A bored dog usually lets you know. Maybe it's following you from room to room, dropping a toy in your lap, or staring at you like it's your turn to plan something. They have energy and curiosity and are looking for something to do. The good news is that you don't need a huge budget or an hour of free time to give them a game. A few well-chosen enrichment toys, used in short sessions, can give your dog something to do with their nose, mouth and brain.
Here's how to pick the best enrichment toys for a bored dog, what each type is good for, and how to build them into a normal day.
What counts as an enrichment toy?
An enrichment toy gives your dog a job. Instead of handing over food in a bowl or a treat from your hand, it asks them to sniff, lick, nudge or problem-solve first. Dogs are built to search for food, so these toys tap into things they already love doing.
Most enrichment toys fall into four groups:
- Sniffing toys, like snuffle mats, where food is hidden in fabric
- Licking toys, like lick mats, where a spread is worked out of grooves
- Feeding puzzles, like slow feeder bowls, where kibble sits around raised shapes
- Treat puzzles, where food hides under covers or in compartments
Different dogs prefer different jobs. Some are nose-first and will happily sniff for ten minutes. Others love to lick. Trying more than one type is the fastest way to find your dog's favourite.
1. A snuffle mat for nose work
If your dog is always sniffing on walks, start here. A snuffle mat for dogs is a fleece mat with folds and strips where you hide kibble or small treats. Your dog uses their nose to find each piece, which turns a quick snack into a little search game.
Best for: curious dogs, dogs who love sniffing on walks, and quick daytime breaks.
How to start: sprinkle food on top for the first few tries so your dog wins quickly, then tuck it deeper as they get the idea. Our guide on how to use a snuffle mat walks through a first session step by step.
2. A lick mat for slow, steady snacks
A lick mat has textured grooves you spread food across, like plain yogurt, wet food or a little dog-safe peanut butter. Your dog licks it clean bit by bit, which takes much longer than eating the same amount from a spoon.
Best for: keeping dogs busy during baths, nail trims, or while you're on a call.
How to start: use a thin layer first. For ideas on what to spread and how to clean it, see our lick mat ideas.
3. A slow feeder bowl that turns dinner into a puzzle
You already feed your dog every day, so mealtime is the easiest place to add enrichment. A slow feeder dog bowl has raised shapes, like a bone maze, that your dog has to work around to reach their food.
Best for: dogs who finish dinner in seconds and then look at you like, "Is that it?"
How to start: just swap it in for their regular bowl. There's no setup, which makes it one of the easiest habits to keep.
4. A treat puzzle for problem-solvers
Some dogs like a challenge. A treat puzzle feeder hides food under covers, so your dog has to nose and paw at each spot to find the reward. Ours is sized for small dogs and cats.
Best for: small dogs who enjoy figuring things out.
How to start: leave a few covers open the first time so they see the food, then close more as they catch on.
How to choose the right toy for your dog
Not sure where to begin? Watch what your dog does when they're bored:
- Nose glued to the ground? Try a snuffle mat.
- Loves licking yogurt lids, spoons or your hand? Try a lick mat.
- Inhales meals? Try a slow feeder bowl.
- Nudges cupboards and bags open? Try a treat puzzle.
If you'd rather test a few at once, the 3-piece Dog Enrichment Toy Set includes a snuffle mat, lick mat and slow feeder bowl, and costs less than buying each one separately. Two-piece options are in Bundles & Specials.
A simple daily enrichment routine
Enrichment works best in small, regular doses. Here's an easy plan for a busy day:
- Breakfast: serve it in the slow feeder bowl.
- Mid-morning or after a walk: five to ten minutes on the snuffle mat with a handful of kibble from their daily portion.
- Evening: a thin layer on the lick mat while you watch TV.
Take a portion of your dog's regular food for these games rather than adding lots of extra treats. That way enrichment fits into their normal diet.
Keep it fresh
Even the best enrichment toy gets boring if it's out all day. Put toys away after each session and rotate them so each one feels a little special. You can also make familiar toys harder over time: hide food deeper in the snuffle mat, spread the lick mat right to the edges, or close every cover on the puzzle.
Safety tips
- Supervise your dog with any enrichment toy, especially fabric ones.
- Pick up toys when the game is over so they don't turn into chew toys.
- Replace toys that are torn, cracked or worn.
- Wash mats and bowls regularly with warm soapy water and let them dry fully.
- Only use foods your dog already eats safely.
Ready to get started?
You don't need every toy at once. Pick the one that matches what your dog already loves doing, use it for a few minutes a day, and build from there. Browse the full range in Dog Enrichment. Every order ships free in the US, delivered in 7-14 business days.