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What Are the Best Dog Enrichment Toys?
- Best Overall Dog Enrichment Toys: Dr. Catch Enrichment Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder Toys
This slow feeder puzzle game provides dogs with mental stimulation and a fun exercise to earn their food. - Best Dog Enrichment Toys for Dental Health: babaZone Total Enrichment & Fun – Interactive Toys and Puzzles for Dog
This variety pack features an array of items like a snuffle mat and a treat dispenser, as well as a dental toy that is fantastic at keeping teeth clean. - Best Eco-Friendly Dog Enrichment Toys: PET ARENA Adjustable Enrichment Pet Foraging mat for Smell Training and Slow Eating
This slow feeder is made with eco-friendly and sustainably made fleece and oxford cloth. - Best Interactive Dog Enrichment Toys: Petsta Dog EnrichmentToys for IQ Training and Brain Stimulation
There are three puzzles in one in this slow feeder, and it encourages the use of a lot of brainpower to complete. - Best Puzzle Dog Enrichment Toys: Udofine Dog Puzzle Enrichment Toys with Suction Cup
Licking mats are a great way for your doggie to relieve stress, and these mats can be filled with peanut butter and frozen for an extra flare. - Best Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toys: HIPPIH Dog Enrichment Toys for Chewing
These treat-dispensing toy balls offer dogs an enrichment puzzle they can play fetch with. - Best Unique Dog Enrichment Toys: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy
This wobble treat dispensing toy adds a bit of a challenge to playtime as it remains upright, and dogs have to learn to get treats out of it.
- This interactive puppy puzzle toy is a fun companion for puppies and cats, providing stress relief for dogs.
- This slow feeder encourages pets to eat at a slower speed to help the dog digest.
- Perfect for exercising your dog's brain, meeting their instinctual needs, and training their sense of smell.
What’s an Enrichment Toy for Dogs?
Dog enrichment toys are interactive dog toys that provide mental stimulation and encourage healthy cognition. They can range from squeakers and dog puzzle toys to treat dispensers and chew toys.
Dog enrichment toys often provide environmental and mental enrichment by making the dog work for a reward, often dog treats or kibble hidden inside the toy. This kind of mental work can make dog training easier, and toys like this are available for dogs of all skill levels.
Are Enrichment Toys Good for Dogs?
Yes, dog enrichment toys are good.
In fact, they are often recommended for high-energy dogs and fast eaters. Here are some benefits of providing dog enrichment toys.
- Mental Stimulation: Enriching a dog’s brain will help to make them a fully functional and confident dog. They learn to solve problems and work for things when playing with enrichment toys which helps to build their self-esteem each time they solve a problem and receive the reward.
- Dental Health: Dog chew toys, like Kongs, hide treats and encourage healthy chewing and biting on the toy. This type of chewing can help remove plaque and strengthen the gums as the toy rubs against them.
- Nosing Skills: Certain types of enrichment toys, like snuffle mats, help dogs learn to use their nose efficiently. These toys hide treats and food that the dog is forced to find by smelling around to pinpoint the exact location of the treat.
- Problem Solving: Toys like this offer the dog a problem that, if it is solved, will give them a reward. This encouragement to find a solution to a problem forces the dog’s brain to work hard and in different ways, forming a stronger thought process in the meantime.
- Stress Reduction: Mental processes use a lot of energy for focus and cognition. This level of exertion means a dog will have less energy which can manifest into stress and anxiety, thus reducing the levels of stress your dog experiences.
The Best Dog Enrichment Toys Reviewed
Dog enrichment toys come in different shapes and designs. To help pet owners find the right product, we have reviewed the best dog enrichment toys on the market.
Price: $11.99
Toy Type: Dog enrichment toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: Put treats inside the compartment and place it in a room where the dog has plenty of space to maneuver around the toy. You may have to show them how to get to the treats before they are able to understand the game.
Material: Plastic
Summary: As far as puzzle dog toys go, you can’t go wrong with this toy from Dr. Catch. The small storage compartments can close to hide food or treats from your dog. This forces them to think about how to get to the food, which increases their ability to problem-solve.
The plastic is safe, non-toxic, and scratch resistant to protect it against the claws and teeth of a dog. It is suitable for cats and is available in several varieties. Each one provides different mental stimulation, so it is not a bad idea to stock up on multiple styles.
