The Association Blog

These DIY food-dispensing toys can be a lifesaving tool for high-arousal, hyper-oral dogs

Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, dogs gotta chew….

As Dr. Emily Weiss has shared, behavioral enrichment that satisfies a dog’s need to chew can be “one of the most lifesaving tools we have for our high-arousal, hyper-oral dogs.” Withholding oral enrichment for these dogs, she states, “can quickly cause significant behavior deterioration.”

One of Dr. Weiss’ favorite choices for dogs who need to chew is a device she learned to make when she worked in zoos. “PVC-pipe food dispensers are super cheap and easy to make, and they are a combination food dispensing device/chew item,” she shares. “And by the way, they can stand up to lions and bears!”

Tips for making a DIY PVC-pipe food-dispensing toy:

• Use food-grade PVC pipe
• Buy 2 end caps, making one side a screw top so you can easily clean the toy
• Drill one or two small holes, just a bit bigger than your dog kibble
• Fill with kibble
• Watch as canines roll the toy around and try to catch the kibble that drops out

You can also check out these great detailed instructions from UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.

P.S. Yup, this is a great project for kids and volunteers.

Read blogs by Dr. Emily Weiss

Wait – What?!
What does it look like when we’re done?
It really is rocket science