Taste & Smell: The Hidden Key to Your Dog’s Favorite Toy
Tanner BrodhagenShare
Have you ever wondered why your dog loses interest in certain toys? The answer might be taste and smell.
Dogs experience the world through their noses and mouths. While we focus on colors or shapes, dogs decide if a toy is worth their time based on how it smells and tastes. If a toy is ignored, odds are it simply doesn’t excite their senses.
Why Flavor Preferences Matter
Every dog has unique preferences. Some go wild for peanut butter, others for meat, and some for surprising scents like mango or coconut. If your dog leaves a toy behind, it may just be the wrong flavor. Stop guessing—start experimenting.
Discover Their Favorite Flavor with Scented Lick Mats
At Dog Enrichment Toys, we carry a range of Project Hive Lick Mats designed to tap into your dog’s strongest senses—taste and smell:
- Calming Lavender Scent Hive Disc Lick Mat
- Soothing Vanilla Scent Hive Disc Lick Mat (Blue)
- Sweet Mango Scent Hive Disc Lick Mat (Orange)
- Tropical Coconut Scent Hive Disc Lick Mat (Green)
Try different scents and see what clicks. Some dogs relax with lavender, others perk up with fruity or sweet notes. There’s no “one size fits all”—finding their favorite is part of the fun.
How to Find the Right Match
- Watch what your dog loves: Which treats or chews disappear first? Which toys get chewed most? That’s your flavor roadmap.
- Rotate and experiment: Introduce a new scent or taste every few weeks. Don’t be afraid to swap out mats or toys until you see your dog light up.
- Don’t settle: If a toy is ignored, the right scent can turn it into a daily favorite.
Pro Tip: Rotate Scents for Lasting Interest
Just like us, dogs can get bored. Switching up scents keeps enrichment fresh and engaging. Try lavender one week, vanilla the next, and see what sticks.
Why Smell Matters
Stop guessing why your dog leaves toys untouched. Focus on taste and smell, and discover what truly excites them. Find their favorite, and you’ll unlock hours of enrichment and play.
