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10 Best Toys for Dogs Who Like to Dig in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Matt Jackson

Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

10 Best Toys for Dogs Who Like to Dig in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

corgi dog playing an interactive toy Digging is a natural behavior for dogs. Some will love nothing more than getting outside and digging a huge trench around the garden, and they may even bring the activity indoors, attempting to dig under cushions and even digging up carpets and rugs. Short of leaving a corner of the yard for your dog to dig up freely, there aren’t too many toys that replicate the digging activity. But there are some toys and other items that will suit the active diggers in your life.

Below are reviews of 10 of the best toys for dogs who like to dig, offering them an outlet for what can otherwise be quite a destructive habit.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat
  • Durable, safe cotton material
  • Can help prevent digging carpets and other surfaces
  • Can be machine-washed and dried
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Frisco Non-skid Square Silicone Dog & Cat Lick Mat Frisco Non-skid Square Silicone Dog & Cat Lick Mat
  • Cheap
  • Silicone is hardwearing
  • Can be put in the dishwasher
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy
  • Keeps diggers entertained
  • Fabric is machine washable
  • Hard plastic shell is durable
  • Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle
  • Reasonably priced
  • Puzzle requires the use of your dog’s paws
  • Difficulty can be increased a little
  • Brightkins Brain Teaser Treat Puzzle Dog Toy Brightkins Brain Teaser Treat Puzzle Dog Toy
  • Easy to clean
  • Small holes in the sliders enable your dog to smell the treats
  • Pieces slide around easily
  • The 10 Best Toys for Dogs Who Like to Dig

    1. PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat – Best Overall

    PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat

    Toy Type: Snuffle Mat
    Material: Cotton

    Snuffle mats can be used as feeding mats that encourage foraging behavior and tend to be very popular with dogs that like to sniff. They can also be used as a toy for dogs that are good with their noses and that like to dig up tasty treats.

    The PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat is made of 100% natural cotton and is designed in such a way that it will hold kibble or other treats. It is ideal for slowing fast eaters, but it’s also a good way to keep diggers entertained while you’re out of the house, which is one of the times when dogs are most likely to dig at carpets and other surfaces.

    The mat is reasonably priced and durable, and it can be put in the washing machine and the dryer, so it doesn’t have to be out of service for long even when it gets dirty. The combination of durability, ease of cleaning, and functionality make it the best available toy for dogs who like to dig, but it is basic, and some dogs will bore of it quickly.

    Pros
    • Durable, safe cotton material
    • Can help prevent digging carpets and other surfaces
    • Can be machine-washed and dried
    Cons
    • Quite basic

    2. Frisco Non-skid Square Silicone Dog & Cat Lick Mat – Best Value

    FRISCO Square Silicone Dog & Cat Lick Mat

    Toy Type: Lick Mat
    Material: Silicone

    Different dogs dig at different times. Some dig while they’re out in the garden, while others dig to try and get out of rooms, potentially wrecking the carpet or floor. Some will dig when they’re given treats or when they are eating, to get at the food. The Frisco Non-skid Square Silicone Dog & Cat Lick Mat is a lick mat, which is usually used as a slow feeder but is another that can be used to give treats to dogs that like to dig. The silicone is easy to clean, will withstand digging and scratching, and can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy and quick cleaning.

    The Frisco Non-Skid Square Silicone Dog & Cat Lick Mat is durable and inexpensive, making it the best toy for dogs that like to dig for the money, but it is another option that is quite basic and won’t appease fervent diggers.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Silicone is hardwearing
    • Can be put in the dishwasher
    Cons
    • A bit basic

    3. iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy – Premium Choice

    iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy

    Toy Type: Forager
    Material: Plastic

    The iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy is designed for diggers as a means of keeping them busy and taking their attention away from digging at surfaces like carpets and rugs. The plastic base contains fabric flaps, under which you can place multiple dog treats and kibble. Initially, you will need to show your dog what you are doing, although a keen sense of smell means your dog will likely be able to detect the food that is hidden.

    The fabric also retains the smell of food, so it will keep your dog busy digging even once it has found all the treats. The loose flaps mimic the act of digging up the ground, while the plastic base keeps the flaps in place and prevents the kibble and other treats from being strewn around the room on the floor. The flaps are removable and can be put in the washing machine while the hard plastic base will withstand even the most aggressive diggers.

    The iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy is great for heavy diggers and dogs that like to use their nose when searching for tidbits, but it is expensive.

