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27 Products To Keep Your Pet Entertained When They Aren’t Going For A W-A-L-K

When the weather or your schedule aren’t cooperating, these toys are there for you (and your pup).

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by Courtney Hayes BuzzFeed Contributor

Courtney Hayes is a freelancer who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2019, covering a wide range of topics including home decor, fashion, beauty and skincare, gift guides, pet products, and more.

1. An ultra-tough rubber ball that's a favorite for doggos and their parents because it's impossible to destroy and lasts ~forever.~ That means no more picking up shredded tennis balls. Don't be surprised if your pupper just carries this around the house with them constantly.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "My five month old Golden Retriever LOVES this ball. We also have a smaller size one that is for "outdoor" use only, as it gets rolled under furniture too easily and that halts the play in a hurry! This one gets used indoors and outdoors, she and her older sister (same parents, different litters) both get a lot of use from these "Chuckit" balls. They seem to hold up well to the jaws of a Golden Retriever, no failures as of yet. Good ball for sure." —C.R.

Get it from Amazon for $6.71+ for two (also available in other multipacks).

2. A Wobble Wag Giggle ball that'll have your dog acting like a puppy again, no matter how old they are. Instead of watching a show on Netflix, you'll just watch your dog flip out over this glow-in-the-dark toy.

www.amazon.com

All your dog has to do is nudge the ball with their nose to get it going. It shakes, wiggles, and makes sounds that will have your pup engaged immediately. They'll be able to knock it around with their paws thanks to the many clutch pockets. It's sure to be a winner in your home.

Promising review: "My dog loves playing with this ball! The giggle sounds keep him engaged, and it’s hilarious to watch him chase them around. A fun, interactive toy that works well for indoor or outdoor play. He likes to bark at it when he plays, though, so beware if you are looking for quiet playtime!" —J Bartley

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in three other styles and a set).

3. A farmers market haul so your pup can forage for food inside of other food. This mix of snuffle and crinkle toys will keep them entertained, no matter what type of play they're in the mood for. Bet your pup doesn't have a leek in their toy box. 

Lambwolf Collective

The set includes seven toys: a corn, an artichoke, a leek, a red cabbage, a mini fuu, a mini momo, and a market bag.

Promising review: "Love the size of these — they are on the smaller side, which is perfect for our puppy of 9 weeks. The cabbage is a great first 'puzzle' as the leaves are pretty flat, and it is a good starting point to teach them sniffing amongst the leaves. the leek is also favorite for playtime!" —clementine d.

Get it from Lambwolf Collective for $75.

4. A dinosaur-shaped Nylabone dental chew that'll make your dog feel like they're in the latest Jurassic Park installment. Hold onto your butts!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

My Boston Terrier, Ethel, got a similar bone (same brand, different dino) when she was just a puppy, and played with it until she was 11 years old. She carried it around, slept with it, and chewed on it. She loved it so much that I even bought it in other colors, too.

Promising reviews: "We have FIVE of these because they dogs love them so much and cannot destroy them." —Aubrey M. Garcia

"This high-quality toy has been thoroughly enjoyed by my dogs. Its appropriate size and durability ensure its safety, even for my largest chewers. The toy’s design facilitates easy chewing, making it an excellent value for money. Notably, it surpasses the quality of other brands in my experience. Furthermore, the toy contributes to maintaining healthy and clean teeth, resulting in improved breath. I have been using this brand for over 25 years and have never encountered any issues whatsoever. I appreciate that the product is odorless." —Mtmtgf

Get it from Amazon for $8.09+ (available in two sizes).

5. A squeaky plush champagne bottle and flute set so your pup can have their own version of their parents' favorite beverage since they're old enough in human years. 

Chewy

Promising review: "My puppy loves to chew on these. So much so that when we put them away to run the Roomba, she drags them out of her basket. Plus, it's so cute to see her carry them around!" —titan

Get the set from Chewy for $11.99.

