Which dog enrichment toy is worth buying? My practical comparison of food toys, lick mats, snuffle mats, puzzle feeders and interactive games.
If you’ve ever searched for dog enrichment toys online, you’ll know there is no shortage of choice.
KONGs, lick mats, snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing balls, interactive toys and all sorts of clever-looking gadgets.
Some are genuinely useful. Others are more complicated than the dog needs.
I’ve worked professionally with dogs around Finchley and North London since 2011, and enrichment forms an important part of my calm, one-to-one approach.
What I’ve learnt is that the most expensive toy is rarely automatically the best.
Some dogs love searching for food. Others prefer licking, chewing, playing tug or simply investigating the world around them.
And some are perfectly happy with a few pieces of kibble scattered across a clean floor.
The best dog enrichment toy is one that suits your dog’s individual needs, encourages an enjoyable natural behaviour and can be used safely.
In this guide, I’ll compare the main types of enrichment toys, explain their advantages and disadvantages, and share some of the products I use or recommend.
I’ll also explain when I wouldn’t buy a particular toy.
If you’re looking for activities rather than products, my Practical Dog Enrichment Guide is the place to start.
Affiliate disclosure
This guide contains affiliate links and advertising recommendations.
If you buy through a qualifying link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I also work with selected affiliate partners, including Tug-E-Nuff, and may include approved Zooplus affiliate links.
My recommendations are based on practical usefulness, welfare suitability and my professional experience. I will distinguish products I have used personally from other options worth considering.
I do not recommend a product simply because it pays a commission. Prices, sizes, specifications and availability can change, so please check the exact listing before ordering.
Veterinary and welfare disclaimer
I am a professional dog walker and pet sitter with canine first-aid training, not a veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse or clinical animal behaviourist.
This guide provides general product and enrichment information. It does not replace veterinary advice, individual dietary guidance or qualified behaviour support.
If your dog has dental problems, food allergies, swallowing difficulties, mobility problems, a history of intestinal obstruction or a medical condition, check with your vet before introducing unfamiliar enrichment equipment.
Enrichment toys cannot diagnose or cure anxiety, aggression, reactivity, separation-related distress or medical problems.
Quick comparison: Which dog enrichment toy is best?
Not all enrichment toys serve the same purpose.
| Toy | Best for | Main advantage | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Classic | Stuffable food activities and suitable chewing | Very versatile and can be made easy or more challenging | Correct size, rubber type and chewing safety matter |
| LickiMat | Licking suitable soft food | Simple activity with little problem-solving required | Dogs may chew or swallow mat material |
| Snuffle mat | Sniffing and foraging | Encourages natural searching behaviour | Fabric can be torn or swallowed |
| Beginner puzzle feeder | Dogs who enjoy investigating and problem-solving | Offers an adjustable learning challenge | Can frustrate dogs if too difficult |
| Interactive tug toy | Dogs who enjoy shared play | Builds enjoyable interaction without needing food | Requires active participation and suitable handling |
My usual starting point for a healthy adult dog would be a correctly sized food-stuffable toy, such as a KONG, followed by a simple sniffing or licking activity chosen according to the dog’s preferences.
However, that isn’t a universal recommendation.
A dog who tends to destroy rubber toys may be better suited to a supervised food scatter. A dog with painful teeth may need something gentler. A nervous dog might not want to investigate a new toy at all.
Let’s look at the options.
1. KONG Classic: Best all-round food enrichment toy
My recommendation for versatility
The red KONG Classic is one of the best-known dog enrichment toys, and for good reason.
It is a hollow rubber toy that can be filled with appropriate food.
Depending on the filling and your dog’s preferences, it can encourage licking, suitable chewing and working food out of the opening.
What I like is that the difficulty is easy to change.
For a beginner, you can put a few pieces of normal kibble inside and allow them to fall out relatively easily.
For a dog who already understands the activity, you can use a suitable soft filling or a combination of familiar foods.
Why I recommend it
- It can be used with some of the dog’s normal daily food.
- It offers different ways to present food.
- The activity can be adapted as the dog gains confidence.
