If you’re looking for the best in enrichment toys and treats, there are plenty to choose from in multiple categories, depending on your dog’s needs and play style. Some are great for keeping them busy so you can tackle your to-do list in peace, and others are meant to test their recall and provide a challenge, which dogs love. Whatever your dog’s needs are, you’ll likely find a toy or treat out there that is perfect for their personality. I wanted to share some of my favorites that are both popular and practical:
Treat Puzzles
Treat puzzles are a fun way to keep your dog engaged, help them play detective, and get rewarded for a job well done! One of my favorites is the Outward Hound Brick Treat Puzzle Toy, which comes highly recommended by thousands of dog parents. It features multiple trap doors, sliders, and hidden compartments to store small treats that your dog can enjoy. This one is especially great because you can hide each treat in a new spot every time, so it’ll keep your dog guessing and less likely to get bored. If you have a dog that needs a good dose of mental stimulation, the Outward Hound puzzle toys will do the trick!
Cold Comfort
In the warmer months, there’s nothing like a cool and tasty treat to keep your pup busy and beat the heat. Kongs are the OG treats that provide a tasty way to play, keeping your dog busy until they feel they’ve cleaned out every speck of cold peanut butter or cheese, also providing a built-in chewing source for teeth cleaning. If you’re looking for something a little newer in the cold treat world, Woof Pet, Inc. has their rubber ball-like Pupsicle, which you can fill with your own frozen dog-friendly ingredients or choose from their line of treat mixes, which can be combined with water and frozen into a ball shape that you place in the middle, promising dogs (and busy parents) 20+ minutes of uninterrupted play time. They offer an innovative variety of treat mixes, from doggy dental health to calming mixes for stressful times. You can get the Pupsicle online or at most pet stores nationwide.
Foraging Fido
Another enrichment tool becoming more popular with dog parents is the foraging mat, sometimes called a Snuffle mat. They make it possible for fast eaters and energetic dogs to slow down and stimulate their natural instincts for foraging, as a dog would do in the wild. They provide mental stimulation and can make for happier tummies at mealtime, keeping dogs from gorging on their food all at once. There are several options out there when it comes to foraging mats with varying materials and textures, creating a fun and rewarding experience for all dogs. Snuffle balls are also a fun and interactive way to let them play and keep them busy between meals.
Mutts in Motion
Motion-activated toys for dogs are becoming quite popular and offer a fun and interactive way to play. Motion balls with small chew ropes and LED lights are especially fun for herding dogs who love the thrill of the chase! They’re great for active dogs and those who could use additional exercise, since they keep dogs guessing which direction to go and offer different speeds to satisfy any dog’s activity level.
Lick Mats
Lick mats are a fun and inexpensive way to keep your dog entertained whether you’re at home or away. They’re usually made from silicone and are easily washable. You can use them as an add-on to meals or keep them frozen on hand as a separate treat and dogs absolutely love them! They can also be a good distraction if you have multiple dogs and one happens to be more food aggressive. Chewy and other pet suppliers carry lick mats, so they’re easy to find and a great budget-friendly option for enhancing enrichment and helping dogs stay calm and focused.
Whichever enrichment methods and tools you choose, you’re doing more than just entertaining them. You’re helping your dog build a sense of confidence, gaining their trust (especially important for rescues), presenting a challenge, and rewarding them with positive reinforcement when they show good behavior. This can create stronger bonds between you and your pet, leading to a happier, healthier life for both of you.
