3 Benefits of Puzzle Toys
If you're a dog owner, you'll know that your dog needs things to provide them with entertainment and stimulation when you're not available to play. This is where puzzle toys are incredibly helpful. Interactive dog toys can be a great way to keep your dog preoccupied, and prevent them from getting into things they shouldn't!
What exactly are dog puzzle toys? Dog puzzle toys, sometimes called interactive puzzle toys, are toys that are designed to keep your pet entertained and mentally challenged with a "puzzle" challenge that rewards them with treats. They can help your dog work on problem-solving skills as they try to solve the puzzle to get the reward. These types of goal-oriented toys keep dogs busy for a good amount of time, making them the perfect toy for when you have to leave the house, or on days you are unable to give your pup physical exercise (long cold Canadian winters, anyone?!).
So, here are three benefits of using puzzle toys with your pup!
1. They Provide Mental Stimulation: As mentioned earlier, dog puzzle toys provide your pet with plenty of mental stimulation. But did you know that mental stimulation is an essential part of keeping your dog happy and healthy? In fact, it's recommended to provide dogs with some sort of mental stimulation every day. Just 15 minutes of mental stimulation for your dog can be equal to the stimulation your dog would experience on a five kilometer walk! Giving your dog a puzzle toy can help prevent boredom as well as keep them from developing behavioral problems, as it gives them an outlet for excess energy.
Puzzle toys can also be used to help relieve a dog's anxiety. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, giving them a puzzle toy right before you leave can help distract your pup while you're gone and keep them entertained instead of worrying about when you'll be back home.
2. Help With Exercise: Besides mental stimulation, interactive dog puzzle toys can help your dog get a little bit of physical exercise, as some toys keep your dog moving as they try to get to their treats. Plus, some puzzle toys work great for games of fetch!
3. They Can Help Slow Down Feeding: Last but not least, another great benefit to puzzle-treat toys is that you can use them with dog food instead of treats and turn them into a slow feeder. Many dogs eat too fast, especially when they are excited or extra hungry. Eating too fast can lead to problems such as weight gain, indigestion, bloating, or vomiting. In extremely severe cases, bloating or a twisted stomach can sometimes be fatal. If your dog is a fast eater, next mealtime, try inserting your dog's kibble into the puzzle toy to slow your dog's eating down. If your dog starts losing interest in their meal, consider purchasing a slow-feed dog bowl instead.
Well - there you have it! Using a dog feeding puzzle has a whole range of benefits for your dog's fitness, weight, behavior, and even for their stress levels. It's a good idea to get several styles so that your dog doesn't get bored, and make sure you choose a difficulty level that's suitable for your individual pup. Luckily, Terrible Toby’s in Kitchener has a wide selection of puzzle toys, ensuring you’ll find something suitable for your pup.
Developed in a paid partnership with Terrible Toby’s.
