Did you know there is more to your pet’s mealtime than simply feeding? It can be a source of enrichment, enhancing their physical and mental well-being, while meeting nutritional needs. “Food enrichment is a key aspect of pet parenting, offering opportunities to challenge our dogs and cats’ instincts and make mealtime more exciting and beneficial,” explains Dr. Karien Brink, Veterinarian at Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
When it comes to enriching our pets with their food, thisinvolves making mealtime a stimulating experience by engaging your pet’s mind and instincts. It mimics the behaviour pets would exhibit in the wild, such as foraging, hunting, or problem-solving. Enrichment can reduce boredom, alleviate stress, and even improve digestion by slowing down fast eaters. Dogs and cats benefit from interactive feeding strategies that keep them active and satisfied.
“Why wet food is ideal for enrichment is because of its unique textures, rich flavours and aromas, so incorporating it into a variety of activities can happen seamlessly,” Dr. Brink advises. She shares some of these activities below:
- Use in puzzle feeders: Wet food can be spread into treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders, encouraging pets to work for their meal.
- Freeze for longer enjoyment: Freeze wet food in ice cube trays or food toys to provide a cool, satisfying challenge.
- Spread on lickimats: A lickimat smeared with wet food slows eating, calms anxious pets, and adds sensory engagement.
- Layering for fun: Create layers of wet and dry food in a bowl or toy to make eating more interactive and exciting, stimulating your pet mentally.
- Gradual changes: Introduce new enrichment activities slowly to ensure your pet feels comfortable and engaged.
Wet food is incredibly versatile, so besides using it for enrichment activities, there are several ways it can enhance your pet’s daily meals:
- The topper trick: Add a spoonful of wet food to their dry food for a burst of flavour and moisture.
- Mix it: Blend wet and dry food for textures your pet will love.
- Go solo: Serve wet food as a complete meal – it’s balanced, wholesome, and ready to go.
“Wet food adds nutritional value and supports hydration, especially for cats, who are naturally poor drinkers. It’s also easier to eat, making it ideal for senior pets or those with dental sensitivities. Think of it as a wellness boost in every bite,” adds Dr. Brink
With the festive season approaching, why not surprise your pet with something special by including a Hill’s chicken stew or salmon pouch in their stocking – the perfect way to show them extra love while keeping their nutrition balanced.
Hill’s offers a range of wet food options, from hearty stews to savoury pâtés, in flavours like chicken, salmon, and vegetable-infused blends. So, whether you’re feeding a playful puppy or a senior cat, wet food can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
For more information visit the Hill’s website
