The Benefits of Food Enrichment
Food-based enrichment is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support a dog’s wellbeing. It taps into natural behaviours like:
- sniffing
- foraging
- chewing
- licking
These activities are not just “nice to do”, they are biologically relevant behaviours that can help:
- reduce stress and arousal
- promote calm, settled states
- increase engagement with the environment
- build positive emotional associations
Research shows that enrichment activities can reduce stress and improve behavioural outcomes in dogs by allowing them to express natural behaviours and increasing environmental control (Young, 2003; Herron et al., 2014).
Why Use a Signal for Enrichment?
One simple way to increase the impact of enrichment is to pair it with a clear, consistent signal, such as a non-slip door mat being put down on the floor.
Why this matters:
- Builds positive anticipation (your dog learns “good things are coming”)
- Positive anticipation is the way to increase dopamine in our dog’s brain, the ‘good feeling’ chemical
- Helps create a predictable emotional shift into calm engagement
- Can become part of a recovery routine after stress
- Encourages your dog to actively seek out regulation strategies
Over time, this turns enrichment from “just an activity” into a tool for emotional regulation.
Enrichment Ideas
1. Find It & Foraging Games
(Simple, effective, and highly adaptable)
- Scatter food across the floor, grass, or a snuffle area
- Hide treats under objects (cups, toys, furniture edges)
- Toss food into longer grass for natural foraging
- Hide small amounts around a room for a “treasure hunt”
You can use:
- kibble
- small treats (e.g. Omni Snack Pockets are a great option)
- bits of daily food allowance
2. Towels, Wraps & “Unwrap It” Games
(Great for slowing dogs down)
- Roll food into a towel and let your dog unroll it
- Fold layers with food hidden between
- Lightly knot a towel for more challenge
- Place food under a blanket or fabric
Start easy and build difficulty gradually.
Always monitor them closely to ensure that they don’t get carried away and stop them if they start trying to eat bits of the fabric!
3. Frozen & Ice Enrichment
(Longer lasting + great for calming)
- Ice cube trays with added:
- food pieces
- wet food
- small treats
- Freeze layers in containers:
- water + food
- wet food + kibble
These are great for:
- warm days
- promoting longer engagement
- encouraging licking and problem solving - “How do I keep this still so I can enjoy it?”
4. Licking Activities
Licking can help promote more settled states.
Ideas:
- Lick mats (smooth or textured)
- Smearing:
- wet food
- dog-safe pastes
- soaked kibble blends
- Freeze for longer duration or use fresh for easier access
Omni wet food or toppers can work well here as a base, mixing with a bit of water to help it go further
5. Vegetable-Based Enrichment
(Low calorie, high engagement)
Use dog-safe vegetables based on preference:
You can:
- smear with wet food - e.g. a carrot
- add small treats into gaps e.g. broccoli/cabbage
6. Chewing Options
(Important for decompression)
Chewing is a natural behaviour linked to:
- stress relief
- relaxation
Options:
- appropriate natural chews
- longer-lasting dental chews like Omni’s dental sticks
- or revisit some of those safe veggie options
Always match your dog’s with the right sized chews, always supervise.
7. Stuffed & Layered Enrichment
(Combine multiple behaviours)
- Stuff toys or safe containers with:
- kibble
- wet food
- treats
- Layer different textures:
- dry + wet
- soft + crunchy
- Freeze to increase duration
8. Problem-Solving Enrichment
(Add challenge and engagement)
- Puzzle feeders
- DIY cardboard boxes with hidden food
- Muffin baking trays with food under objects
These are great for:
- confident dogs
- building persistence
- increasing mental effort
9. “Everyday Enrichment” (No Setup Needed)
- Hand scatter part of meals instead of using a bowl
- Use food during walks for sniff breaks
- Hide food while your dog is out of the room
Small changes = big impact.
Final Thought
Food enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated. The goal isn’t to create perfect setups, it’s to give your dog opportunities to engage, explore, and regulate.
Remember, when paired with a clear signal, it becomes more than just feeding. It becomes a way to help your dog feel better.
References
Young, R. (2003). Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals
Herron, M. et al. (2014). Effects of environmental enrichment on canine behaviour
Beerda, B. et al. (1998). Chronic stress in dogs and behavioural responses
