If your dog is barking, pacing, chewing everything in sight, or struggling to relax, it might not be a “bad behaviour” problem at all. Very often, it’s an enrichment problem. Food enrichment for dogs taps into their natural instincts to sniff, chew, and forage, giving their brain and body the kind of work they were born to do.[1][2]
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the science of food enrichment, why it has such a powerful calming effect, and how you can use simple tools like snuffle mats and food puzzles to support a calmer, happier dog.
Don't forget to check our Dog enrichment toys section.
Key Takeaways
- Food enrichment for dogs uses sniffing, chewing, and scavenging to work your dog’s brain and body at the same time.[1][3]
- Sniffing activates the parasympathetic “rest and digest” system, which helps reduce stress and promote relaxation.[4]
- Chewing and licking release feel-good chemicals in the brain that can help your dog self-soothe.[5]
- Scavenging and foraging games satisfy natural hunting instincts that modern life usually ignores.[1][6]
- Using tools like snuffle mats at mealtime can ease anxiety, reduce boredom barking, and help fast eaters slow down.[2][7]
What Is Food Enrichment for Dogs?
Food enrichment is any activity that makes your dog “work” for their food in a fun, safe, and engaging way. Instead of eating from a plain bowl in 30 seconds, your dog might have to sniff, nudge, paw, chew, or dig to find their meal or treats.
Examples of food enrichment include:
- Snuffle mats and foraging mats
- Slow feeders and puzzle bowls
- Stuffed, frozen toys like Kongs. Don't forget to read out guide: Snuffle Mat vs Frozen Kong and find one which one to choose for your pup.
- DIY towel rolls, cardboard boxes, and cup games. Read our article: Can you use a towel as a snuffle mat?
These activities all share one thing: they turn mealtime into a full-body, full-mind experience instead of a quick gulp from the bowl.[1][3]
The Science: How Sniffing Calms Your Dog
Dogs experience the world through their nose. When your dog sniffs, they aren’t just smelling; they are processing huge amounts of information about the environment. This kind of deep sniffing activates the parasympathetic nervous system—sometimes called the “rest and digest” system—which helps your dog shift out of a stressed, hyper-alert state.[4]
That’s why many trainers use scent work and sniffing games with anxious dogs. If you want to dig deeper into how scent work reduces anxiety in dogs, food enrichment is one of the easiest ways to start.
Even 5–10 minutes of focused sniffing on a snuffle mat can leave many dogs more relaxed than a fast, over-exciting walk.[4]
Science Snapshot: How Food Enrichment Changes Your Dog’s Mood
| Type of Activity | Key Effect on Dogs | Example Study / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sniffing / Nosework | Increases positive “optimistic” bias and emotional wellbeing | Duranton & Horowitz, 2019 – Nosework and judgment bias [4] |
| Chewing (long-lasting chews) | Promotes positive emotional states and engagement | Flint et al., 2023 – Long-lasting chews and affect [5] |
| General Environmental Enrichment | Reduces abnormal behaviours and supports welfare | Garvey, Purdue Extension – Implementing enrichment for dogs [6] |
| Enrichment During Confinement | Decreases stress and boredom when activity is limited | Daniels, 2023 – Enrichment during enforced confinement [7] |
Why Chewing Helps Dogs Self-Soothe
Chewing is another natural behaviour that helps dogs cope with stress. When dogs chew on appropriate items—like safe chews, stuffed toys, or food puzzles—it can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, supporting relaxation and emotional regulation.[5]
Instead of seeing chewing as “naughty,” it helps to reframe it as an important self-soothing behaviour. The key is to provide safe, dog-appropriate chewing and licking options:
- Stuffed and frozen toys
- Snuffle mats loaded with kibble or treats
- Lick mats with dog-safe purees
Combined with sniffing and foraging, chewing turns food time into a rich, calming ritual rather than a frantic scramble.
Scavenging: Letting Your Dog “Hunt” for Their Food
In the wild, dogs and their ancestors would spend a big part of their day searching, tracking, and problem-solving to find food. Modern pet dogs often get their entire meal in one bowl, in one spot, in a few seconds.
Scavenging-style food enrichment reintroduces that missing “hunt” in a safe, controlled way. You might:
- Hide pieces of kibble around a snuffle mat so your dog has to search.
- Scatter food across a safe surface indoors instead of using a bowl.
- Place treats in small containers, boxes, or under cups for your dog to seek out.