6. A splash pad for days when the pavement's too hot to go for a walk. Let your pup frolic in the yard instead of burning their precious paws. You might even be tempted to join in on the fun!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am not one who reviews products, EVER. If I were, I would NEVER give 5 stars, nor 1 star. However, I had to take the time to review this splash pad and give it a 5/5 stars. I expected it to be poorly constructed for under $40. I love the ease of setting up and taking down. I love the sturdy nature. It is well constructed of strong material that really is slip-proof and puncture-proof! And you have to tip your hat to the manufacturer who states for each size splash pad how many DOGS it accommodates (rather than people) hahaha! Even their instruction book is simple, and it’s made from rip-proof and waterproof paper! Genius! But mostly we had two kiddos under three and three large dogs (one over 100 pounds), and it was the singular hit of the Fourth of July celebrations. This splash pad will be at every summer gathering." —Rick

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (clip the coupon on the product page to get it for $18.69+; available in nine sizes and three styles).

7. A pole toy to play tug-of-war with your dog and help them get better at the "drop it" command, which will come in handy over time.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My Lab loved it immediately, chasing for as long as I could last b4 tiring. When he did catch the tether we engaged in tug of war without any noticable wear on the toy. Highly recommend" —BORIF

Get it from Amazon for $27.98 (clip the coupon on the product page to get it for $25.18).

8. An easy-hold Nylabone dental chew toy your dog will never want to take their paws off of. The design makes it easy to hold, so dogs of all ages can enjoy chew time. Plus, it can help freshen their breath, which you'll be thankful for next time they give you a slobbery kiss.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My dog loves these, last through hours and hours of chewing. Well made, will buy again when they eventually need to be replaced. So much better than soft/rope toys that my dog destroys instantly." —Melanie

Get it from Amazon for $9.14+ (available in two sizes, another style, and a set).

9. A treat dispenser toy to interact with your dog and reward them with treats. Fido just has to step on the lever to initiate the fun. The top will spin and spit out a treat in a surprise direction to keep them on their toes... errrr, paws.

Chewy

Promising review: "My dog absolutely loves this treat dispenser! It’s cute, durable, and keeps him busy for a long time. The design makes it fun for him to chase around while trying to get the treats out, and it’s easy to clean afterward. I also appreciate that it’s safe for both dogs and cats, so our kitty gets to join in, too. Great quality, bright color, and tons of entertainment, definitely a new favorite toy in our house!" —Antoinetta

Get it from Chewy for $26.50.

10. A stuffable Kong toy because it's softer than their other options, making it a great choice for senior dogs whose teeth have seen better days. My senior dog still needs lots of enrichment, and this buys me time to get work done on her most energetic days.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My dog loves it. I stuff it with wet dog food and freeze it, keeps him occupied for ages." —o.d.

Get it from Amazon for $7.46+ (available in three sizes and packs of two; classic and puppy versions also available).

11. A potato chip interactive crinkle toy for when your couch potato can't sit still. Just give them their favorite snack in their favorite toy and get back to watching the newest Stranger Things drop.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My pug LOVES this! Keeps her occupied for a good half hour/ 40 minutes depending on how bad she wants those treats" —Kate Bach

Get it from Amazon for $14.70 (also available in nine other styles).

12. A wand toy that'll let your pup get in touch with their inner cat. Simply dangle the duck and watch your dog try to catch it. They get to play, and your hands don't get covered in slobber.

Chewy

I have a 1.5-year-old Frenchie who abhors walks but loves to play. This toy has been a lifesaver in the heat. It's so fun watching her chase it around. The best part is, I don't even have to get off the couch to wear her out before bedtime.

Promising review: "I feel like the rod holds up well. I was worried it could be flimsy and then might snap while playing. In reality, it’s very solid, and the included rope is strong enough for my 65-pound golden. I’ll note that the plush toy would be destroyed if I left it alone with the dog, but this is really meant to be played with together, so it hasn’t been an issue. He absolutely LOVES chasing this around and being able to catch it. Would recommend!" —Michelle

Get it from Chewy for $10.89 (also available in a flower version).

13. A snuffle ball to interact with your dog and give them their favorite treats while you finally wash that sink full of dishes.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Fun entertainment for my dog. Great quality will last a long time. My favorite part is when my dog gets this thing swinging around and hits herself in the head with the ball! Doh' Easy to load up with treats, dry treats are best to help the felt stay clean." —RosPositive

Get it from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in seven colors).

