Your Dog Wants to Work for Food
updated: October 29, 2025
Eating out or take away- it a treat that many of us savor. However, when it comes to canine companions, they'd much rather rummage around scavenging than have a bowl plunked down in front of them. It's time we cater to their innate desires. Read on as we unlock the key to fulfilling your dog's natural foraging instincts.
The Science Behind the Urge: Understanding Contrafreeloading
What is Contrafreeloading? (The Simple Definition)
Contrafreeloading is the scientific term for an animal’s natural preference to work for their food even when the same food is easily available.
The Scientific Origin
This behavior was first formally defined in 1963 by researcher Glen Jensen as:
"when an animal is offered a choice between free food or identical food that requires effort, the animal prefers the food that requires effort.
You can relate if you’ve ever prepared a home-cooked meal. Not only does that special dish taste better than takeout, but you also feel more satisfied consuming it. This feeling of satisfaction is the essence of contrafreeloading.
If you live in a warm climate, be mindful of food placement. Misplaced food can attract unwanted pests. (This is a lesson learned from experience!)
Actionable Ways to Start Feeding for Enrichment
Now that we’ve woken up to the fact that our beloved pups have far more potential than simply lounging around, we can add food enrichment activities into their daily routine. And don’t we owe it to our faithful canine companions an opportunity to show us what they can do?
Method 1: Embrace the Hunt with Scatter Feeding
London, Nutmeg and Tiger forage in the grass for snacks.
Start simple: Scatter kibble or treats across the floor inside your home.
Signal the game’s start: Say “Find It!” to kick off the hunt and encourage active sniffing.
Increase difficulty: Spread the game into a larger area, think first floor or multi-floor hunt or move the activity outside, as new scents (flowers, grass) increase the challenge.
Manage excitement: If your dog eats as you scatter temporarily move them to another room while you prepare the area.
Scatterfeeding is a favorite activity in my household! I will also use scatterfeeding before teaching an overly exhubertant dog a lesson in loose leash walking.
Method 2: Mental Workouts with Puzzle Feeders
To encourage Charles’s peanut butter was put on the twisting mechanisms.
Commercial Puzzles: Look for durable, affordable food-dispensing toys (i.e.., Outward Hound or West Paw).
Low-Impact Option: Use snuffle mats for dogs with mobility issues or those new to enrichment games.
DIY Solution: Scrunch up newspaper balls with kibble inside a cardboard box and let your dog forage.
Important: Enrichment should never be frustrating! If your dog becomes stressed, make the task easier or lend a helping hand.
Revamp Your Dog’s Mealtime with Enrichment Activities
In short, ditch the bowl. Whether you scatter feed or food dispensing puzzles, break the monotony of their meal-time routine. Your dog' will thank you!
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FAQ- Ditch Your Dog’s Food Dish
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You can incorporate enrichment into every meal! Your dog will be more relaxed and less bored as a result.
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This means the puzzle is too difficult. Enrichment should be engaging, not stressful. If your dog gives up, immediately reduce the difficulty by making the food easier to access (e.g., removing a puzzle piece, using a simpler toy, or leaving a few treats scattered freely). Success builds confidence and resilience.