    Pros
    • Keeps diggers entertained
    • Fabric is machine washable
    • Hard plastic shell is durable
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Dog Toy

    Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Game Dog Toy

    Toy Type: Puzzle Toy
    Material: Plastic

    Some dogs like to dig because they enjoy using their paws and claws. A puzzle toy that encourages the use of their paws can help to scratch that itch. It will keep your dog occupied so that they will be less inclined to dig at the floor or furniture.

    The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Game Dog Toy is a circular toy with multiple sliding compartments. Treats are placed in the compartments and your dog gets to the treats by pulling the compartment lids back with their paws. The locking handles enable you to increase or decrease the difficulty level, so it will continue to pose a challenge even when your dog knows what needs to be done.

    The puzzle toy is reasonably priced and can be entertaining, but it is a simple puzzle to resolve so it is best for puppies that like to dig. As your dog gets older and the puzzle gets too easy, you may need to invest in something more challenging.

    Pros
    • Reasonably priced
    • Puzzle requires the use of your dog’s paws
    • Difficulty can be increased a little
    Cons
    • May be too easy for most adult dogs

    5. Brightkins Brain Teaser Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

    BRIGHTKINS Brain Teaser Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

    Toy Type: Puzzle Toy
    Material: Plastic

    Another brain teaser puzzle toy designed to exercise your dog’s mind and keep them busy while they work for treats is the Brightkins Brain Teaser Treat Puzzle Dog Toy.

    Your dog will have to sniff out the treats and then use their nose and paws to help remove Tetris-style blocks and uncover the treats. The pieces slide away easily, and they have small holes that let the aroma of the treats escape, so your dog will know there’s something tasty inside.

    The plastic is easily cleaned and durable enough, and the puzzle is reasonably priced, but it is a little easy, so it is best for beginners, rather than experienced treat toy puzzle-solving pooches.

    Pros
    • Easy to clean
    • Small holes in the sliders enable your dog to smell the treats
    • Pieces slide around easily
    Cons
    • Too easy for experienced puzzlers

    6. Lickimat Classic Soother Slow Feeder Dog Lick Mat

    LickiMat Classic Soother Slow Feeder Dog Lick Mat

    Toy Type: Licki Mat
    Material: Rubber

    The Lickimat Classic Soother Slow Feeder Dog Lick Mat is another dual-purpose product. Add treats to slow fast eaters down and ensure they don’t get stomach upsets. But you can also add treats and let your dog dig them up without destroying the carpet and flooring in the house. Combine kibble with yogurt or even add baby food and it will keep your pup busy, making it a good choice when you have to go out if your dog digs at the door when you’re in your bedroom at night.

    Peanut butter is another good addition. Its sticky texture makes it difficult for dogs to get every bit off the mat, so it lasts longer, and as long as your dog is chewing and scratching the rubber mat, it isn’t chewing and digging the carpet.

    Pros
    • Can be used with a variety of treat types
    • Easy to clean
    • Cheap
    Cons
    • Basic

    7. Snoozer Pet Products Luxury Microsuede Cozy Cave Dog & Cat Bed

    SNOOZER PET PRODUCTS Luxury Microsuede Cozy Cave Dog & Cat Bed

    Toy Type: Cave Bed
    Material: Polyester, Microsuede

    Some dogs like to dig because they enjoy being in or under items. Dachshund owners will have first-hand experience of this. Bred to tunnel and to chase prey into tunnels, Dachshunds still enjoy tunneling even when they live in a cozy home environment, and that’s why you will often find them under cushions or even inside jumpers and other items.

    The Snoozer Pet Products Luxury Microsuede Cozy Cave Dot & Cat Bed is a cave bed for dogs that is ideal for these types of dogs. It has a large opening that your dog can easily tunnel into. You can also hide your dog’s toys in the bed and let them find and retrieve them.

    The bed has a comfortable microsuede exterior and a polyester fill that includes cedar to help repel insects. It is a comfortable bed, is appealing for diggers, and can be combined with toys to create a digging playground, but it is on the expensive side.

    Pros
    • Comfortable microsuede exterior fabric
    • Polyester filling includes cedar to repel insects
    • Bed that can be used as part of a digging game
    Cons
    • Expensive

    8. OurPets Sushi Treat Dispensing Puzzle Dog & Cat Toy

    OurPets Sushi Treat Dispensing Puzzle Dog & Cat Toy

    Toy Type: Puzzle Toy
    Material: Plastic, Rubber

    OurPets Sushi Treat Dispensing Puzzle Dog & Cat Toy is a treat dispensing toy with nine food compartments, all of which have a sliding lid. Your dog can get to the treats underneath by sliding the slider out of the way. It encourages the use of paws and keeps your dog busy, potentially taking their mind away from the idea of digging in the house.

