What it does for your dog
- Uses the natural foraging behaviour of searching for food with the nose.
- Slows down dogs that gulp their food.
- A quick, easy daily enrichment that needs no equipment.
- Sniffing can help many dogs settle, so it's a good start to the day.
Which dogs and situations it suits
Scatter feeding suits most dogs that eat dry food, including puppies and seniors. It works on a lawn, in a clean yard, or indoors on a mat or a clean floor.
It is not a good fit for dogs that guard food, households where several dogs would compete for the same scattered food, dogs on wet or raw diets (try a lick mat or frozen food toy instead), or yards where snail bait, fertiliser or other hazards may be present.
What you need
- Your dog's dry food, measured
- A clean patch of lawn, or a mat or towel indoors
How to do it
Preparation
- Measure the meal (or part of it).
- Check the area is free of hazards: snail bait, mushrooms, sharp objects, other animals' droppings.
- If you have more than one dog, plan separate areas so they don't compete.
Step by step
- 1Hold your dog back or ask for a wait.
- 2Toss the food widely and low across the area, so pieces land a short distance apart.
- 3Release your dog with your search cue.
- 4Let them work it out. Walk away or stay quietly nearby.
- 5When they finish, do a quick check for missed pieces so they don't attract pests.
Make it easier or harder
Beginner version
- Scatter in a small area so it's easy to find.
- Use short grass or a plain floor.
Advanced variations
- Scatter over a larger area or longer grass.
- Scatter while your dog is out of sight, so they have to find the starting point.
- Combine with a treasure hunt: a few higher-value treats hidden among the kibble.
- Indoors, scatter across a towel and then scrunch it up.
For puppies
Great for puppies. Use a small area so they succeed quickly, and supervise so they don't eat things they shouldn't.
For senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues
A gentle, low-impact way to engage an older dog. Use short grass or a non-slip mat, and keep the area small if they tire easily.
Supervision and safety
- Check the yard for snail and rat bait, garden chemicals, toxic plants and mushrooms before every session.
- Don't scatter feed where several dogs might fight over food.
- Use part or all of a measured meal, not extra treats.
- Pick up leftovers to avoid attracting ants, rodents or birds.
- If your dog has a sensitive stomach or allergies, use their usual food only.
Common mistakes
- Scattering on a dirty or chemically treated area.
- Adding extra food on top of normal meals.
- Scattering too widely for a beginner.
- Leaving food out, which can attract pests.
Frequently asked questions
Is scatter feeding good for dogs?+
For most dogs that eat dry food, yes. It slows eating and adds a natural foraging activity. Avoid it if your dog guards food or if several dogs compete.
Can I scatter feed indoors?+
Yes. Use a mat, a towel or a clean floor, and scatter in a small area.
How often can I scatter feed?+
As often as you like, even every meal, as long as you use your dog's normal food and the area is clean and safe.
What if my dog has a wet food diet?+
Try a lick mat or a frozen food toy instead.