- The puzzle aspect helps to improve cognitive function
- Slows down eating
- Can be used with treats or dog food
- Helps to prevent obesity by forcing the dog to work for its food
- Enriches your dog’s eating experience
- The slides can pop off
Customer Reviews: Reviews were a bit mixed with this product. Most rated it highly, but almost 10% of ratings were one and two stars. People seemed to enjoy watching their dog work at getting their food from the puzzle feeder and said it has helped them slow down eating and eat less as a result.
Other customers complain that the holes are too small for their pet to reach the food with their paw or that their dog was injured by it.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Dr. Catch Enrichment Dogs Food Puzzle Feeder Toys an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (8/10): The puzzle feeder increases a dog’s thinking ability, but the covers that slide over the food can pop off with firm pawing.
- Material Quality (8/10): The overall quality is high, and the plastic is strong and durable. The covers do not always stay on, though.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): Many standard food bowls cost significantly more than this puzzle feeder, thus being more affordable than most dog enrichment toys.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): Over 8,000 people have left reviews on this puzzle feeder, and this gives it a fairly high average rating of 4.4 stars.
- Product Variety (10/10): This item is available in several styles and can be used with various types of dog food.
Price: $35.99
Toy Type: Dog enrichment toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: Put dog treats inside the toys and let your dog have a fun time. Make sure you supervise your dog and replace the toys when damaged.
Material: Food-grade plastic
Summary: The food-grade plastic this toy set is made of is safe and non-toxic should your dog decide to chew on it. This package comes with a variety of items for sniffing, licking, and chewing, including a lick mat, a treat dispenser, and a dental chew toy.
The lick mat gives dogs a space to relieve stress during thunderstorms and stressful times, while the treat dispenser gives them a challenge and makes them earn those treats. A dental chew toy, featuring firm bristles to stimulate the gums and remove plaque, is included as well. Finally, a snuffle mat is added to give your dog the right amount of challenge at dinner time.
- Toys for sniffing, licking, and chewing
- Slows down their eating
- Stimulates their mind
- Made of food-grade ABS plastic
- Reduces stress
- Relatively few reviews give us an incomplete picture of what people have experienced
- Only suitable for dogs up to 80 lbs
Customer Reviews: Dogs and dog owners were thrilled with this variety set. The dog treat dispenser and the snuffle mat were particular points of interest, with reviewers saying it worked wonders to help their dog overcome fast eating and reduce stress.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving babaZone Total Enrichment & Fun – Interactive Toys and Puzzles for Dog an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): This toy set has everything a dog owner needs to enrich the lives of their canines but is not well suited for giant breeds.
- Material Quality (8/10): The overall quality of the set was great, but the treat dispenser could easily be chewed up.
- Cost Effectiveness (7/10): At roughly $9.00 per item, this kit is fairly priced.
- Customer Feedback (7/10): A relatively small number of reviews give us only a moderately clear idea of what others have experienced with this product.
- Product Variety (10/10): There are four dog enrichment toys in this toy kit, and each of them serves a different but relevant purpose.
Price: $14.99
Toy Type: Dog enrichment toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: Hide kibble in the leaves of this slow feeder and present to your dog for meal time. Remove when they are finished and wash as needed to prevent bacterial growth in the fibers.
Material: Fleece; Oxford
Summary: Oxford fabric is a durable cloth that is perfect for a snuffle mat. This mat features leaves made of fleece and a bottom made of oxford for durability and functionality. For additional versatility, a drawstring is sewn into the top to prevent unfound kibble from falling out when storing the mat.
A non-slip bottom prevents this mat from moving around as your dog sniffs and forages for food. It is also machine washable to make cleaning easy and is recommended to be done twice per week. Snuffle mats are great for fast eaters, and energetic dogs, and this one is made of sustainably sourced materials to provide an environmentally conscious product to dog owners.
- Helps prevent obesity
- Provides mental stimulation when eating
- Reduces anxiety and stress through mental exercise
- Machine washable
- Made of eco-friendly and sustainable materials
- The non-slip bottom works sometimes
- Dogs can flip the mat over to spill the food on the floor
Customer Reviews: Dog owners and dogs both liked this mat for its ability to slow down their eating and encourage the use of their noses. Owners of senior dogs and young dogs have used this in dog training when teaching them to use their noses and said it was well worth it.
Others did not have the same kinds of experiences. For these people, the mat fell apart almost immediately, or their dogs just flipped the mat over and ate the food from the floor.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving PET ARENA Adjustable Enrichment Pet Foraging mat for Smell Training and Slow Eating an overall 7/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): This snuffle mat is great for dogs of all ages, but some dogs may discover they can flip the mat over to get to the food.
- Material Quality (10/10): The materials are durable and eco-friendly, and we have no complaints.
