Feeding methods play a critical role in a dog’s health and welfare, yet research into how owners use canine enrichment feeding (CEF) has been limited. Heys et al. (2023) conducted the first large-scale investigation into CEF practices and perceptions among dog owners, gathering responses from 1,750 participants in a cross-sectional survey.
The study found that the most common enrichment tools included Kongs, chews, and activity toys, often used for treats, meal delivery, or simply to keep dogs occupied. Owners who engaged with CEF perceived benefits such as mental stimulation, reduced hunger cues, and fewer behavioral problems, particularly around food-seeking and begging. Dogs fed with enrichment methods also showed differences in interest levels at mealtime, training responsiveness, and fear-related behaviors.
However, several demographic and practical factors influenced whether CEF was used. Owners who did not use CEF were more likely to be older and male, while dogs less likely to be fed this way tended to be older, of working breed types, and with lower exercise needs. The most commonly cited barrier was lack of time, despite the recognized benefits for canine quality of life.
Although causality cannot be firmly established from this survey, the results strongly suggest that integrating CEF into daily care routines could support both mental well-being and behavior management in pet dogs. Further experimental research is needed to strengthen these findings, but the evidence underscores the potential of enrichment feeding to improve canine welfare.
Source: Heys, M., Lloyd, I., & Westgarth, C. (2023). “Bowls are boring”: Investigating enrichment feeding for pet dogs and the perceived benefits and challenges. The Veterinary Record, e3169.
