“Enrichment isn’t just for entertainment. It’s a necessary component of behavioral health, reducing stress, and fostering positive behaviors in dogs.”
– Dr. Karen Overall
When it comes to your dog’s well-being, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. One of the easiest ways to start incorporating enrichment activities for dogs is during something you already do every day feeding your dog.
By turning mealtime into a fun, interactive experience, you're not just feeding your pup you’re also engaging their brain, satisfying natural instincts, and reducing excess energy and stress. This concept is known as dog food enrichment, and it can do wonders for your dog’s behavior, focus, and mood.
There are endless ways to turn food time into playtime. Here are some simple, effective ideas to try at home:
Toss a handful of kibble across a safe, clean area and let your pup use their nose to hunt it down. This encourages natural foraging behavior, provides mental stimulation, and slows down eating.
Snuffle mats are made of fleece loops that hide small bits of food. Your dog will enjoy digging and sniffing through it, which taps into natural instincts and provides calming stimulation.
These uniquely designed bowls come in all shapes and difficulty levels to make your dog work a little harder for their food. They help promote slower eating and more mindful feeding.
Sprinkle kibble into the cups of a muffin tin and cover them with tennis balls or other toys. For an added challenge, pour in water or broth and freeze for a longer-lasting treat.
Need a little extra support? Book a complimentary call with one of our dog experts
Chewing is more than just a puppy phase, it's a crucial outlet for dogs of all ages. It releases endorphins, reduces anxiety, and even helps with decision-making and memory development by stimulating key parts of the brain.
From a physical standpoint, chewing helps clean teeth, freshen breath, and improve dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Providing safe chew options daily helps curb destructive behavior and supports overall health.
Licking is another instinctual activity that provides comfort, calm, and even dental hygiene benefits. It’s a soothing behavior that can help new puppies settle in or help anxious dogs relax.
Introduce licking activities using dog-safe foods like:
Plain yogurt
Peanut or almond butter (xylitol-free!)
Wet dog food
Pumpkin puree
Meat-based baby food
Apply the food to a lick mat or slow bowl and let your dog enjoy the relaxing, tasty challenge.
Here are some easy-to-use tools to support food enrichment for dogs:
Stuffed Kongs or Puzzle Toys – Fill with your dog’s favorite wet food or freeze for longer engagement.
Lick Mats and Lick Bowls – These provide soothing enrichment during meals or treat time, especially for wet or raw-fed dogs.
Rotating Slow Feeders – Mix up your feeding gear to keep things fresh and interesting.
Need a little extra support? Book a complimentary call with one of our dog experts
Incorporating dog food enrichment into your daily routine is a simple but powerful way to support your dog’s mental and physical health. From licking and chewing to problem-solving mealtime activities, these enrichment activities for dogs are more than just fun they’re essential for a balanced, happy pup.
Try a few of these strategies and watch how your dog thrives!
Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today.
