DIY Pet Enrichment: 7 Ideas That Cost Nothing

Bored Pets, Meet Free Fun

You don't need expensive toys to keep your pets entertained. Tum and Tin have proven that the best toys are often free.

For Dogs

1. Muffin Tin Puzzle: Place treats in a muffin tin and cover each hole with a tennis ball. Your dog has to figure out how to remove the balls to get the treats.

2. Frozen Treat Block: Freeze broth, kibble, and small treats in a container. Give it to your dog on a hot day — hours of licking entertainment.

3. Sniff Walk: Instead of a fast-paced walk, let your dog lead at their own pace, sniffing everything. Mental exercise is as tiring as physical exercise.

For Cats

4. Paper Bag Hideout: Remove handles (safety hazard) and place a paper bag on the floor. Cats love the crinkle sound and enclosed space. Toss a treat inside for extra excitement.

5. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle: Fold the ends of a toilet paper roll to create a closed tube. Put treats inside. Your cat has to figure out how to get them out.

6. Box Fort: Save delivery boxes and create a multi-room fortress. Cut holes between boxes for tunnels. Tin spent three days in hers.

For Both

7. Hide and Seek: Hide behind furniture and call your pet. Reward with a treat when they find you. It engages their tracking instincts and strengthens your bond.

The best enrichment isn't expensive — it's creative. Just like Tum and Tin's love story, the best things in life are free.