Eating out or take away- it a treat that many of us savor. However, when it comes to canine companions, they'd much rather rummage around scavenging than have a bowl plunked down in front of them. It's time we cater to their innate desires. Read on as we unlock the key to fulfilling your dog's natural foraging instincts.

Understanding Contrafreeloading

Eating out of bowl is boring! The scientific name for this preference is known as contrafreeloading and it has been observed in many species, including dogs and people!

Contrafreeloading the behavior seen in most animals that when an animal is offered a choice between free food or identical food that requires effort, the animal prefers the food that requires effort (Glen Jensen, 1963).

Animals prefer earned food because it provides valuable environmental insights, mirrors natural behaviors, and offers mental stimulation. Anyone who has ever worked hard preparing a homecooked meal surely can relate. Not only is your special dish better than one from restaurant, you feel even more satisfied consuming yours. That's the essence of contrafreeloading.

Dog Enrichment Food Ideas

Now that we’ve woken up to the fact that our beloved pups have far more potential than simply lounging around, we can add food enrichment activities into their daily routine. And don’t we owe it to our faithful canine companions an opportunity to show us what they can do?

Scatter Feeding

Scatter feeding is a favorite activity in my household. By spreading kibble or treats around the home, you entice your dog to sniff them out in an exhilarating hunt. To kick off the hunt, I cue “Find It”, and off they go sniffing out each morsel.

Move the hunt outside when your pup is ready to kick this activity up a notch! New scents like flowers, birds, and wind all increase the degree of difficulty for this activity.

• When Chip was a puppy, I temporarily moved him to another room while his meal got spread throughout. If I didn’t do that, he would have ate as I scattered. Now that he is an adult dog, he stations in a down-stay as I scatter his food.

• If you live in a warm weather place, food placement is crucial. Misplaced food could attract unwanted pests. (Trust me, I am speaking from experience! 🤪)

Puzzle Feeders

There are plenty of food-dispensing puzzles on the market to keep your entertained and engaged. Two brands I always recommend are Outward Hound and West Paw. Both manufacturer products that are durable and affordable. Outward Hound's challenging puzzles can enhance bonding through teaching, while West Paw's options are eco-friendly and adaptable as your dog grows.

• Snuffle mats are a wonderful tool for dogs with mobility issues as well as those that haven’t had experience with food enrichment.

• DYI option: Scrunch up some newspaper balls with treats or kibble inside and toss into your a cardboard box then let your dog do the rest. Once your dog is comfortable with the box, add decoys to increase difficulty.

• Enrichment should never be so hard that your pet gives up! If your pet becomes stress by the task, lending a helping hand.

Contrafreeloading — Just Do It 

In short, ditch the bowl. Whether you scatter feed or food dispensing puzzles, break the monotony of their meal-time routine. Your dog' will thank you!

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Prioritize their mental health and well-being with our dog enrichment activity program.