Puzzle Toys for Cavapoos: Fun & Games

Puzzle toys for Cavapoos are a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated.

Mental stimulation is not just a fancy phrase, it’s an integral component of comprehensive pet care.

Dogs, much like humans, require a balance of physical and mental exercise for optimal health.

Cavapoos are highly intelligent and playful dogs that benefit greatly from puzzle toys.

In this article, I’ll will share my top picks and provide a detailed review of each toy.

Whether you’re looking for a puzzle toy to keep your dog entertained while you’re away or to challenge their problem-solving skills I’ve got you covered.

Best Puzzle Toys for Cavapoos

• Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Dog Toy (Best For Beginners)
• Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy (Best Plush Toy)
• StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy 
• TRIXIE Dog Activity Dog Puzzle Toy
• Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy
• AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat for Dogs
• Pet Zone IQ Dog Treat Ball 

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Dog Toy

I highly recommend the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Orange Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy Level 1 (Easy) Dog Smart for Cavapoos who need a fun and engaging way to stay mentally stimulated.

Pros

• This interactive dog puzzle features 9 hidden compartments that are covered by 9 removable dog bone pieces providing a fun and rewarding game for your pup.
• The puzzle is made from food-safe materials that you can trust and it’s easy to clean with warm water and soap between uses.
• The Dog Smart is a level 1 interactive dog puzzle toy that will prepare your pup for more challenging games with simple one-step actions.

Cons

• The puzzle may be too easy for some dogs particularly those who are highly intelligent or experienced with puzzle toys.
• The bones may be too small for larger Cavapoos and there is a risk that they could be accidentally swallowed.

The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Orange Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy Level 1 (Easy) Dog Smart is a great choice for Cavapoos who need a mentally stimulating activity.

Some users have reported that their dogs were able to remove the rubber feet from the bottom of the puzzle which could pose a choking hazard.

An easy fix is to glue them on so that they cannot fall off.

I believe that the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Orange Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy Level 1 (Easy) Dog Smart is a great choice for Cavapoos who are first starting with puzzle toys.

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle

Some Cavapoos prefer soft toys and if that is the case then this puzzle toy is the perfect choice.

Pros

• The Hide A Squirrel dog puzzle is an easy way to get your furry friends engaged for hours of fun!
• It’s a 2-in-1 interactive play toy with options to play fetch or hide and seek, keeping your dog mentally stimulated.
• The plush texture is gentle on the teeth and gums making it safe for puppies and adult dogs alike.

Cons

• No toy is indestructible, so make sure to supervise your pet when using it.
• It may not be suitable for aggressive chewers.
• The squirrels may get lost easily.

This puzzle toy is designed to eliminate boredom, encourage positive play, and feed your dog’s natural hunting instincts.

The Hide A Squirrel dog puzzle is challenging and irresistible keeping your curious canine mentally stimulated while feeding their natural instincts to hunt with plush squeaky squirrels they won’t be able to resist.

The toy is easy to use.

Just fill the tree trunk with six stuffed squeaky squirrels, toss it, and let the games begin.

No toy is indestructible so make sure to supervise your pet when using it.

Inspect toys regularly for damage and remove and replace them if broken or if parts become separated to avoid injury.

The Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle is a great option for Cavapoos who love to play and hunt.

StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

If you’re looking for a puzzle toy that can dispense treats, the StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy might be worth considering.

Pros

• The adjustable treat dispensing feature makes it easy to customize the toy for your dog’s skill level and kibble size.
• The large chamber can hold up to 1 1/2 cups of food, which is great if you want to use it for mealtime feedings.
• The weighted bottom wobbles and provides entertainment for your dog while they try to get the treats out.

Cons

• A few customers complained that the toy is not durable and can be easily destroyed by aggressive chewers.
• The opening on the top of the toy may be too small for larger kibble sizes.

I think the StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy is a great option if you’re looking for a puzzle toy that can keep your dog entertained during mealtime or when feeding additional treats.

If your dog is an aggressive chewer you may want to consider other options.

Please keep in mind that it is always advisable to never leave your dog unsupervised when playing with toys.

TRIXIE Dog Activity Dog Puzzle Toy

The TRIXIE Dog Activity Dog Puzzle Toy is a different kind of interactive toy and the reason I recommend it is because variety is important.

Dogs easily get bored if presented with the same kind of toys all the time.

Pros

• The puzzle toy comes with a booklet that provides tips and tricks for optimal training.
• This interactive toy is designed to challenge your dog mentally, providing them with the necessary mental stimulation that goes beyond their regular play. It encourages them to use problem-solving skills to get the treats.
• The toy has non-slip rubber feet that keep the base in place, so your dog won’t be able to knock it over.
• The mix-and-match lids allow you to vary the levels of difficulty, so your dog won’t get bored easily.

Cons

• Some dogs may not understand how to get the treats and may end up chewing on the leads and tubes instead.
• The toy is not dishwasher-safe so will need to be hand-washed.

