In the era of enrichment and keeping our dogs busy, things can get overwhelming. Conversations with fellow pawrents often reveal common reasons for not engaging in enrichment activities. Concerns include the impact on dogs’ diet, disruption of potty routines, time constraints, and the challenge of keeping ingredients on hand. Having tried various methods to occupy my anxious dog, who has weight gain issues I can relate.

I discovered a few key lessons:

• My dog dislikes pumpkin and it upsets his stomach.
• It’s okay to create simple 2-ingredient treats.
• Dogs find joy in frozen water.
• Freezing enrichment toys extends the treat time and is highly recommended

For my anxious and allergy-prone dog Grizzy, maintaining a careful calorie intake is crucial. That’s why we rely on Northwest Naturals Raw Dog Food and Treats, simplifying our lives while providing clean, wholesome treats.

For effective enrichment, I recommend freezing toys like the Pupcicle, The Toppler, or the classic Kong. These molds freeze well and hold substantial treats.

Now, let’s get creative with some of our favorite recipes:

Recipe #1: Turkey Ice Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 part liquid (water or bone broth)
• 1 part treat (Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Turkey)

Directions:

1. Crumble turkey nuggets into “shavings.”
2. Lay in the molds.
3. Top with liquid.
4. Freeze.

Recipe #2: Cheesy Beef Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 part “cheese” (cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 part treat (Northwest Naturals Freeze Beef & Trout)
• 1 part liquid (water or broth)

Directions:

1. Layer cheese at the bottom.
2. Add crumbled nuggets.
3. Top with liquid.
4. Freeze.

Recipe #3: Raw Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 part Northwest Naturals frozen raw dog food (thawed)
• 1 part liquid (water or bone broth)

Directions:

1. Portion and mold raw food.
2. Top with liquid.

Variations:

• Layer molds with peanut butter or Northwest Naturals Toppers for extra flavor.
• Use any Northwest Naturals nugget as a protein.
• Mix and match for endless options.
• Treat in moderation.

Give these recipes a try, and keep your doggo entertained and happy. Your furry friend will thank you for the enrichment!

Written by: Anastacia Schuttenberg

Follow her on Instagram