If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “A tired dog is a happy dog.” But physical exercise alone isn’t enough; dogs need mental stimulation too. Enter: enrichment toys.

From classic Kongs to textured lick mats and treat puzzles, these tools keep your dog’s brain active and their boredom at bay. But did you know you can take them to the next level by freezing them?

That’s right, frozen enrichment toys are a game-changer for modern dog parenting. They last longer, engage your dog’s senses, soothe anxiety, and provide a cooling treat on warm days.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prep frozen enrichment toys at home using five functional, dog-safe ingredients:
✅ Mashed blueberries
✅ Pumpkin purée
✅ Dog-safe peanut butter
✅ Coconut oil
✅ And a supercharged scoop of Doggie Dental™ by Other Half

Why Frozen Enrichment Toys?

Frozen toys do more than keep your dog busy. They stimulate your pup’s natural instincts to lick, sniff, forage, and chew. And freezing them adds an extra layer of challenge (plus a refreshing reward).

Benefits:

• Mental stimulation (reduces boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior)

• Slower eating (prevents bloating and improves digestion)

• Dental health (licking and chewing promote oral hygiene)

• Cooling and calming (great for hot days or anxious dogs)

Even better? You control what goes inside, so you can skip the artificial fillers and use natural, vet-approved ingredients to nourish your pup while they play.

The Ingredients: What to Use and Why

Let’s break down the five ingredients that form the base of our frozen enrichment mix, and why each one is a powerhouse for your pup.

1. 🔵 Mashed Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. These little superfoods help support your dog’s immune system and cognitive function; especially as they age.

• Why use them: Natural antioxidant boost + low in calories

• Prep tip: Use fresh or frozen. Just mash them lightly with a fork so they mix well and freeze evenly.

2. 🎃 Pumpkin Purée

Pumpkin is a digestive superhero. It’s rich in soluble fiber, which helps regulate your dog’s digestion and can ease both diarrhea and constipation.

• Why use it: Great for gut health, weight control, and hydration

• Prep tip: Use 100% canned pumpkin (not pie filling!). Spoon straight into toys or mix with other ingredients.

3. 🥜 Dog-Safe Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is the OG Kong filler, and for good reason. It’s flavorful, sticky, and high in protein and healthy fats. Just make sure it’s free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

• Why use it: Dogs love it, and it helps “seal” toys for slower licking

• Prep tip: Mix with a little water or pumpkin for easier spreading. A thin smear goes a long way.

4. 🥥 Coconut Oil

Coconut oil supports skin, coat, and immune health. It also has antimicrobial properties that may benefit the oral microbiome; plus, it firms up beautifully in the freezer.

• Why use it: Healthy fats + natural antimicrobial support

• Prep tip: Soften it gently (don’t overheat) to blend with other ingredients. A little adds flavor and texture.

5. 🦷 Doggie Dental™ by Other Half (The Bonus Super Ingredient)

Now here’s the secret weapon: Doggie Dental™, a vet-recommended powdered oral health supplement designed to fight bad breath, plaque, tartar, and biofilms.

With a patent-pending Canine Oral-Health Postbiotic (COHP) at its core, Doggie Dental™:

• Disrupts oral biofilms by 98% in vitro

• Reduces odor-causing bacteria in just 7 days

• Supports a balanced oral microbiome

It also comes in a dog-approved bacon flavor; perfect for enrichment recipes.

• Why use it: Functional, daily oral care support (that your dog thinks is a treat)

• Prep tip: Mix 1 scoop into your enrichment blend before stuffing. Each frozen toy becomes a dental-health delivery system!

How to Prep Frozen Enrichment Toys (Step-by-Step)

Let’s put it all together. Whether you’re using a Kong, Toppl, lick mat, or ice cube mold, the method is the same: blend, stuff, freeze, and serve.

🧑🍳 Ingredients (Base Mix: Makes 2-3 Toys):

• 1 tbsp mashed blueberries

• 1 tbsp pumpkin purée

• 1 tbsp dog-safe peanut butter

• 1 tsp softened coconut oil

• 1 scoop Doggie Dental™ by Other Half

🐶 Directions:

1. Mash & Mix: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients until smooth.

2. Stuff & Spread: Spoon the mix into toys (or spread onto a lick mat).

   • For toys with large holes, plug the bottom with frozen banana or peanut butter first.

3. Freeze: Place toys upright in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours (overnight is best).

4. Serve: Give to your dog on a towel, in their crate, or outdoors for easy cleanup.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a rotation of enrichment toys so you always have one prepped and ready.

• Batch prep a few at a time to save effort, just store in freezer-safe bags.

• Add a few whole blueberries or small banana slices for texture variation.

• Want extra enrichment? Freeze toys upright in a cup with their kibble inside!

Customizations by Goal

Want to target specific health concerns or behavior issues? Here’s how to adjust your enrichment prep:

For Anxious Dogs:

• Add calming ingredients like chamomile or a calming supplement

• Freeze with soothing background music for mealtime

For Picky Eaters:

• Add a spoonful of bone broth or crumbled treats

• Use Doggie Dental's bacon flavor to encourage engagement

For Senior Dogs:

• Use soft silicone molds or easy-lick mats for weaker jaws

• Add Everyday™ by Other Half for joint, brain, and immune support alongside Doggie Dental™

Why Doggie Dental™ Works So Well in Enrichment Toys

Frozen enrichment prep gives Doggie Dental™ a unique advantage: it extends the time your dog is exposed to its active ingredients.

Instead of inhaling a treat in seconds, your dog:

• Licks, chews, and processes the ingredients slowly

• Stimulates saliva production, helping fight bacteria naturally

• Absorbs the COHP oral postbiotic in a way that’s gentle on the gut, powerful on the plaque

It’s a functional habit that doubles as a treat, and your dog doesn’t even realize it’s helping their health.

Pair With Everyday™ for Full-Body Support

Want to go beyond dental care? Consider rotating frozen toys with scoopable toppers featuring Everyday™ by Other Half, a vet-formulated powder with 45 active ingredients for:

• Hip & joint health

• Digestion

• Allergy relief

• Skin & coat shine

• Cognitive support

• Immune function

Sprinkle Everyday™ over food in the morning, and give a Doggie Dental™ enrichment toy in the afternoon; it’s the perfect one-two punch for health and happiness.

Final Wags: Enrichment Made Easy (and Effective)

Frozen enrichment toys are more than a distraction, they’re a tool for mental engagement, emotional regulation, and nutritional enhancement. And with a few pantry staples and a scoop of Doggie Dental™, you can turn playtime into a wellness ritual.

This isn’t just enrichment. It’s empowerment for both of you.

So grab a Kong. Stock your freezer. And give your dog a reason to wag with excitement every single day.