Between walks, naps and meals, how do our pets spend their time? Mental enrichment is an essential part of every pet’s day, helping alleviate boredom to keep our best friends happy and healthy. Just like people who seek new activities and experiences to add novelty to our day-to-day routine, pets enjoy learning new things and working their brain, especially when there’s a treat at the end.

Before we had to pause our in-shelter volunteer program to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some of our amazing volunteers helped us record videos about the enrichment activities we provide for animals at the AWLA each day, so pets in homes could enjoy them too. So get those treats ready and prepare yourself for some fun times, adorable moments and big smiles with your best friend!

Cool Treats: Pupsicles and Ice Blocks

Why these are great: You can make these fun toys with any food, treats and toys you have at home already!

Supplies:

• Freezer-safe small cups for Pupsicles
• Freezer-safe bowl for Ice Blocks
• Wet dog food or dog food broth
• Canned pumpkin, peanut butter or treats (optional)
• Rubber chew toy (optional)
• Stick-shaped chew (optional but adorable)

Instructions:

1. Mix dog food, dog food broth, pumpkin or peanut butter with water in your container. For Pupsicles use something small and for Ice Blocks use something a little larger. Remember that all calories in this treat go towards your pet’s total daily calories, so be careful not to add too many treats.
2. Drop in any treats or toys.
3. For Pupsicles, include your stick chew, if using, as the Pupsicle stick.
4. Freeze until ready to enjoy!

 

Get Creative: Busy Boxes, Fun Frisbees and Nylabones

Why these are great: These enrichment items let you get creative when making a treat for your pup!

Supplies:

• Cardboard box (for Busy Box)
• Frisbee or dog-safe plate (for Fun Frisbee)
• Nylabone or other hard chew toy
• Wet dog food, treats, peanut butter or canned pumpkin
• Washable toys

Instructions

Fun Frisbees and Nylabones

1. Cover tops of frisbee/plate or nylabone with food or peanut butter. Remember that all calories in this treat go towards your pet’s total daily calories, so be careful not to add too many treats.
2. Top with a few treats for added fun.
3. Freeze to make the treat last even longer.

Busy Box

1. Smear wet food, peanut butter or pumpkin around the bottom and inside of your box. Remember that all calories in this treat go towards your pet’s total daily calories, so be careful not to add too many treats.
2. Stick treats or kibble to the sides and bottom for your pup to find, or include a few other treats in the bottom.
3. Toss in a washable toy for added fun!
4. Fold the top of the box together for your pup to puzzle through.

 

Turn Meals into Snack-tivities: Kongs, Kong Wobblers, Treat Tubes and Slow Feeders

Why these are great: These toys provide fun ways to feed your pup their daily meal!

Supplies:

• Kong, Kong Wobbler, Slow Feeder or PVC pipe with drilled holes and end caps
• Dry dog kibble or treats

Instructions:

Kongs

1. Kongs are great toys on their own, but you can also fill them with wet food to feed your pup part of their daily meal.
2. Put stuffed Kongs in the freezer to make the treat last even longer.

Kong Wobblers, Slow Feeders and Treat Tubes

1. Fill toys will kibble and/or treats (make sure the pieces are small enough to fall out of holes) to turn a regular meal into a rewarding puzzle!

 

Cats Love a Puzzle Too: Busy Boxes and Busy Bags

Why these are great: You can use supplies you already have at home to make endlessly customizable toys for your cat!

Supplies:

• Cardboard box
• Paper bag
• Toilet paper or paper towel tubes
• Kibble, treats, catnip and/or toys
• Scissors

Instructions:

Busy Bags

1. Cut a few holes in your paper bag to let cats peek inside and see out of if they decide to hide inside.
2. Fill the bag with kibble, treats, catnip and/or toys. Remember that all calories in this treat go towards your cat’s total daily calories, so be careful not to add too many treats.

Busy Boxes

1. Use cardboard tubes or extra cardboard to make dividers and compartments for treats. The more compartments, the harder of a puzzle it is!
2. Fill spaces with kibble, treats, catnip and/or toys. Remember that all calories in this treat go towards your pet’s total daily calories, so be careful not to add too many treats.

 

Enrichment activities are a great way for your pet to engage their brain while working for a tasty treat reward. Our animals at the AWLA love receiving their daily enrichment treats, and we’re sure your best friend at home will too!