This previous vacation season I went a small crazy getting toys for our two dogs, Tana and Kaya. I spent about $100 of which about $90 of that was a total waste. We’d like to share with you what we discovered about dog toys so that hopefully you can make additional informed choices about the toys you purchase. When getting toys I focused on “dilemma solving” or interactive toys pondering my dogs could advantage from obtaining toys that stimulated their brains. I do not know if I am crazy, just after all there are tons of goods on the market place focused on dog dilemma solving, but possibly the jokes on me. Do dogs actually advantage from intellectually stimulating toys or is it just hype to get me to commit additional $$$? In any case, I purchased 6 separate toys which we’ll critique beneath. We’ll give you the pros and cons of every single and grade them on a scale from 1 to 5 dog bones.
This previous vacation season I went a small crazy getting toys for our two dogs, Tana and Kaya. I spent about $100 of which about $90 of that was a total waste. We’d like to share with you what we discovered about dog toys so that hopefully you can make additional informed choices about the toys you purchase.
When getting toys this year I focused on “dilemma solving” or “interactive” toys pondering my dogs could advantage from obtaining toys that stimulated their brains. I do not know if I am crazy, just after all there are tons of goods on the market place focused on doggie dilemma solving, but possibly the jokes on me. Do dogs actually advantage from intellectually stimulating toys or is it just hype to get me to commit additional $$$? In any case, I purchased 6 separate toys which we’ll critique beneath. We’ll give you the pros and cons of every single and grade them on a scale from 1 to 5 dog bones.
Reviewers: Tana – Dog extraordinaire. Loyal pal to humans, loves stuffed animal toys with squeakers and any toy her sister Kaya has in her possession.
Kaya – a youngster who loves chew toys. She has tiny teeth but can give a “practically indestructible” toy a superior run for it is cash.
Mom, the buy selection maker and translator.
Nina Ottosson’s Dog Pyramid
Here’s what the makers of the Dog Pyramid have say about it: “The DOG PYRAMID is excellent for occupying and stimulating your pet. Each and every time the dog moves or knocks the pyramid considerably it is rewarded by the release of meals. Merely spot the treats or dry kibble into the toy and watch as the dog enjoys the challenge! The Pyramid is weighted at the bottom to make it usually self-appropriate to a vertical position, no matter how enthusiastic the game. Ultra-challenging and tough. Will stand up to even the most aggressive play.” Price $12.00.
Pros – it is ultra challenging, and does self-appropriate itself as advertised. My dogs could not get their mouths about it sufficient to harm it in any way. Or possibly they just did not attempt tough sufficient – see cons.
Cons – my dogs lost interest rapidly when they could not get the treats out. I only place a handful of dozen treats in, I did not fill it up which I am positive would make it less difficult to get them out. I will experiment with that additional. Following the initial handful of minutes of play that toy hasn’t been touched given that.
Grade – 3 Bones
The Atomic Treat Ball
from Smarter Toy
Here’s what Smarter Toy, the manufacturer, has say about it: “Preserve your dog mentally stimulated, physically active, wholesome and delighted.” The Atomic Treat Ball comes in 3 and 5 inch versions. I bought the 5 inch ball. Understanding level – Wise. Price $6.99.
Pros- Kaya loved to play with it and identified it uncomplicated to get to the treats. Given that she destroyed it inside the initial hour, Tana under no circumstances even got close to it.
Cons- the toy only lasted an hour or so. Kaya chewed the prime creating the original hole, which was significantly less than an inch in diameter additional like 3 inches in diameter, fundamentally creating the challenge to get treats null and void. Commonly Kaya chews toys devoid of swallowing the pieces. This time she swallowed the plastic pieces and later threw them up, oh delighted day!
Grade – 1 Bone
The Busy Buddy Treat Dispensing Tug-a-Jug
Created by Premier
Here’s what Premier has to say about it: “The Tug-a-Jug supplies a multi-sensory appeal to retain your dog interested and motivated to play. It stimulates your pets sense of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste, creating Tug-a-Jug the ultimate remedy for interactive play. Dogs are positively rewarded for their play when treats dispense from the jug’s opening.” I bought the Tug-a-Jug in the tiny size. Price $12.00.