- Cost Effectiveness (9/10): This is a great price for a snuffle mat.
- Customer Feedback (6/10): There were not many reviews in total and only two critical reviews.
- Product Variety (5/10): There is only one version of these dog enrichment toys.
Price: $14.99
Toy Type: Dog enrichment toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: Put treats inside the compartment and place them in a room where the dog has plenty of space to maneuver around the toy. You may have to show them how to get to the treats before they are able to understand the game.
Material: Plastic
Summary: Three puzzles in one feeder give your dog all of the options it needs to be entertained while eating. A rotating puzzle and two slide puzzles of different sizes conceal treats or kibble to give your dog a bit of hide-and-seek during dinner time. This helps to reduce the speed at which your dog eats and prevents overeating.
A non-slip bottom prevents unwanted movement while your dog vigorously tries to solve the puzzle. It is dishwasher safe and made with non-toxic plastic to give your dog a safe mealtime. The moving parts are not removable, and this helps to eliminate the chance of choking, making the feeder that much safer.
- Forces dogs to eat slowly
- 3 puzzles in 1
- Parts are not removable
- Non-toxic
- Anti-slip bottom
- Small holes for treats and food
- Dogs can easily tip it over
Customer Reviews: Dog owners praise this puzzle feeder as a “great puzzle for dogs.” Their reviews often said things like “my dog loved this puzzle” and “this is perfect.” This feeder slowed down their dog’s eating and prevented unwanted bloat and discomfort.
Unhappy buyers said their dogs just flipped the feeder over, and said their dog’s claws get stuck in the openings.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Petsta Dog EnrichmentToys for IQ Training and Brain Stimulation an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (8/10): Dogs can easily flip it over, but it is well-suited other than that.
- Material Quality (9/10): The non-slip bottom is firmly planted, and the plastic is durable. The parts can be removed, though, with a bit of excessive force.
- Cost Effectiveness (8/10): This is a slightly better price than the average price for dog enrichment toys.
- Customer Feedback (7/10): With under 700 reviews, this product averages a 4.5-star rating.
- Product Variety (9/10): Although there is only one version available of this puzzle, it has three puzzles in one convenient item.
Price: $13.95
Toy Type: Dog enrichment toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: During stressful times, such as grooming and thunderstorms, provide this to your dog. It can be covered in peanut butter, yogurt, pumpkin, or any puree.
Material: Food-grade silicone
Summary: Dogs can become stressed out easily, which is why licking mats is a great idea. This mat can be covered with any kind of puree, like peanut butter and pumpkin, and is able to provide comfort during stressful times. This is a great option to coerce your dog into being more amicable during grooming, thunderstorms, fireworks, etc.
The BPA-free silicone this mat is made of is over 5 mm thick to give it enough durability to withstand aggressive licking and light chewing. It is safe to put in the freezer and microwave, so you have endless options available to you. It can also be used as a slow feeder for dogs who tend to eat too fast.
- Comes in two to a pack
- Easily holds on to the food
- BPA-free
- Extra thick to prevent tearing
- Freezer and microwave safe
- Some dogs may be able to lift it off the floor and flip it
- Difficult to clean
Customer Reviews: The most common compliment was that their dogs just loved the mat. These dogs seem to have gotten good stimulation while eating, and their owners used them in all kinds of scenarios to reduce the dog’s stress. Other buyers said the mat was difficult to clean, and their dogs did not take to it the way they had hoped.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Udofine Dog Puzzle Enrichment Toys with Suction Cup an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): Most dogs will take to this mat, but some may lose interest or flip it over if they are clever.
- Material Quality (10/10): We had no issues with the quality, and only one review mentioned their dogs damaging it.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): Priced at under $7.00 per mat, this is a great price for dog enrichment toys.
- Customer Feedback (9/10): There were only 500 reviews, but the average rating is 4.4 out of 5 stars.
- Product Variety (8/10): Two mats come in this pack. They are both different colors but perform the same function.
Price: $10.99
Toy Type: Dog enrichment toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: Fill the toy with treats and give it to your dog. Wash them when they have become visibly dirty to avoid infections.
Material: Rubber
Summary: Cleaning your dog’s teeth is as easy as filling this ball with treats and passing it on to your canine. Two balls are included in this pack. One is a hollow ball you can simply put treats in. The other is a spikey gum-cleaning treat holder.
These treat dispensers do not require nose work as other dispensers might. Instead, they provide an interactive puzzle that requires a dog’s brain to learn to navigate a spherical object. This brain game can relieve stress and reduce excess energy, as well as provide your friend with delicious treats.
