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NBC News
25-06-2025
- Health
- NBC News
The best dog training treats have three things in common — experts break them down
As someone who recently adopted a new puppy, I can say with certainty that dog training can feel like a Herculean feat. Teaching my pet to sit, stay, go potty outside and sleep in her crate took patience, determination and a ton of treats. But not every dog treat makes a great training tool — you need to use something your pup is excited to work for so they stay focused, engaged and ready to learn, says Daris Cooper, the national dog training manager at Petco. (Ed's note: The inclusion of products sold by Petco in this article was made independently of Cooper.) To help you pick the best dog training treats, I talked to experts about what to consider while shopping. Using their guidance, I rounded up some of the top options, most of which come recommended by NBC Select dog parents. Experts also explain how to incorporate treats into training, and how to avoid the number one training mistake they see pet parents make. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. How I picked the best dog training treats 'Typically in training, we want to use a treat that hits the three S's: small, soft and stinky,' says Jamie Popper, the head dog trainer at Woof. Below, learn why that's what you should look for while shopping for dog training treats, plus other factors to keep in mind. Small size: 'During reward-based training, you want to get several repetitions of the behavior in a short amount of time,' says Popper. 'Using a small treat allows the dog to quickly consume it and move on to the next repetition.' Soft texture: A soft texture also makes treats easy for dogs to quickly consume, says Popper. You can break them up into small pieces if needed, too. Strong scent: The 'stinkier' the treat, the more motivating and appetizing it is for your dog, says Popper. If you can smell the treat, it's sure to get your dog's attention. Low-calorie: While training, it's important to frequently reward your dog without overdoing it, says Cooper. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily calories, so be sure to choose a low-calorie option. The nutrition label on the back of treats' packaging provides information about calories per serving. Ingredients: Prioritize buying treats made from simple, high-quality ingredients, says Cooper. If you can pronounce all the ingredients on the nutrition label, it's a good sign, says Popper. Whether you're feeding your pet treats from a bag or dog-safe human foods, avoid anything that's seasoned, fatty, high in sodium or toxic to dogs, including onions, garlic, grapes and artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Variety: Over time, dogs can get bored of snacking on the same treat. 'Variety is the spice of life, so mixing up your reinforcers can be really helpful throughout the training process,' says Cooper. Over time, you'll figure out what your dog 'likes' versus 'loves' — as you do so, Cooper suggests saving extra special treats they love for big wins and lighter, slightly less exciting treats they like for everyday training practice. The best dog training treats To recommend the best dog training treats, I curated a list of options that align with expert guidance, are suitable for pets of all ages and come in resealable bags, which help make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible. I've used many of the treats below with my dogs, and some come recommended by NBC Select dog parents. These oven-baked, soft and chewy treats are specifically made to use while training, and they've been a go-to for me over the years. I put them in a pouch that attaches to my 6-month old puppy Mabel's leash to reward her on walks, and I keep a bag at home to practice basic commands like sit, stay and leave it. Since the bite-sized treats come in multiple flavors, all of which have a strong scent, I've always been able to find one my pet likes and alternate between a few types to keep things interesting. In addition to the duck and blueberry flavor, you can buy beef and cheddar, chicken and pumpkin, peanut butter and bacon, and peanut butter and carob treats. Any time I've brought my dog to a trainer, they've used these treats during sessions. They're only made from one ingredient, freeze-dried beef liver, so they're safe for most pets with sensitive stomachs and allergies, according to the brand. The treats aren't uniform in size — there's small, medium and large pieces inside the bag, so I usually break them up as I give them to my dog. They're on the crunchy side, but still easy for pets to eat quickly. In addition to using beef liver treats for training, I hide them inside puzzle toys and snuffle mats to keep my dog occupied. Since these soft and chewy treats are so tiny, they're best for small dogs. