Updated July 2026
You do not need a cupboard full of dog toys to provide good enrichment.
A cardboard box, an old towel, part of your dog’s normal meal and time to sniff on a walk can all be useful.
But a few carefully chosen tools can make enrichment easier to include in everyday life.
The right product may help you:
- make meals last longer
- provide a simple indoor activity
- encourage sniffing and searching
- reward useful behaviour quickly
- add choice to a walk
- support a dog during hot or wet weather
- provide gentle activity when a normal walk is unsuitable
The important word is right.
A product that suits one dog may frustrate, worry or overstimulate another.
A confident dog who enjoys working things out may love a puzzle feeder. A nervous rescue dog may prefer food scattered openly across a familiar towel.
A dog who licks a mat calmly may enjoy it regularly. Another dog may fold it, chew it or guard it.
I have worked with dogs professionally since 2011. The products on this page are the types of enrichment tools I use, carry or regularly recommend.
I have focused on practical equipment rather than novelty toys.
You do not need everything listed here.
Start with one or two items that suit your dog’s needs. Watch how they respond. Keep the products that genuinely help.
For activities you can try without buying equipment, read Dog Enrichment Ideas That Help Calm and Tire Your Dog: The Practical Guide.
Affiliate disclaimer: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability can change. I only recommend product types that fit the calm, practical approach I use with dogs.
My recommended dog enrichment tools
These are my main choices.
Best all-round enrichment toy
KONG Classic Dog Toy: check the current price on Amazon
Useful for easy food activities, slow feeding and suitable chewing.
Best for licking
LickiMat: check the current price on Amazon
Useful for a thin layer of suitable soft food.
Best for sniffing and foraging
Dog snuffle mat: check the current price on Amazon
Useful for dry-food searches and slow meals.
Best beginner problem-solving toy
Beginner puzzle feeder: check the current price on Amazon
Useful for dogs who already understand simple food games.
Best practical training tool
Silicone treat pouch: check the current price on Amazon
Useful for reward-based training, recall games and calm check-ins.
Best outdoor enrichment tool
Waterproof long line: check the current price on Amazon
Useful for sniffing, exploration and recall practice in appropriate open spaces.
What I would buy first
You do not need to order all six products.
For most dogs, I would begin with:
- A correctly sized KONG or similar food toy
- A simple treat pouch
- Either a lick mat or a snuffle mat
That gives you:
- one reusable feeding toy
- one practical training tool
- one calm scent or licking activity
Use those products for a few weeks before adding anything else.
Your dog may show you that they prefer sniffing to puzzle-solving.
They may enjoy licking but show no interest in rolling toys.
They may prefer reward-based interaction with you rather than working alone.
Buying slowly helps you learn what your dog genuinely enjoys.
It also prevents you from spending money on equipment that sits unused in a cupboard.
How I choose enrichment products
I do not choose an enrichment toy because it looks difficult or promises to occupy a dog for hours.
I look for products that are:
- simple to introduce
- easy to clean
- available in an appropriate size
- stable during use
- easy to make less difficult
- suitable for supervised use
- useful in more than one situation
- robust enough for the individual dog
- free from tiny pieces that could be swallowed
Dogs Trust includes lick mats, puzzle feeders and filled rubber toys in its enrichment guidance.
Blue Cross advises supervising dogs when they use puzzle feeders.
Before buying anything, consider:
Your dog’s size
The entire toy should not fit inside your dog’s mouth.
Do not buy a small product for a large dog simply because it costs less.
Their chewing style
Some dogs lick and nudge toys carefully.
Others bite down, shake them or try to remove pieces.
Choose equipment for the dog you have.
Their confidence
Nervous dogs may worry about:
- objects rolling towards them
- metal trays making a noise
- moving compartments
- strong new smells
- unfamiliar textures
Start with something simple and stationary.
Their mobility
A puzzle that requires repeated pawing, bending or turning may not suit a senior dog or a dog on restricted exercise.
