All dogs require some level of physical and mental exercise in their daily life, and there are ways to provide both at once right at home! An enrichment item is something that engages your dog’s body and brain, like a puzzle toy, a feeder ball, or a snuffle mat. While there are many great products available for purchase, you can create your own enrichment toy with items you already have on hand!
Follow these steps to create a frozen enrichment bowl and watch your dog have a blast working to free all of their favorite items. This puzzle is especially intriguing for them because it constantly changes as the ice melts.
Step 1
Gather a few treats, some kibble, toys, a long-term chew or filled Kong, and a dog dish.
Step 2
Arrange the items and treats in the dish and fill the dish with water. Make sure the items stick out above the water level to capture your dog’s interest. Then stick it in the freezer!
Step 3
Once frozen solid, remove from the bowl and give to your dog. Remember, this item is messy as it thaws! This is a great activity to provide for your dog in the yard during comfortable weather, inside a larger walk-in shower stall, or on an easily cleaned floor.
If your dog doesn’t seem interested, you can:
- Experiment with different treats and toys
- Try adjusting the size (a large dish may make the block too cumbersome for a small dog)
- Try adding a little low-sodium, dog-safe broth to the water before freezing