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio fed them to her dog Bella as a puppy and still uses them seven years later — Bella weighs about 20 pounds full-grown, but when Godio brought her home she was less than 10 pounds. The treats are made with aromatic ingredients to attract pets, like rosemary, blueberries, dandelion and cranberries, and you can buy them in four flavors: bacon, beef, chicken and duck and bacon. Each bag comes with hundreds of treats, so it lasts a very long time, says Godio. I grew up raising dogs like labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds, who, even as puppies, were big. During training sessions, they were more motivated by larger treats compared to bite-sized ones, so my family often bought options like these beef tenders and broke strips up into a few pieces. The tenders have a soft texture and a strong smell that my dogs detect the minute I open the bag. In addition to beef tenders, these treats are available in chicken and duck options. Best for picky eaters When I brought my puppy home, she wasn't food motivated whatsoever, which made training difficult. I tried a handful of treats to entice her, but she often sniffed them and walked away. My local pet store recommended I try freeze-dried rabbit treats — since rabbit isn't a protein that's often in kibble, dogs usually find it more exciting to snack on. I bought Holi's rabbit treats and they worked like magic. They have a scent that my dog is drawn to, are soft yet crunchy and have a small cube shape. Best meaty My puppy loves Honest Kitchen's Goat's Milk N' Cookies, but they aren't great for training because they have a hard, crunchy texture and can be challenging to break into small pieces. Since she's a fan of the brand, I bought these Meaty Littles treats, which were an instant hit during training sessions. The bite-sized, disc-shaped pieces are chewy and tender, plus they have a strong scent. You can buy them in two flavors: beef and salmon, and chicken and shrimp. When I'm leash training Mabel, I keep one of these stick treats in my pocket and break off small pieces for her as we walk. She wasn't always confident on walks and would often stop halfway down the block, so frequently rewarding her with these treats encourages her to keep going, and reinforces behaviors like walking by my side and not chewing on the leash. The stick treats look and feel similar to the beef jerky sticks that humans eat, and they were easy for Mabel to bite into, even with her tiny baby teeth. You can buy them in flavors like lamb, salmon, beef, chicken and bacon. What human foods are safe to give dogs as treats? You don't have to solely rely on pre-packaged treats for training. Experimenting with dog-safe human foods, like the ones experts recommend below, is also an option. Picky eaters may respond better to dog-safe human foods, and they're a great way to mix things up during training sessions, says Cooper. Talk to your vet if you have questions, especially if your dog has allergies or food sensitivities. How to use treats while training your dog 'Treats are one of the most powerful tools in your training toolkit,' says Cooper. 'They can help to motivate your dog, reinforce behaviors you want to see continue and make learning fun.' However, you have to use them strategically. Below, experts share some do's and don'ts to keep in mind while incorporating treats into training sessions. Don't use treats as a bribe: 'Treats should be used as a reward after the behavior has occurred,' says Popper. 'A common mistake pet owners make is using treats as a bribe.' For example, many pet owners shake a treat bag if their dog refuses to come inside from the yard, signaling that they'll get a reward. But dogs pick up on that pattern and may not come unless you prove you have a treat first, says Popper. Timing is everything: 'Reward the behavior you're looking for the moment it happens so your dog clearly connects the action with the reward,' says Cooper. If you wait too long, they're unlikely to make the association. Don't just rely on treats: 'One common misstep I see is relying too heavily on treats without pairing them with verbal praise or other rewards like play or affection,' says Cooper. 'The ultimate goal is for your dog to respond because they want to connect with you, not just because food is involved.' Make your dog work for treats: 'When pet parents hand out treats randomly or without asking for a behavior in return, their dog can get confused or start expecting rewards without doing the work,' says Cooper. Give treats out purposefully so your dog understands that they have to earn them by doing something else first, like sitting, staying or waiting. Frequently asked questions Are dog training treats different from standard treats? While training your dog, it's important to use high value treats, meaning those that cause your pet to get excited about training. Your dog determines what they consider high value — use the three S's (small, soft and stinky) as a baseline, but try a few options and see what they respond best to. That said, you can use anything as a training treat, be it pre-packaged bites or cheese cubes. 'If you've found a treat your dog loves, it's approved by your vet and it fits within the 10% daily calorie guideline for treats, it's likely to be a solid go-to reward for training throughout their life,' says Cooper. If possible, however, avoid biscuit and cookie treats for training sessions. 'They take longer to consume and can sometimes leave behind distracting crumbs,' says Popper. What are the benefits of training your dog with treats? Using treats to train your dog is one of the most effective ways to teach them new or complex behaviors, says Cooper. Most dogs are instinctually food-motivated, so when you use treats to reward good behavior, they become more likely to repeat the action. Rewarding your dog for good behavior, rather than punishing them for bad behavior, is the basis of positive reinforcement-based training. 'It helps create clear communication, build a stronger bond and encourages focus and engagement,' says Popper. 