Did You Know? Dogs Love to Work for Their Food!

It may come as a surprise, but many dogs actually prefer to work for their food rather than just having it given to them in a bowl. This behavior, known as “contrafreeloading,” is just a fancy way of saying that your dog will often choose to earn their food even if the same food is freely available.

Studies and practical experiences from professionals and pet owners alike show that dogs are more engaged, mentally stimulated, and even happier when they’re given challenges around mealtime. Whether it’s a puzzle toy, a snuffle mat, or a basic training session where they earn kibble for following cues, dogs seem to enjoy the experience more than simply eating out of a bowl.

Why Do They Like It?

Dogs are natural problem solvers. In the wild, their ancestors had to use their noses, brains, and bodies to hunt, scavenge, and forage for food. Even though most modern dogs are far removed from that type of existence, those instincts are still there. Simply feeding them from bowls takes away the chance to use their instincts. Giving them tasks to perform in order to receive food allows them tap into those natural drives.

Tapping into a dog’s natural instincts to work for food provides:

• Mental stimulation – Exercising their brain helps keep their mind active and works to prevent boredom and unwanted behavior.
• Physical activity – Engaging in activities that exercise the body to get food can add enrichment to their day.
• Satisfaction – Solving a challenge or task to receive food can be just as rewarding as, if not more than the food itself.
• Bonding – Training that is rewarded with food or treats can help build a stronger connection between a dog and their human.

What Can You Do?

It’s rather simple. Provide your dog with opportunities to earn their food. Food-based training and food enrichment activities will stimulate your dog’s brain, body, senses, and natural instincts, making training and mealtime more engaging and rewarding. Frequently engaging in these types of activities can help improve their cognitive function, problem-solving skills, and reduce daily boredom.

Types of Food-based training and enrichment activities:

• Basic Dog Training – Teaching essential commands using positive reinforcement, like offering treats, increases the likelihood of the desired command being repeated. Training is a great bonding exercise, and it can encourage your dog to put in the “work” to receive the food reward.
• Scatter Feeding – Spreading small amounts of food around your house or yard will encourage your dog’s natural foraging behavior and provide them with essential mental stimulation.
• Hide-and-Seek Treats – Hiding treats around your house or yard will encourage your dog to use their sense of smell and problem-solving skills to locate them.
• Food Dispensing Toys – Giving your dog toys that require them to work to access their food is a great way to provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom.
• Snuffle Mats – Hiding treats inside of a woven fabric snuffle mat that your dog can sniff and search through will help them engage their natural foraging instincts.

Does ZippyPaws Have Food-Based Toys?

We sure do! We have snuffle-type toys, treat-dispensing toys, treat puzzle toys, and more. Let’s take a look at some of our exciting food-based toys, shall we?

Snufflerz and Snufflerz Rolls

Designed to keep your dog busy, stimulate their brain, and tap into their natural foraging instincts, Snufflerz and Snufflerz Rolls are awesome food-based toys made to entertain your pet – and reward them with treats. Simply hide your pet’s favorite treats inside the Snufflerz or Snufflerz Roll and sit back and watch them dig in.

The Snufflerz dog toys feature fabric layers sandwiched between two slices of crinkly bread. Each sandwich layer has spaces for hiding treats for your dog to find. The Snufflerz Roll dog toys feature roll-up designs with a variety of interior fabrics designed for hiding treats and the hook and loop closure straps make for easy storage and travel.

SmartyPaws Puzzlers

Featuring different levels of difficulty, SmartyPaws Puzzlers are fun brain games that help enhance your dog’s problem solving skills, providing for a fun and engaging way for them to receive treats or kibble.

ZippyTuff+ Treat Ball

With a faceted design that causes an unpredictable bouncy and skippy roll, the ZippyTuff+ Treat Ball is specially designed to dispense treats as your dog plays with it. The jerky and erratic movement of the ball engages your dog’s mind and body, providing mental and physical stimulation – and treats! 

ZippyTuff+ Tree Branch

Great for stuffing with your dog’s favorite treats, the durable ZippyTuff+ Tree Branch features a cylindrical hole in the middle that is perfect for filling with peanut butter, pumpkin purée, yogurt, kibble and more. And for a longer-lasting challenge, you can freeze the stuffed toy to keep your dog thoroughly engaged in their “work.”

Now that you know your dog prefers to work for their food, it’s up to you to provide them with the opportunities they hunger for. Try out some of these engaging activities with your dog to see how motivated by food they truly are – and be sure to tag us on social media so we can see them in action!