9 dog treat dispenser toys (for Good Boys and Girls)

Worried your pooch is feeling like mealtimes are getting a little... samey? Whether you're looking to dial up the 'fun' at dinnertime or just looking for a cool new way to spoil Fido, a dog treat dispenser is a great way to treat the canine companion in your life, while bringing hours of fun to the furry (dinner)table. Dogs and treats are a match made in pup heaven, afterall.

With so many treat dispensing dog toys on the market, it can be difficult to know which one Fido will love. And so, let us lend you a paw with our guide to 9 of the best dog treat dispensers and stimulating dog toys that come canine-approved - and that your pooch is sure to adore.

Arf Pets dog treat dispenser with button

Branded 'the ultimate dog memory toy', this puzzle dispenser provides hours of fun (and tasty rewards) while encouraging exercise and improving your pooch's memory. So, how does it work? It’s a remote dog treat dispenser that operates when your brainy canine presses the remote release button. The device emits a fun sound and releases a different amount of treats (to keep your pooch on his paws) into the built-in feeding tray. The remote release button works all around the home (and outdoors, too) meaning Fido can play a spot of hide-and-seek while you watch in delight as your pooch hunts around the home for this coveted canine device. This will definitely get tails wagging!

JW Tumble Teez puzzler treat dispenser

All that button-pushing sound like a lot of hard graft? For something a little more traditional, give this puzzler treat dispenser a whirl. These puzzle tumblers double up as a chew toy, and the inner maze design will help to slow down feeding, prolong playtime, and make mealtimes a hoot. As well as traditional treats, you can fill these fun toys with Fido's favorite - peanut butter. It entertains and enriches, and at under $8 (at the time of posting), this is also a seriously budget-friendly pick. 

PETGEEK automatic treat dispensing dog toy

When switched on, this automatic dog treat dispenser will roll around on the floor, releasing tasty treats as it goes. As well as giving your pooch a good old workout (we can't imagine they'll be able to resist following this treat-filled toy all around the home!), it also helps to train your dog's IQ and keep their noggins sharp, making it an excellent choice for aging pets, too. Simply insert your dog training treats of choice into the ball, and voilà - watch on from afar as your pooch chases this fun, interactive dog treat ball dispenser.

Furbo 360° dog camera with treat tossing

A dog camera and a remote dog treat dispenser all in one? You have our attention. Just because you're out of the home, it doesn't mean your pooch needs to forgo his treats - and with this Furbo 360° dog camera, he needn't have to. With a 360-degree rotating view and HD video quality, you can watch, listen, and even talk to your pooch - wherever you are - and dispense treats from afar via the easy-to-use app (psst - teach your dog to speak using buttons if you want them to talk back!). It's a great way to keep an eye on your pooch (day or night - thanks to the color night vision) while they're home alone. It can even help to distract from the common symptoms of separation anxiety, and provide an alert whenever your dog starts barking. If you’re looking for a dog camera that dispenses treats, this one gets our vote! 

SKYMEE Owl Robot movable HD pet camera with treat dispenser

If you're looking for a dog camera treat dispenser that gets your pup moving, this (pretty adorable) remote-control robot may be just what the pooch ordered. Control the robot via the app and watch on as your pooch follows in pursuit of this funky owl-themed dog toy treat dispenser. Admittedly, it is a bit pricy, but it comes with a long list of high-techy features including a 1090p HD camera with night vision, 4x zoom, two-way audio, motion detection, TF recording, plus 8 hours of continuous battery life. 

Omega Tricky Treat ball

While the name is somewhat reminiscent of bygone Halloween celebrations, rest assured this dog treat ball dispenser provides hours of fun all year round. This brightly colored ball will release treats for your hungry hound as it rolls - all you need to do is fill it up with Fido's favorite kibble, and watch in utter delight as your pooch sniffs, digs, and forages in pursuit of the tasty treat that awaits. While this pick doesn’t feature as many of the boredom-busting qualities as some of the other treat dispenser toys on our list, it’s a no-frills dog toy that’s sure to keep canines entertained.

West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl dog puzzle treat toy

Got a particularly chew-happy canine? This is a great treat dispenser toy for dogs who gnaw their way through regular toys, or for hungry hounds who hammer through treats in 0.2 seconds flat. As well as slowing down feeding, prolonging treat time and keeping your pooch mentally stimulated, West Paw even says it can help to discourage and distract destructive behavior (good news for your sofa!). When it comes to dog toys that dispense treats and are guaranteed to delight your doggo with hours of fun-filled playtime, this is simply *chef's kiss*. 

Starmark Bob-A-Lot interactive treat dispensing pet toy

These wibbly-wobbly treat dispenser toys for dogs make playtime a hoot - and ends in a fun, tasty reward for your pooch. Dogs will love the weighted, anti-slip mechanism that makes this chaotic toy wobble and leave tasty treats in its wake. What we love about this is that it has a large chamber that can fit up to 3 cups of food, meaning it can be used for treats or for entire meals. Adjust the difficulty level as your pooch eats, plays, and gets a pretty good workout in - now that’s what we call multitasking. We think you’d be hard-pressed to find a pooch that doesn’t immediately love this treat dispenser. 

OurPets IQ treat ball

Ever wished your buddy's mealtimes could double up as a brain-training sesh? Now they can. As your dog plays and sniffs out treats, they'll be learning and keeping their noggins active as they go. As well as increasing your pup's brain activity, it promotes slower feeding and is a fun alternative to traditional snuffle and lick mats. Simply fill the ball with your pup's favorite kibble or treats, and sit back as your brainy canine gets his fill.

Why use a dog treat dispenser for your pooch?

From tip to tail, dog treat dispensers help to keep your furry friend's brain and body active, often with boredom-busting and brain-boosting qualities that can help keep your dog's mind sharp, whatever stage they’re at in life. They’re a great way to mentally stimulate your four-legged friend, and can even help to avoid destructive behavior and curb some of the symptoms of separation anxiety. Dogs love them (obvs), dog parents love them - they're an all-round canine crowd pleaser! 

How to pick the right dog treat dispenser toy

Material: if you have a chew-happy pooch, choose a durable treat toy dispenser made from hard plastic, that will be hardy enough to withstand even the most destructive and determined of canines. Silicone-based treat dispensers toys are also popular, as well as those made from rubber.

Capacity and size: buying the right size of treat dispenser is important - small breeds like Pugs or Pomeranians will never be able to get their jaws around a dispenser designed for large breeds, for example, while a dispenser that’s too small could pose a choking hazard. Of course, capacity is also a consideration. Do you want a dispenser that holds just enough kibble to give your pooch a special treat, or are you looking for treat dispensing dog toys that can hold an entire meal?

Your dog’s needs: think about your pooch's age, ability, and needs. Boredom-busting treat dispensers can be good for canines with a destructive streak, while dispensers that keep pups mentally stimulated and active are ideal for all dogs, especially senior pooches. We recommend reading reviews, and seeing what your fellow dog owners have said. And remember, only fill them with foods your pooch will love, including these dog foods for sensitive stomachs!

Special features: some treat dispenser toys - like camera dispensers - can be a great aid for pet parents who like to keep an eye on their pooch while about town, or for pups that suffer from separation anxiety. But if that’s not you, there’s no need to fork out for something quite so techy. 

Cleaning: some dispensers will be easy to clean, while others might take a bit more scrubbing. Dispensers with intricate inner mazes might be fun, but be prepared to get into the crevices and clean them regularly to avoid a build-up of bacteria or mold.

While we’re sure these dog treat dispensing toys will put a smile on Fido’s face in no time, here are 5 more ways to make your dog happy.