Just like humans, dogs can get bored if they are served their meals the same way every day. Introducing creative feeding methods, such as food puzzles or lick mats, can add excitement and mental stimulation to your dog’s routine. These activities also keep your dog physically active, which is especially beneficial during the colder months when outdoor playtime may be limited.
Why food puzzles are great for your dog:
- Mental Stimulation: Food puzzles challenge your dog to problem-solve, keeping their mind sharp and enhancing memory skills.
- Physical Engagement: These puzzles encourage activities like sniffing, pawing, pulling, or rolling, giving your dog light exercise while they work for their food.
- Stress Relief: Engaging with food puzzles can reduce stress and prevent boredom, helping to curb destructive behaviours like chewing furniture or other household items.
While there are plenty of reusable food puzzle options available at pet stores or online, you can also make your own puzzles at home by repurposing common household items. Here are three easy and fun DIY food puzzle ideas that also serve as slow feeders!
1. Empty Plastic Bottles
What you’ll need: A clean plastic bottle (e.g., a water or soda bottle)
Steps:
- Remove the cap, label, and ring from the bottle. Wash and dry it thoroughly.
- Use a knife or scissors to cut a few small holes in the bottle, just big enough for kibble or dry treats to pass through.
- Fill the bottle with your dog’s favorite dry food or treats.
- Place the bottle on the ground and watch as your dog rolls, nudges, or smashes it around to release the goodies!
Safety tips:
- Always supervise your dog while they’re playing with this puzzle.
- If your dog starts chewing the bottle itself, remove it immediately to prevent ingestion of plastic pieces.
2. Muffin Tin Puzzle
What you’ll need: A muffin tin, your dog’s favorite treats or food, and tennis balls
Steps:
- Fill some or all of the muffin tin slots with treats or kibble.
- For added difficulty, cover the slots with tennis balls, so your dog has to remove them to access the food.
- Place the muffin tin on the floor and let your dog figure out how to uncover the hidden treats!
Bonus idea: Muffin tins can double as replacements for lick mats. Fill the slots with moist food (like canned food, gently cooked meals, or raw diets) and top with a sprinkle of treats for added appeal.
Important:
- If using moist food, don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 30 minutes. Dispose of any leftovers, and wash the tin thoroughly with soap and water before the next use.
3. Towel Puzzle
What you’ll need: A clean, soft towel and your dog’s dry food or treats
Steps:
- Lay the towel flat and sprinkle dry food or treats across its surface.
- Fold or roll the towel, creating layers your dog has to unroll or paw through to reach the treats.
For more challenge:
- Use a larger towel or add multiple smaller towels. Roll the treats into the towels and place them inside a box. Your dog will have to sniff, paw, and dig to find them all!
Safety tips:
- Ensure the towel has no loose strings, tags, or stickers that your dog could swallow.
- Always supervise your dog, especially with larger breeds, to ensure they don’t accidentally swallow smaller towels.
- Remove any stickers, staples, or tape from the box before giving it to your dog.
4. Paper Towel Roll Puzzle
What you’ll need: Empty paper towel rolls and your dog’s favorite treats or dry food
Steps:
- Take clean, empty paper towel rolls and ensure no paper remains on them.
- Close one end of the roll by folding it.
- Make a small hole in the center of the roll, large enough for treats to pass through.
- Add treats through the open end, then fold it closed.
- Give the roll to your dog and watch as they roll, smash, or paw at it to get the treats out.
For more challenge: Wrap the roll in a towel, adding an extra layer of unwrapping before your dog can reach the treats.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog engaged mentally and physically during colder months doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. With simple household items, you can create fun and stimulating food puzzles that turn mealtime into an exciting game.
Tips for success:
- Always supervise your dog while they work on these puzzles to ensure their safety.
- Start with simpler puzzles, especially if your dog is new to food enrichment, and gradually increase the difficulty as they build confidence and skills.
- Use high-value treats to make the puzzles more enticing.
- Introduce the puzzle when your dog is slightly hungry—they’ll be more motivated to solve it if they aren’t already full.
- Be patient and guide your dog if they seem overwhelmed or discouraged. We want them to enjoy the experience and feel rewarded for their efforts.
With a little creativity, you can turn everyday items into enriching food puzzles that keep your pooch happy, healthy, and entertained!
For Georgie in these photos, we used Go! Solutions wet food on the lick mat and included Go! Benefit Chews and Now Fresh Good Gravy dry food in his DIY snuffle mat and puzzle. Georgie tends to get bored very easily, so integrating these strategies and incorporating a variety of his favorite treats and food keeps mealtime engaging for him while ensuring it is nourishing and meets his dietary needs.
Quick Fact: Petcurean products are formulated by animal nutritionists to meet your pet’s unique dietary needs and are made in Canada.