Their behaviour around food
Food toys may cause competition or guarding.
Dogs should not be expected to share enrichment products.
Their diet
Anything placed inside a toy still counts as food.
Use your dog’s normal meal where possible and speak to your vet if your dog has allergies, digestive problems or a prescribed diet.
KONG Classic: the best all-round enrichment toy
The KONG Classic is one of the most useful dog enrichment products I recommend.
It is a hollow rubber toy that can be filled with suitable food.
You can keep the activity very easy or gradually make it last longer.
Why I recommend it
A correctly sized KONG can be used for:
- part of your dog’s normal meal
- loose dry food
- a small amount of wet food
- a short licking activity
- gentle problem-solving
- slowing down some meals
- supervised quiet time
- hot-weather enrichment when appropriately chilled
It can also be easier to clean and reuse than many complicated puzzle boards.
Start with the easiest version
Do not begin by tightly packing and freezing the entire toy.
A dog who has never used one may have no idea how to reach the food.
Try this order:
- Add loose dry food that falls out easily.
- Add dry food with a small amount of wet food near the opening.
- Use a loosely packed mixture.
- Chill it once your dog understands the activity.
- Freeze it only when your dog already enjoys using it.
A harder filling is not automatically more enriching.
If your dog barks at the toy, bites it aggressively or repeatedly throws it across the room, make it easier.
Choosing a KONG
KONG produces different types of rubber for puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs, and strong chewers.
Choose according to:
- your dog’s age
- body size
- jaw strength
- chewing habits
- experience with food toys
If you are between sizes, I generally prefer to avoid anything that could be swallowed too easily.
Inspect the toy before each use.
Replace it when you find cracks, splits, missing pieces or significant damage.
Who it may suit
A KONG may suit:
- puppies using the appropriate puppy version
- adult dogs who enjoy food
- dogs who eat quickly
- dogs who enjoy licking and chewing
- dogs who need an easy indoor activity
- dogs who already understand food toys
When it may not suit
Choose another activity when your dog:
- guards high-value food
- destroys rubber toys
- becomes frustrated
- tries to swallow the product
- has dietary restrictions
- needs to avoid chewing after dental treatment
- has veterinary movement restrictions that make using it unsuitable
Check the KONG Classic on Amazon
For sizes, rubber types, fillings and safety, read my Complete Guide to KONG Toys for Dogs.
LickiMat: a simple licking activity
A lick mat is a textured mat designed for suitable soft food.
You spread a thin layer across the surface and allow your dog to lick it off.
I like lick mats because the basic activity is simple.
The food is visible.
There are no moving compartments.
And you can make it very easy for a beginner.
Why I recommend it
A lick mat may be useful for:
- part of a wet-food meal
- a brief indoor activity
- a calm routine after a suitable walk
- supervised grooming practice
- hot days when a normal walk is shortened
- dogs who enjoy licking
- senior dogs who can use it comfortably
What to use on a lick mat
Use food your dog already knows suits them.
Options may include:
- their normal wet food
- soaked and mashed kibble
- a suitable veterinary-approved food
- a small amount of dog-safe paste
Check every ingredient.
Never use a product containing xylitol, which may also appear on labels as birch sugar.
Keep the layer thin.
You do not need to bury the texture under a large quantity of food.
Frozen lick mats
Freezing makes the activity harder and longer.
That can work well for some experienced dogs.
It can frustrate others.
Begin with an unfrozen mat.
You can chill it later if your dog uses it calmly.
What to look for
Choose a lick mat that is:
- the right size
- stable
- easy to clean
- made for pets
- suitable for the food you plan to use
- freezer-safe if you intend to freeze it
When a lick mat is unsuitable
Remove it when your dog:
- bites it
- folds or carries it
- tries to tear pieces off
- guards it
- becomes frantic
- cannot reach it comfortably
Do not leave a lick mat down as a general chew toy.
