15 Best Toys to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You’re Away

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Dog toy
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Dogs are social creatures, and when left alone for long periods, they can experience boredom, anxiety, or even engage in destructive behaviors. Investing in engaging toys can keep them occupied, reduce stress, and provide mental stimulation. If you’re looking for the best ways to entertain your pup while you’re gone, here are 15 top-rated dog toys that will keep them busy and happy.

1. PetDroid Interactive Dog Ball

Dog toy
PetDroid/Amazon.com

This motion-activated rolling ball is designed to keep dogs entertained with its unpredictable movement. It stimulates your pet’s natural hunting instincts, encouraging them to chase and pounce. The durable design ensures it withstands energetic play, making it suitable for small to medium dogs. With a built-in rechargeable battery, it can last for hours. Its random motion patterns keep dogs engaged and active, preventing boredom when left alone for extended periods.

2. Giociv Interactive Dog Toy

Dog toy
Giociv/Amazon.com

This squeaky, motion-activated rolling ball is a fantastic option for keeping your pup occupied. Designed for interactive play, it moves unpredictably, encouraging your dog to chase and pounce. The durable, non-toxic material ensures safe chewing, while the rechargeable battery provides long-lasting entertainment. Whether your dog enjoys fetching or simply watching it roll, this toy helps alleviate separation anxiety and keeps them mentally stimulated while you’re away.

3. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Toy

Dog Toy
Outward Hound/Amazon.com

This interactive puzzle toy challenges dogs to use their problem-solving skills to uncover hidden treats. It features sliding and flipping compartments that provide varying levels of difficulty. The toy encourages slow feeding, reducing gulping and promoting better digestion. Made with pet-safe, durable plastic, it ensures long-lasting use. Engaging your dog in mentally stimulating activities like this can help prevent destructive behaviors, keeping them entertained and focused for hours.

4. Benebone Medium 4-Pack Dog Chew Toys

Dog Toy
Benebone/Amazon.com

Designed for aggressive chewers, this set of flavored chew toys provides hours of entertainment. Made in the USA with high-quality nylon, each bone is infused with real flavors like bacon and peanut butter, enticing dogs to chew. The ergonomic design makes it easy for dogs to hold and gnaw comfortably. Not only does it help maintain dental health, but it also reduces anxiety and boredom. This toy is perfect for dogs that love chewing and need a safe outlet for their energy.

5. HONGID Crawling Crab Dog Toy

Dog Toy
Hongid/Amazon.com

This unique, self-moving crab toy scuttles unpredictably, making it an exciting option for high-energy dogs. It features built-in music and lights to grab your pup’s attention, keeping them engaged for longer periods. The toy automatically changes direction when it encounters obstacles, ensuring continuous play. Made from non-toxic materials, it’s safe for dogs of all sizes. If your furry friend enjoys chasing or interactive movement, this toy is an excellent way to keep them entertained and active.

6. MateeyLife Large Lick Mat for Dogs

Dog Toy
MateeyLife/Amazon.com

This lick mat is an excellent choice for reducing anxiety and stress in dogs. Designed with suction cups, it securely attaches to smooth surfaces, allowing your pup to lick peanut butter or yogurt while staying occupied. The textured surface encourages slow feeding, promoting better digestion and dental health. Ideal for bath time distractions or calming nervous pets, this toy helps prevent destructive behavior. Its durable, food-grade silicone ensures safe use, making it a must-have for anxious dogs.

7. WOOF Pupsicle

Dog toy
Woof/Amazon.com

This interactive toy is designed to provide long-lasting entertainment for dogs by allowing you to freeze treats inside. The slow-release mechanism keeps your pup engaged, offering a safe and mess-free distraction. Made from non-toxic, durable materials, it withstands repeated use. It’s perfect for keeping dogs cool in the summer while offering mental enrichment. Whether your pet struggles with anxiety or simply loves licking, this toy is a great way to keep them entertained when left alone.

