8 Ways To Enrich Your Dog’s Diet — According to Our Founder, Lucy Postins

“Variety is the spice of life” isn’t just true for humans. Dogs also thrive when their days and meals include a little more novelty and a lot more engagement.

We recently sat down with Lucy Postins, founder of The Honest Kitchen, to talk about the importance of enrichment in dogs’ lives—and how simple play and feeding rituals can make mealtime more meaningful. Here’s what she had to say, along with some of her favorite DIY enrichment ideas she’s used for years with her own pups.

“So many dogs eat the same food from the same bowl every day, and it gets dull. Enrichment turns mealtime into something fun—something they get to do, not just something that’s done to them.”

Let’s dive in.

This one taps into your pup’s primal instincts—and burns off some serious energy.

“We came up with this years ago at the office, and it’s still one of my favorites. It’s a DIY version of lure coursing that’s easy to set up and always gets tails wagging.”

How to play:

• Scrunch up a ball of newspaper or an old paper grocery bag.
• Tie a string around it and attach the other end to a chopstick or stick.
• Let it trail along the ground as you run, encouraging your dog to chase it.

This activity mimics lure coursing, a thrilling canine sport, and is ideal for high-energy dogs or those needing exercise as part of a weight management plan. To prevent injuries, ensure the play area is free of obstacles, and consult a veterinarian before starting if your dog has joint or heart issues.

For rewards, choose high-value treats like The Honest Kitchen’s Meaty Littles, available in chicken and salmon or beef and salmon . They’re human grade, all natural treats with a taste dogs love.

Turn treat time into a joyful storm of flavor.

“This one’s so simple but dogs go wild for it. It’s like magic to them—treats falling from the sky!”

How to play:

• Grab a handful of The Honest Kitchen’s Parmesan Pecks, available in chicken and cranberry , duck and cherry or beef and blueberry flavors.
• Toss them high into the air so they scatter around.
• Let your dog forage and collect the goodies.

Avoid large cookies for this one and keep the area clear to prevent injury.

Stick to smaller treats like Parmesan Pecks™ instead of bigger ones to avoid any bumps if your pup is slow to dodge falling treats during the “storm.” Always supervise to ensure your dog doesn’t ingest anything harmful from the floor, and consult a veterinarian if your pup has dietary restrictions.

A favorite for keeping pups occupied during Zoom meetings.

“I love this one when I need five minutes of peace. Watching them unravel a towel to find their treats is half the fun.”

How to play:

• Take an old t-shirt or towel.
•  Layer in The Honest Kitchen’s Goat’s Milk N Cookies as you fold it into a ball.
• Tie the ends loosely for added challenge.
• Let your dog paw and nudge to find the treats.

Prep separate setups for multiple pups to avoid squabbles.

This game is perfect for keeping bored dogs occupied indoors, stimulating their problem-solving skills. It’s especially great for single dogs, but can be adapted for multiple pups by preparing separate towels. Pair it with enrichment toys for bored dogs to keep your pup engaged in varied ways for maximum fun.

For dogs who eat a little too quickly—or need help unwinding. A lick mat transforms mealtime into a slow, engaging experience, encouraging your dog to work for their food instead of gobbling it down in seconds. It’s ideal for dogs with dental issues, as the soft texture is gentle on teeth or for those needing mental stimulation during calm moments.

“One of my dogs eats frantically, and I feel sad when her meal is over in seconds. The Woof Slow Feeder has been a game changer. It helps her savor every bite, and that’s so rewarding to watch.”

How to use it:

• Get a lick mat, like the Woof lick mat, for its textured surface.
• Mix The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated dog food with warm water to a porridge-like consistency. It’s human grade and perfect for spreading due to its oatmeal-like texture when rehydrated.
• Spread the mixture evenly across the lick mat.
• Mix in plain yogurt or bone broth for added flavor variety.
• Place the mat on the floor and let your pup lick it clean.
• Clean the mat thoroughly after use to maintain hygiene.

Licking activates calming endorphins in dogs , making this a great tool for pups who get nervous during thunderstorms, grooming or just need some downtime after play.

For alternative spreads, try pumpkin mixed with bone broth for palatability. Make sure to consult a vet if your dog has specific dietary needs.