Check the recommended LickiMat on Amazon
Snuffle mat: an easy scent and foraging tool
A snuffle mat contains strips or folds of fabric where dry food can be placed.
Your dog uses their nose to search through the material.
It can be useful for dogs who enjoy scent work but do not need a complicated puzzle.
Why I recommend it
A snuffle mat can help you provide:
- a simple sniffing activity
- part of a dry-food meal
- a rainy-day search
- gentle indoor enrichment
- an alternative to eating quickly from a bowl
- an easy activity for some nervous dogs
- a lower-impact search for some senior dogs
Start with food on top
Do not bury every piece deep inside the mat during the first session.
Sprinkle most of the food across the surface.
Let your dog understand that sniffing the mat leads to food.
Gradually place a few pieces slightly deeper if your dog remains relaxed.
What to look for
Choose one with:
- a suitable diameter
- a stable or non-slip base
- fabric that can be checked easily
- washable materials
- no loose parts your dog may swallow
Supervise every new dog
Some dogs search carefully.
Others pick the whole mat up and shake it.
Some pull fabric strips out.
A dog who chews and swallows material may be safer with food scattered across a flat towel or clean floor.
Put the mat away when the activity finishes.
When a snuffle mat is unsuitable
Avoid one when your dog:
- eats fabric
- guards food
- becomes frustrated by the search
- needs food delivered in a specific way
- cannot bend comfortably
- shares the space with another dog likely to approach
Check the recommended dog snuffle mat on Amazon
You can also make your own simple searches using the ideas in Indoor Brain Games for Dogs.
Beginner puzzle feeder: gentle problem-solving
Puzzle feeders contain compartments, sliders, or covers that a dog must move to reach the food.
They can provide useful problem-solving for dogs who already understand basic food games.
But they are often introduced at too difficult a level.
Why I recommend a beginner puzzle
A simple puzzle may help:
- turn part of a meal into an activity
- slow down eating
- encourage sniffing and investigation
- provide short indoor engagement
- give a confident dog a manageable challenge
Open everything first
During the first session:
- leave compartments open
- place some food on top
- let your dog watch you add it
- show them how one moving section works
- help when they become stuck
Do not fill every compartment and close the whole puzzle immediately.
Your dog does not need to fail repeatedly to learn.
Signs the puzzle is too hard
Make it easier when your dog:
- barks at it
- bites the edges
- paws increasingly hard
- repeatedly looks at you
- abandons it
- becomes frantic
- throws or attacks it
- cannot settle afterwards
What to look for
Choose a puzzle that:
- is labelled for beginners
- suits your dog’s size
- has no small removable parts they can swallow
- sits securely on the floor
- can be cleaned thoroughly
- allows you to leave compartments open
When a puzzle feeder is unsuitable
Avoid it when your dog:
- guards food
- destroys plastic
- becomes easily frustrated
- has painful joints
- cannot bend or paw comfortably
- is overwhelmed by moving objects
Check the recommended beginner puzzle feeder on Amazon
For detailed safety advice, read Dog Enrichment Safety: When a Brain Game Becomes Frustrating.
Silicone treat pouch: the tool I use on walks
A treat pouch is not an enrichment toy.
But it is one of the most useful enrichment tools I carry.
I use one on my walks because it lets me reward a dog at the right moment without fumbling through my pockets.
Why timing matters
A treat pouch helps you reward:
- calm check-ins
- responding to a name
- moving away from a trigger
- loose-lead walking
- recall
- waiting before crossing
- choosing to disengage
- simple “find it” games
- confidence around mild distractions
These short moments can turn an ordinary walk into a more thoughtful one.
Why I prefer silicone
A simple silicone pouch is:
- easy to wipe clean
- quick to open
- easy to reach into
- less likely to hold old crumbs and smells
- useful indoors and outdoors
It does not need several pockets or complicated fastenings.
I want something I can access quickly.
