Do dogs need enrichment feeders? See the truth here!

Okay, so today I wanna share something I've been messing around with for my dog, Max. It's all about enrichment feeders! Basically, ways to make mealtime more fun and engaging for him.

The Start: Boredom Busting

Max is a smart dude, but sometimes he gets bored. He'd gulp down his food in like, two seconds flat, then spend the rest of the day looking for trouble, or just moping around. I figured, "Hey, why not make him work for his food?"

DIY Time: The Muffin Tin Game

First up, I grabbed a muffin tin from the dollar store. Super simple, right? I sprinkled Max's kibble into each of the muffin cups. Then, to make it a little harder, I covered some of the cups with tennis balls. He had to figure out how to move the balls to get to the food.

• The Good: Max loved it! It slowed him down, and he actually seemed to enjoy "hunting" for his kibble.
• The Bad: It was kinda messy. Kibble went everywhere. Plus, Max figured it out pretty quickly, so it wasn't challenging for long.

Level Up: The Snuffle Mat

Next, I tried a snuffle mat. You can buy these, but I decided to make one. I took an old rubber mat with holes in it (like one of those welcome mats) and tied strips of fleece fabric through the holes. The idea is to hide kibble in the fleece, and the dog has to sniff and root around to find it.

• The Good: This kept Max entertained for a decent amount of time. It really engaged his sense of smell. Plus, it was relatively easy to make.
• The Bad: Cleaning it is a pain. All that fleece gets kinda gross after a while. And again, Max eventually mastered it.

Bought One: The Puzzle Feeder

Okay, I admit it, I caved and bought a proper puzzle feeder from the pet store. It's a plastic disc with compartments that Max has to rotate or slide to reveal the food. This one was actually pretty challenging!

• The Good: Durable, easy to clean (dishwasher safe!), and it really makes Max think. It also dispenses food slowly, which is good for digestion.
• The Bad: It was a bit pricey. And it's plastic, so not the most eco-friendly option.

The Verdict: Enrichment feeders are a win!

Honestly, all of these methods have helped Max be less bored and more engaged. He seems happier, and he's definitely less destructive. I rotate them every few days to keep things interesting. If your dog is a fast eater or just needs some mental stimulation, I highly recommend giving enrichment feeders a try. Start simple, see what your dog likes, and have fun with it!

Next Up: Frozen Fun!

I'm thinking about trying some frozen enrichment feeders next. Maybe freezing kibble in broth or yogurt. I'll let you know how that goes!