How To Make Enrichment Bowls for Your Pup—A Build-Your-Own Summer Treat

Consider this a choose-your-own-adventure treat: Pick a base, add a couple of dog-safe mix-ins, and let your pup lick, sniff, and snack their way through it. 

• Yield: 1 serving 
• Serving size: 1 enrichment bowl 
• Prep time: 10 minutes 
• Freeze time: 1–2 hours (optional) 

Choose two to four items for your bowl, based on your dog’s size and dietary needs. 

Base (choose one): 

• ½ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt 
• ½ cup unsalted bone broth (beef or chicken; no onion, garlic, or added sodium) 
• ½ cup canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin, not pie filling) 

Mix-ins (choose one or two): 

• 2 tbsp mashed banana 
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce 
• 2 tbsp cooked, plain sweet potato 
• 1–2 tbsp finely chopped dog-safe veggies, such as carrots or green beans 

Toppers (optional, small amounts): 

• A few blueberries 
• A drizzle of dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free) 
• Your dog’s regular kibble or treats 

1. Pour or spread the base evenly across the bottom of your dog’s bowl. 
2. Add mix-ins. Swirl or layer them for variety. 
3. Sprinkle or place toppers on top to encourage sniffing and licking. 
4. Serve immediately or freeze for 1–2 hours for a longer-lasting enrichment activity. 

Same build-your-own energy, but with a cooling twist: This version leans on moisture-rich ingredients like chilled bone broth, cucumber, and watermelon for a bowl that feels especially summer-ready. 

• Yield: 1 serving 
• Serving size: 1 hydration bowl 
• Prep time: 10 minutes 
• Freeze time: 1–2 hours (optional) 

These ingredients focus on added moisture and cooling. Choose two to four items for your bowl, based on your dog’s size and dietary needs. 

Base (choose one): 

• ½ cup unsalted bone broth, chilled (beef or chicken; no onion, garlic, or added sodium) 
• ½ cup plain water 
• ½ cup coconut water (plain, unsweetened, no added sugars) 

Mix-ins (choose one or two): 

• 2 tbsp seedless watermelon, finely chopped 
• 2 tbsp cucumber, finely chopped 
• 2 tbsp mashed strawberries or blueberries 

Optional toppers (small amounts): 

• A sprinkle of your dog’s regular kibble 
• A few soft training treats 
• 1–2 ice cubes 

1. Pour the hydrating base into your dog’s bowl. 
2. Add the cooling mix-ins, spreading them evenly to encourage licking and sniffing.
3. Top with kibble, treats, or ice cubes if desired. 
4. Serve immediately or freeze for 1–2 hours for a longer-lasting cooling enrichment activity. 

Enrichment bowls are meant to be an occasional treat—not a replacement for balanced meals. 

A simple rule: Keep treats (including enrichment bowls) to about 10% or less of your dog’s daily calories. 

• Small dogs: Start with a few tablespoons. 
• Medium dogs: Start with about ¼ cup. 
• Large dogs: Start with about ½ cup. 

Because you’ll likely prep more than your dog’s recommended serving size, portion out the right amount before serving and freeze the rest for later. Don’t leave an oversized bowl out for your dog to finish—too much rich or new food at once can lead to stomach upset. 

If an ingredient is new to your dog, introduce it slowly and keep the first bowl extra simple (one base plus one mix-in). If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of stomach upset, check in with your veterinarian. 

These bowls are best served fresh—or frozen shortly before serving. 

If you want to prep ahead: 

• Refrigerate: Mix the base and mix-ins (skip crunchy toppers) and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. 

• Freeze: Assemble in your dog’s bowl or in silicone molds, then freeze. For best texture, aim to use within 1–2 weeks. 

Pro Tip: Add toppers (kibble, treats, peanut butter drizzle) right before serving so they don’t get soggy. 

For the best enrichment experience, follow these easy guidelines:  

• Keep it simple. Start with two to three ingredients, then add variety over time. 
• Freeze to make it last. Freezing increases engagement and can help slow down fast eaters. 
• Supervise the first few times. Some dogs try to pick up and carry the bowl (mess potential!) or may overdo it with rich ingredients. 
• Choose dog-safe ingredients only. Avoid anything with xylitol, chocolate, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, or added sugars. 
• Always offer fresh water separately. Hydrating ingredients are a bonus—not a substitute.