As pet parents, ensuring our dogs are well-fed and happy is always a priority. But just like us, dogs appreciate a little variety in how their meals are presented. Not only does this make mealtime more exciting, but it can also provide mental stimulation and address specific health or behavioral needs.
You can make breakfast or dinner not just mealtime, but a delicious session filled with enrichment activities. Here are some creative and healthy ways to serve food to your dog:
1. Interactive Feeders
Interactive feeders or food puzzle toys (aka slow feeders) are designed to slow down fast eaters and provide mental stimulation. These feeders make your dog work a bit for their food by solving puzzles or navigating obstacles, which can help reduce boredom and promote healthy digestion.
2. Snuffle Mats
Put that sense of smell to use! Excellent for dog enrichment, a snuffle mat mimics the experience of foraging by allowing your dog to “hunt” for kibble or small treats hidden within its fabric layers. This is especially beneficial for dogs with a strong natural instinct to forage, as it provides enrichment and keeps them engaged.
3. Stuffed Enrichment Toys
Dog toys like Kongs or similar hollow chew toys can be stuffed with wet food, peanut butter (unsalted and xylitol-free), or a mix of treats and yogurt. Freezing the stuffed toy can make it last longer, providing your doggy with a tasty challenge to enjoy.
Some toys are treat-dispensing and designed for dry matter. You can DIY one using a cardboard tube from a paper towel roll and stuff treats inside. (Skip this method if your dog is a chewer and may try to eat the roll.)
4. Lick Mats
Lick mats are silicone mats with textured surfaces where you can spread wet food, yogurt, or peanut butter. They’re fantastic for soothing anxious dogs, as the repetitive licking can have a calming effect. They also help slow down mealtime for dogs who tend to gulp their food.
5. DIY Enrichment Ideas
Create your own food enrichment toys using household items. For example, you can plop spoonfuls of your dog’s favorite food in a muffin tin, cover each hole with tennis balls, and watch as your dog uses problem solving skills to get to the food via hide and seek. An egg carton can also come in handy for this.
You can also use an old water bottle and some treats as a brain game for your scavenger. Cut holes into a plastic bottle, fill it with treats, and let your dog roll it around to get the food out. Always supervise to ensure your dog doesn’t chew off any pieces.
6. Meal Toppers
Enhance your dog’s regular meals with nutritious toppers. Fresh fruits (like blueberries) or cooked vegetables (like carrots) can be added for variety and extra nutrients. Always ensure the foods are dog-safe and prepared appropriately.
7. Frozen Treats
Blend dog-safe fruits and veggies with a bit of water or unsalted broth, pour the mixture into ice cube trays, and freeze. These frozen treats can double as a fun way to serve food and a refreshing snack on hot days.
8. Hand Feeding
For bonding time, hand feeding your dog their meal can be a rewarding experience. This method works well for training sessions or for shy dogs who may need encouragement to eat.
9. Food as a Vessel for Other Food!
Core a bell pepper, stuff it with your dog’s favorite meal, and serve! The best part of this kind of canine enrichment? No dishes to clean afterward. Check out a step-by-step video in our blog post, How to Make a Stuffed Jack-o-Lantern.
Zhuzh up their daily routine
Whether you DIY it or use a dog puzzle feeder, experimenting with how you serve your dog’s food is a great way to add fun and enrichment to their routine. If your dog is a senior or has mobility challenges, mental enrichment via scent games is also a great alternative to strenuous physical activity.
While variety is important, always ensure the methods you choose align with your dog’s dietary needs and health. Dog owners should consult your veterinarian if you’re introducing new foods or have concerns about their eating habits. By spicing up mealtime using different enrichment ideas, you’ll not only nurture your dog’s body but also their mind and spirit.
For more ideas on enrichment for dogs, read our blog post.