Pets

Easy DIY Enrichment Activities: A Fun Way To Keep Your Pet Happy

Parents and Pets

25 Jul 2025 — 5 min read

Keeping your furry friend mentally and physically stimulated is essential for their overall well-being. While store-bought toys can be helpful, some of the most engaging and effective enrichment activities are those you can make right at home. These easy DIY enrichment ideas are not only affordable but also a fantastic way to keep your pet entertained, active, and mentally sharp.

Using everyday household items, you can create a range of DIY enrichment toys that stimulate your pet’s natural behaviors like sniffing, chewing, foraging, and problem-solving. Whether you have a curious cat or a playful pup, these ideas will help reduce boredom, curb destructive behavior, and even strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Why DIY Enrichment Matters

Pets, especially dogs and cats, have natural foraging and hunting instincts. Without the right outlets, they may develop unwanted behaviors like chewing furniture or excessive barking. DIY enrichment gives your pet the mental stimulation they crave and makes playtime more rewarding.

Benefits of DIY Enrichment Activities:

Helps prevent boredom and stress
Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking
Promotes healthy eating through interactive feeding
Allows pets to engage in natural behaviors
Keeps pets physically active and mentally stimulated

These fun and engaging projects are also a great way to keep fast eaters busy and satisfy your dog’s urge to sniff, chew, and explore.

Snuffle Mats and Scent Games

One of the most popular diy enrichment toys is the snuffle mat. Designed to mimic grass, this mat encourages dogs to forage for food using their noses—a behavior that provides deep calm and focus.

How to Make a DIY Snuffle Mat:

Use a rubber sink mat with holes or a sturdy grid
Cut old t-shirts or fleece into strips
Braid them together or tie them through the holes
Hide treats inside or sprinkle kibble between the strips

This is a fantastic way to keep your dog mentally stimulated, and it’s especially helpful for fast eaters—slowing them down during meals.

You can also repurpose an empty cardboard box and fill it with crumpled newspaper, fabric scraps, or paper towel tubes—hide treats inside and let your pet sniff them out.

Muffin Tin Puzzle Game

The muffin tin game is an easy DIY favorite for both dogs and cats. It introduces your pet to simple puzzle solving and is especially engaging for first-time enrichment users.

Supplies:

One standard muffin tin
6–12 small balls or toys (tennis balls work well)
Your pet’s favorite treats or kibble

Instructions:

Drop a few treats or dry food into each muffin slot
Cover the treats with the balls or toys
Let your pet find the treats by moving or removing each ball

This game promotes decision-making, stimulates your pet’s brain, and helps keep them engaged and active.

You can also use a plastic bottle with small holes cut into the sides and fill it with kibble—let your dog roll it to release the food.

T-Shirt Rope Ball Tug Toy

Got old t-shirts lying around? You can turn them into a DIY pet toy that satisfies your dog’s chewing urge and is perfect for a game of tug-of-war.

How to Make a T-Shirt Rope Ball:

Cut 3–4 strips from a clean old t-shirt
Braid them together tightly
Knot both ends firmly to create a rope ball
Supervise during play—especially with aggressive chewers

This toy provides physical stimulation, builds jaw strength, and is a great way to keep dogs busy indoors.

Creative DIY Pet Toys for Every Household

You don’t need to be a professional crafter to make effective DIY pet toys. A few basic materials like old t-shirts, tennis balls, and cardboard can become boredom-busting, mentally stimulating items your pet will love.

DIY Rope Toy from Old T-Shirts

This is a favorite for chewers and tug lovers. It's washable, soft, and inexpensive.

Cut long strips from old t-shirts
Braid them together tightly
Tie knots at both ends to create a safe and durable tug toy
Great for a game of tug-of-war or solo chewing sessions

This not only recycles old clothes but also creates a dog toy that's safe and fun.

Tennis Ball Treat Puzzles: Roll, Sniff, Reward

Tennis balls can become instant enrichment tools with just a few small cuts. These are especially helpful for scent games and treat-dispensing play.

Easy Tennis Ball Puzzle:

Cut a slit or X into a clean tennis ball
Hide treats inside or a few pieces of kibble
Let your pet roll, chew, and sniff to release the goodies
Supervise use, especially for aggressive chewers

These toys encourage natural foraging, scent stimulation, and a little physical challenge.

You can also use tennis balls in muffin tins for another puzzle option (see below).

Muffin Tin Game: Stimulate with a Puzzle

The classic muffin tin game is a great way to keep your pet thinking and problem-solving during feeding or playtime.

Muffin Tin DIY Puzzle:

Drop treats or dry food into each well of a muffin tin
Cover each slot with a tennis ball or lightweight toy
Encourage your dog or cat to find the treats by removing the covers
It’s an ideal puzzle game for beginners and fun for any furry friend

This DIY enrichment toy is a brain-boosting favorite and excellent for preventing boredom.

Frozen Treats and Ice Cube Enrichment

Looking for a fun and engaging way to cool your pet down while also stimulating their senses?

Frozen Enrichment in an Ice Cube Tray:

Mix broth, plain yogurt, or peanut butter with kibble
Pour into an ice cube tray or silicone mold
Freeze for a few hours and serve
Add cat-friendly options like tuna water and a pinch of catnip

These frozen treats are a great sensory challenge and satisfy licking urges, which can help reduce stress and promote calm.

Quick Recap of Key DIY Enrichment Headings Used:

DIY pet toys: tug toys, t-shirt ropes, frozen stuffers
Tennis ball: cut-and-fill treat puzzles and muffin tin games
Muffin: muffin tin puzzle game with tennis balls
Hide treats: used in snuffle mats, boxes, and towel rolls
Snuffle: homemade mats for scent and food puzzles
Old t-shirts: braided tug toys and snuffle mats
Frozen treats: in ice cube trays and stuffed toys
Rope ball: made from braided and knotted t-shirt strips

Let me know if you'd like the full post with these updated headings merged back into the full flow, or if you'd like this structured as a checklist or infographic!