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Dog enrichment toys for bored dogs
A bored dog will find their own entertainment, and it usually involves your shoes. Enrichment toys channel that energy into sniffing, licking and problem-solving. These are natural behaviours that can tire a dog out on days when long walks aren't happening.
Here are four enrichment toys from Amazon.ca that cover the main types: a snuffle mat, a beginner puzzle, a harder puzzle and a lick mat set. We note who each one suits so you can match it to your dog.
1. Eufymax Large Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat lets your dog do what their nose was built for. Scatter kibble or treats into the fabric and they have to sniff and forage to find every piece. It turns a 30-second meal into a game.
This one is big at 34 × 19 inches. It has a flower of layered petals, a ring of grassy fabric strips, a squeaker in the middle and crinkle paper in the petals for extra interest. One side can be pulled into a bowl shape to make it harder.
What the listing says
- Measures 34 × 19 inches
- Petals and fabric strips hide both big and small pieces of food
- Squeaker in the centre and crinkle paper in the petals
- Adjustable bowl section to change the difficulty
- Made of oxford cloth and polar fleece; machine or hand washable, though hand washing is recommended
- Side straps to fasten it in place
Best for: fast eaters, high-energy dogs stuck inside and dogs who love to sniff.
Check price on Amazon2. FOXMM Interactive Dog Treat Puzzle
This is a classic slide-and-sniff puzzle. You hide treats or kibble under the sliding covers and in the compartments, and your dog works out how to nudge them open. A squeaker in the middle helps grab their attention.
It's best as a first puzzle. Reviewers say clever dogs solve it quickly, so think of it as a beginner level and step up later if your dog breezes through it.
What the listing says
- About 10 × 10 inches with 16 treat holes and 11 movable pieces
- Two types of hiding compartments
- Sound device in the centre to spark interest
- Food-grade PP plastic, washable by hand or in the dishwasher
- Not a chew toy, so supervise play
Best for: puppies and dogs new to puzzles, and small to medium breeds.
Check price on Amazon3. Barkwhiz Dog Puzzle Feeder
If your dog finds simple sliders too easy, this one has more going on. The listing describes four challenges across levels 1 to 3, including a flip game and a sliding track, and your dog has to learn the steps to reach the food.
Six silicone pads on the bottom help keep it from scooting across the floor, which is a common complaint with puzzle toys.
What the listing says
- 4 challenges and difficulty levels 1–3, including flip lids and a sliding track
- 14 food holes to slow down eating
- 6 silicone anti-slip pads
- Food-safe materials; clean with warm soapy water
- Parts are built in so they can't easily come loose; still supervise play
Best for: dogs who have mastered a beginner puzzle and need a bigger challenge.
Check price on Amazon4. KILIN 6-Piece Lick Mat & Enrichment Set
Licking is calming for many dogs, which is why lick mats are a go-to for bath time, nail trims and stormy nights. This set gives you several ways to do it: two suction-cup lick mats, a lick ball, a lick bowl, an ice tray for frozen treats and a spatula for spreading.
Fill them with something spreadable like plain yogurt or dog-safe peanut butter (no xylitol), or freeze them to make them last longer. Buyers are split on how well the suction cups grip some floors, so try a smooth tile or the tub wall.
What the listing says
- 2 lick mats, 1 lick ball, 1 lick bowl, 1 ice tray and 1 spatula
- Food-safe silicone
- Freezer-safe and dishwasher-safe
- Suction cups to stick to tiles or a crate
- 90-day warranty listed by the seller
Best for: anxious dogs, grooming days and anyone who wants a few enrichment options in one box.
Check price on AmazonTips to get the most out of enrichment toys
Start easy. Let your dog win the first few rounds. Leave covers half-open or scatter food on top of the snuffle mat, then make it harder as they learn.
Use part of their meal. Swapping some kibble for puzzle time adds enrichment without adding extra treats.
Supervise and rotate. None of these are chew toys. Put them away after the game and rotate them through the week so they stay interesting.
FAQ
What is a snuffle mat for?
It's a fabric mat with strips and pockets where you hide food. Your dog sniffs it out, which slows down eating and gives them mental exercise.
Are dog puzzle toys good for puppies?
Yes, with supervision. A simple puzzle like the FOXMM is a good starting point, and you can move up to something like the Barkwhiz as your pup gets the hang of it.
Can lick mats go in the freezer and dishwasher?
The KILIN listing says its silicone pieces are both freezer-safe and dishwasher-safe.
How long will an enrichment toy keep my dog busy?
It depends on the dog. Reviewers report anywhere from a few minutes for clever dogs to 15–20 minutes. Freezing lick mats and making puzzles harder over time both help.