Unleash the Fun: DIY Enrichment Toys for Pets
You are a devoted pet owner who wants only the best for your four-legged friend, whether it’s food, toys, training, or health care. Incorporating enrichment toys and activities into your pet’s daily routine will help ensure their physical and mental wellbeing by stimulating your pet’s mind, promoting physical activity, and preventing boredom and problem behaviors.
If your pet is prone to shredding expensive toys or devouring treats in seconds or seems bored with the same old games and activities, add some new life to playtime. Here are some creative and budget-friendly DIY enrichment toys and activities that will engage your pet and entertain them for hours.
Treat Dispenser Bottles
This treat-dispensing toy is a fun way to recycle plastic bottles while encouraging activity. As your furry pal noses or paws at the bottle, treats and kibble pieces will fall out of the holes, and provide an intriguing “crunch” if stepped on or chewed.
Materials:
- Clean, empty plastic bottles of various sizes
- Scissors
- Small treats or kibble
Instructions:
Remove the labels and wash the bottles thoroughly to remove any residue. Then, cut small holes in the bottle sides that are just large enough for treats or kibble pieces to fall out. Add a handful of your pet’s favorite snacks, secure the cap tightly, and let your pet enjoy the challenge of getting the treats out.
Cardboard Puzzle Feeders
If Amazon boxes are piling up in your home, recycle the packaging into a creative pet puzzle feeder. The possibilities are endless, engaging, and entertaining.
Materials:
- Cardboard boxes and tubes
- Scissors
- Tape
- Small treats or kibble
Instructions:
Cut holes in the sides and top of a cardboard box that are small but large enough for your cat to stick in a paw or your dog to poke their snout through. You can also cut holes in the sides of long cardboard tubes, place treats or kibble inside the box or tube, and seal the flaps or ends shut. You may need to leave them partially open to begin with, to help your pet get to their reward.
Also, try standing tubes upright in a box, putting a treat at the bottom of each one. Your feline friend can paw out the treat or your pup can lap it up.
Frozen Treat Trays
Frozen treats provide long-lasting entertainment and can help slow down a rapid eater. Mix and match your pet’s favorite snacks and flavors for a drool-worthy delight.
Materials:
- Ice cube trays or silicone molds
- Low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- Chopped fruits or vegetables
- Small treats
Instructions:
Make small, frozen treats by filling an ice cube tray with water and adding a little low-sodium broth for extra flavor. Then, add small chunks of your furry pal’s favorite fruits and veggies to each compartment, or toss in a treat. Freeze the trays and then add the solid cubes to your pet’s water bowl for a refreshing treat.
Sock Snuffle Mat
Dogs love using their powerful sense of smell to explore their world, especially when their investigation yields something delicious. Cats, on the other hand, prefer an enriching activity that involves stalking and pouncing on their “prey.” For either species, a snuffle mat made from old socks is a wonderfully rewarding adventure.
Materials:
- Old socks
- Rubber mat or non-slip tray with small holes (e.g., a dish-draining mat)
- Small treats or kibble
Instructions:
Cut the socks into strips according to your pet’s size, ensuring they are long enough to hide treats, but not so long that your furry pal cannot reach the reward. Thread the sock strips onto the rubber mat or non-slip tray, tying the strip underneath to create a snuffle mat. Hide small treats among the sock strips, and encourage your pet to find the hidden treasures with their nose and their paws.
Catnip “Mice”
While dogs will typically chew on or tug at any toy they come across, most cats need more encouragement to play. Fabric mice stuffed with catnip will likely entice your feline friend into frolicking.
Materials:
- Fabric scraps
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
- Catnip
Instructions:
Cut the fabric into small squares or shapes. Fill each shape with catnip, and sew or tie the fabric closed to keep the catnip inside. Cut long streamers into the fabric edges to mimic bird feathers or a mouse tail. Then, watch your cat enjoy batting and playing with the catnip-filled creations.
Engaging your pet with DIY enrichment toys not only provides physical exercise but also helps prevent boredom-related behavioral issues. These simple and cost-effective ideas can be tailored to suit your pet's preferences and will keep them entertained for hours. However, remember to supervise your pet during playtime and to adjust their toys’ difficulty level as they become more skilled. You will enjoy the bonding experience and watching your pet thrive with these simple, homemade enrichment activities that will fit most budgets.
Pets need enrichment toys to keep their mind in top condition. They also need regular wellness care to ensure their physical health. Keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy by scheduling their next wellness visit with our Santa Monica Pet Medical Center team.