'Training dogs to do what we want — rather than simply managing or punishing undesirable behaviors — creates an active and willing companion.' How many treats can dogs have during training? As a rule of thumb, treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's total daily calories, says Cooper. Consult your vet about specific recommendations for your dog based on their age, breed, activity level and overall health status. If you're worried about giving your dog too many treats during training, you have two options: Make mealtime a training opportunity: Save training sessions for breakfast, lunch or dinner and use your dog's kibble as their reward. Kibble with fish as the main protein source usually meets the small and stinky criteria, and any air-dried or freeze-dried food also tends to be enticing, says Popper. Cut portion sizes during meals: On training-heavy days, decrease your dog's dinner portion to prevent overfeeding them, says Popper. How long should you use training treats for? 'Training treats are a must-have for every stage of your dog's life,' says Cooper. 'Even once your dog masters basic cues, ongoing training helps reinforce desired behaviors and keeps them mentally and physically stimulated.' So long as they're compatible with their diet, you can usually use the same training treats for your dog from puppy age to adulthood. But as pets age, you can incorporate treats with added benefits into training sessions, like those made with ingredients to target hip and joint support or anxiety, says Popper. Additionally, once your dog reliably understands a cue and the paired behavior, you can gradually mix in other reinforcers, like toys, praise and play, says Cooper. That way, they're still being rewarded for their good behavior, but you're not giving them as many treats a day. Can you train your dogs without treats? Yes, you can train your dog without treats, and sometimes, you have to. Some dogs aren't food-motivated and may respond better to rewards like verbal praise, pets, toys or play. 'Your pup will decide if the treat, toy or verbal and/or physical praise is reinforcing — not you,' says Cooper. 'The key is to find what excites your dog and use that to make training fun and rewarding.' Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a reporter at NBC Select (and a dog owner) who has written about pet products since 2020, including outdoor dog beds, cat toys, flea treatments and dog sunscreen. To write this article, I interviewed two experts about how to shop for dog training treats. Using their guidance, I rounded up the best options, including those recommended by NBC Select staff.
Entrepreneur
14-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur UK's London 100: The London Interdisciplinary School
Industry: Education The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate programme that integrates academic study with industry experience. The LIS was founded to equip students with the skills needed to tackle complex societal issues, beyond traditional career paths. Using a problem-based learning model, the LIS enables students to tackle global challenges - such as climate change, inequality, and technological ethics - through multiple disciplines. The curriculum blends problem-based learning with qualitative and quantitative methods, similar to the broader approach of Liberal Arts education in the US. The LIS focuses on skills like teamwork, creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking, preparing students for a dynamic workforce instead of relying on specific A-levels. The LIS was founded by Ed Fidoe, an education entrepreneur and former child actor, known for his role as Erik Banks in the 1980s/90s children's TV series Woof!
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Woof Debuts Doggy Dental Mix: A First-of-Its Kind Dental Care Solution That Turns Playtime into Teeth Cleaning Time
Viral Pet Brand Woof Expands Its Pupsicle Ecosystem with Innovative New Product, Reinventing the Way Pet Parents Approach Canine Oral Health DENVER, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Woof, the award-winning pet brand known for making life easier for dogs and their owners, announced today the launch of its new product, Doggy Dental Mix. This just-add-water dental mix makes pet oral care effortless, tackling a part of pet parenting often overlooked or avoided due to its hassle. Designed to integrate seamlessly with Woof's hero product the Pupsicle—a long-lasting enrichment toy that keeps dogs engaged for over 20 minutes—Doggy Dental Mix transforms routine dental hygiene into a fun and simple experience for both pets and their owners. Woof's Doggy Dental Mix was created to help change behavior–or lack thereof —reinventing pet dental care by addressing both convenience for owners and supporting clean teeth and oral health for dogs. 80% of dogs over three years old have some degree of periodontal disease, and even though veterinarians agree that owners should be brushing their dogs' teeth daily, 93% don't because it doesn't fit seamlessly into their routine. Doggy Dental Mix is poised to fix that by incorporating oral care into daily play. Unlike standard dental supplements—which dogs consume in seconds and only treat the symptoms like bad breath—Doggy Dental Mix's unique delivery method through Woof's Pupsicle ensures that the product coats a dog's teeth for at least 20 minutes of deep cleaning–giving owners the results they want without a routine that both of them dread. "This is more than just a product launch for Woof—we're tackling a major gap in pet health by merging playtime with dental hygiene, and changing