- Different KONG rubber formulas are available for different chewing styles.
- It is generally straightforward to wash when the correct cleaning instructions are followed.
What I don’t like
The biggest mistake I see is making the activity too difficult.
A dog who has never used a KONG doesn’t need one packed tightly with food and frozen solid.
Some will become frustrated, lose interest or bite excessively at the toy.
Choosing the wrong size or rubber type can also create a safety risk.
Which KONG should you buy?
KONG currently offers several rubber types:
| Type | Intended use |
|---|---|
| Red KONG Classic | Average adult chewers |
| Pink/blue KONG Puppy | Puppies and developing teeth |
| Black KONG Extreme | More powerful chewers |
| Purple KONG Senior | Older dogs needing a softer rubber option |
Always check the manufacturer’s current size and weight guidance, as well as your dog’s mouth size and chewing style.
KONG advises choosing the larger size when uncertain.
My established product recommendation:
View KONG Classic Medium on Amazon UK
Zooplus alternative:
If you’re unsure which colour or size to choose, read my Complete KONG Buying and Safety Guide.
You can also consult the official KONG size and toy-selection guidance.
My verdict: A versatile first purchase for many dogs who enjoy working with food, provided the rubber formula, size and use are appropriate.
2. LickiMat Tuff Soother Pro: Best for simple licking activities
My recommendation for dogs who enjoy licking
A LickiMat provides a textured surface where you can spread a thin layer of suitable soft food.
Unlike a puzzle feeder, the dog doesn’t need to work out how to move parts or open compartments.
For some dogs, that makes licking activities easier to understand.
I like using familiar food wherever possible.
A little of the dog’s normal wet food or suitably softened kibble may be all that’s needed.
Why I like lick mats
- They are straightforward to introduce.
- They can make part of an ordinary meal more interesting.
- They offer a different eating experience from a bowl.
- They can be useful during supervised indoor enrichment.
- They may suit some dogs who find moving puzzles difficult.
What I don’t like
Despite claims sometimes made in advertising, licking isn’t guaranteed to calm every dog.
Some become frustrated when the food is difficult to reach.
Others chew the edges or attempt to pull the mat apart.
A lick mat is not a chew toy, and ‘Tuff’ does not mean indestructible.
Which LickiMat do I recommend?
My existing affiliate recommendation is the LickiMat Tuff Soother Pro.
It is important to distinguish this from the standard LickiMat Classic, because the products have different designs and constructions.
View LickiMat Tuff Soother Pro on Amazon UK
A cheaper alternative
Before buying, you could try offering a small amount of suitable soft food from a clean, shallow dish.
If your dog enjoys licking and you want a more textured activity, a lick mat may be worth considering.
If they chew rubber or silicone, I would be cautious about purchasing one at all.
For food suggestions, supervision and common mistakes, read my Complete Guide to Lick Mats for Dogs.
My verdict: A practical option for dogs who enjoy licking without needing a complicated challenge. Less suitable for dogs who chew or ingest mat material.
3. Snuffle mats: Best for sniffing and food searching
My recommendation for natural foraging
Snuffle mats are one of the simplest enrichment products available.
They usually contain strips or folds of fabric where small pieces of suitable food can be hidden.
The dog uses their nose to find the food.
I particularly like activities that encourage dogs to sniff because smell is such an important part of how they experience the world.
During walks around Finchley, Coldfall Wood and Highgate Woods, I regularly see how much interest a dog can find in a small patch of grass.
A snuffle mat brings a little of that searching experience indoors.
Why I like snuffle mats
- They encourage scent-based searching.
- They work well with suitable dry kibble.
- They can be introduced very easily.
- They require little physical exertion when positioned comfortably.
- They can provide an alternative to more complicated food puzzles.
What I don’t like
Some dogs don’t sniff through the mat.
They pick it up, shake it or start pulling out the fabric.
That can turn a perfectly good idea into a swallowing hazard.
Dense mats can also be difficult to clean thoroughly.
My product recommendation
The OSDUE snuffle mat is one option from my existing affiliate collection.
