Match the Toy to Your Pet's Personality: Treat-dispensing toys are great for curious, playful pets, while snuffle mats and foraging toys encourage dogs and cats to use their natural sniffing and searching instincts. Puzzle toys offer an extra challenge for pets who love solving problems.

Consider Your Pet's Eating Habits: Slow-feeder bowls and treat toys can help pets who eat too quickly by encouraging them to work for their food. They're especially helpful for enthusiastic eaters and pets who need a little more activity during mealtime.

Choose the Right Difficulty: Start with simple puzzles and easy-to-find treats, especially for puppies, kittens, senior pets, or first-time users. More experienced pets may enjoy toys with multiple compartments, moving parts, or increasingly challenging puzzles.

Think About Size & Safety: Choose toys appropriate for your pet's size, breed, and chewing habits. Avoid small removable pieces that could be swallowed, and supervise play, especially with fabric mats and puzzle toys.

Look for Easy Cleaning: Treat toys, lick mats, and slow feeders collect food and saliva. Choose washable materials, dishwasher-safe options, or designs that are easy to take apart and clean thoroughly.

Make Playtime Part of Their Routine: These toys can provide mental stimulation, help occupy pets during quiet time, and turn everyday meals into engaging activities. Use a portion of their regular food or treats to avoid adding unnecessary calories.

Treats or Regular Food? Try Both! You don't have to fill a treat mat with extra snacks. Using a portion of your pet's regular kibble is a great way to turn mealtime into an activity without adding unnecessary calories.

How Many Treats Are Too Many? Veterinary nutrition guidelines recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily calories, with the other 90% coming from a complete and balanced diet. For example, a dog needing 500 calories per day should receive no more than 50 calories from treats.

Try Homemade Treat Mat Fillings. For dogs, consider small pieces of plain cooked chicken, carrot, or blueberries in a snuffle mat. For lick mats, try a thin layer of plain pumpkin purée, moistened dog food, or xylitol-free peanut butter. Choose ingredients appropriate for your pet and avoid added sugar, salt, and seasonings.

Store-Bought Treats Work Too! Small training treats, appropriately sized freeze-dried treats, and bite-sized crunchy snacks can make great additions to snuffle mats. Check calories and ingredients, and avoid treats that are too large or difficult to retrieve.

How Often Should Pets Use Their Treat Mats? Daily use can be fine for pets that enjoy them, provided the food fits their daily allowance. Start with a short, supervised 5–10 minute session and adjust based on your pet's interest. There's no need to refill the mat repeatedly to keep playtime going.

Match the Food to the Mat. Snuffle mats are generally best for dry kibble and treats, while lick mats are designed for soft, spreadable foods. Some lick mats can be refrigerated or frozen for a longer-lasting activity, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Keep It Fun, Not Frustrating. Start by placing treats where your pet can easily find them. As they become more confident, tuck food into more challenging spots. If your pet becomes frustrated, simplify the activity.

Supervise and Keep Mats Clean. Watch for chewing, loose fabric, or damaged pieces that could be swallowed. Wash mats according to their care instructions, especially after using moist foods, and put them away when playtime is over.