This past holiday season I went a little insane buying playthings for our two k9s, Tana and Kaya. I spent about $100 of which about $90 of that was a complete waste of money. We’d like to share with you what we discovered about dog toys so thatoptimistically you can make far more informed choices about the dog playthings you purchase.
Once buying games I focused on “problem solving” or interactive dog toys thinking my canines might benefit from getting games that stimulated their brains. I don’t know if I’m crazy, after all there are heaps of products available focused on dog problem solving, but maybe the pranks on me. Do canines really benefit from intellectually stimulating playthings or is it simply buzz to get me to shell out much more $$$? In any case, I bought 6 separate games which we’ll review below. We’ll give you the pros and cons of each 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 sibling Kaya has in her possession.
Kaya – a youngster who enjoys chew toys. She has small teeth but can offer a “practically indestructible” toy a good run for it’s money.
Mom, the purchase decision maker and translator.
Nina Ottosson’s Dog Pyramid
Here’s what the manufacturers of the Dog Pyramid have to say about it: “The DOG PYRAMID is great for occupying and stimulating your pet. Each time the dog strikes or knocks the pyramid tremendously it is rewarded by the release of food. Simply place the treats or dry kibble into the toy and watch as the dog enjoys the challenge! The Pyramid is weighted at the bottom to ensure it always self-rights to a vertical position, no matter how enthusiastic the play. Ultra-tough and durable. Will stand up to the most intense play.” Price $12.00.
Pros – it is extremely difficult, and does self-right itself as advertised. My dogs could not get their mouths around it enough to harm it in any way. Or possibly they simply didn’t try very difficult ample – see cons.
Cons - my canines lost interest quick once they couldn’t get the treats out. I only put a few dozen treats in, I didn’t fill it up that I’m sure would} make it much easier to get them out. I should experiment with that more. Right after the first few minutes of play the toy hasn’t been touched since.
Grade – Three Bones
The Atomic Treat Ball
from Smarter Toys
Here’s what Smarter Toy, the producer, has say about it: “Retain your dog psychologically stimulated, physically energetic, healthy and satisfied.” The Atomic Treat Ball comes in 3 and 5 inch versions. I bought the 5 inch ball. Learning stage – Smart. Cost $6.99.
Pros - Kaya loved to play with it and found it straightforward to get to the treats. Because she ruined it inside of the first hour or so, Tana never even got near it.
Cons - the toy only lasted 60 minutes or so. Kaya chewed the top resulting in the first hole, which was less than an inch in diameter far more like 3 inches in diameter, fundamentally making the challenge to get treats null and void. Usually Kaya chews playthings without swallowing the pieces. This time she swallowed the plastic material pieces and later threw them up, oh happy day!
Grade – One Bone
The Busy Buddy Treat Dispensing Tug-a-Jug
Made by Premier
Here’s what Premier has to say regarding it: “The Tug-a-Jug delivers a multi-sensory appeal to keep your dog engaged and motivated to play. It stimulates your dogs and cats feeling of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste, making Tug-a-Jug the ultimate solution for interactive play. Canines are positively rewarded for their play once treats dispense from the jug’s opening.” I purchased the Tug-a-Jug in the small size. Cost $12.00
Pros - The toy is adequately indestructible, though I suspect at some point Kaya will chew through the rope. The packaging arrives with some intelligent instructions for dealing with that possibility. The Tug-a-Jug kept each my canines entertained for hours and they were able to get the treats out and appeared to take pleasure in the sport of it all.
Cons – As soon as they got the treats out of the jug they lost all curiosity in the toy.
Grade – Three Bones
The Kong Genius
I have purchased a lot of kinds of Kong’s – this is the latest in their line of games. Here’s what they have to say about it: “KONG Genius is their newest line of interactive treat dispensing games. Genius playthings arrive in three sizes and two shapes, and can be interconnected to produce new configurations for added challenge. Made in the USA of a durable, non-toxic, FDA food-approved TPR material, these toys are rpc_99_rpc for normal chewers. Use with any KONG StuffN product, including KONGs new IQ Treats, made of 100% baked salmon. Or, fill with food and use as an engaging mealtime feeder. Dishwashersafe, KONG Genius playthings help combat boredom and separation anxiety, and are great for puppies and adult k9s alike. Measures 9.5 x 5.5 x 2.8-inches.” The Kong Genius comes in a range of colors and in sizes extra large, large and small. Prices range from $7.00 – $16.00. I purchased the Kong Genius in small. I also bought the Kong IQ Treats produced of baked salmon. I purchased the Kong Genius for $10.00.
Pros - So far indestructible. Kaya got to it first and chewed and chewed till she got all the salmon treats out which took some time so I thought the toy scored big on being a challenge and not being too simple. I haven’t tried the interconnected shapes, but plan to experiment with that. It has demonstrated so far to be an indestructible dog toy. Tana and Kaya enjoy the Kong Genius so much I went out and bought a 2nd one so they each would possess their own. That doesn’t imply they still don’t struggle over them or try to rob them from each other, after all, dogs will be dogs. I additionally observed that plenty of different sorts of treats fit in the Genius so there’s always a wide variety of options. You can also put their kibble in the Kong if you’re concerned about giving them too many treats. It’s a wonderful way to keep them entertained when you are away.
Cons – So far no drawbacks, they love this toy, and I do too.
Grade – Five Bones
The Star Mark Everlasting Treat Ball
Here’s what Everlasting has to say about it: “The Everlasting Treat Ball can be stuffed with kibble , Everlasting Flavor Treats or any snack your dog enjoys and then capped with one or two Everlasting Treats (one included, additional offered separately). Everlasting Treats can additionally be inserted upside down or into the center cavity of the ball for far more challenging play. Dishwashersafe in the top tray for easy clean up. Totally free of latex, vinyl, and phthalates. If your dog is a sturdy chewer, we suggest choosing the larger size. Hard, puncture resistant materials are almost indestructible. Special design enables the Treat Ball to roll and wobble on its own.” I bought the medium size and additionally bought refills. Price $16.00
Pros - By far the favored toy for both my dogs. They favored the treat inside and how easy it was to access. The food inserted into the internal chamber lasted a very long time and supplied hours of play for my dogs. They loved this toy!
Cons - The most costly toy of the bunch so far. Practically indestructible, starting to show signs of wear on the tabs on the inside from relentless chewing. Next time I may try buying a larger size.
Grade – Three Bones
Nina Ottosson’s Dog Casino Fun Interactive Game
This one is more in the class of game instead of toy. It was by far the most expensive coming in at a whopping $35.00. Here’s what they say about it:
- Challenging. Enjoyable. Engaging!
- Wonderful for a rainy, chilled day…or just for inside fun.
- From Sweden’s Nina Ottosson, the premiere inventor of ‘brain game toys’ for k9s.
- The Casino is a dog-activity toy/game that will psychologically encourage your dog and work their brain in a fun and creative way.
Pros - It looks like it would be a fun game for the canines but once opening the package and understanding how it works, I came to the conclusion that it was too tough for my dogs and made the decision to return it and try a game that didn’t require the canines to actually open up drawers to get at the treats.
Cons - see above.
Grade – Two Bones