Toys and enrichment

Food puzzles, lick mats and snuffle mats give a worried dog something to focus on, and comfort toys keep a puppy company. None of them fix anxiety, but they can be a useful part of a plan.

Puppy lying beside a red rubber chew toy

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How they may help

For mild separation anxiety, the ASPCA recommends a food-stuffed puzzle toy that takes 20 to 30 minutes to finish. Hand it over as you leave and pick it up when you get home, so it’s only on offer when your dog is alone. If the toy is still full when you get back, the absence was too long for now.

During storms, chew toys, puzzle toys and lick mats give your dog something else to focus on. Offer them and leave it there. A dog who’s too scared to eat or play needs a safe place more than a toy, as our thunderstorm guide explains.

Choosing the right type

  • Lick mats hold soft food spread into a textured surface. Freezing one makes it last longer.
  • Snuffle mats hide kibble or treats in fabric strips for your dog to sniff out.
  • Puzzle toys ask your dog to slide, lift or flip parts to reach food. Many have levels, so start easy.
  • Treat-dispensing toys release food as your dog rolls or knocks them.
  • Heartbeat toys are plush toys with a simulated heartbeat, made to keep a puppy company at night or in a crate.

Safety tips

  • Supervise the first few sessions with any new toy, and take away anything your dog starts to chew apart.
  • Pick a size that suits your dog’s mouth.
  • Check spreads before you use them. The US Food and Drug Administration warns that xylitol is dangerous to dogs and is found in some peanut and nut butters.
  • Count food from toys as part of your dog’s daily allowance.

Our picks

We picked these from popular, well-reviewed listings on Amazon.com in October 2026. We haven’t tested them ourselves. Each card says why the product is included and which dogs it may suit. Prices change often, so the button takes you to Amazon to check.

Lick mats

ChefAide Lick Mats (2 Pack)

ChefAide Lick Mats (2 Pack)

Why it's included Two lick mats with suction cups that hold them to a smooth wall, floor or tub.

May suit Keeping your dog busy during baths, grooming or the minutes after you head out the door.

LUKITO Lick Mats (2 Pack)

LUKITO Lick Mats (2 Pack)

Why it's included Two lick pads with suction cups, sold as a slow feeder and boredom buster.

May suit Spreading wet food or plain yogurt for a calm licking session. If you use peanut butter, check it's free of xylitol.

MateeyLife Small Lick Mats (2 Pack)

MateeyLife Small Lick Mats (2 Pack)

Why it's included Two small lick mats, one blue and one green.

May suit Small dogs and puppies, or freezing one ahead of time for a longer-lasting treat.

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Lickin’ Layers

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Lickin’ Layers

Why it's included A 3-in-1 treat puzzle from the Nina Ottosson range that combines licking with layers to work through.

May suit Dogs who finish a flat lick mat too quickly and enjoy a challenge.

Lick Mats with Suction Cups (4 Pack)

Lick Mats with Suction Cups (4 Pack)

Why it's included Four lick mats with suction cups, so one can be ready in the freezer while others are in use or in the wash.

May suit Homes with more than one dog, or daily lick mat use.

Snuffle mats

AWOOF Snuffle Mat

AWOOF Snuffle Mat

Why it's included A fabric snuffle mat you hide kibble or treats in, so your dog sniffs them out.

May suit Dogs who eat fast, or who need a calm way to use their nose and brain.

Vivifying Snuffle Mat

Vivifying Snuffle Mat

Why it's included A snuffle mat puzzle toy for hiding food and treats.

May suit Giving your dog something to focus on before you leave the house.

PET ARENA Adjustable Snuffle Mat

PET ARENA Adjustable Snuffle Mat

Why it's included An adjustable snuffle mat that works as a puzzle feeder.

May suit Mealtimes, turning a bowl of kibble into a sniffing game.

Rundik Snuffle Mat

Rundik Snuffle Mat

Why it's included A snuffle mat feeding game for hiding treats and kibble.