    It is a sturdy option, made from plastic that is also easy to clean, but the holes are small, so they don’t fit a lot of treats, and the sliders move easily which makes the puzzle element very simple to beat. It’s also on the expensive side for a basic puzzle toy.

    Pros
    • Sturdy
    • Easy for novice puzzlers
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Too easy for most dogs
    • Treat containers are small

    9. TRIXIE Activity Poker Box Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy

    TRIXIE Activity Poker Box Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy

    Toy Type: Puzzle Toy
    Material: Plastic

    The TRIXIE Activity Poker Box Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy is a puzzle toy that can contain multiple treats and because it requires different strategies to open the different sections of the toy, it is a good option for those who have mastered the more basic models. The whole thing is made of plastic, and it can be put in the top rack of the dishwasher to keep it clean and fresh.

    Although it is a little on the expensive side for a puzzle toy, that’s because it is a little more complex than other options, and you can further increase the difficulty of the challenge by changing how many treats you add and their placement. It should keep any dog busy, and it does require the use of paws, so it will entertain diggers as well as thinkers.

    Pros
    • Offers more challenge than a basic puzzle toy
    • Dishwasher safe
    • Difficulty can be further ramped up
    Cons
    • Expensive

    10. TOTARK Dog Digging Toys

    TOTARK Dog Digging Toys

    Toy Type: Snuffle Mat
    Material: Cotton

    The TOTARK Dog Digging Toy is a snuffle mat that has a selection of different tops to challenge your dog. The inside of the toy includes flaps, pockets, and felt where treats can be hidden. All of the areas are safe for your dog to dig in, and the variety will keep your dog entertained while it tries to find all of the kibble and other treats you add.

    It is machine washable and made from Oxford fabric. It is also suitable for dogs of any size. It is a little pricier than some of the basic puzzle toys, and while it should survive most diggers, it won’t stand up to being chewed by aggressive chewers.

    Pros
    • Multiple levels of treat hiding
    • Easily washed
    Cons
    • A little expensive
    • Won’t withstand chewing

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    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Toy for Dogs Who Like to Dig

    Dogs have powerful legs, claws, and feet that are well-equipped to excavate large amounts of soil. Many also have a lot of pent-up energy and need to find ways in which to expend that energy. Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, and some, especially those that were bred to chase prey down holes and underground, have been bred for that very purpose and they will find it difficult to ignore the digging call.

    This means breeds like Jack Russells and Dachshunds are prone to digging while in the garden, and they might also start digging at carpets, rugs, and the floor inside your house. While it is difficult to find toys that exactly replicate the digging activity, they do exist, and there is a wide variety of toys that can distract and entertain your pup, to take its mind off the desire to dig.

    Why Do Dogs Dig?

    dogs playing squeky toy outdoor
    Image Credit: Ryan Brix, Shutterstock

    There are a lot of reasons why some dogs dig.

    Instinct

    It is an instinctive reaction for dogs to dig. Wolves do it and they do it because they can smell something under the surface because they want to cover up a smell they’ve made, or even to hide something they don’t want others to find. Humans have made this instinct even stronger in some dogs, with breeds like Jack Russells and Dachshunds having been bred specifically to chase prey down holes.

    Being able to dig made it easier for them to complete their tasks and made them more useful to their human handlers. Even if your dog doesn’t need to dig for survival, in its plush house, that instinct can remain.

    Relieve Boredom

    Some dogs, especially those with a lot of physical energy or who are not mentally fulfilled, get bored. And a bored dog looks for ways to entertain itself. This can include making up games and activities like digging. Therefore, one reason your dog might be digging up the carpet in the hallways is because it is looking for something to fill the time.

    To Escape

    No matter how happy some dogs are in their homes, they can suffer from wanderlust: the overwhelming desire to get out and explore areas outside their own domain. Some breeds are more prone to wanderlust than others. And this is another case of human intervention strengthening the desire. Dogs that were bred to patrol a territory, perhaps protecting livestock, are more likely to want to get out and see what’s beyond the fences. Jack Russells are known for being skilled escapologists and as well as being able to clear tall fences and walls, they can dig under barriers in some cases.

    To Hunt Prey

    Jack Russells and some other hunting breeds were originally raised to hunt animals like foxes and badgers: animals that have their hides underground. The ability to dig meant that these dogs were not only able to follow animals down existing holes, but they could excavate entrances and create routes into their quarry’s territory.

    To Hide “Treasure”

    Some dogs can be very protective over their toys, food, or items they’ve stolen from you. One effective way to prevent their favorite items from being taken from them is to bury them. They will find a quiet and secluded area, dig a hole, and leave their treasures in the hole before covering them up. They’ll remember where they left the items, but it is unlikely that you will know where to look.

