Dog Enrichment Ideas: Puzzle Toys, Chews, and Tools for Mental Stimulation
- Cate Law
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
Keeping our dogs mentally and physically engaged is one of the best gifts we can give them. As someone who has raised eight dogs and worked with countless more over the past eight years, I’ve tested just about every enrichment item out there. Some were duds, some were decent, and a few became absolute must-haves in my home.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite dog enrichment products the ones that truly make a difference in keeping dogs happy, relaxed, and well-rounded. Whether you’ve got a high-energy pup who needs a job, a curious puppy learning about the world, or an older dog who enjoys new challenges, these tools can help provide the mental stimulation and enrichment every dog needs.
👉 Quick safety note: Always supervise your dog with enrichment items and put them away when the activity is finished.
The Kong Wobbler is a classic for a reason. I’ve used it the longest—back when I was raising service dogs for organizations that only allowed limited enrichment. The Wobbler was a lifesaver because I could fill it with kibble and let the dogs work on it in their crate.
Every single dog I’ve had has loved the Wobbler, and I love how easy it is to fill, use, and clean. It’s a simple way to give your dog a meal that doubles as a brain workout.
I’ve tried just about every Kong-style toy on the market—Kongs, Toppls, SodaPup, and a handful of knockoffs. The Chew King is hands-down my favorite, especially for the price point. After two years of use, mine still look brand new.
A few tips:
Skip the rectangle version—it’s harder to clean and harder for dogs to empty.
Not great for young puppies with shorter tongues.
For Retrievers and other medium-to-large breeds, the Large size works beautifully.
Want filling ideas? Check out my guide on [how to stuff enrichment toys].
This one is a bit of an investment, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for mental stimulation and physical exercise in one toy. The PetGeek Treat Dispenser is especially great for rainy days or “low-spoon” days when you want to give your dog enrichment without much effort.
It does take some dogs a little time to figure out, so start small and help them out at first. Once they get the hang of it, you’ll have a dog happily chasing this toy around the house.
When it comes to long-lasting chews, I’m picky. Yak chews and bully sticks always made me nervous because of the small pieces dogs can choke on. Beef cheeks feel like a safer alternative (still with supervision), and my dogs absolutely love them.
Depending on your dog, beef cheeks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. I usually buy the 5–6” size, but the 9–10” version is great for heavier chewers. Heads up: they can be a little messy, so a towel or blanket under your pup is a smart idea.
If your dog loves to use their nose, a snuffle mat is a must-have. I can’t believe it took me so long to buy one! Once I did, my dogs became obsessed. It’s a simple way to let them forage for kibble or treats, which satisfies their natural sniffing instincts.
I recommend a machine-washable fabric snuffle mat for dry food. I also use a silicone snuffle mat, which is perfect for spreading wet food and freezing it for a longer-lasting challenge.
The Outward Hound Snoop is another go-to enrichment toy in my house. It’s similar to the Kong Wobbler but a little easier to fill and clean. Bonus: it’s dishwasher-safe!
Dogs roll it around to release treats or kibble, which keeps them moving and thinking at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Dog enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but having a few go-to toys and chews can make a huge difference in your dog’s daily life. These enrichment products keep dogs entertained, reduce boredom, and give them healthy outlets for their energy.
If you’re looking for more ideas to keep your pup engaged and thriving, check out my training programs because enrichment isn’t just about toys, it’s about building the skills and connection that make life with your dog joyful.
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