10 Enrichment Toys Your Dog Needs in Their Life
Have you ever noticed your dog getting a little... stir-crazy? Maybe they start pacing, chewing on things they shouldn't, or giving you that look that says, “I’m bored.” Just like humans, dogs need mental stimulation as much as physical activity, and that’s where enrichment toys come in. I’ll share a little bit more about enrichment toys and our personal favorites below!
What Are Enrichment Toys?
Enrichment toys are designed to challenge your dog’s brain. They encourage your pup to think, problem-solve, and engage in natural behaviors like sniffing, chewing, and foraging. These toys go way beyond your average tennis ball, and they turn playtime or even mealtime into a mentally rewarding experience.
Why Dogs Need Enrichment
Dogs are smart, curious animals. Without enough mental stimulation, they can get bored, anxious, or even develop behavioral issues like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
Enrichment toys help:
Relieve boredom and anxiety
Provide an outlet for energy (especially for high-energy breeds!)
Build confidence in shy or nervous dogs
Slow down fast eaters at mealtime
Strengthen your bond through interactive play
Okay, now that you’re excited about enrichment toys, here are some of our girls’ favorites!
Our Favorite Enrichment Toys (Tried & Tested)
Looking for some tried-and-true enrichment options? Here are some of my favorite dog toys that keep our pups entertained, mentally challenged, and happy. (Bonus: I’ve included links so you can grab them yourself!)
1.) West Paw Toppl
This is my go-to for freezing wet food or layering treats. You can use soft foods like canned food, pumpkin, or yogurt, then freeze it to make it last longer. It’s dishwasher safe and super durable.
2.) Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop
A great challenge for curious pups! It works best with larger treats (I personally love stuffing it with Nature's Logic Beef Lung because they fit snugly and are healthy, too!).
3.) Flirt Pole
This one’s especially great for herding breeds or high-energy dogs. It’s perfect for backyard play and lets your dog chase and pounce like they’re hunting prey (a great outlet for natural instincts).
4.) Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy
A classic for a reason. These interactive puzzles make your dog work for their treats and are excellent for rainy days or when they need something new to focus on.
5.) KONG Wobbler
This heavy-duty toy dispenses kibble or small treats as your dog bats it around. It’s especially great for fast eaters and turns mealtime into playtime!
6.) Adjustable Slow Feeder Toy
Another great option for mealtime enrichment. The adjustable difficulty keeps things interesting and helps slow down speedy eaters.
7.) Lick Mat
I love getting creative with these. One of my favorite tricks is spreading a raw egg over the surface and microwaving it so it bakes onto the mat (tip: use a paper towel underneath to avoid suction when transferring from the counter to the microwave). You can also use peanut butter, wet food, or yogurt, and freezing it makes it last longer!
8.) Puzzles
These puzzles come in different difficulty levels, so you can level up your dog’s enrichment over time. Watching your dog figure them out is so satisfying.
9.) Slow Feeder Mat
Great for fast eaters! I like rotating this with the KONG Wobbler or adjustable feeder so our pup doesn’t get bored with the same routine.
10.) Cod Skin Chews (Dentist-Approved)
Okay, this isn’t a toy, but it’s worth a mention. These are the longest-lasting chews we’ve found that our dog dentist approves of. Yes you heard that right, we have a dentist for our dogs because we learned the hard way what other chews can do to your dog’s teeth…shoutout to Arwen’s dental crown. Unlike bully sticks and Benebones (which can cause serious tooth damage), these are safer and gentler on your dog’s teeth, and an extra bonus, they even help clean their teeth. Not to be replaced with a good ol fashion tooth brush. Just like you, your dog’s teeth should be brushed daily! For more information on dental care, check out our dentist’s website resources here.
Enrichment Toys For the Win!
And here’s the final result of putting all these enrichment tools to good use: two very sleepy, very content pups featuring my own high-energy girls. Enrichment toys aren’t just great for mental stimulation. They help dogs feel fulfilled, relaxed, and ready for a nap (as you can clearly see!). Whether you’re trying to keep your dog entertained, slow down their eating, or just add some variety to their day, a little enrichment goes a long way.
Oh, and if you didn’t know, I’m an LA pet photographer. If you’re curious about that, click here to learn more about my process or click here to view my portfolio. I’d love to answer any of your questions!