consumer behavior in the process," says Daniel Haarburger, Founder of Woof. "Most owners find brushing their dogs' teeth tedious and difficult, meaning that a lot of the time, it just doesn't happen. However, by making it both easy and convenient for the owner and enjoyable and effective for the dog, we're taking a massive step forward in our mission to reinvent everyday pet care." Doggy Dental Mix's two hero ingredients–Oratech® enzymes and postbiotics–help keep your dog's breath fresh, promote healthy teeth and gums, and support a balanced oral microbiome. The unique format of the Pupsicle allows the specially-formulated enzymes extended contact time in the oral cavity to maximize cleaning power. Oratech® is a unique blend that combines enzymes and other ingredients such as kelp, parsley, and Ceylon cinnamon that are specifically designed to target tartar and oral biofilm buildup while supporting a healthy oral biome, providing 30 times more cleaning action than standard dental chews due to extended contact time. "Doggy Dental Mix is an innovative, breakthrough product that combines clinically-backed ingredients with a delivery method dogs actually enjoy. We're not just masking bad breath, we're supporting healthier mouths, reducing plaque buildup, helping to prevent serious dental disease for dogs, and bridging the gap in one of the most overlooked aspects of canine wellness," says Lindsey Kaplan, Woof's Veterinary Advisor. On the heels of an explosive 6,000% growth over the past two years and massive retail expansion into over 7,500 stores, including REI, PetSmart, and Tractor Supply, Woof is continuing to innovate the pet industry with fun, enriching, and functional products that enhance the lives of dogs and the people that love them. Doggy Dental Mix will be available for purchase on Amazon, and Chewy for $19.99. To learn more about Woof, please visit our website and Instagram. ABOUT WOOF Woof is the award-winning pet brand known for making life easier for dogs and their owners. With a commitment to quality and thoughtful design, Woof helps dogs enjoy safer, healthier play and their owners enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it. Its hero product, the Pupsicle was the winner of the 2024 Pet Innovation Awards for Dog Toy of the Year and was named an honorable mention on the TIME 2024 Best Inventions List. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Woof Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
20 Of The Funniest Posts About Cats And Dogs This Week (March 29-April 4)
Woof — what happened to our headline? After ruff-ly five years of scouring X, formerly Twitter, to find the funniest posts about furballs being complete goofballs — we've decided to expand. From now on, this weekly roundup will include posts from a variety of sources that might include BlueSky, Instagram and Tiktok. We Shih Tzu not. And just like before, we're sure they'll make you howl. (And if you want more, no need to beg — you can check out last week's batch right here.) 20 Of The Funniest Posts About Cats And Dogs This Week 30 Of The Funniest Posts About Cats And Dogs This Week 23 Of The Funniest Posts About Cats And Dogs This Week
Buzz Feed
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Just 27 Things That'll Entertain Your Pet So They Can Stop Chewing On Your Couch
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Preventing boredom = preventing destructive behavior. 1. A Woof Pupsicle which is basically a durable rubber ball you can fill with a treat (like peanut butter) to keep your dog's teeth busy for hours. It's even designed with a weighted base to prevent tipping and drool-catching slots to keep the slobber contained. Promising reviews:"The Woof Pupsicle is a fantastic enrichment toy for dogs, offering a fun and engaging way to enjoy frozen treats. Its durable, easy-to-clean design makes it a hassle-free addition to any pet owner's routine. Dogs stay entertained and mentally stimulated while licking their favorite frozen snacks, making it a great tool for calming and rewarding them. Perfect for keeping pups happy and occupied—highly recommended!" — Jay "This is easily the best enrichment toy we've purchased for our rescued pup- and a super chewer I might add! It took him almost two hours to get the PB and chicken ball small enough to it to come out of the toy. We plan to make some of the recipe suggestions that comes with the green toy itself. Nice job, Woof!!" — Trish S. Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes). 2. Plus, a beloved Kong extreme dog toy that can be used as a treat-dispensing toy *or* to play fetch *or* as a chew toy — and according to pet parents, this stands up to even the most aggressive of chewers! Promising reviews:"My dog is a chomping machine! He can chew through anything except this kong. He loves ropes, but even the thickest ones only last a week. This kong has been with him for nearly 10 months, and he hasn't even made a dent. He chews on it for hours at a time, even while I'm at work. Highly recommend it!" — Baily Ryan "Of the literally dozens and dozens of toys I've bought for my aggressive chewer, this is the only one left. It's good for stuffing with treats and freezing to keep my girl occupied." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five sizes). 