    Types of Toys That Are Suitable for Diggers

    miniature bull terrier dog playing with its toy
    Image Credit: I_Love_Bull_Terriers, Pixabay

    There aren’t too many types of dog toys that cater specifically to the desire to dig. But some toys encourage or require the use of claws and exercise the dog’s brain. This type of activity can keep an active dog’s attention and either fuel their desire to think or stop them thinking about digging.

    • Snuffle Mats – Snuffle mats are most often used for dogs with good noses. Many dogs that rely on their sense of smell are also good hunters and some are prone to digging, but in any case, snuffle mats will keep a dog busy while they sniff, hunt for, and retrieve the treats that are left in the material and in the folds or pockets of the toy. If your dog tends to dig carpets and floor coverings while you’re out of the house, it could be a sign of boredom or frustration, which can be combated by offering them something to do.
    • Puzzle Toys – Puzzle toys are another great way to keep a dog busy and because they carry the promise of a tasty treat at the successful completion of the puzzle, they will keep a dog’s attention. They can vary in difficulty, and you may need to advance from basic puzzle toys to more complex ones as your dog becomes more experienced, but many puzzle toys also require the use of your dog’s claws and paws, which can also help meet the desire for digging.
    • Lick Mats – Lick mats are generally used to slow down fast eaters, but they are designed to be sturdy and resilient to chewing and scratching, which makes them suitable for diggers as well.
    • Cave Beds – A lot of diggers not only enjoy digging at the ground, but they will dig up the cushions from the couch and chairs so they can hide underneath. It’s amusing to watch until somebody accidentally sits on their Dachshund. A cave bed is comfortable and warm, and it allows your natural digger to meet its desire to dig things up and hide underneath.

    What to Look For

    Whatever type of toy you consider, there are some factors to consider when buying a toy for a digger.

    • Material – The material you choose needs to be sturdy because a good digger will put a lot of effort into it, and they will use their claws to get a purchase on the material. Weaker materials will quickly get torn, while brittle materials could break and potentially cause injury to your digging canine. Another factor to consider with the material is how easily the material can be washed. Look for items that can be placed in the dishwasher or are washing machine-safe because it will make maintenance easier and can stop the item from smelling or becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
    • Difficulty – When specifically thinking about puzzle toys, the difficulty of the challenge they pose is important. A first-time puzzle user will need a basic toy that is easy to solve but a more experienced puzzler will make short work of these toys, so you will need something more complex or a toy that enables you to increase the difficulty.
    • Cost – No matter how sturdy and resilient a toy is, if your dog is a destructive digger, it will eventually break pretty much any toy you give it. And, if you’re buying a puzzle toy, once your dog gets the hang of it, you will need to upgrade. Therefore, avoid buying toys that are too expensive or you will need to spend a lot of money to keep replacing them.

    Should I Let My Dog Dig?

    Dog digging hole in front yard
    Image Credit: PM Images, Getty Images

    Digging is a natural activity for dogs, and as long as they are digging somewhere safe and in material that isn’t dangerous, you can let them dig. You should also ensure that they won’t dig under a perimeter and escape. On the other hand, if your dog is digging carpet or furniture, you shouldn’t let them because it will cause damage and they will think this is acceptable behavior.

    Is Digging Good Mental Stimulation for Dogs?

    For some dogs, digging is great fun and offers mental stimulation. Although it can also be a sign that your dog isn’t getting enough mental stimulation. It provides some physical activity, too, so if you do have a corner of the garden you can give over as a digging spot, your digging dog will surely appreciate it.

    Do Dogs Dig When Bored?

    There are various reasons why a dog might dig, and boredom is one such reason. If they’re digging outside in a safe area, it can be a good way to keep your dog entertained, as long as you don’t mind the muddy pawprints that will find their way into the house. But you should also look for other ways to entertain your active pup.

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    Conclusion

    Digging is a natural activity for dogs, and unless it is as a means of escape or is causing your dog or your house damage, it isn’t necessarily a bad activity to allow. While there aren’t too many toys that specifically cater to the digger, there are plenty of active toys and those that exercise your dog’s brain that can be beneficial.

    Above are reviews of 10 of the best toys for dogs who like to dig to help you find the best for your pup. The PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat is a feeding mat but it is sturdy and adding treats to the mat will keep your dog busy and its mind off the idea of digging. The Frisco Non-Skid Square Silicone Dog & Cat Lick Mat offers similar functionality but is less expensive and should still withstand your pup’s digging attempts.


    Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock

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