7 Easy DIY Enrichment Toys for Dogs and Cats Using Household Items

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 7 Easy DIY Enrichment Toys for Dogs and Cats Using Household Items

Introduction:
Mental stimulation is just as important for pets as physical exercise. A bored pet can become anxious or even destructive. The good news? You don’t need expensive toys. With a few simple household items, you can create fun and engaging enrichment toys for your dog or cat.

Here are 7 easy DIY enrichment toys you can make today.

1. Towel Treat Roll
What you need: A towel and some dry treats or kibble
How to make it:

  • Sprinkle treats on a towel

  • Roll it up like a burrito

  • Let your pet unroll it to find the treats
    Why it’s good: Helps pets think and slows down fast eaters

2. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle
What you need: An empty toilet paper roll and treats
How to make it:

  • Place a few treats inside the roll

  • Fold both ends shut

  • Let your pet figure out how to get them out
    Tip: Use multiple rolls in a box for added fun

3. Snuffle Box
What you need: A cardboard box, paper towels or fabric scraps, and small treats
How to make it:

  • Fill the box with paper or cloth scraps

  • Hide treats inside the layers

  • Let your pet sniff and dig to find them

4. Muffin Tin Game
What you need: A muffin tin, treats, and tennis balls or toys
How to make it:

  • Put treats in each cup of the muffin tin

  • Cover each cup with a ball or small toy

  • Your pet has to remove the covers to get the treats

5. Frozen Lick Plate
What you need: A shallow plate, peanut butter or yogurt, and a freezer
How to make it:

  • Spread a thin layer of peanut butter or yogurt on the plate

  • Freeze for 1–2 hours

  • Give it to your pet to enjoy

6. Sock & Water Bottle Crunch Toy (Dogs Only)
What you need: An old sock and an empty water bottle
How to make it:

  • Put the water bottle inside the sock

  • Tie a knot at the open end

  • Let your dog chew and enjoy the crunchy sound
    Note: Supervise play to avoid chewing through the sock

7. Cat Fishing Rod Toy
What you need: A stick, string, and a feather or small toy
How to make it:

  • Tie one end of the string to the stick

  • Tie a feather or toy to the other end

  • Move it around to mimic prey and encourage your cat to chase

Benefits of DIY Enrichment Toys:

  • Reduces boredom and stress

  • Encourages natural behaviors like sniffing and hunting

  • Keeps your pet active

  • Relieves anxiety

  • Strengthens your bond with your pet

Conclusion:
DIY pet enrichment toys are fun, cheap, and easy to make. Try these ideas with your dog or cat and watch them get excited to play and explore. Rotate the toys often to keep things interesting!


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