3. A floppy robotic fish because it wiggles and flops like an actual fish out of water — but only when your fierce kitty hunter actually decides to interact with it. The fact that this 'lil swimmer "fights back" will keep your cat happily engaged in an endless wrestling match. The fish comes with a small bag of catnip as well as a USB charger so you can juice it up whenever your cat kills the battery. Promising reviews: "My cat's favorite toy! I am SO glad I bought this. Since the moment I opened it, my cat was all over this fish for the catnip in it, then he was mind blown when I turned it on, and it started flopping. He's been attacking/cuddling it ever since :,) I was surprised and impressed with how durable the fabric was, too! My cat has extremely sharp claws, and the fish has remained intact. After a few months, the mechanism became worn down, and the floppiness isn't as detectable, but that doesn't stop my kitty from viciously loving this fish!" — Virginia Benitez "My kitties absolutely love this toy and get hours of play out of it. Could not recommend this flapping fish toy more!" — Michele Love Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in six styles). 4. A UFO-shaped interactive cat toy for an ~out of this world~ play session. It randomly zooms around like a little alien spaceship, changing colors and taunting the felines of Earth with a built-in feather attachment (which you can change out, of course). Sarah/Chewy, Stephanie/Chewy Promising review:"I cannot say enough good things about this spaceship automatic cat toy! From the moment I turned it on, my cat was completely mesmerized. The design is adorable, it really looks like a little UFO zooming around the house. The movement is unpredictable, which keeps my cats engaged, and the built-in feather attachment drives them wild!" — Stephanie Get it from Chewy for $25.99 (originally $29.99) 5. A retractable hanging tug rope to keep your favorite Tug-of-War Champion occupied in the backyard while you try to get some gardening or chores done. Not to mention, this set-up is safe from any accidental human shoulder dislocation. Promising review:"Great product! Had to show her how to use it at first. It's like the equivalent of buying your child an iPad. Keeps her entertained for hours!!" — Abigail Get it from Amazon for $16.65+ (available in three colors). 6. A cardboard cat scratcher box pretty much guaranteed to entice your purr-baby to snuggle up and start making biscuits... except now they won't be tearing up your carpets, rugs, and couches when they do so. 7. A sturdy, interactive Kong Jumbler Ball designed for playtime together or alone. The outer layer has handles, making it an excellent fetch or tug toy, but inside, there's a tennis ball that keeps it rolling around for hours, meaning your dog will stay entertained even when you have to take a bathroom break or *sigh* do adult things. Amazon Promising review: "Second time and dog I've bought this for. First dog was a heavy chewer. He could tear through anything. It took him several days to chew through this to get the ball inside out. Even though he got through it in a few days it kept him entertained for HOURS and was worth it. Second dog, not a heavy chewer. She's likes to carry it around by the handle. Nice it has handles on both sides so you can play tug of war. Also has a squeaker." — Paige Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes). 8. An adorably silly Rooster squeak toy from BarkBox that hundreds of dogs are obsessed with, so don't be surprised when your four-legged BFF is suddenly carrying this thing around the house 24/7 (and hopefully so preoccupied with Mr. Chicken that they forget about eating your shoes). Many reviewers say it's a repeat toy in their household and well worth the re-investment. Target Promising review:"My 8-month-old pup is completely infatuated with this squeaky rooster toy. He is now on his second rooster as the first one became so loved and worn out. My pup carries this toy EVERYWHERE and loves to chew on the crinkly fabric. I wish this toy came in a larger size but this rooster is a great size for most dog sizes. I will continue to buy replacement roosters for him because of how happy we both are with this product!" — Madi Get it from Target for $12.99. 9. A launcher with 30 colorful pom-pom balls so you can send your cat chasing after little felted balls — and when they finally catch one, they can toss, roll, and slide it around for more entertainment. Even cats who aren't really interested in the "fetch" part seem to LOVE just playing with the balls, sometimes for hours on end. Amazon Promising reviews: "Behold, the ultimate cat distraction: a bag full of little furry balls. My cat goes wild for these, batting them around like they're the most exciting prey ever. It's like a furry ball pit for felines. Plus, they're great for keeping my cat entertained and out of trouble. Perfect for any cat owner who needs a break from playing the laser pointer game!" — joeycosta "I have a feral cat who started getting used to me and coming in the house. Now she never wants to leave my bedroom. Anyway, she plays with these balls for hours on end. I have two others who also love them, especially on the hardwood floors. My one lazy boy doesn't care about them, but no toy interests him. The only drawback is you end up with a ball graveyard under your dressers. Perfect entertainment for cats and their people on the cheap." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (you can also buy extra pom-pom balls separately). 