Best Interactive Plush Toy

                  Hyper Pet Interactive Doggie Tail

                  On Sale
                  Interactive Doggie Tail
                  Best Interactive Plush Toy

                  Hyper Pet Interactive Doggie Tail

                  Now 35% Off
                  Credit: Hyper Pet
                  Pros
                  • Good for all breeds and sizes
                  Cons

                    Every dog loves a squeaky toy and with more than 25,000 ratings on Amazon, this one that does that plus more is a definite add-to-cart. It wiggles, vibrates, and barks and is an ideal toy to increase exercise for small, medium, and large dogs of all ages. "It's the perfect toy for your dog," began one review. "It is not an annoying product. It only vibrates on and off when your dog plays with it and it's not too sensitive so you don't have to worry about over-exhausting your dog. The battery case needs a screw which it didn't come with, so when the toy falls the batteries get loose. overall, great product."

                    Best Toy for Larger Breeds

                    Zeus the Bulldog Interactive Toy

                    Zeus the Bulldog Interactive Toy
                    Best Toy for Larger Breeds

                    Zeus the Bulldog Interactive Toy

                    Credit: ZEUS
                    Pros
                      Cons
                      • Only for Larger Breeds

                      This plush playmate will keep your dog on its toes as it barks, shakes, and rolls in an unpredictable pattern. It works on many surface types including carpet, grass, and gravel so is great for keeping them busy at home or the park. One caveat: "If your dog likes to chew toys more than play then the plush covering may take a beating," wrote a reviewer.

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                      Best Treat Dispensing Toy for All Sizes

                      KONG Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Toy

                      Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Toy
                      Best Treat Dispensing Toy for All Sizes

                      KONG Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Toy

                      Credit: KONG
                      Pros
                      • Can fit multiple size treats
                      • Perfect for all breed sizes
                      Cons
                      • Best for average chewers

                      Available in both small and large sizing, this simple treat-dispensing toy will keep playful pups entertained. One reviewer said their two dogs "spend ages with them instead of trashing through the house whilst play fighting." It's ideal for average chewers of all breed sizes and is easy to fill with multiple sizes of treats.

                      Best for Meal Pacing

                      PetSafe Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Toy

                      Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Toy
                      Best for Meal Pacing

                      PetSafe Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Toy

                      Credit: PetSafe
                      Pros
                        Cons
                        • Not for dogs over 40 pounds

                        Looking to slow down your pup's feeding time? This interactive dog toy is perfect for overly eager eaters. Made with textured natural material that cleans teeth and gums and durable non-toxic material for prolonged use, you'll be able to provide multi-sensory stimulation while keeping your 10-40 pound pup busy for as long as you need.

                        "I got it to slow my already large puppy, down when he eats. It’s great but make [sure] you're cleaning the inside regularly. Plastic is also sturdy. When my puppy gets annoyed with it he chews on the plastic and it’s held up well," one review read.

                        Best Ball Launcher for Indoor and Outdoor Use

                        Automatic Dog Ball Launcher

                        Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
                        Best Ball Launcher for Indoor and Outdoor Use

                        Automatic Dog Ball Launcher

                        Credit: IDOGMATE
                        Pros
                        • Can be used both indoors and outdoors
                        • Has adjustable speed options
                        Cons

                          Mid-size and larger breeds will love this automatic dog ball launcher and the best part is, it can be used both indoors or outdoors. It's operated by remote control and has multiple speed options that suit your dog's needs.

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                          Best Digging Toy

                          iFetch Digging Dog Toy

                          Digging Dog Toy
                          Best Digging Toy

                          iFetch Digging Dog Toy

                          Credit: iFetch
                          Pros
                          • Great for dogs who like to dig
                          Cons

                            This interactive treat mat will help satisfy your dog's natural inclination to dig. Equipped with loads of pockets to fill with treats or toys, it's guaranteed to give them a good time. "My two Dalmatians love this toy. They are large enough to throw it around a bit but so far it seems to be holding up. The mats can be removed for cleaning and to rearrange. Really happy with this purchase!" a reviewer wrote.

                            Best Recordable Toy

                            Recordable Dog Buttons

                            Recordable Dog Buttons
                            Best Recordable Toy

                            Recordable Dog Buttons

                            Credit: Kafaka
                            Pros
                            • Personalized recordings
                            Cons

                              Though it's meant for your pooch, these recordable dog buttons may become one for you, too. Available in both a 4- and 8-pack, each button allows you to record a short command (such as "Feed me" or "Let's play!" As your pet begins "talking" to you by pressing the buttons to express their needs, you'll create a deeper bond with your pet. They're durable for all dog sizes and breeds and according to a few Amazon reviewers, dogs will get the hang of them very quickly. "I got these to teach my dog basic button use. So far we are only using one of them for "outside" and they are very easy to use. Too easy sometimes, she has mastered the button and requests to go outside right after coming in!"

                              Headshot of Ni'Kesia Pannell
                              Ni'Kesia Pannell
                              Contributing Writer

                              Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers news and culture for The Kitchn. She's the former Weekend Editor for Delish who also writes about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music for a range of additional outlets.

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