What to look for
Choose a pouch that:
- opens easily
- stays open when needed
- closes securely enough for walking
- clips safely to clothing
- can be washed
- is deep enough to prevent treats falling out
What to put inside
Use small, easy-to-eat rewards.
Large crunchy biscuits slow everything down and can encourage a dog to stop and chew in an unsuitable place.
The reward needs to suit your dog’s diet.
Some dogs will work happily for normal kibble.
Others need something more valuable outdoors.
Check the recommended silicone treat pouch on Amazon
Long line: enrichment beyond the home
A long line can give a dog more space to sniff and explore while they remain connected to you.
I prefer a fixed long line to a retractable lead for this type of walking.
There is no spring mechanism or thin cord constantly changing length.
You can gather the line when needed and release more when the environment is safe.
Why I recommend a long line
A long line may help with:
- recall practice
- sniff walks
- gentle exploration
- newly adopted rescue dogs
- dogs with a strong chase drive
- dogs who cannot safely walk off lead
- giving a dog more choice in quiet open spaces
Blue Cross recommends attaching long training lines to a harness and using them well away from roads.
Use it with a harness
Do not attach a long line to a slip lead, choke collar or ordinary neck collar.
If your dog reaches the end at speed, you do not want that force going through their neck.
Use a well-fitted harness.
Where not to use one
A long line is not suitable for:
- busy pavements
- roadsides
- crowded parks
- café areas
- spaces filled with cyclists
- narrow paths with lots of people
- places where it will wrap around trees or furniture
- uncontrolled greetings with other dogs
It needs attention and practice.
Do not wrap the line around your hand.
Keep it clear of legs, dogs and other people.
What to look for
I prefer a line that is:
- fixed length
- waterproof
- easy to wipe clean
- comfortable to handle
- visible
- fitted with a secure clip
- appropriate for the size of the dog
Check the recommended waterproof long line on Amazon
For a more detailed comparison, read “Retractable Leads Versus Long Lines.“
What I would not recommend
An affiliate page should not simply list everything that can be sold.
There are products I will not recommend.
Rawhide
I do not recommend rawhide.
Bones and extremely hard chews
Products that are harder than a dog’s teeth can cause dental damage.
A chew should not be chosen simply because it lasts a long time.
Complicated puzzles for beginners
A Level 3 or Level 4 puzzle is not better if your dog cannot use it without becoming frustrated.
Cheap toys with small removable parts
Saving a few pounds is not worthwhile if the product breaks quickly or poses a risk of choking.
Retractable leads
I prefer fixed leads and long lines.
Retractable leads can make distance and tension harder to manage, particularly around roads, people and other dogs.
Noisy toys for sound-sensitive dogs
A toy that squeaks, rattles or moves unexpectedly may worry a nervous dog.
Products that promise to cure anxiety
A toy does not treat separation anxiety, pain, fear or reactivity.
Some distressed dogs will not eat or play at all.
Anything used without supervision before it has been assessed
Do not assume a toy is safe because it is sold for dogs.
Watch how your dog uses it.
Which products suit different dogs?
For puppies
Start with:
- an age-appropriate puppy KONG
- a simple lick mat
- a treat pouch
- easy food searches
Avoid hard chews, complicated puzzles and activities that create frustration.
Read my Puppy Visits and Puppy Support guide.
For nervous and rescue dogs
Start with:
- an easy lick mat
- an open food toy
- a simple snuffle mat
- a treat pouch
- a long line used in the right environment
Introduce one item at a time.
Allow your dog to walk away.
My separate Best Enrichment Toys for Rescue Dogs guide looks more closely at choosing equipment for sensitive and newly adopted dogs.
For dogs who eat too quickly
Consider:
- a KONG
- snuffle mat
- slow feeder
- easy puzzle feeder
- scatter feeding
Speak to your vet if your dog regularly vomits, retches, bloats or seems uncomfortable around meals.
Read Ditch the Bowl at Mealtimes.
For senior dogs
Choose:
- stationary products
- easy-to-reach food
- shallow activities
- non-slip surfaces
- softer materials where appropriate
Avoid anything that requires repeated twisting, pawing, or standing.
