Top 5 Mental Enrichment Games for Dogs: Vet-Approved Activities for Calm and Focused Behaviour

Exercise is only part of the equation. Dogs also need mental stimulation, particularly if they spend more time indoors or follow repetitive routines. Boredom isn’t just a behavioural issue; it can fuel anxiety, destructive actions and even affect digestion.

The good news is that you don’t need fancy gadgets or endless free time. With simple tools and creativity, you can challenge your dog’s mind and keep them calm, engaged and content. Here are five vet-approved enrichment games that tap into your dog’s natural instincts.

The Snuffle Mat Fun

A favourite for many households, the snuffle mat replicates grass or foraging terrain, encouraging your dog to use their nose to seek out food. Scent work naturally calms, reduces stress and creates a sense of accomplishment. It also slows down fast eaters, supporting digestion and mental focus. Research shows that nosework activities significantly improve canine wellbeing and help reduce stress-related behaviours. Scatter part of your dog’s regular meal or low-calorie treats on the mat for them to find.

The Towel Roll-Up Game

No special toys required. Place kibble or dry food on a towel and roll it up tightly. This combines a physical puzzle with a scent challenge, encouraging your dog to problem-solve as they unroll the towel for a reward. Behavioural enrichment that promotes problem-solving has been shown to reduce stress in domestic dogs and improve focus. Start with an easy setup and gradually increase the challenge to keep your dog motivated without frustration.

Muffin Tin Mystery

Turn a muffin tin into a puzzle by placing food in each slot and covering it with tennis balls or paper. This simple game promotes problem-solving and nose-led exploration while encouraging focus and persistence, both of which support calm and balanced behaviour. Interactive enrichment enhances welfare in dogs across home and kennel environments, making this a great activity for mental stimulation. Use part of your dog’s regular meal to prevent overfeeding.

The Cardboard Box Adventure

Repurpose delivery boxes by filling them with safe paper, towels or packing material, then hide treats inside. This activity provides digging and pawing satisfaction, ideal for dogs who love to explore and shred. Interactive enrichment helps build confidence and reduce boredom-driven anxiety. Olfactory enrichment and play lower stress markers in dogs, improving mood and adaptability. Always supervise your dog and remove any staples, tape or ink.

Scatter Feeding Outdoors

Change up mealtime by scattering food in the garden or a safe outdoor area instead of using a bowl. This taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts, slows eating and transforms meals into an engaging mental challenge. It’s ideal for high-energy dogs who benefit from focused, calming activities. Scent-based feeding activities help regulate emotions and concentration, providing both physical and mental satisfaction.

The Importance of Mental Enrichment

Mental engagement is essential for wellbeing. Regular enrichment can reduce anxiety, improve digestion by slowing eating, enhance indoor behaviour and stabilise energy levels without excessive exercise. Behavioural experts have shown that enrichment and scent-based play significantly reduce stress-related behaviours in dogs. Allergies and sensitivities can also influence behaviour, affecting up to 15% of dogs. Food allergies highlight their potential role in discomfort and irritability, and allergies and sensitivities are known to influence behavioural changes. Emerging evidence also links atopic conditions to increased behavioural stress, highlighting the connection between nutrition, comfort and calm behaviour. Consistent enrichment builds trust, focus and confidence, especially in rescue dogs, puppies or those prone to anxiety.

Nourish Their Mind with the Right Nutrition

Enrichment works best when supported by balanced nutrition. Omni’s novel protein powered meals provide protein, fibre and slow-release energy to keep your dog sharp, content and focused throughout the day. Discover Omni’s full range of allergy-friendly, vet-formulated meals and support a calmer, happier and more engaged dog.

Explore Omni’s Range

Sources

• Horowitz, A., Hecht, J., & Dedrick, A. (2020). The Effects of Nosework on Canine Wellbeing. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.583469

• Clark, F.E., et al. (2021). The Impact of Interactive Enrichment on Domestic Dogs in Kennels and Homes. Animals (Basel). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071985

• Csoltova, E., & Martineau, M. (2019). Behavioural enrichment for dogs: The role of play and olfaction in welfare. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104907

• Drechsler, Y., Dong, C., Clark, D.E., & Kaur, G. (2024). Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Strategies. Veterinary Medicine (Auckland). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10874193/

• Olivry, T., & Mueller, R.S. (2017). Prevalence of cutaneous food reactions in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z
  

• Picco, F., et al. (2008). Canine atopic dermatitis and food-induced allergic dermatitis in Switzerland. Veterinary Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18477331/