Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble

Please note:  Video demo at end of post!

I have a wonderful pup, Isabelle, who, since puppy-hood, has always been extraordinarily gentle on her stuffed toys. In fact, she still has toys that she had from three years ago! She will, however, eviscerate any stuffed toy that has a pre-existing hole in it or chew anything rubbery or plastic-y into teeny-tiny pieces. Even hard plastic Frisbees.  Mind you, she is only eighteen pounds of dog so for a toy not to hold up seems pretty pathetic.

Until last week, the only rubbery item to withstand her obsession to “chew and destroy” were Kong toys. I love Kong toys but they aren’t so challenging or stimulating for her, so I am constantly searching for a great, indestructible, treat dispensing toy. Something that won’t disintegrate with the first use (or fiftieth) because, let’s face it, all those toys can add up! I want a happy dog and some money left in my savings account…enter the first, the only, challenging and fun toy to not fall apart!  Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble.

I.  Love.  This.  Toy!  More importantly, so does Isabelle!!!

I just recently purchased this at a pet supply store in California called Pet Food Express.  I had been hesitant to go in because I thought it was going to be some chain store that had poor quality treats and would be dusty and disappointing but, to my pleasant surprise, they carried many quality foods and treats (like Zuke’s for instance and Old Mother Hubbard) and an abundance of things like toys, crates, clothing, great books (like The Culture Clash and 101 Dog Tricks), etc.  The other half of the store was cat and small animal supplies.  I was very impressed and wished I hadn’t pre-judged them by their chain-like exterior.  The staff was knowledgaeble and very friendly and it was just a great overall experience.  Prices were pretty inconsistent – some things were quite a bargain while others I was surprised that they were as high for such a big store, but there were definitely some deals to be had!

So, this toy was one of the items I got for her and I took it home, washed it out tried it, hesitantly for two very good reasons.

1. I’ve been disappointed with so many similar products and I always have to supervise her to make sure she doesn’t accidently ingest small pieces of plastic or rubber.
2. We were just staying in a place short term and I didn’t want this thing to scratch the floors.

Success!  I can’t tell you how much Isabelle loved it!!!  I’ve been giving it to her every other day and the holes are small enough that her tiny “small bites” kibble doesn’t come pouring out and she actually has to roll it and pick it up by the end and shake it a bit for the “treats” (her food mixed with a few high-value treats) to come out.  The rubber that webs the outside does actually protect the plastic from scratching the beautiful floors (thank goodness!) and also prevents it from rolling too noisily.  This is key because as the ball gets closer to empty she has to work harder to get those treats out so she pushes it around as if all the sudden her treat ball is broken and thinks of innovative ways to get those little buggers out.  I generally give it to her when I fear she might be bored (while I’m working) and it is so cute to see her enjoy it so much that I get nada accomplished and watch her instead.  I’m pretty in love with my puppy though so maybe this won’t be a problem for everyone. 

I highly recommend this toy!  If Isabelle doesn’t chew it up, it must be pretty durable, and it is definitely fun for her.

A few notes about the included video – you are seeing the beginning of her play with the treat ball, which is always the easiest time to get them out simply because it has more in it.  Secondly, I recorded this late at night after she had already had her dinner so we are both a little tired and she won’t show as much interest as if it was her dinner.  I’m also recording with a camera not a video camera so I have no options to zoom once recording has begun so I apologize for the poor video and audio but despite all these glaring problems, you will, at the very least, get some idea of how great this toy actually is.

Who is this toy good for?  A dog of course!!!  Dog birthday parties are all the rage now (don’t laugh, I’m serious) and you don’t want to show up empty handed.  At holiday time, don’t forget to include your loveds one’s dogs in the festivities – your girlfriend or boyfriend would be very impressed with a present for both them and their dog.  Or, the most obvious, if you have a dog, this makes a fantastic present.  Doesn’t he or she deserve it?

Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Video Demo

Happy Gifting!