Read Gentle Brain Games for Senior Dogs and Dogs on Restricted Exercise.
For confident dogs who enjoy problem-solving
Consider:
- an easy puzzle feeder
- KONG fillings of gradually increasing difficulty
- snuffle searches
- toy-finding games
Do not keep increasing difficulty automatically.
Repeating an enjoyable game is fine.
For dogs who struggle to settle
Begin with calm, familiar activities such as:
- a simple lick mat
- an easy food toy
- a small snuffle search
- a slower sniff walk
Do not assume that every restless dog needs more stimulation.
Read Is Your Dog Hyperactive, Overstimulated, Bored or Overtired?.
Simple enrichment starter kits
These are not fixed bundles.
They are simple combinations based on different needs.
The basic home enrichment kit
- KONG Classic
- LickiMat
- an old towel
- a clean cardboard box
This gives you food stuffing, licking, searching and homemade options.
The sniffing kit
- Snuffle mat
- Silicone treat pouch
- dry food or suitable treats
- a clean towel
Use it for scatter feeding, “find it” and short scent trails.
The enrichment-walk kit
- a secure harness
- waterproof long line
- silicone treat pouch
- small suitable rewards
- water when needed
Use the long line only in suitable open spaces and away from roads.
The rescue-dog starter kit
- LickiMat
- KONG Classic
- silicone treat pouch
- familiar food
- patience
Do not present every product on the first day.
The rainy-day kit
- snuffle mat
- beginner puzzle feeder
- KONG Classic
- cardboard boxes
- a towel
Your dog does not need to use all of them on the same day.
Using food without overfeeding
Food delivered through an enrichment toy still contains calories.
Where possible, use:
- part of breakfast
- part of dinner
- normal kibble
- the dog’s usual wet food
- small portions of familiar treats
Avoid adding a filled KONG, lick mat, chew, or training treats on top of the dog’s normal meals without making any adjustments.
Keep track of what you use.
This is particularly important for:
- puppies
- senior dogs
- dogs on restricted exercise
- dogs needing weight management
- dogs with medical diets
Speak to your vet before changing your dog’s food if they have allergies, pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney problems, digestive conditions, or other dietary needs.
Cleaning and checking enrichment toys
Food toys need regular cleaning.
Old food can become trapped in grooves, corners and hollow spaces.
After use:
- remove leftover food
- follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions
- allow the product to dry fully
- inspect seams and edges
- check rubber for cracks
- look for missing pieces
- examine fabric for loose threads
- store the product away from your dog
Replace damaged equipment.
Do not keep using a toy because it was expensive.
Read my cleaning toys guide
When a free activity is better
Buying a product is not always the best answer.
Use something free when:
- your dog finds manufactured puzzles frustrating
- they prefer sniffing outside
- you are still discovering what they enjoy
- money is tight
- your dog destroys products quickly
- you want to keep the activity very easy
Free enrichment ideas include:
- scatter feeding
- cardboard-box searches
- food on a flat towel
- hiding a familiar toy
- short reward-based training
- sniffing on a walk
- choosing between two safe objects
- quiet time in the garden
The products on this page are tools.
They are not a requirement for being a good dog owner.
How I use enrichment tools during professional care
I do not arrive with a bag of puzzles that every dog must complete.
I consider:
- what the owner has approved
- the dog’s diet
- food allergies
- guarding history
- chewing style
- age
- health
- mobility
- body language
- what has already happened that day
- whether the dog needs activity or rest
During a walk, I am most likely to use:
- a treat pouch
- small rewards
- a suitable long line
- the environment itself
At home, I may use an agreed food toy or simple scent activity.
Sometimes the most appropriate enrichment is allowing a dog to sniff slowly.
Sometimes it is calm company.
Sometimes it is leaving them to sleep.
You can read about my solo dog walks in Finchley and Muswell Hill and canine enrichment visits in Finchley.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dog enrichment toy?