View OSDUE Dog Snuffle Mat on Amazon UK
Zooplus alternative
Zooplus also has a range of sniffing and licking products, including Trixie activity mats.
View Trixie Activity mats on Zooplus
How I would introduce one
For the first attempt, I would place a few pieces of the dog’s normal dry food on top of the fabric.
Let the dog find them.
Only hide food a little deeper when the dog understands the activity and seems comfortable.
There is no need to make it harder every day.
If your dog starts pulling out fabric, remove the mat and choose another activity.
For the complete explanation, read my Snuffle Mats for Dogs: Uses, Benefits, Safety and Buying Guide.
My verdict: A useful option for dogs who enjoy food searches and don’t destroy fabric. For some dogs, a simple food scatter is an equally good starting point.
4. Beginner dog puzzle feeders: Best for gentle problem-solving
My recommendation for dogs who enjoy figuring things out
Puzzle feeders are popular because they encourage dogs to investigate how food can be reached.
Some involve moving sliding compartments, lifting covers or nudging pieces out of the way.
They can be enjoyable for dogs who like this sort of activity.
But I often see owners make the mistake of assuming that the most complicated puzzle must be the most enriching.
It isn’t.
Why I like beginner puzzles
- They can encourage investigation and problem-solving.
- They provide variety for dogs who enjoy learning.
- Some designs can be introduced at a very easy level.
- They offer a different activity from licking or searching.
- They can be used with suitable portions of ordinary food.
What I don’t like
A difficult puzzle can become an exercise in frustration rather than enjoyment.
Signs that the activity may be too hard include a dog repeatedly barking at the puzzle, biting its edges, pawing frantically or walking away.
Some puzzles also contain smaller parts, covers or fittings that require careful inspection.
Nina Ottosson Level 1 puzzle
My existing recommendation is a beginner-level Nina Ottosson puzzle.
I would start by making the food very easy to access, then only introduce additional movement or difficulty if the dog enjoys it.
View Nina Ottosson Level 1 Dog Puzzle on Amazon UK
Who might enjoy a puzzle feeder?
I would be more inclined to suggest one for a dog who already enjoys easy food searches and investigating objects.
I would be less inclined to start here with a newly adopted nervous dog or a dog who becomes quickly frustrated.
For general enrichment activities, including low-cost alternatives, Dogs Trust has practical advice.
My verdict: Worth considering for dogs who enjoy solving problems, but not necessarily the best first enrichment toy for every dog.
5. Tug-E-Nuff interactive toys: Best for enrichment with your dog
My recommendation for dogs who enjoy shared play
So far, we’ve looked mainly at food-based enrichment.
But not every activity needs to involve eating.
Some dogs are much more enthusiastic about chasing, grabbing and playing with a favourite toy.
I enjoy interactive tug games because they allow the dog and owner to do something together.
A suitable tug toy can also become a valuable reward during training.
Why I like interactive toys
- They provide an alternative to food rewards.
- They encourage enjoyable interaction.
- They can be used in short, adaptable games.
- They may support confidence when introduced appropriately.
- They give toy-motivated dogs an opportunity to chase, grab and play.
Why I recommend Tug-E-Nuff
Tug-E-Nuff makes a range of interactive training toys.
I particularly like products designed to give the dog a clear area to grip while providing a practical handle for the person playing.
The important thing is choosing a suitable toy and playing in a way the dog enjoys.
I don’t believe tug needs to be a competition where the human always wins.
Letting a dog win occasionally is part of the fun.
What I don’t like
Tug isn’t a passive activity.
You need to participate, keep the game safe and stop before either participant becomes uncomfortable.
Tug toys should not be left out as unsupervised chew toys.
Be careful with puppies, older dogs, and animals with neck, jaw, back, or mobility problems.
Explore Tug-E-Nuff Interactive Dog Toys
For practical instructions, read my How to Play Tug With Your Dog Safely.
My verdict: A particularly useful enrichment choice for dogs who enjoy shared play, and a good reminder that enrichment doesn’t always need food.
6. KONG vs LickiMat: Which would I buy?
Owners often consider these two products together.