- Bite-resistant and non-abrasive
- Removes tartar and plaque as they chew
- Stimulates blood circulation to the gums
- Light mint scent
- Stimulates a dog’s brain as they search for treats
- Very few reviews to learn from
- Made in China
Customer Reviews: Reviews on this toy were very sparse. Happy buyers liked the rubber and said their dog’s teeth look whiter and their gums look healthier since having given their dogs these treat dispensers. There were only two critical reviews. One said the toy had made their dog’s gums bleed and the other did not like the smell the toy emitted.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving HIPPIH Dog Enrichment Toys for Chewing an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): All adult dogs can benefit from an interactive and durable dental toy like this.
- Material Quality (10/10): The rubber is soft enough to be used on a young dog’s gums and stiff enough to provide a challenge when trying to retrieve the treats.
- Cost Effectiveness (8/10): There are two balls per pack, and one pack costs around $10.00, which is below the average price of dog enrichment toys.
- Customer Feedback (5/10): With few reviews and ratings, the feedback left something to be desired.
- Product Variety (9/10): Two balls come in one pack, and each ball is of a different style and texture.
Price: $19.99
Toy Type: Dog enrichment toys
Pet: Dogs
Lifestage: All life stages
Recommended Uses: Place treats in the bottom of the dispenser and lay it on the ground. The dispenser will stand upright the whole time your dog tries to get at the treats and will wobble but will not fall down.
Material: Rubber
Summary: This treat dispensing dog toy stands upright with a heavy weighted bottom to offer your dog a good challenge when working for a treat. It is dishwasher safe and made in the USA to meet the highest safety standards. The inverted bell shape is easy for dogs to grab and take with them to their favorite spot to enjoy dog chew toys.
For enrichment activities, this is a winner. It can be filled with chicken broth and put in the freezer for an extra challenge, or you can simply use kibble to entice your dog to enjoy this toy.
- Three colors and sizes available
- Durable for moderate chewers
- Made in the USA out of recyclable rubber
- Easy to grasp
- Can be used with frozen treats
- Customers complain it is quite expensive for one dog toy
- Some dogs may quickly figure out how to easily get treats out
Customer Reviews: “Brilliant” is the title of the first positive review on Amazon. Many other buyers echoed this feeling as they touted it as one of the best interactive dog toys they had bought. They said they would fill it with goodies, and their dogs would go crazy for it, even taking it to their favorite spot to enjoy a challenging snack.
Other customers, however, expressed concern over rough edges they felt could harm their dogs. Even more, said their dog chewed this toy to shreds the first time they got it.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (8/10): Most dogs will take to this toy, especially when there are treats at the bottom. Not all dogs will find it entertaining, though.
- Material Quality (10/10): They say this toy is made for moderate chewres, and they were right. It is very durable.
- Cost Effectiveness (7/10): For a rubber treat dispenser, this is averagely priced.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): With over 6,400 reviews, this dog toy averages a high rating of 4.6 out of 5.
- Product Variety (9/10): These dog enrichment toys come in three sizes and colors.
What Should I Look for in a Dog Enrichment Toy?
Here are some things to consider when buying dog enrichment toys.
- Safety: Particularly with puzzle toys, safety should always be a big concern. If a toy has pieces that move, they are likely to be removable and present a choking hazard. Some types of dog enrichment toys require supervision.
- Function and Durability: Puzzles, treat dispensers, and chew toys are just a few examples of different functions an enrichment toy performs. Each of these has its pros and cons but generally speaking, the chew toys are the most durable, and the puzzle toys tend to be more fragile, while the rest fall somewhere in between.
- Activity Type: There are many different types of enrichment toys. Each offers the dog a different activity from which to learn. A ball toy will enrich a dog’s brain differently than a puzzle toy, for instance.
- Skill Level: A dog’s aptitude will vary on the individual level. Some dogs are beginners, while others can solve complex problems. Getting a toy that is within their scope of ability is key to ensuring they get the most out of it.
How do You Use Enrichment Toys for Dogs?
Dog enrichment toys can be used to entertain dogs or to slow down mealtime. Additionally, you can stuff them with your dog’s favorite treats or lather them in something like peanut butter or pumpkin to provide them with a safe and delicious snack in between meals.
Whatever enrichment toy you use, be sure to follow the directions on the label for the best results. Some dog toys may take some coaxing or training for a dog to get the hang of it, but once they understand the game, they will benefit immensely from the experience.
