Enrich your dog's and cat's lives at feeding time

Pet enrichment involves introducing activities or changes that make life more engaging, helping to reduce boredom and stress. When combined with feeding, enrichment offers even more benefits for your pets' well-being.  

Benefits of enrichment during feeding  

Feeding enrichment isn’t just fun—it brings many physical and mental health benefits. By adding challenges to mealtimes, you can improve your pet’s overall well-being. For dogs, this can be especially useful on rainy days. Cats, being natural hunters, enjoy the challenge of “working” for their food, making enrichment a great way to satisfy their instincts. Here are a few more benefits to consider:

• Slows down fast eaters by extending mealtimes, helping digestion and reducing health risks.  
• Builds confidence as pets feel successful when solving puzzles or finding food.  
• Encourages natural behaviours, like hunting, foraging, or problem-solving.  
• Supports training, such as teaching your pet to stay calm in specific environments (e.g., dog crates).  
• Aids in weight management, keeping pets active and healthy while they work for their food.  
• Provides mental stimulation, which is vital for reducing boredom, especially on days when outdoor activities might be limited.  

Tips for enriching dogs' feeding time  

Dogs are natural problem-solvers and enjoy tasks that engage their senses and instincts. Feeding enrichment can help them burn energy, build confidence, and stay mentally stimulated. From puzzle feeders to hide-and-seek games, these activities cater to their playful and curious nature.

• Use puzzle feeders: Puzzle bowls or snuffle mats are great for slowing down mealtime.  
• DIY puzzle ideas: Hide kibble in a cardboard egg box or place wet food in a muffin tray with small portions in each hollow.  
• Food dispensing toys: Fill toys like Kongs with wet food or treats. Freeze the filled toy for an extra challenge.  
• Hide-and-seek: Hide two or more food-dispensing toys around the house for your dog to find. Start with obvious spots, then make it trickier as they improve.  
• Switch things up: Change hiding spots or introduce new toys regularly to keep feeding fun.  
• Safety first: Always supervise your dog with toys or chews to prevent accidents or choking.  

For ideas on what puppies can chew while teething, read our guide.

Tips for enriching cats' feeding time  

Cats have strong hunting instincts and thrive on activities that mimic stalking and catching prey. Feeding enrichment taps into these natural behaviours, keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated. Whether it’s pawing food from a mug or exploring hidden treats, these ideas will make mealtimes more exciting for your feline friend.

• Interactive feeders: Use slow-feed bowls, puzzle feeders, or snuffle mats. Cats enjoy working for their meals.  
• DIY challenges: Place wet food inside a mug laid on its side. Cats love using their paws to scoop food out.  
• Foraging fun: Hide treats or dry food around your home. Start with easy-to-find spots and gradually make them harder to discover.  
• Rotating routines: Change the hiding spots or types of puzzles frequently to keep your cat intrigued.  
• Encourage hunting instincts: Scatter dry food across the floor or hide it under paper for your cat to "hunt."  
• Supervised play: Avoid leaving cats alone with toys that could pose a choking hazard or cause injury.  

Further enrichment ideas  

Another idea is to use the seasons to inspire feeding games. For example, in summer, freeze wet food or treats in ice cube trays for a cooling, enriching activity. During colder months, create indoor “treasure hunts” to keep your pet active and entertained. 

If you have more than one pet, feeding enrichment can also be a bonding activity. Set up separate enrichment stations so each pet can enjoy their puzzle at their own pace. This prevents resource guarding while giving everyone a chance to participate. Watching pets problem-solve together can also be a nice experience for you as an owner.  

Customising enrichment for older pets  

Older cats and dogs can benefit from feeding enrichment too, but you may need to adapt the activities. For senior dogs, opt for simpler puzzles that don’t strain joints or teeth. Older cats may prefer slow feeders or easier challenges that still encourage hunting behaviours without causing frustration. Always monitor older pets closely to ensure they’re comfortable and engaged.  

How to choose the right feeding toys  

When selecting feeding toys, consider your pet’s size, breed, and personality. Larger dogs may need sturdier toys that can handle rougher play, while smaller dogs and cats may benefit from softer designs. For cats, ensure toys encourage their hunting instincts without being too challenging. Many brands label their toys by difficulty level, so you can gradually increase the challenge as your pet becomes more confident.  

Getting started  

Introduce enrichment gradually to avoid overwhelming your pet. Begin by offering part of their meal in a puzzle or toy, then build up to their full meal. Always measure their daily food allowance to prevent overfeeding.  

For more nutrition and diet information for your pet, read our guide.

If you're ever unsure about your pet's health or well-being, Agria Pet Insurance customers can access expert advice for free. Download the Agria app for 24/7 video consultations with vets, helping you keep your furry friend happy and healthy.  

By making feeding time engaging, you’re not just feeding your pet—you’re enriching their mind and body every day.