14. A hide-a-squirrel dog toy puzzle that'll let you hide treats in one of three hidden pockets. To get the treats, they just have to unfurl the toy's tail, and who knows how long that will take them. (Hopefully, a while.)

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are my dogs favorite toy, they go wild for it. They have a lot of fun with it and play for hours. So far it has held up for two dogs for a few months so it made pretty well. The squeaker isn't overly annoying." —Dan Bledsoe

Get it from Amazon for $12.64+ (available in four sizes and other styles).

15. A can of squeaky tomatoes for your Italian stallion (or pug, whatever). Your pup will love putting the tennis ball tomatoes in and pulling them out of the container. 

Chewy

The set includes a "can" and three tomato tennis balls.

Promising review: "The retrieval toys are good for small dogs, and the can crinkles and makes a great duo." —steve

Get it from Chewy for $12.99.

16. A baguette with four hidden treat pockets to keep your pup's interest long enough for you to say bonjour to your to-do list. Some reviewers also say the long shape is fun to play tug with!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My pups LOVE this! It keeps them entertained for hours. I wish the pockets were a little easier to fill and push down, but that's what makes it so fun for them to dig out! I think I need to purchase a second one because they fight over this one. Great purchase!" —Lisa Elliott

Get it from Amazon for $13.80 (also available in four other styles).

17. A Woof snuffle mat so they can pretend they're foraging for food, just like their wolf ancestors. Except they can do it from the comfort of their cushy home.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My puppy loves this! Great interactive way to feed her. She has a lot of energy and this is a way to tire her out and keep her busy." —Christine

Get it from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in seven styles).

18. A birthday cake toy to give your pup on their birthday or gotcha day. This *sweet* toy rolls out to reveal 10 treat pockets your little fur ball will go nuts for. Have your cake and eat it, too, Fido!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "My dog goes nuts for this thing! I can't even store it rolled up and put together like a Swiss roll. If she sees it assembled, she tears it open, hoping to find goodies inside. It's so freakin' cute. I love that she loves it.

She's a senior large breed dog, 11 years old. She had a severe health scare and an astounding recovery recently. For part of her recovery, it was important that we do more to engage her brain, keep her mind active. (She also needed to lose weight, and there really aren't a lot of puzzle options for dogs that aren't all about treats and food. This one included. But this is one that it's easy to load with small portions that keeps her engaged for a decent amount of time.)

We're so glad we found this among the options we explored. She loves it, and that makes me very happy." —ThePoptartFox

Get it from Amazon for $13.95 (also available in nine other styles).

19. A Barkbox bacon-scented chew toy so you don't have to share your meal with your dog. Instead, fill this toy with yogurt or peanut butter so they'll be entertained and let you eat your lunch in peace.

Amazon

Promising review: "My dog loves her hot dog! I put dog friendly peanut butter in it and she will spend an hour getting every speck of PB out of the little crevices.

At First, she wanted to play fetch with it, but it is heavy, hard plastic and not good for fetch. However, she now sees it as a tasty treat. If it doesn't have PB in it, she will bring it to me and stare at me until I make it tasty!" —Brenda Lee

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in other styles). 

20. A pig snuffle puzzle because it's like a puzzle and toy all in one. They'll love searching for treats in the many folds and snuggling with it after they go ~ham~ playing with it. Pro tip: hide treats deep in the toy to keep your dog entertained for longer. They'll ~oink~ with joy! 

Amazon

Promising review: "My Basset Hound has developed some separation anxiety in her old age and this has given her some calm excitement when she sees me hiding broken up treats in this toy. I'm sure it takes less than 30 seconds for her to flip this over and find all the snacks ...and I still find evidence that she's been up on our dining room table and also opened the bedroom or bathroom doors to unmake our bed and eat bathroom trash...but it does put her sniffer to work for a minute or two. I also give this to her during storms and she does calm down enough to slow down her pacing and relax a little bit." —SleepyHound

Get it from Amazon for $15.80 (also available in six other styles).

