Feeding Enrichment
The goal of enrichment activities for mealtime is varied; some dogs simply need more of a mental challenge to help fill their day or curb inappropriate behavior; for others, it helps ease anxiety. It can help take the edge off excess energy, or simply, it can provide them with an enjoyable job to do. For all dogs, it provides much needed mental stimulation, and yes, even a little exercise!
Feeding enrichment can be used to keep our dogs mentally engaged and physically satiated, which is the least we can do to repay the immense richness they add to our lives every single day. For dogs recovering from illness or injury, it’s a safe way to keep them appropriately active and challenged as well.
Much like humans, our dogs enjoy varied activities, though the delight to be found in particularly difficult puzzles may vary with each individual. Some dogs prefer to knock things about, others may choose to snuffle through a box, and others may prefer running about, gleefully in chase of food. Focus on what your dog enjoys, and use that as a guide when choosing feeding enrichment options.
Below is my attempt at a thorough, though not comprehensive, list to help you and your dog find the best choices for meal time enrichment. The categories offered are to help you best choose activities that may interest and challenge your dog. Offering a rotating variety of enrichment activities is the best way to encourage, engage, and enrich your pup!
Please keep in mind that not every option will be appropriate for every dog. Age, size, and chew style will impact which toys are safe for use. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch!
The following are Amazon affiliate links; purchasing your dog’s next enrichment item through these links support this very small business, and literally helps keep our lights on. No additional cost is incurred for you, and you can help continue to keep us going strong.
Hollow-Core options for stuffing:
The most versatile, these can be used with dry kibble, wet food, raw, and re-hydrated options as well. Check out our “Treats” page for some ideas about stuffing, and a few fun recipes.
Toys to Chase/Treat Dispensing:
These options are best used for dried kibble and treats, and encourage your dog to push/chase/bounce these toys for food.
Buster Cube (original is not recommended for tile, concrete, or wood floors)
Buster Cube soft (better option for harder floors)
Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Snoop (small-medium)
Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Snoop (medium-large)
West Paw Zogoflex Toppl (large)
West Paw Zogoflex Toppl (small)
KONG wobbler (not recommended for hard/wood floors) Small, Large and Extra Large
Benebone Pawplexer (great for holding large chews like bullysticks)
Puzzles:
These are best suited for dry kibble/treats, and are most successful with the supervision and assistance of humans. Puzzle toys vary in their difficulty, so please be sure to start off with something easy. Enrichment activities should be focused on your dog having fun, not getting frustrated!
Foraging/Licking:
Providing an appropriate outlet for your dog’s natural instinct to forage for food, and encourage licking in more appropriate areas (that are not your floor, your arm, or your couch).
Snuffle Mat Handmade versions of these can be purchased at our studio, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to Rescued Hearts Northwest
Licki Mat (silicone mat pot holders are an easier, cheaper substitute). -best used for wet, rehydrated, or soupy foods. Peanut butter, yogurt, and similar soft textured foods can be used as well.
Wall mounted version (GREAT for helping with grooming, bathing, and medicating)
Chase 'n Chomp Sticky Bone (another great option for making bathtime, grooming etc fun)
