Keeping your pet entertained doesn’t have to mean spending money on expensive puzzle toys.
Mental stimulation is one of the best ways to prevent boredom, reduce destructive behaviour and build confidence. In fact, a challenging brain game can leave your pet just as tired as a long walk.
The best part? Most enrichment toys can be made in under five minutes using items you already have at home.
Before you start, always supervise your pet during enrichment activities. If your dog or cat is a strong chewer or tends to swallow plastic, avoid games using plastic bottles and stick to cardboard, towels and paper instead.
DIY enrichment games for dogs
1. Towel burrito
Spread an old towel flat and sprinkle kibble or treats across the surface.
Roll the towel up tightly and let your dog sniff, paw and unroll it to find the hidden rewards.
Level up: Tie a loose knot in the middle after rolling to make the challenge a little harder.
2. Muffin tin puzzle
Place treats into three or four cups of a six-hole muffin tin.
Cover every cup with tennis balls or rolled-up socks, including the empty ones.
Your dog must use their nose to figure out which cups hide the treats.
3. Toilet roll pyramid
Save 10 to 12 empty toilet rolls.
Fold one end closed, place a treat inside and fold the other end.
Stack the rolls into a pyramid inside a cardboard box and let your dog knock them over to find the rewards.
Warning: Expect a mess.
4. Bottle spinner
Using one to three empty plastic bottles, thread them onto a wooden dowel or strong cord after making holes through opposite sides of each bottle.
Mount the bottles securely between two sturdy chairs or a simple wooden frame so they spin freely.
Place dry treats or kibble inside the bottles and let your dog work out how to spin them to release the food.
5. Box dig pit
Fill a large cardboard box halfway with scrunched newspaper, old T-shirts and empty toilet rolls.
Scatter treats throughout the box and encourage your dog to dig and forage.
6. Shell game
Hide a tasty treat under one of three identical cups while your dog watches.
Slowly move the cups around before asking your dog to find the hidden reward.
7. Staircase treasure hunt
If you have stairs, ask your dog to wait while you hide treats on different steps.
Release them to sniff out each reward.
This game is particularly suitable for older dogs because it doesn’t require fast running.
DIY enrichment games for cats
Cats naturally enjoy stalking, chasing and pouncing, so enrichment should encourage those instincts.
1. Toilet roll treat puzzle
Take four or five empty toilet rolls.
Fold one end closed, add a small treat, fold the other end and cut two or three small holes in the side.
Your cat will bat and roll the tube to release the treats.
2. Egg carton foraging box
Place treats into a few compartments of an empty egg carton.
Close the lid or cover each compartment with scrunched paper.
For an added challenge, sprinkle a little catnip inside before closing it.
3. Towel maze
Lay three or four towels on the floor, creating folds and ridges.
Hide treats and favourite toys beneath the folds so your cat has to hunt for them.
4. Paper bag cave
Use a sturdy paper shopping bag and cut a few small holes in the sides.
Place treats inside and tease a feather wand or piece of string through the openings.
The result is an instant ambush tunnel that encourages natural hunting behaviour.
Why enrichment matters
Mental stimulation helps reduce boredom, encourages natural behaviours and strengthens the bond between pets and their owners.
Even spending 10 to 15 minutes each day on enrichment activities can make a noticeable difference to your pet’s wellbeing.
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