5 Best Dog Toys for Diggers: Read My Top Picks

Most dogs have the instinct to dig, but some dogs take it to a whole other level, digging up your rose garden and through your couch cushions. While this behavior can be frustrating for you, it’s natural for your pup.

Your dog doesn’t dig to drive you crazy (even if it does seem that way at times). They dig because it’s what dogs do.

Some breeds dig because they were bred to dig holes searching for prey, while other thick-coated dogs, like Huskies and Chow Chows, dig to make a cooling pit.

Then, of course, some dogs dig because they’re bored. Rather than try to stop your dog’s digging habit, provide them with some fun, safe alternatives.

Here’s a look at five of the best dog toys for diggers. I know your dog will love them, and you’ll appreciate that your garden and furniture stay safe and sound.

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1. iDig Stay

The iDig Stay is one of our top picks for best dog toys for diggers. This dig mat is the first of its kind, developed by the popular company iFetch in Austin, Texas, and an excellent solution for indoor diggers.

The mat contains various flaps where you can hide your pup’s favorite toys and treats, then watch them dig to their heart’s content.

Your dog will love the challenge of digging through the different layers, and as he gets faster, you can up the ante. The mat allows you to increase the difficulty level to ensure your pup stays entertained and engaged.

Plus, it’s lots of fun for you to watch, too. The iDig not only gives your dog the perfect outlet for their natural digging instincts, but it also provides healthy mental stimulation, keeping your pooch happy and out of trouble.

The plastic base and hard outer shell, paired with the heavy-duty fabric flaps, make this an excellent digging alternative for even the most aggressive diggers.

Once your pup has had their fun, you can easily remove the flaps and toss them into the washing machine.

Plus, with a diameter of 22 inches and a height of about 4 inches, you can easily slide it under the bed or sofa when not in use. Of course, your dog’s going to love it so much he’ll want you to leave it out all of the time!

2. iDig Go

Also a fantastic product from iFetch, the iDig Go is the portable, travel-friendly version of the iStay. It’s the perfect solution for on-the-go dogs that love to dig.

The fabric base pops out when it’s time for some digging fun, then easily folds up when it’s time to go. Since the base on the iGo is fabric, it’s better suited for dogs that are a little less aggressive with their digging habits.

The iGo works similarly to the iStay, consisting of multiple flaps where you can hide various toys and treats for your pup to find. Different layers allow you to increase the challenge level for your dog as he starts to solve the puzzles faster.

Plus, the base and flaps are all machine-washable. When fully open, the iGo measures 42 x 42 inches, with a height of about 4.5 inches.

3. Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat

For dogs whose digging instincts stem from foraging for food and small prey, feeding mats like the Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat are a great option.

These mats help encourage and satisfy a dog’s natural foraging instincts, simulating searching through the grass for different things to eat.

All you do is simply sprinkle your pup’s food or a few tasty treats over the mat, and your pup’s natural hunting instincts will take over and do the rest.

Made from non-toxic, sustainable materials, the wooly fabric is the perfect foraging ground for your pup, engaging their mind and body with an exciting challenge.

It’s a great solution for dogs of any shape and size, and the neutral gray color makes it fit in with any decor.

The whole mat is machine-washable, making clean-up a breeze.

4. AWOOF Snuffle Mat

This colorful, flower-shaped snuffle mat folds up for easy portability, and when it’s open, it provides your pup with the ultimate in digging and foraging fun.

With multiple layers and places to hide food and treats, as well as other stimulating surprises like bells and extra mini-pockets, your pup will stay stimulated and engaged.

One of the stand-out features of this mat is that you can secure it in place, so your pooch won’t flip it over when he’s trying to dig out their food.

The mat features release buckles on the underside that you can use to secure it to nearby furniture, keeping it in place, so your dog’s fun doesn’t have to be interrupted.

The thick oxford cloth makes this mat extremely durable, is non-toxic, and odorless. Plus, it comes with a 100% quality-assured warranty, so if you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund.

5. Invincibles Tough Seamz Stuffingless Dog Toy

While not specifically a digging toy, this extra-durable, tough dog toy is a favorite of dogs that love to dig.

Thanks to its strong, well-constructed design, your pup can chew, scratch, and dig at this toy for hours. It also stays in one piece, providing your dog with the perfect outlet for their excess energy.

In fact, one review mentions that “after almost a month of chewing, flipping, tossing, and digging, every seam and squeaker are still intact.” It’s a great option for rainy days when your pup can’t get outside to blow off some steam in their digging box.

Alternative Choice: Digging Boxes

If your pooch adores digging outdoors, nothing’s quite the same as real dirt and sand. But, you don’t want that dirt to be in your prize flowerbed or under the fence where your dog could escape.

Once again, trying to stop your dog’s digging altogether is like asking a toddler to stop licking ice cream.

Therefore, give your pup their own personal digging pit. Depending on your pup’s size, you could purchase a sandbox and fill it with a mixture of dirt and sand, or you could build a digging box.

If you have a larger breed dog, creating your own digging box might be the better option to ensure your dog has ample space to dig and play.

Simply locate a place in your yard where you don’t mind your pup digging and mark it off with some large rocks or stones.

Having something easy to see around the perimeter of the pit helps define the space and provides a visual marker for your dog to recognize the digging area.

Loosen up the dirt inside the pit, add more if needed, and mix in some sand. Then, bury a few of your dog’s favorite toys in the pit to encourage him to dig in that location.

If you’re looking for more direction, here is a guide on how to build a dog sandbox.

A digging box is a great way to help your dog satisfy their digging desire, but you need to train him to use it. The first few times your dog uses the pit, stay outside with him and praise him when he digs in it.

If he tries to dig elsewhere, redirect him to the digging box and reward him. Eventually, he’ll catch on and be able to do it all on their own.

Conclusion

If your dog is a devoted digger, let him dig! But, it doesn’t have to cost you your furniture or lawn.

These products above offer some fantastic ways for your pup to satisfy their urge to dig.

Plus, with so many options, you can find the one that’s the best fit for you and your dog’s lifestyle.

By the way, I did also write an article on how to stop your dog from digging if you want to try to stop the problem in the first place.

Do you have any other favorite best dog toys for diggers? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!