10. A bird activity set in case you have a playful chirpster who tends to cause trouble when bored for too long. This set of cute toys can help you train, engage, and play with your bird (which will hopefully keep them from pecking at things they shouldn't). This set includes: a skateboard, a wooden block puzzle, a basketball and hoop, a stacking toy, and a ring toss. Promising review:"This set offered the durability and activity our parrots needed. It also helped with personal interaction with them, while training and entertaining them to achieve new tasks. Guaranteed fun and quality time with our parrots." — baltimore wife Get it from Amazon for $16.99. 11. A snuffle ball with lots of enrichment for your pooch to discover — there are strings to pull, hidden treats to find, and plenty of rolling fun to be had, all of which should keep 'em too busy to rip apart your home. Promising review: "Our puppy has spent many hours pulling the straps out of this ball rather than getting into trouble! It has worked at keeping her busy and engaged." — SAE Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors). 12. A highly popular textured pineapple chew toy since it's extremely tough on the outside (and great for chewing) but can be filled with a delicious, rewarding treat inside, kinda like a real pineapple! Sounds like a ~sweet~ combo for pretty much any doggo, if you ask me. Amazon Promising review:"Absolutely love it! My Rottweiler typically destroys any toy within a day, but this one has lasted a whole week, and she's still obsessed with it. It's durable, engaging, and keeps her entertained for hours. Highly recommend for tough chewers!" — Roland J. Gonzales Get it from Amazon for $8.22+ (available in four sizes). 13. A pack of inexpensive small spiral springs because the way they roll, bounce, and flip across the floor makes them irresistible to just about every cat I've ever known. Pretty sure my two little hooligans are chasing a spring around as I type this... Promising reviews: "I do cat foster care and have 18 cats in my house right now (I KNOW!). They all love these ridiculous little springs. I don't get it. Because they roll and bounce, they have just enough movement for everyone to be running after them. BE PREPARED. They will be found under every appliance, door, and piece of furniture you own. Do yourself a favor. They are cheap — order two packs right away." — Mixed Blessings "These cat spiral springs are an absolute hit in our house! Our kitten is obsessed with them—they're lightweight, bouncy, and so much fun to bat around. She can chase them for hours, pouncing, flipping, and carrying them around like treasures. I love that they're durable and safe for her playful antics, and the bright colors make them easy to find (even when she hides them under the couch!). These springs keep her entertained and active, and it's such a joy to watch her have so much fun. If you've got a playful kitty, these are a must-have! 🐾✨" — The D31 Foundation Get the 12-piece set from Amazon for $5.39. 14. A rolling chew toy made with real bacon that'll entice them to get off the couch (which they're low-key destroying) and start chasing after this thing instead. Promising reviews: "My dogs favorite chew toy. Its easy for him to grip and chew on for long periods of time. Durable but you do need to replace with it starts to get too shredded/chewed looking. I have bought several ones! Highly recommend!" — Nicole "I was so tired of my dog chewing up our stuff, even though he has plenty of toys. So I got him new ones to see if that would help. This is his favorite of the bunch. It's shaped just right that when he goes after it it rolls away in a random direction, making it more fun to chase. He loves just holding it between his paws and chomping on it. It definitely keeps him busy." — Kerry Get it from Amazon for $10.88+ (available in four sizes, two flavors, and a two-pack). 15. An interactive dog puzzle toy to turn treat time into distraction time. They'll love the mental stimulation (and tasty snack, of course), and you'll love having a few minutes to relax. Promising review:"I have four young kids and lots of puppies and young dogs. We volunteer with a service dog organization, so I am constantly bringing new dogs into my house. I typically do frozen slow feeders to buy myself some extra time keeping the dog busy at meal time. This thing buys me a solid 45 minutes. The ridges are high enough to keep all of the food in, and the dog can only lick it out, but low enough, they get a tiny bit with each lick, so it keeps them going at it. I use regular kibble and just pour water on it, or my favorite is soaking kibble in water, blending it, and pouring that into the lickin layers, then freezing it. The three layers also separate for easy cleaning." — Mary Get it from Chewy for $15.99 (originally $19.99). 16. Or, a challenging multi-layer puzzle box geared toward clever cats in need of serious mental stimulation. My cat will spend forever wiggling kibble, treats, or small toys (like springs) out from the different layers, and we *both* love the fact that the solution is never exactly the same. The puzzle box is super easy to assemble, as it's all cardboard that just gets folded up into different-sized boxes. Then, you can add or remove the various smaller boxes from inside the big box to adjust the difficulty. Promising review:"This cat toy is absolutely amazing! It's designed to keep cats engaged and entertained for hours. The interactive elements are perfect for stimulating their natural curiosity and hunting instincts. My cat loves batting at the moving pieces and figuring out the different challenges—it's like a puzzle and playtime combined! Not only does it provide great mental stimulation, but it also helps burn off some energy, which has been fantastic for keeping my cat happy and active. The build quality is excellent, and it's super easy to set up. Highly recommend for any cat owner looking to keep their feline friends entertained!" — Madison Cook Get it from Amazon for $27.95. Check out the Cat Amazing Storefront for similar puzzle boxes with easier difficulty levels. 