Purchasing the TRIXIE Dog Activity Dog Puzzle Toy isn’t just about buying another plaything for your pet.

It’s about providing a source of entertainment that also enriches their lives, keeping them happy, mentally engaged, and thriving.

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle is an intermediate puzzle toy suitable for dogs that have a little bit of experience with puzzles.

Pros

• The puzzle toy is designed to keep your dog entertained for hours as they use their natural hunting skills to seek out hidden treats.
• It comes with 3 easy-to-fill compartments to hide your dog’s favorite treats and snacks in and has flip-lid compartments that open up to reveal the first compartment and can also slide to reveal a hidden second compartment underneath.
• This puzzle is great for reducing anxious dog behavior and redirecting destructive behavior.

Cons

• The toy is not indestructible so it should not be left with unsupervised pets.
• The base of the puzzle is not weighted and may slide around a lot.

The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy is designed to encourage positive play habits and reduce anxious or destructive behavior.

It is easy to clean with warm water and soap between uses.

However, it is not indestructible and should not be left with unsupervised pets.

AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat for Dogs

This is a different kind of interactive toy and some people might argue that it is not a puzzle toy.

But it does challenge your dog to do something it does naturally and that is, to forage for food.

That is why I have added it here.

Pros

• Unique dog training mat that allows your dog to find snacks or small toys hidden in the mat
• Non-slip bottom to prevent the mat from moving around
• Dual-use design – can be folded into a bowl

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs that like to chew on their toys
• Some reviewers have noted that the felt pieces can be a bit pokey/abrasive
• The drawstring closure may not be very durable

This snuffle mat is a great way to train your Cavapoo’s sense of smell and encourage natural foraging skills.

The act of sniffing and foraging can be therapeutic for dogs.

It can help them relieve stress and anxiety and keep them engaged when they’re alone, reducing potential destructive behavior due to boredom or stress.

It’s also easy to clean as it is machine washable and portable making it a good option for travel.

This mat offers a fun and stimulating experience.

It’s especially beneficial for dogs with high energy levels or those needing extra mental stimulation.

In a nutshell, the AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat is an excellent investment for enhancing your dog’s feeding experience while also providing them with mental stimulation, stress relief, and an engaging, rewarding activity.

Pet Zone IQ Dog Treat Ball 

This interactive toy is perfect for ball-obsessed Cavapoos.

Pros

• Mentally stimulating and physically active
• Adjustable difficulty level
• Encourages slower active eating

Cons

• May not be durable for aggressive chewers
• Some dogs may lose interest after a while

This treat ball dispenser is easy to use and clean and it encourages slower active eating.

It’s a great alternative to slow-feeder dog bowls, lick mats for dogs, and snuffle mats.

The adjustable difficulty level allows you to customize the toy to your dog’s skill level making it great for both beginners and advanced learners.

The Pet Zone IQ Ball is made from hard plastic that disassembles for easy cleaning.

Simply rinse it in warm soapy water and dry it after use.

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging toy to keep your Cavapoo mentally and physically active, the Pet Zone IQ Ball is a great option.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying puzzle toys for our beloved Cavapoos, you want to make sure you choose the best product that will keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.

Here are some features to consider when selecting a puzzle toy:

Difficulty Level

It’s important to choose a puzzle toy that matches your Cavapoos’ skill level.

If the toy is too easy, your furry friend may lose interest quickly.

On the other hand, if the toy is too difficult they may become frustrated and give up.

You should look for toys that have adjustable difficulty levels or start with easier puzzles and gradually increase the difficulty.

Material Quality

You want to make sure that the puzzle toy is made of high-quality materials that are safe for your dogs to play with.

You should look for toys that are made of non-toxic and durable materials that can withstand your Cavapoos’ playful nature.

Interactive Features

The best puzzle toys have interactive features that will keep your Cavapoo engaged and entertained.

Look for toys that have different compartments, hidden treats, and movable parts that require problem-solving skills to access.

Size and Design

Consider the size and design of the puzzle toy.

You want to make sure that the toy is the right size for your Cavapoos to play with safely.

Additionally, the design should be appealing to your dogs and fit in with our home decor.

Cost

Lastly, you should consider the cost of the puzzle toy.

While we want to provide our Cavapoos with the best toys, we also want to make sure we are getting good value for our money.

You should compare prices and read reviews to make an informed decision.

Investing in dog puzzle toys is not just a simple act of spoiling your furry friend.

It’s a decision that benefits both you and your canine companion in countless ways.

By engaging their minds and challenging their instincts these interactive toys provide a mental workout that can stave off boredom and prevent destructive behaviors.

They promote problem-solving skills, enhance cognitive abilities, and build confidence in your pup.

Moreover, the joy and satisfaction they derive from successfully completing a puzzle is a reward in itself.

So go ahead, choose a puzzle toy that suits your dog’s needs, and embark on a journey of endless fun and enrichment together!

Here are some great suggestions for other toys you can buy for your Cavapoo.