21. A Woof Pupsicle toy that's got ridges for an easy grip, drool pockets, and an easy-to-clean treat chamber. Give this to your pup when they're feeling rambunctious and let them go wild.  A win for you and your dog!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This has been one of the best toys I ever bought for my young beagle. Keeps him busy in the evening before bedtime and it doesn't over stimulate him while he works on it. I do not have to worrying about him choking on this like with bully sticks.

I bought another one for my senior dog she was jealous he had something so interesting. 😁 She enjoys hers also. I looked up all the things you can use in it. So many." —Lolee Gon

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes and three colors).

22. An intermediate interactive puzzle for pups who like a challenge. It holds 3/4 cup of dog food or treats, so it can be used for play or to slow your swift eater down at mealtime.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "My 80lb dog loves playing with this treat puzzle. I put pieces of her dog food and/or small treats inside the toy and she really enjoys getting them. out. Also purchased one for my Daughter's 15lb Chiweenie and he has so much fun with this puzzle toy too. Sturdy toy and a great value for the enjoyment they get out of it." —LadiK

"We got a new puppy and needed it away to keep him interested as he gets bored pretty quickly with other types of toys. This was a great idea! Not only are there lots of places to hide the food. The pieces come off, and those become true toys as well. As you can see, our puppy figured it out and still enjoys playing with it weeks later. It’s a good way for us to feed him, as well as a good toy to keep him entertained. On average, he would finish his food in about five minutes. With this, it takes him at least 20×30 to find all the food. But he’s a puppy, so he gets distracted easily, and that affects the timing as well. That still doesn’t change my ranking for this. I still think this is an amazing product and would absolutely order it again." —Shaunté

Get it from Amazon for $13.77 (also available in four other styles).

23. A mushroom chew toy for aggressive chewers who can usually tear new toys to shreds in mere seconds. Not this 'shroom! You can put treats in it if you want, or just let them gnaw the day away. It'll also help clean their teeth!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Durable and perfect size. Keeps the puppy entertained for hours. Half a dental chew fits perfectly." —Nicholas

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two colors and in a pair).

24. A layered puzzle feeder bowl and lick mat so meal time can last more than 10 seconds. They'll get some enrichment while they gobble up their favorite cuisine. Plus, it's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My dog loves the Lickin’ Layers toy! It’s the perfect size for small dogs and keeps them entertained much longer than a regular lick mat. I like that it has many layers to explore — it really challenges them and slows down their eating in a fun way. The design is sturdy and easy to clean, which is a huge plus. I use it with peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food, and it works great every time. Highly recommend for mental stimulation and enrichment!" —Jamie

Get it from Amazon for $9.60+ (available in three colors).

25. A floral snuffle mat for the fur baby who likes to dig up your garden. Now they can have their own to destroy! With an array of textures, your dog will have plenty of options to play with, and you'll have time to finally stop and smell the roses. Or fold your laundry. Or cook dinner. Or whatever you need a few minutes to do.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This snuggle mat is Daisy approved! She loves it and not just to snuffle and forge around for snacks, she loves it as a toy. She brings it with her on the sofa even! She likes to pull it around. I love that it is washable. We had another type that wasn’t washable and it didn’t fair well. The back side has a little grip to it. It is a great size for a puppy and there are plenty of places to hide snacks. It keeps our lil' pup busy! It is definitely cute." —Rebecca

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in five styles).

26. A jumping octopus to keep your dog booked and busy. They'll have so much fun chasing this rechargeable toy around the house while it squeaks!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is now my dog’s favorite toy. It is quite literally all she thinks about. I bought her a second one for later. This is the best pet toy." —Lexisnana73

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in two colors).

27. A puzzle because it's got space for a whopping 14 (!!!!) treats. Your dog will love getting rewarded for being a smartypants and figuring out the two types of hiding spots.

Wayfair

Promising review: "I bought two of these for my two dogs. They love them, and it keeps them busy for a while. They have to move the objects and find the treats. Thank you, I have been looking for puzzles to keep my husky busy. He gets bored, and he loves these puzzles. It keeps his mind occupied. Thanks again." —Stephani Berthoud

Get it from Wayfair for $22.99(available in two colors).

Want to see even *more* of our recommendations for pet owners? Try these:

* Things From Petco It's Officially Time For You To Try

* Things From Chewy That Deserve To Be Nominated For Awards

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The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.