Dog Enrichment Toys: Lick Mats, Snuffle Mats, Treat Balls and More
Updated November 1, 2026
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Short answer: enrichment toys give a dog something to do with its nose, mouth and brain: licking, sniffing, foraging, chewing or working out a puzzle. Rotating two or three types is usually more useful than buying one expensive toy. Enrichment simply means giving a dog safe outlets for natural behaviors such as sniffing, chewing and foraging.
Enrichment toys vs. puzzle toys
Puzzle toys are one kind of enrichment: the dog solves a mechanism (sliding, lifting, flipping) to reach food. Enrichment is the broader goal, and also includes calm, repetitive activities like licking and sniffing that many owners use to settle a dog. If your dog gets frustrated by puzzles, a lick mat or snuffle mat is often the easier starting point. See our puzzle toys guide for the harder end of the scale.
Best dog enrichment toys by type
| Type | What the dog does | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lick mat | Licks spread food (wet food, plain yogurt, pumpkin) out of textured grooves | Calming, crate time, grooming and nail trims | Lick mats on Amazon |
| Snuffle mat | Sniffs and roots for kibble hidden in fabric strips | Nose work, slowing fast eaters, rainy days | Snuffle mats on Amazon |
| Treat ball / wobbler | Pushes or rolls a toy to release kibble | Active dogs, replacing a food bowl | Treat balls on Amazon |
| Stuffable rubber toy | Works food out of a hollow toy, can be frozen for longer sessions | Chewers, alone time | Stuffable toys on Amazon |
| Puzzle board | Slides or lifts pieces to uncover food | Problem solvers | Dog puzzles on Amazon |
For a stuffable toy that lasts, see our KONG sizing guide; for toys that move or respond, see interactive dog toys.
Enrichment for puppies vs. seniors
- Puppies: start easy so they succeed quickly (an open snuffle mat, a loosely stuffed toy). Pick puppy-rated rubber for teething and size up as they grow. Our puppy toy guide covers sizes.
- Seniors: lick mats and snuffle mats are low impact and need no chasing. Soften food for dogs with dental problems, and ask your vet if your dog has a special diet.
DIY enrichment ideas
- Scatter part of a meal in the grass or a towel ("find it").
- Roll kibble inside an old towel and let the dog unroll it.
- Use a muffin tin with tennis balls covering the treats.
- Cardboard boxes stuffed with paper and a few treats, supervised, for dogs that don't swallow cardboard.
Safety and supervision
- Count meal portions: food used in enrichment comes out of the daily ration.
- Throw away toys that are cracked or have pieces coming off, and pick a size the dog cannot fit fully in its mouth.
- Lick mats and fabric snuffle mats can be chewed apart: take them up when the food is gone.
- Wash food toys after each use (see how to clean dog toys).
The full list is in our dog toy safety checklist.
FAQ
Are enrichment toys good for anxious dogs?
Licking and sniffing are calm activities many owners find helpful, but they do not treat separation anxiety. If your dog panics when alone, talk to your vet or a qualified behavior professional.
How long should enrichment sessions last?
There is no set rule. Start with short, easy sessions and stop while your dog is still enjoying it, then make it harder gradually.
New guides
Related guides
- Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers: What Actually Holds Up
- Interactive Dog Toys: Types, Uses and How to Pick One
- Puzzle Toys for Dogs: Difficulty Levels and How to Start
- Squeaky Dog Toys: Are They Safe and Which Kind to Get
- Tug Toys for Dogs: How to Choose and Play Safely
Potty training a puppy too? See PottyMat's guides to dog potty pads and indoor potties.