Our pets depend on us to provide them with the necessities of life: food, water, and shelter. They can’t go to the store to buy groceries, so we provide their dinner. They can’t go to the fridge and grab a drink, so we keep their water bowls full. They can’t build a house to protect themselves from bad weather, so we welcome them into our homes.
But even with all the perks of being a pampered pet, our furry friends maintain an instinct for survival that may impress you. They may not have to fend for themselves since they are prized family members, but they don’t forget the natural drive to survive that they inherited from their ancestors. Interactive feeders “feed” that instinct.
What is an interactive feeder?
As the name implies, an interactive feeder requires action. These remarkable feeders are puzzles that require brain power and dexterity to solve. And the prize for solving the puzzle is yummy. Interactive feeders make the pet actively work for a snack by thinking and planning as their hunting and foraging ancestors did in the wild. So instead of quickly gobbling out of an overflowing food bowl, the pet exercises their mind and body to obtain a portioned amount of food that is consumed more slowly. Interactive feeders come in all shapes and sizes that present varying degrees of difficulty, making pets use their problem-solving abilities.
In nature, animals that are skilled enough to hunt and find food sometimes hide it again by burying it. Burying food protects it from predators and stores it safely until the hunter digs it up for his next meal. Interactive feeders “feed” this instinct, too.
What types of interactive feeders are available?
Interactive feeders come in many designs, from simple to complex. Some target dogs or cats specifically, while others are fun for both.
Dogs often like simple rubber chew toys with holes or pockets that hide kibble, playing into the instinct to hide and dig up their food. People like these chew toys, too, because having a dog digging food out of a toy is better than a dog digging in the flower bed! These rubber toys are shaped to bounce unpredictably, keeping the dog interested, and can also be used for a game of fetch. The open end allows the dog to smell the treat, which encourages play. Sturdy enough to withstand a lot of chewing, they are perfect for teething pups.
A Swedish company designed a more complicated interactive feeder called a “Dog Brick”, which hides treats in cubbyholes under “bricks” that must be pushed aside. This game also includes pegs that must be lifted or knocked over to reveal treats. Made of wood or plastic, some bricks can be locked to increase the degree of difficulty.
There is also a sophisticated electronic game feeder that the pet owner controls with a mobile phone app. The puzzle has three touch pads and different colored lights. The dog learns that pawing a particular touch pad produces a treat. The owner can make the program harder to challenge the dog or easier if frustration sets in.
Some manipulative feeders target cats. One shaped like a fishbowl requires kitties to scoop out food with their paws. Others have tunnels or “mouse holes” that encourage the cat to develop a hunting strategy. Cats also enjoy feeders with multiple flexible tubes that hide food. These bendable tubes are fun to play with and present a challenge for cats, and the tubes are removable, so cleaning them is easy.
"Both cats and dogs can also enjoy feeding toys with several compartments that each require a different technique to open."
Cat puzzle feeders like these require dexterity and nimble paws, but using the mouth is important too. Feeding games with small openings can be filled with canned food or small treats and fulfill the cat’s desire to lick. In any case, figuring out the best method to acquire the treat provides education and entertainment for cats.
Some interactive feeders are fun for both cats and dogs. A simple feeding toy that targets both types of pets is a vinyl ball that houses kibble in pockets. As the pet rolls the ball, the kibble falls out. Simple yet effective!
Both cats and dogs can also enjoy feeding toys with several compartments that each require a different technique to open. The pet may have to press a button, pull a knob, tug a rope, or slide a drawer to open the slot hiding the treat. Individual compartments can be rotated to maintain the pet’s interest in the game.
Another more complex feeder displays food where the cat or dog can see it, but they must figure out how to reach it. One type has a plate-shaped base with raised protrusions of different heights, which simulates a foraging environment in the grassy outdoors. Food is placed between the protrusions and the pet must use their paws and mouth to push the food around the “blades of grass” until they can grasp it. The feeders work with dry or canned food and come in many sizes to accommodate large dogs as well as small pups and cats. Cleaning is easy because they are dishwasher safe.
Lastly, a snuffle mat can be a fun, interactive feeder for dogs or cats. Snuffle mats are fabric and come in many fun shapes. They require the pet to root around in the fabric to find the food or treats, and then they can go in the washing machine for cleaning.
Does your pet need an interactive feeder?
Before they were domesticated pets, dogs and cats were working animals. They caught mice, herded livestock, and protected the home site. These duties kept them physically and mentally active. While some pets work for a living, the hardest job most dogs and cats have is being good companions while we serve them! With extra time on their "paws", some pets become bored and lonely. They don’t get to use their natural hunting or foraging instincts and may resort to destructive behavior. Interactive feeders may relieve the boredom and help with behavior issues.
These feeders may also help pets with separation anxiety. Interactive feeders, when combined with other behavior modification tools, may help alleviate the effects of separation anxiety by distracting and entertaining the pet.
Inactivity leads to obesity and other health problems. Bored pets, like bored people, tend to nibble all day, consuming excess calories that result in excess weight gain. Interactive feeders provide only small portions of food, combat boredom, and keep pets mentally stimulated. Some require physical activity that burns calories.
Specialty feeding devices can also help pets that eat too aggressively. Dogs and cats that gulp their food or binge eat can develop digestive disorders such as regurgitation, bloat, or vomiting. Interactive feeders force them to eat slower, and may decrease these problems.
Besides being fun, interactive feeders can help keep pets happier and healthier. While pet owners will still provide the basic necessities of life for their furry family members, it’s good to let them work some things out on their own. A little challenge is a good thing.
Where can I purchase an interactive feeder?
You can shop for an interactive feeder in several places, including:
- Pet specialty stores and other pet retail stores.
- Veterinary clinics: Depending on shelf space, some clinics may have some on display, or could order something.
- Online pet stores and Amazon have lots of great options.
Alternatively, if you are creative and like to make things, you could create some interactive feeders at home using common household items such as toilet paper or paper towel rolls, empty egg cartons, muffin baking trays, and towels.
