‘Bowls are boring’: Investigating enrichment feeding for pet dogs and the perceived benefits and challenges

Abstract

BackgroundCanine enrichment feeding (CEF) is recommended by canine professionals, yet research into its use by dog owners is absent. This study is the first to investigate who uses CEF and the perceived benefits and barriers.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey advertised in July and August 2021 received 1750 usable responses about owner and dog demographics, feeding methods used, canine quality of life and behaviour (Mini‐Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire [C‐BARQ]).ResultsKongs, chews and activity toys were the most popular forms of CEF. CEF was most often used for a treat, delivering meals and keeping dogs busy. Owners not using CEF were more likely to be male and older. Dogs not fed using CEF were more likely to be older, of working type and have lower exercise needs. Furthermore, they were less likely to show meal interest, dog‐directed fear or training difficulties. A common perceived benefit was mental stimulation; however, lack of time was commonly perceived to be a barrier. Certain feeding methods were associated with perceptions of reduced hunger and begging.LimitationsThe survey methodology means there is a risk of selection bias and conclusions cannot be drawn about causation.ConclusionCEF was perceived by most owners to benefit behavioural problems and reduce food seeking. Further research using experimental research designs is required to establish causality.

Here Puppy, Chew on This: Short-Term Provision of Toys Does Not Improve Welfare in Companion Dogs

“…This is highlighted by Hubrecht [28], who found dogs who received enrichment spent significantly less time inactive-though subjects spent 51% of their time inactive before the intervention (quite different from companion dog populations). Additionally, Heys et al [27] emphasized the human perception of toys' effects on their dogs. Humans who use food-based toys were more likely to report more appetitive behaviors during feeding time in their dogs and less undesirable food-seeking behaviors such as begging.…”

“…For dogs, specially designed retail toys are common sources of stimulation. A recent survey-based study on companion dogs found many people believe feeding enrichment toys provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom in dogs [27]. Dog toys are widely touted to improve dogs' well-being through facilitating natural exploratory behavior and mitigating stress-related, maladaptive behaviors such as over-grooming and destruction of furniture [28][29][30][31].…”

“…Moreover, there is considerable variability in experimental design (duration of interaction, types of toys, limitations of the shelter environment). Only one study [27] has investigated the effects of toys on the welfare of companion dogs living in households, however, only survey-reported data was collected.…”

Effect of feeding toy and the presence of a dog owner during the feeding time on dog welfare

“…The primary method of feeding uses a stainless bowl. This conventional feeding technique is boring [11], does not sufficiently mimic natural behavior, and may be related to obesity [12,13]. In free-roaming dogs, food sources such as carcasses require considerable eating time, approximately 26 min [14].…”