May suit Dogs who enjoy foraging and need a quiet activity indoors.

Portable Snuffle Mat

Portable Snuffle Mat

Why it's included A portable snuffle mat feeding puzzle that's easy to pack.

May suit Trips and new places, where a familiar game may help your dog settle.

Puzzle toys

DR CATCH Treat Puzzle Toy

DR CATCH Treat Puzzle Toy

Why it's included A treat puzzle that has your dog work out how to reach hidden food.

May suit Dogs who need mental exercise on days when walks are short.

PETSTA Treat Puzzle Toy

PETSTA Treat Puzzle Toy

Why it's included A treat-dispensing puzzle that rewards your dog for nosing and pawing at it.

May suit Rainy days, or a few minutes of focus before time alone.

FOXMM Interactive Treat Puzzle

FOXMM Interactive Treat Puzzle

Why it's included An interactive treat puzzle for short brain-game sessions.

May suit Sitting with your dog and rewarding calm problem-solving.

Barkwhiz 3-Level Treat Puzzle

Barkwhiz 3-Level Treat Puzzle

Why it's included A treat puzzle with three levels, so you can make it harder as your dog learns.

May suit Clever dogs who solve simple puzzles quickly.

BSISUERM Treat Ball and Slow Feeder

BSISUERM Treat Ball and Slow Feeder

Why it's included An adjustable treat-dispensing ball that also works as a slow feeder.

May suit Dogs who like to push and roll a toy to earn their kibble.

Treat-dispensing toys

HIPPIH Treat-Dispensing Toys (2 Pack)

HIPPIH Treat-Dispensing Toys (2 Pack)

Why it's included Two treat-dispensing puzzle toys in one pack.

May suit Swapping toys between days so they stay interesting.

Outward Hound Snoop

Outward Hound Snoop

Why it's included A 5 inch treat-dispensing toy that releases treats as your dog plays with it.

May suit Dogs who enjoy chasing and nudging a toy that moves.

Adjustable Treat-Dispensing Toy

Adjustable Treat-Dispensing Toy

Why it's included A treat-dispensing toy you can adjust, so you can change how easy it is.

May suit Starting easy with a dog new to food toys, then making it harder.

KONG Wobbler

KONG Wobbler

Why it's included A wobbling treat dispenser from KONG, sized for medium and large dogs.

May suit Bigger dogs who need a sturdy toy for meals or snacks.

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble

Why it's included A small puzzle ball from the Nina Ottosson range that drops treats as it rolls.

May suit Small dogs, or quick play sessions before you leave.

Comfort and heartbeat toys

Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Toy

Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Toy

Why it's included A plush toy with a simulated heartbeat, made to keep a puppy company. This listing is the size for medium breeds, and a Junior version for small breeds is also sold.

May suit Puppies settling into a new home, a crate or a pen at night. Supervise at first, and take it away if your dog starts chewing it apart.

WEOK Heartbeat Puppy Toy

WEOK Heartbeat Puppy Toy

Why it's included A heartbeat plush that doubles as a cuddle pillow.

May suit Puppies who sleep better with something soft to lie against.

BEVERLYSHARK Heartbeat Stuffed Toy

BEVERLYSHARK Heartbeat Stuffed Toy

Why it's included A heartbeat stuffed toy sold for puppies and cats.

May suit Puppies and small dogs who like to curl up with a toy.

Moropaky Heartbeat Puppy Toy

Moropaky Heartbeat Puppy Toy

Why it's included A heartbeat stuffed toy sold as a sleep aid for crate training. This listing is pink.

May suit Puppies learning to settle on their own in a crate or pen.

iHeartDogs Heartbeat Puppy Toy

iHeartDogs Heartbeat Puppy Toy

Why it's included A heartbeat plush and cuddle pillow from iHeartDogs.

May suit Puppies and small dogs who like company at bedtime.

When to talk to your vet. This page shares general information. If your dog panics, could hurt itself or changes suddenly, please speak with your vet. Read our disclaimer.