Pros- The toy is adequately indestructible, even though I suspect sooner or later Kaya will chew by means of the rope. The packaging comes with some clever guidelines for dealing with that possibility. The Tug-a-Jug kept each my dogs entertained for hours and they had been in a position to get the treats out and seemed to delight in the sport of it all.
Cons– After they got the treats out of the jug they lost all interest in the toy.
Grade – 3 Bones
The Kong Genius
I have bought several form of Kong’s – this is the most recent in their line of toys. Here’s what they have to say about it: “KONG Genius is their newest line of interactive treat dispensing toys. Genius toys come in 3 sizes and two shapes, and can be interconnected to make new configurations for added challenge. Created in the USA of a tough, non-toxic, FDA meals-authorized TPR material, these toys are excellent for typical chewers. Use with any KONG StuffN solution, which includes KONGs new IQ Treats, created of 100% baked salmon. Or, fill with meals and use as an engaging mealtime feeder. Dishwasher secure, KONG Genius toys assistance combat boredom and separation anxiousness, and are good for puppies and adult dogs alike. Measures 9.5 x 5.5 x 2.8-inches.” The Kong Genius comes in a selection of colors and in sizes additional significant, significant and tiny. Rates variety from $7.00 – $16.00. I bought the Kong Genius in tiny. I also bought the Kong IQ Treats created of baked salmon. I bought the Kong Genius for $10.00.
Pros- So far indestructible. Kaya got to it initial and chewed and chewed till she got all the salmon treats out which took some time so I believed the toy scored major on getting a challenge and not getting also uncomplicated. I have not attempted the interconnected shapes, but program to experiment with that. It has verified so far to be indestructible. Tana and Kaya like the Kong Genius so significantly I went out and purchased a second 1 so they every single would have their personal. That does not imply they nonetheless do not fight more than them or attempt to steal them from every single other, just after all, dogs will be dogs. I also identified that lots of distinctive types of treats match in the Genius so there’s usually a selection of alternatives. You can also place their kibble in the Kong if you are concerned about providing them also several treats. It is a good way to retain them entertained when you are away.
Cons– So far no cons, they really like this toy, and I do also.
Grade – 5 Bones.
The Star Mark Everlasting Treat Ball
Here’s what Everlasting has to say about it: “The Everlasting Treat Ball can be filled with meals, Each and every Flavor Treats or any snack your dog enjoys and then capped with 1 or two Everlasting Treats (1 integrated, more sold separately). Everlasting Treats can also be inserted upside down or into the center cavity of the ball for additional difficult play. Dishwasher secure in the prime rack for uncomplicated clean up. Totally free of charge of latex, vinyl, and phthalates. If your dog is a robust chewer, we propose picking the bigger size. Difficult, puncture resistant components are practically indestructible. Particular design and style makes it possible for the Treat Ball to roll and wobble on its personal.” I bought the medium size and also bought some refills. Price $16.00
Pros- By far the preferred toy for each my dogs. They liked the treat inside and how uncomplicated it was to access. The meals inserted into the inner chamber lasted a pretty extended time and offered hours of play for my dogs. They loved this toy!
Cons – The most costly toy of the bunch so far. Practically indestructible, beginning to show indicators of put on on the tabs on the inside from relentless chewing. Subsequent time I may possibly attempt getting a bigger size.
Grade – 3 Bones
Nina Ottosson’s Dog Casino Exciting Interactive Game
This 1 is additional in the category of game rather than toy. It was by far the most costly coming in at a whopping $35.00. Here’s what they say about it:
• Challenging. Exciting. Entertaining!
• Great for a rainy, cold day…or just for indoor exciting.
• From Sweden’s Nina Ottosson, the premiere inventor of ‘brain game toys’ for dogs.
• The Casino is a dog-activity toy/game that will mentally stimulate your dog and operate their brain in a exciting and inventive way.
Pros- It appears like it would be a exciting game for the dogs but just after opening the package and understanding how it performs, I came to the conclusion that it was also tough for my dogs and decided to return it and attempt a game that did not need the dogs to in fact open drawers to get at the treats.
Cons- see above.
Grade – Two Bones