Digging is a natural behavior for dogs. Some love nothing more than getting outside and digging a massive 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 replicating the digging activity. However, there are a few that will suit the active diggers in your life.

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

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)

The 10 Best Toys for Dogs Who Like to Dig

1. PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat – Best Overall

Snuffle mats can be used as feeding mats that encourage foraging behavior. They are very popular with dogs that like to sniff. They can also be used as toys for dogs that are good with their noses and like to dig up tasty treats. The PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat is made of 100% natural cotton and designed to hold kibble or other treats.

It is ideal for slowing fast eaters and keeping diggers entertained while you’re out of the house, which is when dogs are most likely to shred 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 overall toy for dogs who like to dig, but it is basic, and some dogs will get bored with it quickly.

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

Different dogs dig at different times. Some dig while they’re out in the yard, while others dig to try and get out of rooms, wrecking the carpet or floor. Some will dig when they’re given treats or when they are eating. 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, withstands 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. However, it is another basic design that won’t appease fervent diggers.

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3. iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy – Premium Choice

The iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy is designed for diggers to keep them busy and take their attention away from digging carpets and rugs. The plastic base contains fabric flaps, where you can place multiple dog treats and kibble. Initially, you will need to show your dog what you are doing, but your dog’s keen sense of smell will help them detect hidden food.

The fabric also retains the smell of food, so it will keep your dog busy digging after they locate 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 removable flaps 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.

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4. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Puzzle Dog Toy

Some dogs like to dig because they enjoy using their paws and claws. A puzzle toy that encourages using their paws can help scratch that itch. It will keep your dog occupied, so 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 them 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 solve, 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.

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5. Brightkins Brain Teaser Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

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 use their nose and paws to 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 easy to clean and durable enough, and the puzzle is reasonably priced. However, it is easy to solve, so it is best for beginners rather than experienced toy puzzle-solving canines.

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6. Lickimat Classic Soother Slow Feeder Dog Lick Mat

The Lickimat Classic Soother Slow Feeder Dog Lick Mat is another dual-purpose product. It will slow fast eaters down and ensure they don’t get stomach upsets. 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.

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. As long as your dog is chewing and scratching the rubber mat, they won’t be chewing and digging the carpet.

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

Some dogs like to dig because they enjoy being in or under items. Dachshund owners will have first-hand experience of this. Since they were bred to tunnel and 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. 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 with cedar to help repel insects. It is appealing for diggers and can be combined with toys to create a digging playground, but it is on the expensive side.

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8. OurPets Sushi Treat Dispensing Puzzle Dog & Cat Toy

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

It is a sturdy, plastic toy that is also easy to clean. However, the holes are small, so they don’t fit many treats, and the sliders move easily, making the puzzle element very simple to beat. It’s also expensive for a basic puzzle toy.

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9. TRIXIE Activity Poker Box Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy

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

Although it is a little expensive for a puzzle toy, it is more complex than other brands. You can increase the difficulty of the challenge by changing the number of treats you add and their placement. It should keep any dog busy and can entertain diggers as well as thinkers.

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10. TOTARK Dog Digging Toys

The TOTARK Dog Digging Toy is a snuffle mat with 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 the areas are safe for your dog to dig in, and the variety will keep your dog entertained while they search for 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.

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

Dogs have powerful legs, claws, and feet well-equipped to excavate large amounts of soil. Many also have a lot of pent-up energy and need to find ways to expend that energy. Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, and some, especially those 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.

Breeds like Jack Russells and Dachshunds are prone to digging in the yard, and they might also tear up the carpets, rugs, and floor inside your house. While it is difficult to find toys that replicate the digging activity, they exist, and there are several toys that distract and entertain your pup.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

There are a lot of reasons why some dogs dig.

Instinct

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

Being able to dig made it easier for them to complete their tasks and made them more valuable to their human handlers. Even if your dog doesn’t need to dig for survival in your house, their instinct remains.

Relieve Boredom

Some dogs, especially energetic breeds, get bored easily. Your dog might be digging up the carpet in the hallway because they’re looking for something to fill the time.

To Escape

No matter how happy some dogs are in their homes, they can suffer from wanderlust. Some breeds are more prone to escape than others. This is another case of human intervention that strengthens the desire. Dogs bred to patrol a territory, perhaps protecting livestock, are likelier to want to get out and see what’s beyond the fences. Jack Russells are known for being skilled escape artists, and they can dig under barriers in some cases and clear tall fences and walls.

To Hunt Prey

Jack Russells and other hunting breeds were initially raised to hunt animals like foxes and badgers, which have underground habitats. They can follow animals down existing holes, excavate entrances, and create routes into their quarry’s territory.

To Hide “Treasure”

Some dogs can be very protective of their toys, food, or items 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

There aren’t many dog toys that cater specifically to the desire to dig. However, some encourage or require 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 from thinking about digging.

What to Look For

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

Should I Let My Dog Dig?

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 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 it is acceptable behavior.

Is Digging Good Mental Stimulation for Dogs?

For some dogs, digging is great fun and provides mental stimulation. However, it can also be a sign that your dog isn’t getting enough mental stimulation. It provides some physical activity, too, so if you have a corner of the yard 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 your dog is 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. However, you should also look for other ways to entertain your active pup.

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 harmful. Although there aren’t too many toys that cater to the digger, there are plenty that exercise your dog’s brain and distract them.

We reviewed several excellent toys, but we have a few favorites. The PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat is a sturdy feeding mat that keeps your dog busy and their mind off digging. The Frisco Non-Skid Square Silicone Dog & Cat Lick Mat offers similar functionality but is less expensive and can withstand your pup’s digging attempts.

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Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock