The Benefits of EnrichMutt – How to Start with Enrichment for Your Dog
February 9, 2026
If your dog seems bored, restless, or a little too “helpful” when you’re trying to get work done, it might be time to level up their mental and physical stimulation. At Mutts + Meows Natural Pet Market in Mt. Juliet, TN, we’re big believers in the power of enrichment to keep dogs happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. That’s why we created the EnrichMutt program – a simple, effective way to add more mental and physical exercise to your dog’s daily routine.
➡️ “A bored dog is a destructive dog.” – Every dog owner, ever.
Why Enrichment is Essential for Your Dog’s Well-Being
Enrichment isn’t just a trendy buzzword – it’s a vital part of keeping your dog’s brain sharp and their body active. In the wild, dogs would spend hours hunting, foraging, and problem-solving to find food. Today, most pet dogs have their food handed to them in a bowl, which can leave them with too much physical energy and too little mental stimulation.
Benefits of Enrichment Include:
- Mental Stimulation – Engages their brain, reducing boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Physical Exercise – Keeps muscles toned and joints flexible.
- Stress Reduction – Helps dogs relax and feel secure.
- Better Problem-Solving Skills – Builds confidence and resilience.
- Stronger Bond with You – Shared activities strengthen your relationship.
➡️ Pro Tip: Enrichment isn’t just for rainy days. It’s a great way to keep your dog happy and tired every day, which means a more peaceful home for you!
Easy Ways to Start with Enrichment 🧠🐾
Ready to enrich your dog’s life? Here are some easy ways to get started:
1. Food-Dispensing Toys and Puzzle Feeders 🥎
Toys like SodaPup, West Paw, and LickiMats are perfect for slowing down fast eaters, encouraging problem-solving, and providing a satisfying mental challenge.
Our Top Picks:
- SodaPup – Known for their ultra-durable rubber toys, perfect for power chewers.
- West Paw – BPA-free, recyclable toys with a wide range of treat-dispensing designs.
- LickiMats – Great for spreading soft foods and keeping anxious dogs calm.
➡️ Pro Tip: Rotate toys to keep things fresh and interesting for your pup. Dogs can get bored with the same toy over and over, just like we do!
2. What to Stuff, Spread, or Sprinkle 🍖🥄
The key to great enrichment is variety. Here are a few of our favorite options for stuffing and spreading:
- Freeze-Dried Foods – Like those from Raw Dynamic or Small Batch – just crumble and sprinkle for a high-protein boost.
- Canned Foods – Perfect for spreading in LickiMats or stuffing into a West Paw Toppl for a long-lasting challenge.
- Bones & Co Goat Whip – A creamy, nutrient-dense option that dogs go crazy for.
- Bone Broth – Great for freezing in treat toys or adding a hydration boost.
- Goat’s Milk – Packed with probiotics and perfect for freezing into ice cube trays or mixing with kibble.
➡️ Pro Tip: For an extra challenge, freeze the stuffed toy overnight for a longer-lasting, more satisfying experience.
3. Nose Work and Snuffle Mats 👃🪴
If your dog loves to sniff, try adding a snuffle mat to their routine. These mats mimic the experience of foraging for food in the wild, engaging their strongest sense – smell. It’s a great way to tire out even the most energetic pups.
4. Rotating Scents and New Experiences 🥥🌿
Dogs have incredible noses, and introducing new scents or textures can be a great form of enrichment. Try rubbing their favorite toy with a little goat whip or tossing a handful of freeze-dried liver treats into a pile of leaves in the backyard.
BONUS: Easy EnrichMutt Recipes to Get You Started 🍌🥜🫐
🍌🥄 Banana & Peanut Butter LickMat Spread
Perfect for LickiMats or any flat-surfaced enrichment toy.
- ½ ripe banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoons dog-safe peanut butter (no xylitol)
- A sprinkle of freeze-dried Raw Dynamic or Small Batch crumbles
Directions: Mix banana and peanut butter together. Spread on lickimat. Top with freeze-dried crumbles.
➡️ Pro Tip: Freeze for a longer-lasting challenge or to cool your pup down on a hot day.
🦴🥣 Simple Stuffed Toppl Recipe
Great for West Paw Toppls or any hollow toy.
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Nugget’s Healthy Eats Bone Broth Butter
- A handful of their favorite freeze-dried treats (like Green Juju or Small Batch)
Directions: Mix Greek Yogurt and the treats together. Stuff in the toy. Top it with the Bone Broth Butter. Freeze for a couple hours before giving your pup their new favorite thing.
➡️ Pro Tip: Add a splash of bone broth or goat’s milk for an extra nutrient boost before freezing.
Join the EnrichMutt Movement
At Mutts + Meows, we’re all about helping you enrich your dog’s life. We carry a wide selection of enrichment products, including SodaPup, West Paw, and LickiMats, along with high-quality foods and treats perfect for stuffing, spreading, and sprinkling.
➡️ Walk-ins welcome! Visit us today in Mt. Juliet or shop online at muttsandmeows.com to pick up everything you need to get started with EnrichMutt. Your dog deserves a rich, fulfilling life – and you deserve a tired, happy pup.