My choice would depend on what the dog already enjoys.
| Question | KONG Classic | LickiMat |
|---|---|---|
| Main activity | Extracting food, licking and suitable chewing | Licking soft food |
| Food | Kibble and suitable soft fillings | Suitable soft or spreadable food |
| Difficulty | Can range from easy to quite challenging | Usually simple, depending on filling and design |
| For dogs who chew equipment | Appropriate rubber formula may be an option, with supervision | Avoid if the dog tears or swallows mat material |
| Cleaning | Need to clean the hollow interior | Need to clean the textured surface |
| First-time use | Begin loosely filled | Begin with a very thin layer |
| Main buying concern | Size, rubber strength and suitability | Material, durability and chewing behaviour |
My preference
If I wanted one versatile food toy for a suitable adult dog, I would generally start by considering a KONG.
If the dog particularly enjoys licking and doesn’t chew mats, a LickiMat could be a worthwhile alternative.
Neither is automatically better.
Both require appropriate food, supervision and cleaning.
7. Snuffle mat vs puzzle feeder: Which is better?
A snuffle mat and a puzzle feeder can look like two versions of the same activity, but they ask the dog to do different things.
A snuffle mat is mainly about finding food through scent.
A puzzle feeder may require the dog to learn how to move an object or operate a simple mechanism.
I would consider a snuffle mat when:
- The dog already enjoys searching for food.
- I want a straightforward indoor sniffing activity.
- The dog is comfortable around fabric.
- I want a relatively easy activity that doesn’t require operating moving parts.
I would consider a puzzle feeder when:
- The dog is confident investigating objects.
- They already understand easy food-search activities.
- They enjoy manipulating items to access rewards.
- The puzzle has a suitable beginner setting.
For a worried or easily frustrated dog, I would probably start with a simple visible food search before either product.
8. Which enrichment toy should I choose for my dog?
The individual dog matters far more than the product’s marketing description.
| Dog or situation | Possible starting point | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | Easy food-stuffable puppy toy or gentle food scatter | Appropriate size, chewing, fatigue and short attention span |
| Nervous rescue dog | Familiar food search or optional simple licking activity | Choice, comfort and avoidance |
| Adult dog who enjoys chewing | Appropriately sized KONG in the suitable rubber range | Damage and swallowing risk |
| Dog who loves using their nose | Snuffle mat or free scent-search game | Fabric chewing and frustration |
| Confident problem-solver | Beginner puzzle feeder | Excessive difficulty or detachable parts |
| Toy-motivated dog | Interactive tug toy | Physical suitability and arousal |
| Senior dog | Comfortable, accessible licking or searching | Dental pain, arthritis and posture |
| Dog on restricted exercise | Vet-approved gentle food enrichment | Twisting, jumping and unnecessary exertion |
| Dog who guards food or toys | Individually managed activity, if appropriate | Safety around people and other animals |
Nervous and rescue dogs
I wouldn’t introduce a new enrichment toy simply because I wanted the dog to be brave.
If a dog is worried, I would start with a predictable activity in a familiar place and allow them to choose whether to participate.
My Rescue Dog Support Guide explains this approach in more detail.
Puppies
Puppies need age-appropriate exploration, rest and short positive learning experiences.
They don’t need increasingly difficult puzzles or constant entertainment.
For new owners, my Bringing a Puppy Home Guide covers preparation and early routines.
Senior dogs
Older dogs may still enjoy familiar activities, even if their mobility or stamina changes.
However, neck discomfort, arthritis, dental pain and other health problems can affect what is comfortable.
Place equipment where the dog can reach it safely and consult your vet if you’re concerned.
Dogs recovering from injury or surgery
A food toy isn’t automatically suitable simply because the activity happens indoors.
Dogs can still twist, jump, paw and become excited.
Follow the veterinary exercise restrictions and ask what kinds of enrichment are appropriate.
9. My recommended dog enrichment starter kit
If I were putting together a basic enrichment selection for a dog whose preferences I didn’t yet know, I wouldn’t buy every product on this page.
I would begin with:
- One appropriately sized food-stuffable toy, if suitable.
- One simple sniffing or licking option chosen according to the dog’s interests.
