Enrichment for Raw Feeders: Tips, Recommendations, and More

While enrichment can sometimes feel like a breeze to put together, raw feeders are sometimes left scratching their heads.

Let's face it, sometimes we come across a really cool feeder toy but then instantly think to ourselves, How on earth would I sanitize this properly?

I'm here to tell you that while it may seem difficult, it's not as impossible as many people think! Here are some tips when it comes to RAW enrichment.

Change Up What You Use

For enrichment activities like Snuffle mats or Kong Wobblers, raw feeders may want to use them but struggle with how. Here are a few quick solutions:

1. Use dehydrated or freeze dried raw for certain enrichment activities.

2. Single ingredient dehydrated treats or veggies will also do the trick. Think: Dehydrated liver snaps, dehydrated carrot or apple, or rolling treats like blueberries!

3. Have a high quality dry food on hand just for enrichment (Our suggestion: Nature's Logic, ZiwiPeak, Orijen, Carna4).

Utilize Meal Toys That Are Easy To Clean

Meals can feel a bit like a struggle for Raw Feeders because certain toys have hard to reach crevices that can't really be cleaned properly. Here are some of my favorite toys and DIY options when it comes to raw meal enrichment, based on their easy-to-clean factor.

Toys on the Market:

1. LickiMats (classics, slomo, and more).

2. LickiMat Wobble Bowls

3. West Paw Toppl

4. West Paw Tux*

5. Goughnuts Kannoli or Goughnuts Kup

*Note, the Tux works great but it holds small portions. It will not often fit a full meal unless you have a very small dog.

DIY Options:

1. Muffin tins

2. Plastic Egg Cartons

3. Sheet pan (spread raw food and freeze for an activity that encourages licking!)

Here's a quick video on some LickiMat products that I love utilizing for meal enrichment:

Fully Edible Options

If you don't feel comfortable with certain meal toys for enrichment, you can try stuffing meals into options that are fully edible.

Bonus: Many of these vessels also double as nature's tooth brush.

For example:

Dehydrated Tracheas

Dehydrated or Raw Lamb's Ears

Tips for Keeping a Clean Space

No matter what you use, as raw feeders we want to ensure that our spaces are clean after meals and enrichment. Here are some tips for keeping a clean space:

1. Use spare towels and lay them under your enrichment activity (as shown in the above video).

2. Sanction off a space for enrichment if your dog is a mover (i.e., baby gating the kitchen during an enrichment activity). This makes it easier to clean a specific space, and ensures your mover doesn't take their raw treat all over the house.

3. If your dog tends to bring their enrichment to their bed, having a machine washable bed or bed cover makes clean up a lot easier.

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