What is the best enrichment toy for my dog?

It’s important your dog is more than just physically active-their brains need a good work-out too.

Every dog will have a preference for how they like to play, whether it’s with other dogs, their owners, or by themselves. Toys are not only an excellent way to help dogs fuel their play instincts and release some built-up energy, but to help mental stimulation, prevent boredom and keep them entertained.

What is an Enrichment Toy?

Enrichment toys are designed specifically to keep your dog interested and entertained. These types of toys can help stimulate our pets both physically and mentally to help limit boredom, anxiety and other unwanted behaviours. An under stimulated dog can become lethargic and irritable if they do not get enough entertainment, or they could have too much energy that they do not know what to do with. This high energy, combined with boredom can lead to disruptive or negative behaviour.

What is the best enrichment toy for my dog?

Finding the best dog toy for your dog is going to be dependent on their play style, age and size (to reduce the chance of a choking hazard). These toys will also likely stimulate more than one of your pet’s five senses: taste, touch, hearing, sight and smell.

Food and puzzle toys can be a great way to arouse your dog’s sense of smell and taste. Pick out toys made with different materials and textures to stimulate your pets’ sense of touch. Squeaky and crinkle toys can help rouse your dog’s sense of hearing, too.

The best enrichment toys to keep your dog happy & entertained

KONG Classic

The KONG Classic is the gold standard of dog toys and has become the staple for dogs around the world for over forty years. Offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs instinctual needs, the KONG Classics unique natural red rubber formula is ultra-durable with an erratic bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew while also fulfilling a dogs need to play. Be sure to stuff with tempting bits of kibble and entice with a dash of peanut butter to extend play time.

M-PETS Pneumatic Snail Treat Dispenser Dog Toy Beige & Green

M-PETS Pneumatic Snail Treat Dispenser Dog Toy is bound to provide your little pal at home with a boat-load of entertainment and delight once they get their paws on some treats! This plush treat dispensing toy has an air sac inside that shoots snacks out for your pet, which is guaranteed to keep their spirits high and prevent any boredom over the coming months.

M-PETS Rectangle Snuffle Mat

Snuffle mats are the ideal way to provide physical and mental enrichment for your dog. They’re perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes. They help to slow down fast eaters, encourage them to use their sense of smell, reduce anxiety and boredom, and use energy. Perfect those doggies who may be home alone throughout the day.

M-PETS Pongo Interactive Dog Ball Toy

M-PETS PONGO Interactive ball is the perfect ball to keep your dog entertained by engaging their natural instincts to play. This interactive toy contains tubes inside which emit sounds when rolled or shaken.

KONG Sherps Floofs Sheep Dog Toy

The KONG Sherps Floofs Sheep has an uber plush exterior that is irresistibly snuggly for cuddling between gentle games of indoor fetch. The unique flat squeaker in the body provides full on fun with sounds all around. Crackly ears extend and delight dogs making playtime last longer. Lined for long-lasting fun, dogs of all sizes can easily grab on and play with these adorable adventure buddies.

KONG Comfort Hedgehug

KONG Comfort Hedgehug’s soft plush and cushy body makes it ideal for cuddling and gentle play—no quills here, just cuteness. With a squeaker that sparks dogs’ natural instincts, calling them to romp, this huggable hedgehog crinkles, keeping dogs engaged for extended play sessions.