Scatter Feeding for Dogs: An Owner’s Guide to Enriching Mealtime
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As a dog owner, you may or may not have heard of scatter feeding for dogs – a brilliant way to tap into a dog’s natural instincts, provide relief from stress and anxiety, add enrichment into a dog’s daily routine and so much more.
In this post you’ll learn what scatter feeding is all about, how to get started with it, the equipment you’ll need, and most importantly, the benefits it offers for dogs.
Whether you’re seeking to provide mental stimulation for your dog, encourage physical activity, or alleviate boredom and anxiety, scatter feeding can be a game-changer in your dog’s daily routine.
Uncover the secrets to transforming ordinary mealtimes into extraordinary adventures for your dog’s body, mind, and soul with scatter feeding for dogs.
Sparking Up Mealtimes
For many dogs mealtimes are pretty routine and let’s be honest pretty boring.
What many owners don’t realise is that mealtimes are a perfect opportunity for activities such as enrichment and in this case scatter feeding.
Scatter feeding is one of my favourite activities to do with dogs, it has many benefits but the reason I really do love scatter feeding is that it is simple and anyone can do it (and you can literally start after reading this!)
What Is Scatter Feeding?
Scatter feeding for dogs is a method of enrichment where you scatter your dog’s food in an area and let them forage for the food.
You can do this pretty much anywhere, preferably a grassy area so the dog has to use their nose instead of their eyes (this is so important) and in a low distraction environment where your dog won’t be distracted.
Instead of opting for boring mealtimes, scatter feeding for dogs provides enrichment and stimulation by allowing a dog to tap into their natural instincts and find their food.
Adding a sensory activity such as scatter feeding is not only enriching but provides valuable mental stimulation if it is done correctly and consistently.
Add this to your dog’s daily routine and start seeing the following benefitsā¦
5 Benefits Of Scatter Feeding
#1 – Simple and Great for ALL Dogs
Firstly the simplicity of scatter feeding for dogs is why it’s top of the list.
It’s great for all dogs, not just reactive, anxious or hyperactive dogs.
You could literally start as soon as you’ve finished reading this if you wanted to!
#2 – Proper Mental Stimulation
Over time mental stimulation activities have lost popularity and have been replaced with boredom busters for dogs to do at home that don’t provide adequate stimulation (hence my chosen name).
For me, scatter feeding is one of those activities that actually provides adequate mental stimulation, in fact, 20 minutes of scatter feeding is equivalent to a decent walk.
This activity allows a dog to tap into their natural instinct which is something many don’t get to do. Activities such as this are great for meeting a dogs needs and reducing behavioural issues.
#3 – Relieves Anxiety
A great way to deal with anxious energy is to give dogs a task. By having a task (or a job) a dog is able to focus, perform what is needed and therefore relieving stress.
Scatter feeding also allows freedom of movement and movement is a great method of relief too.
#4 – Great For Decompression
If you have a dog that has a high level of stress then it may be good to know that scatter feeding is also great for decompression.
The amount of mental energy needed and used within this activity helps being down stress and anxiety levels allowing for that decompression.
I always recommend scatter feeding as a form of decompression especially when going through a stress detox.
#5 – Great For Reactive Dogs and Socialisation
If you have a reactive dog or you are working on socialisation, scatter feeding is a great technique to have under your belt.
When dealing with a reactive dog you may find that for using scatter feeding as a reward can be highly beneficial as it does allow that little bit of decompression, I find this great for allowing a dog to have a second of clarity to think more.
As for socialisation (whether you are socialising around people, dogs or other triggers) you’ll be able to use scatter feeding from a distance from your trigger and slowly close the gap making this a perfect method for neutrality.
How To Start With Scatter Feeding – Basic Steps
#1 – Have Your Food Prepared Beforehand
Have your food prepped which means chopped up or portioned. The last thing you want is to be fumbling around with splitting food up through the activity. You want this activity to be seamless as possible.
I highly recommend a dog training treat pouch to carry food around with. You’ll find this easier and less messy than in your pockets or carrying a plastic bag around.
