Kong or lick mat?

What is the difference between a Kong and a lick mat?

How the dog gets the food. A Kong is a chew toy you stuff with food, and a lick mat is a textured surface you spread food across. Dogs Trust suggests either for a lunchtime meal, filling up a Kong or smearing the dog's food on a lick mat, and says a lick mat lets a dog enjoy its food calmly.

How do you make a Kong or lick mat last longer?

Freeze it after filling. Dogs Trust says freezing before feeding makes the food take that extra bit longer, so the dog savours the taste and keeps at it, and suggests pre-filling and chilling a rubber feeder for the same reason.

Do food toys make dogs put on weight?

They can, unless the food comes out of the daily allowance. Dogs Trust warns that regular food-based enrichment can make a dog gain too much weight, and says that if the dog has it during the day, take it out of the evening meal.

Should you leave a dog alone with a Kong or lick mat?

No, stay nearby. Dogs Trust says to supervise your dog in case it needs help, particularly with homemade food enrichment, and that enrichment should be offered daily.