This is a lively group game that adds a burst of exercise and excitement to your dog’s day, perfect for breaking up a sedentary routine. This activity encourages social interaction and physical activity, making it ideal for office settings or group playdates. It’s great for energetic dogs but adaptable for slower pups with extra encouragement.

“We used to do this in our office hallway! It’s hilarious—and a surprisingly good workout for everyone involved.”

How to play:

• Find an unoccupied hallway or open space.
• Have a friend hold the dogs back with a whiteboard or lightweight furniture barrier.
• Stand at the other end and yell “treats!” while shaking a bag of The Honest Kitchen’s Harvest Mini Bars .
• Release the pups and see who makes it to the snacks first.

Reward all participants, especially the slowpokes.

Race for the bar promotes healthy competition and exercise, ideal for mid-day energy boosts. Harvest Mini Bars, human grade and all natural, are a tasty reward that dogs love. For multiple dogs, supervise closely to prevent tussles over treats.

Treat Box Tumble transforms an empty Honest Kitchen dehydrated food box into a stimulating puzzle. The pre-punched handle holes let the irresistible aroma of healthy meats for dogs , like those in Meaty Littles, escape, enticing your dog to push, tip or tumble the box to release the goodies. This game is perfect for indoor play, engaging your pup’s problem-solving skills and curiosity.

“I love how dogs all approach this differently. Some nose it gently. Others just tear it to pieces! Either way, it keeps them busy.”

How to play:

• Place Meaty Littles inside an empty dehydrated food box.
• Close the lid and set it down.
• Let your dog figure out how to get the goodies.

Supervise so no cardboard gets eaten.

This activity suits dogs of all intelligence levels, though clever pups may solve it faster.

Use one box per dog to avoid competition. For beginners, try a paper towel or toilet paper tube. Just drop treats inside, stand it upright and let your pup knock it over. Seal the bottom for added challenge once they’re comfortable.

Goin’ fishin is an outdoor chase game that sparks your dog’s hunting instincts, providing a thrilling workout. It's perfect for high-energy dogs, offering physical exercise and mental stimulation. 

By dangling a treat like The Honest Kitchen’s Ocean Fish Chews (a top choice among raw hide alternatives for dogs ), you encourage your pup to pursue, mimicking wild canine behavior.

“This is pure joy for energetic dogs. You’ll need to upgrade to a sprint if your pup is fast—or the game’s over in seconds!”

How to play:

• Tie an Ocean Fish Chew to a string and attach it to a paper towel roll.
• Dangle and drag it around your backyard.
• Let your pup chase and try to catch the moving treat.

Remove the string before your dog eats the chew.

Ocean Chews, available in wolffish or cod skins , are human grade and single-ingredient, making them a durable, tasty reward. Ensure the play area is safe, and consult a veterinarian for dogs with joint or mobility issues. For smaller or slower dogs, keep the pace gentle to maintain fun without frustration.

Bring out your dog’s inner detective with a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt, turning your home or backyard into a treasure-filled adventure.

This game sparks your pup’s natural foraging instincts, encouraging them to sniff out hidden treats. Perfect for mental stimulation, it’s ideal for dogs of all ages, including seniors or those with mobility or vision challenges, who can enjoy it with gentle guidance.

“Hide a few treats around the house and suddenly your pup has a purpose—it’s a great brain workout, especially for older dogs.”

How to play:

• Distract your dog while you hide Meaty Littles around the house or yard.
• Use accessible but creative spots.
• Let the sniffing begin!

Keep bonus treats for slower pups.

This game is a fantastic way to bond with your pup, as they’ll love the challenge of sniffing out rewards while you cheer them on. It’s perfect for short bursts of engagement, like during a work break, and can be scaled up by hiding treats in trickier spots as your dog gets better at the game.

Start with easy locations to build confidence, then progress to more creative hiding places, like inside a folded blanket or behind a potted plant, to keep the hunt exciting.

“Enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A little creativity goes a long way. It’s about giving dogs the chance to engage with their food and their world in a more fulfilling way.”

Rotate these activities throughout the week to keep things fresh. And don’t forget the essentials—human grade treats and meals from The Honest Kitchen that make these games even more rewarding.

Remember to stock up on the healthy treats that make these games even better.  Explore healthy, high quality dog treats at The Honest Kitchen which are human grade and made with a taste dogs love.