My favourite treat pouch is the VoilĆ Silicone Treat Pouch as it’s great for wet, raw and dry food, it’s durable, easy to carry and so easy to clean too.
#2 – Find a Good Area
You need to find an area that is safe and also in the least distracting environment as possible.
The last thing you want is for your dog to be distracted by children running around, dogs running up, people walking past etc.
At some point you can build up the distraction level if you’re going through socialisation but if you are doing this as a sensory activity keep it calm and distraction free.
#3 – Scatter Your Dog’s Food
If you’re starting out with scatter feeding then don’t just fling your dog’s food across a football field. Don’t get me wrong this would be very enriching and highly stimulating BUT your dog may lose interest.
Keep the area small to start with or scatter in a certain area, wait until your dog has nearly found all pieces and then throw another scatter close by.
#4 – Release
This is a perfect time to work on some self control. Have your dog wait patiently while your scatter the food around.
The rest is all up to your dog, follow them around quietly and avoid tension on the leash.
As time goes on you should see their body language get looser and calmer.
Equipment Needed For Scatter Feeding
#1 – Treat Pouch
I highly recommend a good quality dog training treat pouch. This will make carrying around your food or treats so much easier.
A good treat pouch will allow you to carry large quantities of food and whilst having easy access.
My favourite treat pouch is the ViolĆ Silicone Treat Pouch as it’s great for wet, raw and dry food, it’s durable, easy to carry and so easy to clean too.
#2 – Food/Treats
Scatter feeding is perfect for making mealtimes more enriching but some people don’t like playing with their dogs food and would rather they ate in peace (and that’s fine too).
You can also use treats for scatter feeding. When I say treats I’d avoid your standard store treats and opt for things like cheese, hotdogs, dried liver.
#3 – Long Line
If your dog is not able to be off lead then make sure you have them leashed.
If you have to have your dog leashed make sure you have a decent sized leash or long line. This will allow them to freely explore.
As previously mentioned you want to avoid tension on the leash so why not make it easier on the both of you by using a bigger leash?
#4 – Water
If you’re out for a long time or adding this with a daily walk or exercise then bringing water may be beneficial.
Bring along a water bottle/bowl if you believe that your dog will require hydration.
#5 – Poo Bags
This isn’t an essential piece of equipment but on the other hand it is an essential piece of equipment.
Jasper will sometimes have to poop during a feed but will most of the time go after. Don’t get caught out!!
Bonus Tips For Scatter Feeding
#1 – Scatter Feeding Indoors
If you don’t have a good area near you for this activity it is possible to scatter feed indoors.
Yes you can scatter your food and let your dog find it but you can also invest in getting a snuffle mat.
These are mat-like pieces that allow you to scatter and hide food to encourage foraging.
#2 – Keep The Area Small To Start
As mentioned start small, if your dog gets discouraged too quickly they may give up on the task.
Slowly you can start adding difficulty such as different and more engaging environments or by the search area.
#3 – Scatter In Safe Areas
Please check the area beforehand or keep an eye to the ground when scatter feeding.
You might find food, glass, rubbish, poop and other things in certain areas and more public areas that you want to avoid.
#4 – Scatter In Low Distraction Areas
You want to keep your dog as calm as possible and.this means ensuring distractions are low.
If you are starting out and start in a distracting environment your dog may lose interest and be motivated by something else.
Unless you are working on socialisation you want to keep triggers and distractions low to allow your dog to fully enjoy this activity undisturbed.
#5 – Spend 20 Minutes Minimum
Along with providing an adequate area, another factor we are responsible is for allowing our dogs time to do scatter feeding.
You want to avoid rushing your dog and allow them to calmly enjoy this activity.
20 minutes is a good baseline to reap the benefits of scatter feeding for dogs. After your dog is able to engage with this activity then you can start increasing things like duration.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be overwhelmed by the information, scatter feeding for dogs is a very simple activity to get started with and this guide has given you all you need to get started.
Start adding an element of enrichment to your dogs day and spice up their meal time today!
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