17. A billiards scratching post that's not only too cute for words but also filled with versatile play options for the kitties. They can roll around the felt "pool balls" or bat at the feather-tipped "pool cues", aka teaser wands in disguise. I'm OBSESSED. It comes with two feather teaser sticks and six colorful felt balls. Promising review: "My cats love the table!! We love that the legs have a scratching feature and my one cat loves to throw the balls everywhere and into the holes while my other cat loves to use it as a bed. I work from home and my cat used to sleep on my laptop and keyboard, which was quite inconvenient, so this table has been a lifesaver! It keeps them both entertained for hours. The only thing to note is that the ball on the pool stick is hard, so it's important to be careful when playing with them." — Amanda Sellini Get it from Amazon for $67.99. 18. A Wobble Wag Giggle Ball for dogs who are super intrigued by toys that make noises. This one makes a funny "giggle" sound as it rolls around (no batteries required or anything!), which will have them pawing, rolling, and chewing it out of curiosity. Promising review:"When Wayne first heard the noise this ball made, he wasn't sure about it, but it very quickly became his favorite toy!!! If he hears it in his sleep, he immediately jumps up and is ready to play! Wayne is part pit and a super chewer, and he has destroyed every toy we have gotten for him, most within minutes. He has had his Wiggle Wag Giggle ball for six months, and he plays with it daily. He can get it in his mouth, but he can't chew on it. It shoots out across the floor, and he's off to chase it again. We love to take it to the basement, where he can just go wild and crash into everything with it or chase it at the dog park. If I could give this one 10 stars, I would!!! It was totally worth the money!!! I ordered a second one for a friend whose dog has destroyed all her toys. Hoping it will work as well for her because every dog needs at least one toy that doesn't immediately break!" — Lori Get it from Chewy for $14.99. 19. A 3-in-1 interactive cat toy with so much going on, it's pretty much impossible for your kitty cat to get bored. We're talking flying butterflies, rotating balls, dancing feathers, soft mechanical noises, and, last but not least, a Whac-A-Mole game. Wow! Note: You can even buy replacement attachments for this toy as your cat chews on them or if you want to customize it for them! Promising review:"Omg! I loved the reviews that I read and I'm so glad that I bought this toy for my kitties! I have two adult males and they have been playing with this toy for hours! Like seven hours so far on the first day!!! One kitty loves the butterfly and they both love the peak a boo feather. This is a GREAT buy for the price especially. It does make noise so if you're sensitive to that you might want to put it in a different room but it's an outstanding toy and I highly recommend it!" — Giny H Get it from Amazon for $25.48+ (available in two colors). 20. A rubber fetch ball because every dog needs a good 'ole reliable ball — and this one bounces better than a regular tennis ball AND floats. It's obviously great for playing fetch, but a lot of dogs enjoy chewing and playing with it once they've settled down, too. Promising review:"Our four yr old mixed breed is absolutely obsessed with playing ball. She typically goes through about three tennis balls a week. We have tried other more expensive "dog balls" and she has shredded them within a couple of weeks. So when I saw these on sale, I bought six hoping they would last a month. Now, three months later and she's still on the first ball and it is showing no signs of quitting!!! She plays with it for hours every day. When we're sick of throwing, she'll lay down and chew on it. She absolutely loves it! I can't believe how well this ball has held up. She just might lose it before she destroys it. But that's ok. I still have five more." — Jeffy G Get two from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available in packs of four and eight). 21. Or, a push-and-play ball for keeping your rambunctious pooch occupied when you simply don't have the time or energy to play fetch. This thick plastic ball will roll all by itself when your pup paws, bumps, or nudges it — and for more challenge, you can fill it with water or sand! Promising review: "My mini Australian sheperd has a field day with this ball! It keeps him entertained on his own for quite awhile. It's a hard plastic so he cant tear it up with his little teeth, but he tries, and when he tries it slips away causing him to chase it and repeat the process lol. He loves it, I love it." — Jamie Ortiz Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in six sizes and three colors). 22. An automatic laser toy so they can chase the little red dot to their heart's content without you having to lift a finger. It has two different speed modes and points the laser in a random 360-degree pattern each time. It's naturally meant for cats, but hey, if your dog is into it, that works too. Walmart Plus, no batteries — it's rechargeable via USB-C cable. Promising review:"My cats really enjoy this! I usually put it on the fastest setting so that they dont get bored. The adjustments to go up, down or side to side lets you point the dot in the exact places you want it to go through the entire cycle." — Michelle Get it from Walmart for $19.99. 