5 Benefits of Having Your Dog Work For Their Food

Having your dog work for their food, whether through puzzle toys, training exercises, or interactive feeders, can do wonders for their well being.

Instead of just placing a bowl of kibble on the floor when it’s dinner time, use a puzzle toy or scavenger hunt to have them “earn” the meal.

Whether you use a puzzle feeder, scatter kibble for a scavenger hunt, or incorporate training with treats is up to you — any of those methods will tap into your dog’s natural instincts to scavenge.

If you have more than one dog I highly recommend snuffle mats for this activity. You can feed each dog with their own separate mat, which makes fights over food less likely. With puzzle toys that move around it’s harder to supervise.

The idea might sound weird, but it’s one easy way to add some enrichment into your dog’s routine. Here are five benefits of having your dog work for their food.

Mental Stimulation Keeps Their Brain Sharp

Dogs are smart, and a lack of mental stimulation throughout the day can lead to boredom, anxiety, or destructive behaviors. When your dog has to solve a puzzle or perform tasks to access their food, it stimulates their brain and encourages problem solving and focus.

Studies suggest that mental enrichment can reduce stress and improve cognitive function in dogs, similar to how puzzles benefit humans. For example, using a treat dispensing toy or playing a game of “find the treats” in the house can turn mealtime into a fun, brain boosting challenge.

And if you’re worried about having your dog have to “work” for their food remember that scavenging is in their DNA. Eating out of a bowl put in front of them is boring; having them work for it adds excitement and enrichment to their routine.

Slows Down Fast Eaters

If your dog inhales their food in seconds they might be at risk for digestive issues like bloating or vomiting. Interactive feeders or puzzle toys force them to eat more slowly, reducing the chance of these problems.

According to veterinarians, slower eating can also aid digestion and nutrient absorption. By making your dog work for their food you’re promoting healthier eating habits and potentially preventing serious health issues, especially in larger breeds that are prone to gastric torsion.

Encourages Physical Activity

Adding tasks like navigating an obstacle course for food rewards keeps your dog physically active. This is especially important for high energy breeds or dogs that don’t get enough exercise.

Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscles, and reduces the risk of obesity related conditions. Turning mealtime into an active game can help keep your dog fit while enjoying the process.

Strengthens Training and Behavior

Using food as a reward during training sessions reinforces positive behaviors and strengthens the bond you have with your dog. By having them work for their meals through commands like “sit,” “stay,” or more complex tricks, you’re reinforcing obedience and mental discipline.

Dogs that are trained with food rewards tend to learn faster and retain commands better. This approach can turn mealtime into an opportunity to practice some basic obedience skills and work on impulse control.

Reduces Boredom and Problem Behaviors

A bored dog will find a way to entertain itself, and that often leads to excessive chewing, digging, or barking. Having your dog work for their meals helps channel their energy into productive tasks, reducing the likelihood of destructive habits.

Enrichment activities such as working for food can also help lower stress and anxiety, leading to a calmer, happier dog. It’s a simple way to keep your pet engaged and content, especially during long days at home.