Best Toys to Keep Your Dog Engaged: Mental Stimulation and Exercise

Keeping your dog entertained can sometimes feel like a full-time job, right? Whether they’re barking non-stop, chewing on everything, or just staring at you with those “I’m bored” eyes, it’s a clear sign they need more mental and physical activity. The good news is there are plenty of toys out there that can help. And the best ones? They do double duty by keeping your dog’s brain and body engaged.

Here’s a list of my favorite toys for mental stimulation and exercise—tried, tested, and approved by plenty of happy (and exhausted!) pups.

1. KONG Classic Dog Toy

If you’ve been around dogs for a while, you’ve probably heard of the KONG Classic. It’s one of those toys that everyone seems to recommend, and for good reason. You can fill it with treats or peanut butter, and it keeps dogs busy trying to get every last bit out. It’s also super bouncy, so it doubles as a fetch toy!

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• Your dog has to figure out how to get the treats out, which keeps their brain working.
• You can freeze it with peanut butter or yogurt for an extra challenge.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• The way it bounces unpredictably makes it perfect for a game of fetch, giving your dog a great workout.

2. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy

This one’s a personal favorite for dogs who love to “hunt” or dig. The Hide-A-Squirrel is a plush toy where you stuff squeaky squirrels into a soft tree trunk, and your dog has to pull them out. It’s like giving them a fun little puzzle to solve, and once they get the squirrels out, they can toss them around and play.

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• Your dog has to figure out how to get the squirrels out, which taps into their problem-solving skills.
• It also satisfies their natural hunting instincts.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• After they “catch” the squirrels, dogs love to shake, toss, and chase them around, which turns it into a fun active game.

3. Snuffle Feeding Mat (from The Puzzle Feeder)

If you’ve never tried a snuffle mat, it’s a game-changer for keeping your dog mentally engaged. The Snuffle Feeding Mat lets you hide treats or kibble within the folds of fabric, and your dog has to sniff them out. It’s an awesome way to slow down fast eaters and keep their mind working.

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• It plays into your dog’s natural instinct to sniff and forage for food, keeping them focused and entertained.
• It challenges their brain while they figure out where the treats are hidden.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• It’s not super high-energy, but all that sniffing and pawing gets them moving and engaged.

4. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle Games

These puzzles are perfect for dogs that need a serious mental challenge. They come in different levels of difficulty, so whether your dog is a beginner or a pro, there’s something for them. Your dog has to slide, flip, or move pieces to uncover hidden treats, and it’s a great way to keep them occupied.

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• These puzzles are designed to challenge your dog’s problem-solving abilities.
• You can up the difficulty as they get better, which keeps things interesting.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• It’s more of a brain workout, but they’ll still move around a bit as they manipulate the puzzle pieces.

5. Chuckit! Ball Launcher

For dogs who live for a good game of fetch, the Chuckit! Ball Launcher is a lifesaver. It lets you throw the ball way farther than you can by hand, giving your dog the chance to really stretch their legs. It’s perfect for burning off energy with minimal effort on your part!

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• If your dog’s obsessed with fetch, the anticipation and focus of where the ball will go keeps their brain engaged.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• The launcher throws the ball far enough for your dog to get a solid workout chasing it down, which tires them out faster.

6. Trixie Pet Products Flip Board

This toy is perfect for curious dogs that need a little more mental stimulation. The Flip Board has compartments and lids that hide treats, and your dog has to figure out how to open them. It’s a great introduction to puzzle toys if your dog’s never used one before.

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• It encourages your dog to think and figure out how to get to the treats.
• You can adjust how the treats are hidden to keep them challenged.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• While it’s more of a brain workout, your dog will still use their paws and nose to manipulate the toy, which gets them moving a bit.

7. Snuffle Ball (from The Puzzle Feeder)

The Snuffle Ball is another awesome option for dogs that love foraging. You hide treats or kibble inside the folds of the ball, and your dog has to sniff them out. It’s kind of like a snuffle mat, but in ball form, which adds an extra layer of fun.

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• It engages your dog’s natural foraging instincts while challenging them to manipulate the ball to get the treats.
• The act of sniffing and digging into the ball keeps their mind working.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• The ball rolls around while they play, encouraging them to chase and move as they work to get the treats out.

8. Hyper Pet Lickimat

If you have a dog that gets anxious or bored easily, the Hyper Pet Lickimat can be a great calming tool. You spread soft treats like peanut butter or yogurt onto the textured mat, and your dog spends time licking it off. Licking helps soothe your dog, making it perfect for downtime.

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• Licking is a repetitive, calming activity that can keep your dog focused for long periods.
• It encourages patience and focus.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• It’s not physically demanding, but it keeps your dog’s mind and tongue busy.

9. West Paw Zogoflex Tux Treat Dispensing Toy

For dogs that love to chew and need a little extra challenge, the West Paw Zogoflex Tux is a great option. It’s super durable and can be stuffed with treats or kibble, so your dog has to work to get the food out. Plus, it’s tough enough to stand up to serious chewers.

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• Your dog will be occupied figuring out how to get to the treats, which keeps their brain busy.
• It’s perfect for problem-solving and working for their reward.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• Its durable design is great for interactive play, whether you’re playing fetch or letting your dog chew on it.

10. Nylabone Power Chew Toys

If your dog is a heavy chewer, Nylabones are perfect for them. These toys are built to withstand even the toughest jaws, keeping your dog busy and satisfying their urge to chew. Plus, some of the Nylabones have textured surfaces that add extra interest for your dog.

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation:

• Chewing is a great stress reliever for dogs, and these toys keep them entertained and focused.
• Some have interesting textures that add extra sensory stimulation.

Why It’s Great for Exercise:

• Chewing itself is a workout, and it helps burn off energy for dogs who need to stay busy.

Finding the right toys to keep your dog mentally and physically active can make a world of difference in their behavior and happiness. Whether it’s puzzle feeders like the Snuffle Feeding Mat or interactive toys like the Snuffle Ball, these options will give your dog a healthy outlet for their energy and instincts. Mixing up the types of toys you offer will help keep things fun, interesting, and prevent boredom.

So go ahead and give a few of these a try—you might just find your dog’s new favorite way to stay entertained!