Sniffing tires a dog out in a way that another lap of the block does not, and a toy that hides food gives them somewhere to put that effort. Two plush batons joined by a cotton rope, with fleece pockets folded into the fabric: push kibble or small treats down into the folds and your dog has a job that takes real time and real concentration to finish rather than a snack that vanishes.

The shape does something a flat snuffle mat cannot. Because the two sections are joined by rope, the toy moves when it is nosed, so a dog has to pin it, flip it and shake it to shift the treats instead of working a stationary surface. That adds a tug and chew element to the foraging. The rope also gives you something to hold for a short game once the food has gone. Two colourways are listed.

• Two plush sections joined by a cotton rope handle
• Fleece pockets and folds for hiding treats or kibble
• Encourages sniffing and foraging rather than fast eating
• Doubles as a light tug and shake toy
• Two colourways: purple and yellow
• Suits dogs and puppies

Two things worth knowing. And this is a soft foraging toy, not a chew: a dog who deliberately destroys plush will get into it, so keep it to supervised sessions and put it away afterwards.

Who it's for: Owners of dogs who are bored rather than under-exercised, and anyone who wants a portion of dinner to last considerably longer than it currently does.