Interactive Feeders

Interactive Feeding Categories

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Top 3 tips for using feeders!

Feeders I use

Stationary Toys

Fun puzzles for your dog that stay in one spot, where they can enjoy extracting treats or food without the toy moving around.

  • Some toys are easy to fill with mix of sticky & dry foods (banana + treats)

  • Freeze food in toys like Toppl and Kong; perfect for teething pups!

  • Creates a relaxed atmosphere

  • Ideal for use in crates

  • Fun for dogs who prefer calm playtime

  • Engaging and mentally stimulating

Active Feeders

Active feeders engage your dog's body and mind, making them work for treats or kibble by rolling, nudging, or manipulating the toy.

  • Dynamic toys that require movement.

  • Fill with dry treats or kibble for fun & engaging play.

  • Suitable for indoor or outdoor play.

  • Provides both physical exercise & mental stimulation.

  • Perfect for dogs that enjoy active play & need space.

Puzzles

Engaging toys that involve treats or rewards hidden in various compartments for your dog to extract.

  • Build your dog's confidence with problem-solving activities.

  • Use with dry foods like treats/kibble

  • Puzzles range from easy to hard.

    • Easy: Offers semi-visible treats for quick rewards.

    • Intermediate: Requires rolling a ball or manipulating parts to reveal treats.

    • Advanced: Features hidden compartments and multiple steps to get treats.

    Start with easy puzzles and gradually progress to more challenging ones.

DIY Feeders

Affordable and engaging homemade puzzles you can create!

  • Make your own interactive feeders from regular household items.

  • Grow your dog's confidence with problem-solving skills.

Outlet for natural instincts

Provides mental stimulation

Slows down fast eaters, improving digestion

Encourages problem-solving skills

Reduces anxiety

Can help with weight management

Provides entertainment & enrichment

They tap into your dog's natural instincts

Strengthens your bond

Can help build your dog's confidence

What are the benefits

of interactive feeders?

Tips for Using Interactive Feeders

Rotate feeders regularly.

Switch between different types of interactive feeders to keep your dog mentally stimulated and prevent boredom with the same toy.

Be Patient.

Some dogs may take longer to understand how to use interactive feeders, so be patient and encourage them throughout the process.

Start with an Easy Feeder

Begin with a simple interactive feeder to help your dog understand the concept and build confidence.As your dog becomes more proficient, increase the complexity of the feeder to keep them engaged and challenged.

My Top Picks

Difficulty Levels

Easy

Intermediate

Hard

Stationary Feeders

West Paw Toppl

Versatile toy, you can make this easy, intermediate, or hard.

Freezable

Easier than a kong

Lick Mats

Lick mat for spreadable treats; alleviates boredom

Has suction cups

Durable silicone material

Kong Puppy Bone

Teething toy designed for puppies up to 9 months

Great for chewing

Option for stuffing treats

Pupsicle Pack

Fillable & easy to clean treat ball with silicone molds.

Various sizes

Pre-made treats

Zogoflex Qwizl

Durable treat-dispensing interactive chew toy for all dogs

Great for teething

Two sizes available

Kong Classic

Fillable & easy to clean treat ball with silicone molds.

Freezable

Various sizes

Busy Buddy Bone

Nylon treat-holding toy for aggressive chewers

Keeps dog busy

Relieves boredom & anxiety

Busy Buddy Refills

Refill sizes vary based on the Busy Buddy toy size you buy

Easy to digest

Two flavors

3 different size packages

All natural ingredients

Helps keep your dog busy

Great for heavy chewers

Active Feeders

Planet Dog Snoop

Roll-around treat-dispensing ball

Durable

Encourages slow eating

Various colors

IQ Treat Ball

IQ treat dispenser for slow feed

Adjustable difficulty level

Easy to clean and use

Comes in 2 sizes

Kong Wobbler

Roll-around treat dispenser

Slow-feeder

Screw off bottom for easy clean

Comes in 2 sizes

Zogoflex Rumble

Roll-around slow-feeder

For moderate chewers

Comes in 2 sizes

3 color options

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Puzzles

Here's the recommended order for introducing puzzles to your dog. These are the puzzles that I like to use! Always start with easier puzzles and gradually increase the challenge.

Snuffle Mat

Great starter toy!

Outward Hound

Button Food Dispenser

PetGeek Food Dispenser

Good transition from

intermediate to hard.

Button + Puzzle Dispenser

Dog Casino Puzzler

Frequently Asked Questions

What are interactive feeders?

Interactive feeders are innovative feeding devices designed to make mealtime more engaging for your dog. They come in various forms, such as puzzle toys, slow feeder bowls, or treat-dispensing gadgets. These tools require your dog to work for their food, stimulating their natural foraging instincts and providing mental enrichment.

Are interactive feeders suitable for all dog breeds & sizes?

Yes, interactive feeders are suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. However, it's essential to choose a feeder that matches your dog's size and eating habits to ensure they can use it comfortably and safely.

How do I introduce my dog to an interactive feeder?

To introduce your dog to an interactive feeder, begin by placing a small amount of their regular food or treats inside the feeder. Initially, it can be helpful if they observe you doing this. If necessary, demonstrate how to interact with the feeder and encourage them to explore and discover how to access the food. As your dog becomes more accustomed to the feeder, gradually increase the difficulty level. Eventually, try filling the feeder out of sight from your dog to see how they respond!

How often should I use an interactive feeder with my dog?

You can use an interactive feeder for one meal a day or as often as you like. However, it's essential to monitor your dog's interactive behavior to ensure they are getting enough food and not becoming frustrated with the feeder.

Can interactive feeders help with weight management?

Yes, interactive feeders can be a helpful tool in managing your dog's weight. By slowing down their eating pace and providing mental stimulation, these feeders can help prevent overeating.

What types of food are suitable for use in interactive feeders?

Most interactive feeders are designed for dry kibble or small treats. Dry foods work well for roll-around feeders, while sticky foods like mashed banana or peanut butter are suitable for freezing in stationary feeders. Choose foods that are dog-safe, as well as appropriate for your dog's diet. Be sure to remove any uneaten food to prevent spoilage.

Are there any safety considerations when using interactive feeders?

Most interactive feeders are dishwasher safe or can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water. It's important to clean the feeder regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food residue.

Can interactive feeders help with behavioral issues in dogs?

Yes, interactive feeders can be a valuable tool for addressing behavioral issues in dogs. By providing mental stimulation and encouraging natural foraging behaviors, these feeders can help reduce boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior. They also promote problem-solving skills and confidence building, which are crucial for training success. These skills enable dogs to learn new behaviors, respond to cues more effectively, and persist in learning despite challenges or distractions, leading to faster and more successful training outcomes.

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DISCLAIMER: Although behavior may be modified, the dog is never “cured”. A dog’s behavior is ultimately the responsibility of the owner. As a result of the changeability inherent in all behavior, I cannot offer a guarantee of an animal's future behavior.

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