Beyond the Bowl - New ways to feed your dog.

There's a new game in town and it's about to change the way you think about how you feed your dog.

Imagine the same food, in the same bowl, in the same place, for the rest of your life? For a natural scavenger like your dog this is definitely uninspiring. Fortunately we can help you engage their minds to improve their well being.

Try these simple alternatives at meal times for your dog and pup.

1. Scatter Feed: Scatter feeding involves scattering your dog's kibble or treats over a wide area instead of placing them in a bowl. This mimics natural foraging behavior, encouraging your dog to use their senses to locate their food. It's simple to do both inside or out.

2. Puzzle Toys: Puzzle toys are interactive, your dog solves a puzzle to access their food. These can vary from simple toys where treats fall out when rolled, to more complex ones where your dog has to manipulate levers or discs. They promote mental stimulation and can slow down fast eaters. Start with simple versions and progress when your dog can easily get to their food.

3. Homemade Feeding using Cardboard Rolls: Use cardboard rolls (from paper towels or toilet rolls) to create homemade puzzle feeders, it's cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

   Fold one end in on itself, place treats inside, then fold that end closed too, your dog has to figure out how to get their food and will enjoy tearing into the roll as well.

4. Treasure Hunt in a Box: Create a treasure hunt by hiding pieces of your dog's kibble in a box filled with their toys or scrunched up paper. Your dog will enjoy digging through it to find it. This taps into their natural hunting and foraging instincts, whilst encouraging dexterity and exercise in their forelimbs.

5. Hide and Seek Feeding: This involves hiding small portions of your dog's meal or treats around the garden, house or in a designated area. This encourages your dog to use their nose and brain, making dinner an exciting and engaging activity, this is a good option for fast eaters.

6. Lick Mats: Lick mats are textured mats that you spread soft food, like peanut butter, a spoonful of yogurt or wet dog food onto. Studies show licking reduces the heart rate resulting in a calmer dog, a great option for dog who struggle to self sooth.

7. Kongs: Kongs are the King of slow feeders, they're durable rubber toys that can be stuffed with kibble, treats, or even a mixture of wet food or frozen goodies. Dogs work hard to get the food, keeping them occupied and mentally stimulated. The versatile Kong can be used for their dinner, as an activity while you are at work or when you need a break. It's an engaging activity to offer for energetic dogs who still want to play after a walk.

8. Snuffle mats: Snuffle mats are specially designed mats with long, soft fabric strips, creating a shaggy surface that easily hides treats. Fill them with kibble and watch your dog use their foraging powers.

Dog's Age and Health: Adjust the difficulty of puzzle toys and feeding methods based on your dog's age, breed, and any health conditions. For example, older dogs or those with dental issues will need softer foods or easier puzzles, while you want to start puppies on simple puzzles so they experience success.

These are just a few methods that provide variety to your dog's meal time, rotate them to make dinner time or their day more interesting by offering stimulation which will enhance your dogs well-being.

Experiment with different methods and to find what your dog enjoys, it will make meal time a highlight of their day.