- Some of the dog’s normal food.
- A clean towel for a supervised food-search game.
- A suitable treat pouch if we were using rewards during walks and training.
That’s more than enough to discover which activities the dog enjoys.
An optional silicone treat pouch
I find a washable silicone treat pouch particularly practical during professional dog walks.
It keeps small food rewards accessible during recall games, scent searches and other positive interactions.
View Silicone Dog Training Treat Pouch on Amazon UK
An optional long line for outdoor enrichment
Outdoor exploration is an important form of enrichment too.
A suitable long line attached to a secure harness can allow a dog greater opportunities to sniff and explore in appropriate, safe locations.
View Waterproof Dog Long Line on Amazon UK
Alternatives can be found on Zooplus
This is a rubber-coated waterproof line, not genuine BioThane.
Long lines need proper handling. I would not use one on a busy pavement, beside a road or anywhere it could entangle people or other animals.
A long line isn’t necessary for every dog, and it certainly isn’t a toy.
10. Enrichment on a budget: Three activities that cost almost nothing
You don’t have to buy specialist equipment to give your dog meaningful enrichment.
The easy food scatter
Place a few pieces of your dog’s usual food on a clean, safe surface.
Allow them to find the pieces at their own pace.
This is an easy introduction to searching.
The loose towel game
Spread a few pieces of suitable dry food across a clean towel.
Fold part of the towel loosely over the food and let your dog investigate.
Supervise throughout and avoid this activity if the dog may chew or swallow fabric.
Hide a favourite toy
For dogs who enjoy searching for toys, hide a familiar item somewhere easy and encourage them to find it.
Begin with something obvious.
The dog doesn’t need to solve a complicated problem for the activity to be enjoyable.
For more free ideas, explore my Dog Enrichment Guide.
11. How much food should I put in enrichment toys?
Food-based enrichment is useful, but it is still food.
A stuffed KONG, lick mat and snuffle mat can all contribute to your dog’s daily energy intake.
If your dog uses several food toys throughout the day, those portions can add up.
I prefer using part of the dog’s normal food allowance wherever practical.
That might mean feeding some breakfast in a KONG or using part of the evening meal in a supervised searching activity.
If you use extra treats, adjust the overall diet accordingly.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s guidance on dog treats recommends that treats should generally provide no more than 10% of daily calories.
For individual dietary requirements, speak to your veterinary team.
You can also read my Dog Food and Nutrition Hub and Best Dog Training Treats UK buying guide.
12. Enrichment toy safety: What I check before use
Even a highly rated toy can be unsuitable for an individual dog.
Before introducing something new, I consider:
- Whether it is the correct size for the dog.
- Whether the material suits their chewing habits.
- Whether any pieces could detach or be swallowed.
- Whether the dog understands the activity.
- Whether the activity creates frustration.
- Whether it is comfortable for the dog’s age and health.
- Whether it can be cleaned properly.
- Whether the dog can safely use it in that particular environment.
Products I avoid
My general approach excludes aversive training equipment, including prong, choke and electronic collars.
I also don’t recommend rawhide chews, excessively hard chews or damaged toys.
I avoid complicated puzzle equipment that repeatedly frustrates the dog and toys that present foreseeable choking or swallowing risks.
For detailed advice, read my How to Choose Safe Dog Toys Guide.
Watch for resource guarding
If your dog becomes worried about somebody approaching their food or toys, don’t repeatedly take the item away to test their response.
Give dogs space to enjoy their enrichment safely.
In homes with several dogs, I would normally provide food-filled activities in separate areas, especially where there’s any history of guarding or tension.
Dogs Trust provides guidance on resource guarding involving food and toys.
Cleaning and maintenance
Clean food toys according to the manufacturer’s instructions after use.
Check hollow toys and textured mats for trapped food.
Let items dry properly, then inspect for cracking, loose fabric, damaged seams, or missing pieces.
Replace unsafe equipment rather than trying to make a worn-out toy last a little longer.
13. Frequently asked questions about dog enrichment toys
What is the best dog enrichment toy overall?
For many dogs who enjoy food activities, a correctly sized KONG Classic is a versatile starting point.