8. Cheerble Wicked Ball AIR

Dog toy
Cheerble/Amazon.com

An automatic moving toy, this ball bounces and rotates unpredictably, stimulating your dog’s natural curiosity. Made from waterproof E-TPU material, it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor play. The self-activating feature ensures non-stop engagement, reducing boredom. It also has different activity modes, allowing you to adjust the intensity to suit your pet’s energy levels. With its durable design and rechargeable battery, this toy is perfect for active dogs that need mental and physical stimulation.

9. Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

Dog toy
Starmark/Amazon.com

This wobbling treat-dispensing toy is designed to provide mental stimulation while rewarding your pup with treats. The adjustable difficulty levels allow you to customize the challenge, ensuring your dog remains engaged. Its weighted bottom creates unpredictable movement, keeping dogs entertained for hours. Made from durable plastic, it withstands aggressive play. This toy helps slow down fast eaters and encourages problem-solving skills, making it a great choice for keeping your pet occupied.

10. BoYoYo Dog Puzzle Toy

BoYoYo/Amazon.com

This enrichment toy dispenses treats as dogs interact with it, encouraging problem-solving and engagement. With multiple compartments and moving parts, it challenges your pup to figure out how to retrieve their reward. The durable, non-toxic material ensures safe use. Perfect for dogs that need mental stimulation, it helps prevent destructive behaviors by keeping them focused. Its interactive nature promotes independent play, making it a valuable addition to your dog’s toy collection.

11. Potaroma Interactive Dog Ball

Dog toy
Patorama/Amazon.com

A touch-activated, rechargeable toy, this ball moves and squeaks to keep dogs entertained. It mimics prey-like movement, stimulating your pet’s natural hunting instincts. Designed with an auto-off function, it conserves battery life when not in use. Made from durable, non-toxic materials, it’s safe for both small and large breeds. This toy is ideal for dogs that enjoy chasing and engaging with moving objects, helping to reduce separation anxiety and boredom when left alone.

12. QDAN Dog Soccer Ball with Straps

ODAN/Amazon.com

This interactive soccer ball features nylon straps, making it easy for dogs to grab and play with. Designed for interactive fetch and tug-of-war, it encourages exercise and bonding. The waterproof design makes it suitable for outdoor and water play. Its durable, non-toxic material ensures longevity and safe chewing. If your dog loves running and playing outside, this toy provides an excellent way to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated throughout the day.

13. BENTOPAL Interactive Dog Ball

Dog toy
Bentopal/Amazon.com

This motion-activated, rechargeable ball provides endless entertainment for your pup. It moves unpredictably, mimicking prey-like movements that engage your dog’s natural hunting instincts. With two activity modes, it can roll slowly for cautious dogs or bounce energetically for active pups. Its durable, non-toxic design ensures safety, and the built-in battery lasts for hours. Whether your dog enjoys chasing or simply watching it roll, this interactive toy helps alleviate anxiety and prevent boredom.

14. Yipetor Frozen Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

Dog toy
Yipetor/Amazon.com

This innovative chew toy can be filled with treats or frozen snacks to keep your dog engaged. Made from non-toxic rubber, it is durable and safe for strong chewers. The slow-dispensing feature encourages longer play sessions, reducing stress and anxiety. It also promotes healthy chewing habits while keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated. Whether your pup enjoys frozen peanut butter or kibble, this toy ensures they stay entertained and satisfied even when left alone.

15. WOOF Starter Pack

Dog toy
Woof/Amazon.com

This engaging toy set includes a variety of interactive elements designed to keep your pup entertained. The pack comes with a long-lasting treat dispenser, a durable chew toy, and molds for making frozen treats. The chicken-flavored treats included are made with all-natural ingredients, ensuring a safe and delicious experience for your pet. Whether your dog prefers chewing, licking, or puzzle-solving, this starter pack provides multiple ways to keep them occupied and happy while you’re away.

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