A puzzle that is too hard is not enrichment; it is frustration. The best puzzle toys start easy, build confidence and keep your dog’s brain busy.
We have compared seven puzzle toys currently available at Amazon UK, from beginner boards to advanced puzzles, feeders and lick mats.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick | Beginners and first puzzles | £19-£21 | 4.4/5 |
TRIXIE Flip Board | Intermediate problem-solvers | £9-£11 | 4.4/5 |
Nina Ottosson Dog Twister | Advanced clever dogs | £19-£21 | 4.0/5 |
KONG Wobbler | Slow feeders, food-motivated dogs | £16-£18 | 4.6/5 |
LickiMat Classic Buddy | Calm enrichment, anxious dogs | £6-£8 | 4.3/5 |
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel | Plush puzzle fans | £11-£13 | 4.4/5 |
Trixie Turn Around Activity Game | Puzzle veterans | £15-£17 | 4.3/5 |
Our Top Picks
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick
Best for: a first puzzle for a dog who has never been asked to think
The Dog Brick is a Level 2 puzzle with sliding tiles and lifting covers that hide treats. It is one of Nina Ottosson’s most popular designs and an ideal first puzzle.
It costs around £20 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 47,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Very popular first puzzle
- Several challenges in one
- Huge base of reviews
Worth knowing:
- Some dogs solve it quickly
- Not for puppies under a few months
Specifications:
- Type: treat puzzle
- Level: 2
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Brand: Outward Hound
TRIXIE Flip Board
Best for: intermediate dogs who have mastered a simple board
The Trixie Flip Board has multiple mechanisms to flip, slide and lift, and offers a step up in challenge from a simple slider.
It costs around £10 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 36,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Several mechanisms to learn
- Very low price
- Very large base of reviews
Worth knowing:
- Hand-wash recommended
- Supervise use
Specifications:
- Type: activity puzzle
- Diameter: 23cm
- Material: plastic
- Brand: Trixie
Nina Ottosson Dog Twister
Best for: clever dogs who solve easier puzzles quickly
The Dog Twister is a Level 3 advanced puzzle that teaches your dog to work through sequential steps. It suits smart dogs that have outgrown beginner puzzles.
It costs around £20 and averages 4.0 out of 5 across more than 9,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Advanced challenge
- Adjustable difficulty
- Well established design
Worth knowing:
- Can frustrate a dog who is not ready
- Supervise use
Specifications:
- Type: advanced puzzle
- Level: 3
- Brand: Outward Hound
- Material: plastic
KONG Wobbler (Medium/Large)
Best for: solo enrichment, slow feeding and food-motivated dogs
The Wobbler is an upright feeder that dispenses kibble as your dog knocks it around. It slows fast eaters and provides solo enrichment.
It costs around £17 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 11,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Slows fast eaters
- Dishwasher safe
- Excellent reviews
Worth knowing:
- Can be noisy on hard floors
- Not a chew toy
Specifications:
- Type: interactive feeder
- Size: Medium/Large
- Material: food-safe plastic
- Brand: KONG
No products found.
LickiMat Classic Buddy
Best for: calm enrichment and anxious dogs
A lick mat encourages licking, which many dogs find calming. It suits settle work, bath time and recovering dogs, and you can spread food or yoghurt over the surface.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across more than 12,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Calming licking action
- Low price
- Suits all ages
Worth knowing:
- Not a challenging puzzle
- Needs cleaning after each use
Specifications:
- Type: lick mat
- Material: food-safe rubber
- Use: enrichment and settling
- Brand: LickiMat
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
Best for: soft, plush problem-solving
Some dogs prefer a plush toy to plastic. The Hide-A-Squirrel hides squeaky squirrels in a soft trunk for your dog to find.
It costs around £12 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 58,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Soft and plush
- Squeaky squirrels
- Huge review base
Worth knowing:
- Not for strong chewers
- Hand-wash recommended
Specifications:
- Type: plush puzzle
- Material: plush polyester
- Brand: Outward Hound
- Suits: small to medium dogs
Trixie Turn Around Dog Activity Game
Best for: puzzle veterans who need a stronger challenge
The Turn Around has rotating parts and compartments, and offers a change from sliding puzzles.
It costs around £16 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across more than 12,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Different mechanism from most puzzles
- Low price
- Well reviewed
Worth knowing:
- Needs supervision
- Hand-wash recommended
Specifications:
- Type: activity game
- Size: 22 x 33 x 18cm
- Brand: Trixie
- Suits: all breed sizes
What to look for when buying a dog puzzle toy
Match the level
Start with a Level 1 or 2 puzzle and move up as your dog masters it. Nina Ottosson’s levels run from 1 (easy) to 4 (expert).
Consider your dog’s style
Food-motivated dogs suit feeders and boards. Sniffers suit plush toys. Anxious dogs suit lick mats.
Check the materials
Look for food-safe, BPA-free plastic or rubber, and check whether the toy is dishwasher safe.
How much should you spend?
£6-£12 buys a lick mat or simple board. £15-£25 buys a good puzzle or feeder.
Frequently asked questions
How do I introduce a puzzle toy?
Make it easy at first, with treats visible, and reward your dog for any progress.
Should I leave a puzzle toy with my dog?
Supervise at first, and check the manufacturer’s guidance about unsupervised use.
Are puzzle toys good for anxious dogs?
Lick mats and simple feeders can help calm dogs, but they are not a substitute for behaviour support.
How many puzzle toys do I need?
A few, rotated through the week, keep things interesting.
Conclusion
The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is our top pick for a first puzzle, and the KONG Wobbler is the best feeder for slowing fast eaters.
The Trixie Flip Board is a good intermediate step, the Dog Twister is for clever dogs and the LickiMat suits calm enrichment.