However, a snuffle mat, lick mat, puzzle feeder or interactive tug toy may be more suitable depending on the dog’s preferences, health and play style.
Is a KONG better than a LickiMat?
Neither is automatically better.
A KONG offers food extraction, licking and suitable chewing. A LickiMat provides a more straightforward licking surface.
Choose according to what your dog enjoys and can use safely.
Are snuffle mats good for anxious dogs?
Some nervous dogs enjoy easy scent searches, but others may be uncomfortable with unfamiliar fabric or objects.
A snuffle mat does not treat anxiety. Keep the activity easy and allow the dog to choose whether to participate.
Are expensive puzzle toys worth the money?
Sometimes, for a dog who genuinely enjoys manipulating objects and solving problems.
But an expensive puzzle is poor value if the dog is frightened, frustrated or uninterested.
A simple supervised food search may be more enjoyable.
Do enrichment toys really tire dogs out?
Enrichment can provide meaningful mental and sensory activity. Some dogs become more settled afterwards, while others become excited or frustrated.
The aim isn’t to exhaust your dog.
A balanced day includes suitable exercise, opportunities to explore, social interaction, choice and rest.
Can I leave my dog alone with a KONG or lick mat?
Don’t assume an enrichment product is safe without supervision.
Introduce it while present, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and assess the individual dog’s chewing and swallowing behaviour.
Never leave damaged equipment or potentially swallowable pieces accessible.
Which toy is best for a puppy?
A suitably sized Puppy KONG or a simple supervised food-search activity may be a good starting point.
Choose based on age, chewing habits, and the puppy’s normal diet.
Puppies need plenty of sleep and should not be encouraged to play continuously.
Which enrichment toy should I buy for a dog who destroys everything?
I would be cautious about buying another toy simply because it is advertised as ‘indestructible’.
Consider safer supervised activities, appropriate equipment and whether the dog needs more suitable outlets for chewing, searching or other natural behaviours.
Speak to your vet if destructive chewing is sudden, extreme or accompanied by signs of distress.
Should I buy several enrichment toys at once?
I wouldn’t.
Start with one appropriate option, see whether your dog enjoys it, then consider another activity that provides something different.
You may find that a food toy and a few simple scent games are all you need.
14. Need help with enrichment and confidence building?
Buying the toy is only part of the picture.
Knowing how to introduce an activity, adjust it and recognise when a dog isn’t comfortable can make an enormous difference.
As part of Finchley Dog Walker, I provide one-to-one dog training support in Finchley.
My approach includes reward-based learning, confidence building, simple games, practical skills and giving dogs suitable opportunities to use their natural behaviours.
I work at the individual dog’s pace and don’t use aversive equipment or force.
For dogs needing more specialist behavioural support, I recommend seeking appropriately qualified help.
You can also explore my Dog Training Hub or contact me to discuss suitable support.
15. More recommended products and enrichment guides
If you’re planning to buy dog equipment, these guides can help you make an informed decision:
- Recommended Dog and Pet Products
- KONG Toys: Sizes, Types, Fillings and Safety
- Lick Mats for Dogs: Complete Guide
- Snuffle Mats for Dogs
- How to Play Tug Safely
- Safe Dog Toys and When to Replace Them
For independent advice, I also recommend:
- Dogs Trust: Enrichment Activities for Dogs
- Blue Cross: Enrichment for Dogs
- Guide Dogs: Dog Enrichment Ideas
My final recommendation
If somebody asked me to recommend an entire cupboard of enrichment equipment, I’d probably suggest starting with something much smaller.
One appropriate food toy.
One simple searching or licking activity.
A favourite interactive toy, if the dog enjoys playing together.
And enough time to watch what actually makes that dog happy.
Some dogs love puzzles.
Some love sniffing.
Some would spend all afternoon investigating a cardboard box.
The important part isn’t owning the most enrichment toys.
It’s offering your dog activities they can safely enjoy.
And sometimes, the best enrichment is still a quiet sniff around the local woods, followed by a decent sleep.
First published: 25 December 2020
Substantially updated: [24th October 2026
