Meow Howl may earn a small commission from links in this article, at no cost to you. We only suggest products we’d consider for our own pets.

A tired dog is a good dog, but tiring out the brain matters as much as the body. Mental enrichment reduces boredom, destructive chewing and anxiety, and it’s a lifesaver on days when a long walk isn’t possible (like the peak of a hot summer). Here are the enrichment toys worth having.

Why enrichment matters

Dogs are intelligent, problem-solving animals. Without an outlet, that energy goes into digging, barking and chewing your furniture. Ten minutes of “brain work” can tire a dog as much as a walk, and it’s brilliant for common behaviour problems.

The main types

Treat-dispensing toys

Your dog rolls, nudges or paws the toy to release kibble or treats, self-rewarding and great for solo play.

👉 Browse treat-dispensing dog toys

Puzzle boards

Sliding, flipping and lifting compartments hide treats your dog must work out how to reach. They come in difficulty levels, start easy and build up.

👉 Browse dog puzzle toys

Snuffle mats

Fabric mats where kibble is hidden in the folds, so your dog sniffs it out. Sniffing is naturally calming, great for anxious or high-energy dogs.

👉 Browse snuffle mats

Stuffable rubber toys & lick mats

Stuff a tough rubber toy or spread a lick mat with soft food and freeze it, a long-lasting, calming activity, perfect for crate time or being left alone.

👉 Browse stuffable dog toys

What to look for

  • The right difficulty. Too hard and your dog gives up; start easy and increase the challenge as they learn.
  • Tough and non-toxic. Match the toughness to your dog’s chewing strength, powerful chewers need durable rubber, not brittle plastic.
  • Appropriate size so nothing can be swallowed.
  • Easy to clean (dishwasher-safe is a bonus for food toys).
  • Supervise with any new toy until you know your dog won’t destroy and swallow parts.

Free enrichment ideas too

You don’t have to buy everything:

  • Scatter feeding, toss kibble in the garden or across a snuffle mat.
  • The muffin-tin game, treats under tennis balls in a muffin tray.
  • A cardboard box with treats wrapped in paper inside.
  • Training games and teaching new tricks, mentally tiring and great for your bond.

The bottom line

Rotate a few treat-dispensers, a puzzle board, a snuffle mat and a stuffable toy, match the difficulty and toughness to your dog, and you’ve got a boredom-busting toolkit. It’s one of the best things you can do for a busy or bored dog, especially on days too hot or wet for a proper walk.

A note from Meow Howl: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet, please contact your vet.

By Meow Howl Editorial Team

17 July 2026

Our editorial team researches and writes Meow Howl’s lifestyle, product and trends guides. Unlike our vet-written health articles, these pieces are general information rather than veterinary advice, always speak to your own vet about your pet’s health.

🐾 The Meow Howl newsletter

Vet-backed pet tips, in your inbox

Join fellow dog & cat parents. Practical, vet-led advice and new tools, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.