Advertisement
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.

It's National Pet Day! This interactive toy keeps dogs occupied for hours — and it's down to $10

We may receive commission from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Keep your pup occupied with an interactive toy. (Photo: Getty Images)
Keep your pup occupied with an interactive toy. (Photo: Getty Images)

From playful puppies to adult dogs, pets — and their owners — are obsessed with the one interactive toy that does it all: The Starmark treat-dispensing Bob-a-Lot.

The mentally stimulating toy helps pets get exercise and stay engaged while they work to disperse food and treats. It has an anti-slip weighted base so it can tilt and bob around, keeping Spot guessing as kibble and treats slowly spill out. And right now the Bob-a-Lot is on sale at Amazon for $10 (was $15).

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

$10 $15 at Amazon

Starmark Treat-Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Toy—small (left) and large (right)
It wobbles and bobs and makes dogs happy and healthy. (Photo: Starmark)

The Bob-a-Lot is available in two sizes—the small one is good for treats and little snacks, while the larger size ($20) will fit an entire meal. Both have adjustable openings to control the release of food in each of its two chambers to keep pups busy to prevent destructive behaviors and boredom. But that’s not the only reason to get your paws on one.

Slow feeder

Some pet owners use the Bob-a-Lot as a slow feeder to avoid digestive problems.

"Perfect for fast eaters," says one reviewer. "My 9-month-old Shepherd-Husky mix vacuums up her meals in less than a minute. No slow-feeder bowl or tennis ball will slow her down. Even putting her food spilled out on the floor only slowed her down a smidge. This dispenser has been amazing. I currently have it open fully and it has slowed down her eating to 7 whole minutes!"

"We have named this little gem "Sir bobs-a-lot" and he has made mealtime way more enjoyable," says a dog parent who gave it five stars. "I think our 10-month-old yellow lab enjoys it, too, but it was more a gift to myself to lengthen out mealtime. It does the trick!! I can now give her breakfast and get myself a cup of coffee and she is still going. I really like that you can adjust the opening for treat/kibble size and/or ease of dispensing. Great product!"

Weight loss

In some cases, the Bob-a-Lot has not only helps dogs eat slower, but also aids in weight loss.

Another adds, “I have a Cavalier King Charles that was put on a diet by his vet for being 10 pounds overweight. I bought this toy to put his food rather than his treats in. It is amazing. It slows his eating and makes him look forward to food time because it’s more of a game. I’m so glad I got this toy.”

Dog in the grass with a Starmark Bob-a-Lot toy.
The mentally stimulating toy helps pets stay engaged while they work to release food and treats (Photo: Starmark)

Behavioral issues

Those who use the toy to keep pups busy say it can also help calm nerves for dogs with separation anxiety or other behavioral issues.

"Helps dogs with separation anxiety," says a happy parent of a sheltie. "Our dog has high anxiety when we leave the house and this really helps him focus on something else besides us leaving. I fill the ball with treats and he is off working on the treats while I leave."

"If you have a smart high-energy dog, this is really valuable," says a reviewer who gave this five stars. "We adopted a little rescue pup in January.... He is really intelligent, friendly and sweet, but definitely requires more exercise and challenges than dogs we have had in the past. This toy, while isn't giving him much exercise per se, is challenging him and occupying him for long stretches...like up to an hour, which for him is long.... I hope his interest in this toy sticks because it certainly challenges him better than anything else he does by himself."

$10 $15 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Looking for more great Amazon deals? Check these out:

TV deals:

Headphone, earbud, smartwatch and tablet deals:

Video game deals:

Smart-home deals:

Vacuum deals:

Fashion deals:

Kitchen deals:

Beauty deals:

Bedding deals:

Health and Wellness

Sports & Outdoors

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.

Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Life's newsletter.