The Power of Enrichment Toys (and Why Our Meatballs Are the Secret Weapon)

The Power of Enrichment Toys (and Why Our Meatballs Are the Secret Weapon)

Life’s busy. Dogs are smart. And boredom? It’s a recipe for chewed shoes, shredded mail, and that suspicious silence coming from the other room. 

That’s where enrichment toys come in. They give dogs a job to do, something satisfying, mentally stimulating, and just plain fun. Whether your pup is an anxious chewer, a high-energy play monster, or just a sniffer who loves a challenge, enrichment toys can offer daily mental workouts that leave them happier and more relaxed. 

🧠 Why Enrichment Toys Matter 

Think of enrichment like a puzzle for your dog’s brain. It taps into natural instincts, sniffing, licking, chewing, problem-solving, and redirects that energy in healthy, productive ways. Regular enrichment can: 

  • Reduce stress and anxiety 

  • Combat boredom 

  • Support calmer behavior indoors 

  • Help build confidence in shy or reactive dogs 

  • Slow down fast eaters 

🦴 Our Favorite Tools 

Some enrichment classics we love: 

  • KONGs – durable and perfect for stuffing 

  • West Paw Toppl & Qwizl – fun shapes and dishwasher-safe 

  • Pupsicle w/ trays – for making homemade frozen treats (hello, summer saviors!) 

🍖 Enter: The Neighbor Meatball 

Here’s the best part, our gently cooked meatballs are perfect for enrichment toys. Because they’re soft and squishable, you can: 

  • Stuff them into KONGs and freeze for longer licking 

  • Press them into West Paws for an easy, high-value reward 

  • Squish them into Pupsicle trays to make your own frozen enrichment cubes 

  • Break them up and scatter them in snuffle mats or treat puzzles 

They’re made from real, whole foods, formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and fully AAFCO-compliant for adult maintenance, so you can feel good about what’s going into your dog’s toy (and their tummy). 

💡 Enrichment Pro Tips 

  • Freeze toys for longer-lasting fun 

  • Layer with kibble, broth, yogurt, or pumpkin 

  • Rotate toys daily to keep things novel 

  • Use enrichment during stressful times like thunderstorms, grooming, or when guests arrive 

🐶 One More Thing 

You don’t need to be a “Pinterest dog mom” to enrich your pup’s life. You just need five minutes, a toy, and a meatball. Easy, rewarding, and dog approved. 

 

Ready to try it? 
Stock up on Neighbor meatballs (beef or turkey!) and let enrichment begin. Have a favorite toy or enrichment idea? Share it with us - we LOVE seeing your creative setups and your happy pups. Tag us @neighborpetfood 💚 

 

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