We Ranked 5 Calming Dog Toys. Only 1 Actually Worked.
If your dog can't switch off at night, you have probably tried a few of these. We compared 5 of the most popular options to see which one really helps a dog settle.
Updated · 6 min read
The zoomies start at 8pm. The barking at nothing. Following you from room to room. Sound familiar?
Most dog owners try the same things first. Longer walks. More food. Another new toy. But the restless energy keeps coming back.
Here is the thing. Dogs are born to work for their food. When they don't get to, their brain stays on alert. The right toy gives them that job, so they can calm down on their own.
So we lined up 5 of the most popular calming toys and ranked them on what matters most to owners.
This is the one that surprised us. It looks like a simple bowl, but the white ball in the middle is the secret. You spread a soft treat like yoghurt or peanut butter on the spikes and around the ball. Each lick turns the ball, and it gives a little more. So instead of being licked clean in 2 minutes, it lasts 15 to 20.
That slow, steady licking is one of the most natural ways dogs calm themselves down. By the end, most dogs were stretched out on the floor, done for the night.
PROS
- Keeps them busy for 15 to 20 minutes
- Dogs settle down on their own after
- Suction base stays put on the floor
- Thick rubber that holds up to chewing
- Rinses clean in 30 seconds
CONS
- Often sells out, so stock can be low
- Costs more than a basic toy
- A free chew toy
- A free lick mat with the 2-bowl bundle
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A classic for a reason. This hollow rubber cone is very hard to destroy, and you can stuff it with treats. The problem is most dogs work out how to empty it in a few minutes, and then it's just a rubber toy again. Getting dried food out of the inside is also a real chore.
PROS
- Very tough
- Bounces in a fun, random way
CONS
- Emptied in a few minutes
- Hard to clean inside
