DITCH THE FOOD BOWL: BUILDING A BETTER BOND WITH YOUR DOG
Feeding time doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it shouldn’t be! For many dogs, mealtime is the highlight of their day—and it’s the perfect opportunity to build your relationship and add enrichment to their lives.
Dogs are natural predators, and engaging their instincts through fun, food-related activities can help fulfill their needs while also strengthening your bond. Ditching the food bowl doesn’t mean depriving your dog of their meals—it means turning those meals into moments of joy, connection, and learning.
WHY DITCH THE FOOD BOWL?
Think about it: food is one of the most powerful motivators for most dogs, yet when we serve it up in a bowl twice a day, we’re missing a huge opportunity. By incorporating food into games and activities, you can:
Make food more rewarding: When your dog “works” for their food in fun, engaging ways, mealtime becomes much more satisfying.
Build a stronger bond: When food comes directly from you, your dog starts to associate you with good things, deepening your relationship.
Provide mental stimulation: Dogs love to think and solve problems. Using food as part of enrichment keeps their brains engaged and prevents boredom.
The goal is simple: align positive experiences with food and with you. Once your dog realizes that food isn’t just something that appears in a bowl but is part of your interactions together, you’ll see your relationship blossom.
I love this video by @thetiredpooch!
She does a great job explaining in her own words the benefits and applications of hand feeding.
CLICK HERE to hear what she has to say!
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD OF USING A FOOD BOWL
Here are some ideas to turn your dog’s daily meals into a source of fun, enrichment, and connection:
1. Hand Feed During Training
Use your dog’s daily food portion as training treats throughout the day. Whether you’re practicing obedience cues, tricks, or new skills, hand-feeding ties the reward directly to your interaction. It’s also an excellent way to make training sessions part of your routine.
2. Replace Bowls with Toys or Puzzles
If you prefer set mealtimes, use puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, or food-dispensing toys instead of a bowl. These tools encourage your dog to work for their food and keep them mentally stimulated.
3. Play Games Like “Find It”
Scatter your dog’s food in the yard, hide it in small piles around the house, or toss pieces for them to chase. Games like these mimic a natural hunting experience and are incredibly enriching.
4. Use Food for Management
Scatter feeding, where you toss kibble or treats across the ground, is a great way to keep your dog calm and occupied. It’s especially helpful in situations where you need to redirect their focus or reduce stress.
5. Combine Approaches
This doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. You can set aside your dog’s daily food portion and use it throughout the day for training, games, and enrichment activities. Whatever is left over can go into a puzzle feeder for their “dinner.”
COMMON QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS
Switching to this style of feeding can take time. Here are some common concerns and how to address them:
“My dog won’t take food from me.”
If your dog is hand-shy, don’t force it. Instead, toss the food to them or use a toy or game to bridge the gap. Over time, they may grow more comfortable with taking food directly from you.
“My dog isn’t interested in the food.”
It might be the food itself. Try using something smellier, tastier, or more exciting—something your dog truly loves. If they still aren’t interested, pause and try again later.
“I feed raw, and it’s too messy.”
If you’re feeding raw, there are a few ways to make it work:
Hand-feed near a sink or wear gloves.
Use a silicone treat pouch to keep things clean.
Incorporate raw food into puzzle feeders or snuffle mats that are wet-food-friendly.
Consider using a high-quality kibble for training sessions or when raw isn’t practical.
Feeding raw doesn’t have to stop you from engaging your dog. Sometimes, a combination of raw for meals and kibble for training can strike the perfect balance.
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Bribing Your Dog
It’s important not to bribe your dog with food. Bribing means showing the food before your dog performs the behavior. Instead, use food as a reward after they’ve done what you’ve asked. This distinction builds stronger behaviors.
Coercion
Avoid forcing your dog into behaviors with food. Instead, guide them gently or wait for them to offer the behavior on their own, then reward them. Coercion can lead to stress and frustration, which is the opposite of what we’re trying to achieve.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ditching the food bowl isn’t just about feeding your dog differently—it’s about enriching their life and building a deeper relationship. By turning mealtime into an opportunity for fun, connection, and learning, you’re making food more meaningful and giving your dog the mental stimulation they crave.
So, set aside the bowl, grab their food, and start having fun together.