For versatility, I would usually begin with a correctly sized KONG or similar food-stuffable toy.
It can be kept simple, used as part of a meal, and adapted as your dog gains experience.
What three enrichment products should I buy first?
I would choose:
- A KONG
- A treat pouch
- Either a lick mat or snuffle mat
That gives you feeding, training and scent or licking activities without buying too much.
Are expensive puzzle toys better?
No.
A higher price or difficulty level does not guarantee that the product will suit your dog.
Simple, achievable activities are often more useful.
Are lick mats safe?
They can be safe when correctly sized, supervised and removed after use.
They are unsuitable for dogs who bite or swallow the material.
Are snuffle mats safe?
They can be useful for supervised food searches.
Do not leave one with a dog who pulls fabric out or swallows material.
Should I freeze a KONG?
Begin with loose or easy-to-reach food.
Freeze it only when your dog already understands and enjoys the toy.
Are puzzle feeders suitable for every dog?
No.
Some dogs become frustrated, guard the puzzle or find moving parts worrying.
Start with the easiest setting.
Can dogs share enrichment toys?
I recommend giving food toys to dogs in separate spaces.
Sharing can create competition and resource guarding.
Can I leave enrichment toys with my dog when I go out?
Assess each product and your dog’s behaviour carefully first.
Fabric mats, cardboard activities and complicated puzzles generally need supervision.
A toy will not treat separation anxiety.
Is a treat pouch really an enrichment tool?
It supports reward-based training, scent games, recall and calm choices.
I use one on every professional walk.
Should I use a retractable lead for enrichment walks?
I prefer a fixed long line attached to a suitable harness.
A long line provides space to explore without the spring mechanism and thin cord found in retractable leads.
Can enrichment replace a walk?
It can replace an individual walk when the weather, health or veterinary advice makes walking unsuitable.
It does not permanently replace all safe movement, outdoor exploration and toilet opportunities.
What if my dog ignores the toy?
Make it easier.
Use familiar food.
Let them watch you fill it.
And accept that they may prefer a different type of enrichment.
What if my dog becomes frustrated?
Open the compartments, reveal the food or stop the activity.
Your dog does not need to complete the puzzle.
Do I need to buy enrichment toys?
No.
Many useful activities need no special equipment.
Products simply make some activities easier and more convenient.
Related enrichment and product guides
- The Practical Dog Enrichment Guide
- Indoor Brain Games for Dogs
- Dog Enrichment Safety
- Best Enrichment Toys for Rescue Dogs
- Complete Guide to KONG Toys
- Ditch the Bowl at Mealtimes
- Low-Pressure Enrichment for Nervous and Rescue Dogs
- Gentle Brain Games for Senior Dogs
- Retractable Leads Versus Long Lines
- Dog and Pet Products I Use and Recommend
Final thoughts
The best enrichment product is not the most expensive or complicated one.
It is the one your dog can use safely and comfortably.
Start with a simple tool.
Keep the activity easy.
Supervise your dog.
Use food from their normal allowance where possible.
And pay attention to what they actually enjoy.
For many dogs, a KONG, lick mat, snuffle mat and treat pouch will provide more than enough variety.
The rest can come from cardboard boxes, towels, sniff walks, short training sessions and time with you.
Buy slowly.
Use each product properly.
And do not be afraid to put a toy away when it creates more frustration than enjoyment.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general dog-care and product information. It is not a substitute for veterinary or qualified behavioural advice. Choose products according to your dog’s size, health, diet and behaviour. Supervise new equipment and contact your vet immediately if your dog swallows part of a toy or appears unwell.
| Enrichment Type | What It Helps With |
|---|---|
| Lick mats | Calming anxious dogs |
| Snuffle mats | Encouraging natural sniffing |
| Puzzle feeders | Mental stimulation |
| Natural chews | Relaxation and boredom relief |
| Sniff walks | Reducing stress |
