Feeding via toys

[Beachbodyready]

I adopted an old dog recently and she’s not really into toys except for Kong, Kong wobbler and a treat dispensing ball. It was flagged by the rescue charity that she didn’t seem interested in toys and I’ve had the same experience with her. She’s losing her eyesight and I’m worried about her being bored when we are at home. She’s on the same dried food the rescue were giving her. Is there any downside giving her a very small breakfast and dinner and using the rest of her food in Kongs etc? I’d give her the equivalent to her normal breakfast via the toys after she’s had the food from her bowl.

I’ve tried this for a couple of days and she seems to enjoy it but I don5 know if I’m setting up problems for the future.

You are suggesting making her 'work' for her food. She won't necessarily think it's fun. Do you have any evidence that she is 'bored'? Maybe she enjoys a quiet life.

She spends a lot of time licking her paws and the cushions which I took as boredom. She absolutely loves chasing toys to get them to release treats and adores chewing her Kong.

Licking can also be a sign of stress, anxiety or pain.

For what it's worth, one of my dogs is not the slightest bit interested in toys. Some dogs aren't.

Licking can be a signn of pain so worth a vet check to rule out any physical reasons. Licking can also be a sign of stress.

if she likes using food toys then give them to her.

Dogs are contra free loaders which means if they have a choice they would rather work for their food in preference than just be given it.

How recently? They do take months to settle in to what will be their ‘normal’ don’t forget. Some dogs do benefit from exercises like scatter or toy feeding, but she may not be one of them. In the I try er hand if you think she enjoys the toys, no harm using them for a short burst of play with some of her food. Toy feeding doesn’t really work with my GR, he loves it, gets very excited, but just looks at me after he’s done as if to say ‘well that was fun but I can have my actual dinner in the bowl now please?’