This type of activity doesn’t just fill your dog’s stomach—it fills their instinctual need to forage. That alone can reduce frustration, boredom, and many of the behaviours that come with an under-stimulated brain.[1][6]
How Food Enrichment Supports Behaviour and Emotional Health
Because food enrichment taps into so many natural behaviours at once—sniffing, chewing, problem-solving, and scavenging—it has a powerful impact on how your dog feels and acts day-to-day. Many dog parents notice:
- Less pacing, whining, and attention-seeking
- Reduced boredom barking
- Improved ability to settle after meals
- More confident behaviour in new situations
Mealtime becomes an opportunity to meet your dog’s mental and emotional needs, not just their physical hunger. If you’ve ever wondered why dogs need more mental stimulation at mealtime, food enrichment is often the missing piece.[2][3][6]
What Experts Say About Enrichment
“Most pet dogs live in environments with very low natural foraging. Enrichment fills that gap and prevents many behaviour problems.”
— Dr. Lore Haug, DACVB, on environmental enrichment for pets[1]
“When we add sniffing, chewing, and choice to a dog’s day, we’re not spoiling them—we’re meeting core emotional needs.”
— Fear Free® veterinary educators on enrichment and emotional wellbeing[2]
Easy Ways to Start Using Food Enrichment at Home
You don’t have to overhaul your dog’s entire routine to start seeing the benefits. Try adding one or two of these ideas to your day:
- Serve breakfast or dinner in a snuffle mat a few times per week.
- Replace a standard treat with a short sniffing game or foraging activity.
- Use part of your dog’s daily kibble allowance in a puzzle or enrichment toy.
- Create a “sniff and snack” corner where your dog can enjoy their mat or puzzles without interruption.
Start simple, watch your dog’s body language, and gradually increase the challenge as they become more confident and experienced.
How Often Should You Use Food Enrichment?
Most dogs benefit from some form of enrichment every day. That might mean one enriched meal plus a small sniffing game later, or rotating between different activities throughout the week.[6][7]
Puppies, seniors, and dogs with health conditions may need shorter, easier sessions, while high-energy or working breeds might thrive with longer or more frequent food-based challenges. The goal isn’t to exhaust your dog—it’s to give their brain and body enough meaningful work to feel satisfied.
Food Enrichment for Dogs – FAQ
Does food enrichment replace walks?
Food enrichment doesn’t replace physical exercise, but it can be just as tiring—sometimes more—on a mental level. Ideally, your dog gets a mix of physical activity and brain work, including food-based enrichment.[1][6]
How often should I offer food enrichment?
Many dogs do well with daily enrichment, even if it’s just one enriched meal or a short sniffing game. You can adjust the frequency and difficulty based on your dog’s age, breed, and energy level.[6][7]
Is food enrichment safe for puppies?
Yes, puppies can benefit from gentle, age-appropriate enrichment. Start with simple snuffle mat games and short sessions, and always supervise to make sure your puppy isn’t chewing on anything unsafe.
Can food enrichment help with anxiety?
Food enrichment can be a powerful tool to support anxious dogs by giving them a predictable, calming activity that taps into natural behaviours. It’s not a replacement for veterinary care, but it can be an important part of a broader anxiety-management plan.[2][4][5]
What if my dog gets frustrated?
If your dog seems frustrated, make the game easier: use bigger pieces of food, hide them more shallowly, or choose simpler toys. The goal is for your dog to feel successful, not stressed.
Final Thoughts: Food Enrichment Is More Than “Just Slowing Them Down”
Food enrichment for dogs is about so much more than stopping them from gulping their meal. When you turn food into an experience—something to sniff, search for, chew, and problem-solve—you’re speaking your dog’s natural language.
By leaning into their instincts instead of fighting them, you can help your dog feel calmer, more confident, and more fulfilled… all with the same food you’re already feeding.
References
- Lore Haug, DVM, MS, DACVB. “Environmental enrichment for dogs and cats.” dvm360. Available at: dvm360.com
- Fear Free®. “About Fear Free and emotional wellbeing in pets.” Available at: fearfree.com
- Landsberg, Hunthausen, & Ackerman. Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. 2nd ed.
- Duranton C., Horowitz A. “Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2019. Available at: ScienceDirect
- Flint H.E. et al. “Long-Lasting Chews Elicit Positive Emotional States in Dogs.” 2023. Available at: PMC
- Garvey M. “Implementing Environmental Enrichment for Dogs.” Purdue Extension VA-13-W. Available at: extension.purdue.edu
- Daniels L. “The role of enrichment for dogs during enforced confinement.” Veterinary Practice, 2023. Available at: veterinary-practice.com