Enrichment Feeding toys!
One effective way to keep your dog engaged and satisfied is by incorporating feeder toys into their daily routine. These types of toys provide not only mental stimulation and environmental enrichment, they can help your pup alleviate stress! In this blog post, we'll explore the significant role of feeder toys in enriching your dog's environment and wellness and how you can find the perfect products for your pooch.
Imagine spending your days in a monotonous environment with nothing to challenge or excite you. Dogs can experience similar feelings of boredom and frustration if their surroundings lack enrichment. Environmental enrichment is crucial to a dog's overall well-being as it provides mental stimulation, physical activity, and helps prevent behavioral issues.
Feeder toys are specially designed to stimulate a dog's cognitive abilities while also fulfilling their feeding needs. These toys typically have compartments or mechanisms that dispense treats or kibble and your smart dog must use problem-solving skills to figure out how to retrieve their food. This kind of mental stimulation keeps their brain active, preventing boredom and promoting a healthier, happier mindset.
I used to have a beautiful white Pitbull who loved to eat. She was very active and would gobble down her meals (among other things) so fast! I was always looking for ways slow her down. Feeder toys soon replaced her bowl. It was so fun to watch her be engaged with her meal and get tired from the mental and physical effort. I would also pair my departure with frozen peanut butter or carrots stuffed into a toy. She learned to get excited to see me grab my shoes and coat to leave because it meant more tasty snacks!
So if your pup is active, anxious or a vacuum, use these tools at every meal!
Here are some favorite options I have recommended as a trainer over the years. Please note this author is an Affiliate of Amazon and earns a commission from any purchase used made via the following links.
1. HIPPIH Dog Treat Dispensing, Durable Dog Balls. Your dog gets smarter as they play with these by learning how to chew and roll the ball to get dog treats to fall out. Bonus: chewing on the extra-tough natural rubber that is bite-resistant and non-abrasive can help clean dog teeth by removing tartar!
2. Kong Wobbler: This fillable dog toy wobbles, spins, and rolls to dispense treats, making it a fun way to offer mental stimulation for dogs. Many clients have enjoyed watching their pup play with this all the time.
3. Lickimat: This tool allows you to serve yogurt, peanut butter, spreads and all manner of organic and healthy treats. Food settles in the mat’s surface which slows the feeding dramatically and prolongs enjoyment. I love freeze this tool to extend the feeding even longer!
4. The Orbee-Tuff Snoop toy will keep your pups engaged as they sniff, paw, and play to retrieve the tasty rewards inside. My dog loved this feeder for years.
5. Snuffle Mat : A wonderful way to involve your dogs’ powerful sense of smell and stimulate natural foraging instincts by mimicking the hunt for food in grass and fields.
6. Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Interactive Puzzle Toy dispenses treats as your dog maneuvers the pieces. This series of feeders comes in 3 levels of difficulty!
Remember: When purchasing a feeder toy, look for ones that are durable, easy to clean, and appropriately sized for your dog. Consider factors like difficulty level, material, and the type of treat it can accommodate. Always observe your dog with any new toy to make sure they use it appropriately.
These toys are an excellent investment in your dog's physical and mental health. They can turn a mundane feeding routine into an exciting challenge for your best friend. A happy, engaged dog is healthier in mind and body!