23. An interactive toy that can be set to roll *or* bounce around in an unpredictable pattern either automatically or whenever your curious furbaby touches it. As if that weren't enough to grab your pup's attention, it flashes different colors. Promising review:"This was the best gift I could have ever purchased for a Corgi that has been bored inside the house due to inclement weather. It keeps him focused, engaged, and definitely entertained. I will say it does make noise bouncing around or rolling on hard floors but it's worth every penny and plus it's been entertaining for us as well watching him play with it. This has survived our one year old Corgi who chews everything and he has not been able to remove safety plug where it charges so if you need to watch chewability then this is a keeper. It's lightweight enough and easy to charge and for him to play with and the lights and action are great on this cute toy. It seems to be very durable as well." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $20.49+ (available in two colors). 24. A canine-specific version of the colorful Kanoodle Puzzle because your doggo will have just as much fun as you do moving the different shapes about — they'll have to shift the different pieces around to find the hidden treats, but for even more challenge, you can twist some of the pieces together! If you're after the human version, check it out here! Promising review:"We are a big Kanoodle family so when we saw this Kanoodle dog edition, we knew we had to get it for our 2-year-old mini golden doodle! It is sooo cute! Our puppy loved sniffing and moving around the pieces to find his treats. It is very durable and I like that it doesn't move around. I also like that it kept him busy for a long time!" — JC Mommy Get it from Amazon for $21.99. 25. A tooth-cleaning toy so you can kill two birds with one stone, errr, rather, kill two birds with one adorable chew toy: keeping 'em busy and their teeth clean. Promising reviews:"This is a harder chew toy. Size is perfect for my Great Pyrenees. To my surprise it squeaks. Provides many hours of entertainment." — James E Crockett "Should have gotten two. The pups fight over it, and chew on it for hours😂" — Curt C. Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four sizes and two colors). 26. Some mouse-shaped feeders to satisfy your indoor cat's natural hunting instincts, which is precisely the kind of enrichment that keeps them from clawing, chewing, and otherwise destroying things out of boredom. Simply fill these with some food, hide 'em around the house, and let your precious hunters stalk 'em down! Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed Promising review: "These are the BEST! My cats were familiar with puzzle feeders, but these are their all-time favorite! They are very stimulating, well constructed, and are easy to use. I love that there are different difficulty levels. Enriched cats = well behaved cats!" — Denise And here's more from BuzzFeed Shopping writer Mallory Mower!: "I started a hunting system for my cats when I felt like they were getting lethargic. One of our cats was overweight because he would sit and eat the dry food left out when he was bored. With these he'll 'hunt,' eat one, and not eat again until he's ready to go hunting. I've written a full review on this clever feeding system before because I refuse to stop recommending it!" Get it from Amazon for $14.48. 27. A "ripple rug" sure to be a hit with cats who love to burrow, tunnel, and otherwise play in cave-like spots. They'll have a blast hiding and sleeping in the various nooks and crannies, plus it gives 'em a parent-approved scratching surface. And if they start getting bored, you can simply shift the velcro around to create a new configuration. Stephanie / Chewy, Wink / Chewy Ripple Rug is a small biz that makes their product from recycled materials. Promising reviews: "I have two little girl kittens as well as my 7-year-old boy who all LOVE this thing. It's been amazing for when they want to play together--one of them will dive under the ripples and the other two will poke at them through the little holes, or they'll chase each other through the caves, or they'll hide a toy in it and fish it back out. The younger girl and the boy are definite burrowers and they also like to sleep in the little caves they make. It is large, but unobtrusive, and doesn't slide around at all. They also don't get bored with it, since if it's getting stale I can just move the velcro around a little bit and they all run over to investigate the new geometry. Not sure if it would be as fun for a single cat, especially one who isn't a burrower, but it's perfect for my household." — Cassandra "My cat loves to play in my carpet runners, throw rugs, and mats, so this seemed like a no-brainer. After a few days of being afraid of it, he embraced the ripple rug as his favorite toy! I fluffed it up a little and placed several of his best toys inside, and when he was ready, I showed him where his toys were hidden. Once he understood the game, he was instantly hooked. He crawls inside; he pounces and bats his toys; he hides inside and bats his paws outside the holes. When he's finished, he sleeps on top of it!" — AnimalFriend Get it from Chewy for $46 (available in two colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
