I’ve recently had customers reach out trying to figure out which puzzle, slow feeder bowl, or dog toy they should buy for their dog who is experiencing either separation anxiety or is just a naughty puppy who likes to chew the place apart. Below are my recommendations for slow feeders, treat dispensing toys and more!
If you’re new to my website, I’m Sal the owner of sole-trader Aussie business Dog Games who specialises in high-quality enrichment toys. I have 2 very high drive German Shepherds (well the old boy is much lazier now, no chewing my house apart anymore! Picture above) who I have trained and had to learn with them what works and doesn’t work to keep them mentally stimulated!
On this page
Firstly, remember that if a dog is anxious, they are less likely to take treats or play with toys. You need to reduce the anxiety before you leave the house! There are several ways you can achieve this by keeping your dog’s day enriched.
Slow-feeder bowls for wet or dry food
Did you know I don’t own dog bowls? My dogs haven’t been fed out of a traditional dog bowl in over 7 years! Let’s start with some quick dinner options cause I know everyone is in a rush in the morning and the last thing you have time to do is do a puzzle with your pup!
West Paw’s Feast Mats
This is a new product by one of my favourite brands West Paw. It’s a reversible slow feeder bowl with a lick mat on one size and a slow feeder on the other! It comes in 2 designs (bubble or wave) and 3 different colour options. I will say it isn’t cheap, however, its super durable and doubles as a lick mat!
- Two-sided: slow feeder and lick mat
- Non-Slip material to keep mat in place and hang hole for easy storage
- Top Rack Dishwasher Safe for easy cleaning
- Safe & Non-Toxic: BPA Free, Phthalate Free, Latex Free, & FDA Compliant
- Made in the USA with Seaflex®; a blend of recycled ocean-bound plastic and zero-waste Zogoflex.
- Guaranteed by Manufacturer and is Recyclable through West Paw’s Join the Loop® recycling program
They have a great video showing how it works and as you can see it’s a great size and quality.
West Paw’s Toppl
One of my favourites is a West Paw Toppl. It’s fantastic for freezing with kibble or wet food plus yoghurt and some treats!
- Suitable for mild to moderate chewers
- Compatible with various treats like frozen yoghurt or small freeze-dried treats
- Large Toppl can be connected with smaller Toppl to increase the challenge
- Free of BPA, phthalates, and latex, FDA-compliant for safe play
- Recyclable and dishwasher-safe (top rack) for convenient cleaning
- Made in Bozeman, Montana, USA for exceptional quality
- Available in a variety of vibrant colours: Aqua Blue, Granny Smith Green, Tangerine Orange
- Sizes available:
- Small: Approx. 6cm x 8cm x 8cm
- Large: Approx. 9cm x 10cm x 10cm
- X-Large: Approx. 10cm x 12cm x 12cm
Outward Hounds Slow Feeders
Outward Hound has a bunch of different high-quality slow feeder bowls.
- Great range of colours
- Wet or Dry Food
- Dishwasher safe (top rank only)
- Holds up to 4 cups of food
- Great size range
- Cheaper option
Personally, I love the Fun Feeder Notch Blue – granted that might be because it’s blue!
Northmate Green
This slow feeder is a great option for something slightly bigger to spread the kibble out even more. It’s also super durable! It comes in the standard larger size or a mini size and a cat version too!
Treat-Dispensing Toys For Kibble
Now, dinner time doesn’t have to be boring. Licking and sniffing to get food out of a slow feeder is great for a calm dinner but you can also add a bit more activity by using a toy that dispenses kibble.
Nina Ottosson Wobble Bowl
Now this one is a home favourite of mine. Here’s Atlas using the wobble bowl.
You simply fill it with their kibble for dinner and they push the food out of the maze using their nose or paw. It’s suitable for all dogs of all ages but I recommend teaching them how to use it as it is not a chew toy.
Mazee
This fun ball has a maze inside it and the dog has to push the ball around dispensing their food. It’s 12.7cm in diameter and is a durable toy with a pliable translucent outer layer and of course, there are no BPAs or phthalates.
Dog Puzzles
Now, I love dog puzzles! We have a wide range here that is high quality and will last you ages! You can read about how to choose a dog puzzle as they do come in different levels. But playing a dog puzzle with your dog will not only help your bond with your dog but will mentally stimulate them so they are tired when you leave the house!
We also, stock a range of puzzles and toys for puppies too!
Here’s Ares playing with Dog Brick (one of my customer’s favourites!)
Deer Antlers and Bones
I know! You probably weren’t expecting a non-toy to be on this list! But honestly, if you are heading out for a while a tasty bone fresh out of the freezer or a brand new deer antler is going to appeal to a bored or anxious dog a lot more than their dinners in toys.
I recommend only feeding bones once a week as some dogs can have an upset stomach on them. Deer antlers and goat horns are a great alternative as they last a long time. However, I will warn you that goat horns absolutely stink, so they are not a favourite with the humans in my household! You can get these at most local pet stores, and yes they are expensive but they last!
Lots, and lots of play, training or walking
Don’t forget that dogs build relationships and confidence through play and activities with you! So, always play and get your dogs out and about. I sell a range of very bouncy dog balls to play fetch or tug toys. The great thing about these sorts of toys is you can build them into your training as reinforcement. So rather than relying on treats, you can reward using tug or fetch!
Train and practise calm behaviour
If your dog isn’t calm when you are at home or leave the room you can’t expect them to be calm when you leave the house. When I adopted Ares I spent a lot of time rewarding him for calm behaviour. If he was chilling out in the other room, then he got a treat and pats. If he was calm when I went out the front, he got treats when I returned. All of this has helped him recover from his separation anxiety (granted he does still sometimes have his moments.)
Crate Training
The final thing I recommend is giving your dog a space that is their own either a crate or a mat. Crate training is one of the best things I’ve ever done for my boys. It has soo many benefits!
- Gives them a space to sleep and have alone time
- If they are too excitable with guests arriving they will have a happy place to calm down in
- If your dog gets injured it’ll be an easier recovery as they will be used to their safe space
Keep in mind, you will need to teach your dog that it is their space but it is well worth the effort!
Here are my boys in their new crate from Kustom Kennels – it was nice to finally upgrade from the old wire crate. They absolutely love it and it’s been fantastic for their mental health.
Hopefully, this list has been useful! I hope to add to it more and please do reach out if you have any questions at all!
Cheers, & happy playing!
Sal