At our daycare this week, we had two tiny puppies—just 10 weeks old—who simply weren’t interested in their lunch. Their owners had carefully packed their mid-day meal, but after a busy morning of play, the puppies were too sleepy to get up and eat from their bowls. They curled up, napped, and ignored the food completely.
So we tried something different. We brought them into one of our smaller rooms, gently scattered the kibble across the floor, and stepped back. Within minutes—minutes!—those same tired little pups perked up, noses working, tails wiggling, eagerly searching out every last piece of their lunch. They cleaned the floor spotless.
What changed?
Not the food.
Just how they were invited to interact with it.
That tiny shift unlocked a natural instinct dogs carry deep within them—the desire to work just a little for their food. This lovely behavior is part of what scientists call contrafreeloading: the tendency for animals to choose food they earn through searching, sniffing, or solving, even when identical “free” food is sitting right there.
Contra-freeloading may sound complex, but its roots are beautifully simple. Long before bowls, dogs relied on their noses, paws, and brains to locate meals. Offering them small chances to “work” for food doesn’t make eating harder—it makes eating make sense.
Why Would a Dog Want to Work for Food?
Scientists have been interested in this question for decades. Researchers such as Glen Jensen, Inglis, and Ferguson have shown that many animals—rodents, birds, primates, and yes, dogs—actively choose meals that require a bit of effort. Their findings align perfectly with what we see at daycare every day, including with those two bright little puppies.
1. Dogs naturally seek information.
Searching for food teaches animals about their environment—where food appears, how it moves, what patterns matter. Sniffing through a room, yard, or snuffle mat taps directly into this instinctive “learning through foraging” process.
2. Foraging instincts are hardwired.
Dogs are born explorers. Sniffing, searching, and solving small puzzles light up their brains. Rolling a food toy or hunting through scattered kibble brings back the natural rhythm of how canines have eaten for thousands of years.
3. A sense of control feels good.
Studies on enrichment show that animals enjoy situations where their actions affect the outcome. Sniffing to locate food, nudging a puzzle, or choosing where to search gives dogs a comforting sense of agency—something a bowl can’t provide.
4. It prevents boredom and boosts well-being.
Research by Newberry, Meehan, and others highlights how effort-based feeding increases curiosity, movement, and overall welfare. Dogs feel more relaxed, more satisfied, and wonderfully tired after a bit of “food play.”
5. It matches their natural energy rhythm.
In the wild, meals are discovered, not delivered. A little bit of work before eating helps dogs release mental and physical energy in healthy, meaningful bursts.
What This Means for Dogs at Home
It means your dog may enjoy mealtime more when it feels less like a routine and more like an experience. Just like our daycare puppies, many dogs light up when they’re allowed to sniff, explore, and “earn” part of their food.
Working for food can help dogs:
- build confidence
- encourage problem-solving
- reduce boredom
- satisfy natural instincts
- create healthy tiredness
- add joy to everyday feeding
Which Dogs Benefit Most?
While all dogs can enjoy a little “work” at mealtime, some benefit even more:
• Puppies – They’re wired for exploration and learning. Scatter feeding or simple puzzles help build confidence and curiosity.
• High-energy dogs – Working for food provides a healthy outlet for mental and physical energy.
• Anxious or sensitive dogs – Controlled sniffing and searching can regulate the nervous system and build a sense of safety.
• Picky eaters – Movement, novelty, and sniffing often boost appetite and turn mealtime into an engaging experience.
• Senior dogs – Gentle foraging keeps their minds active without physical strain.
• Dogs prone to boredom – Enrichment-based feeding gives them something meaningful to do each day.
Easy Ways to Add Contra-freeloading to Daily Life
You don’t need special equipment. Start simple:
- scatter food in the yard, grass, or on a snuffle mat
- hide small piles of food in easy, safe spots around a room
- use a slow feeder or puzzle toy
- roll kibble or freeze raw food in a simple dispensing toy
- use parts of meals for training, nose work, and thinking games
Small changes like these can transform mealtime into enrichment—helping dogs feel capable, curious, fulfilled, and deeply satisfied.
The Big Picture
Contrafreeloading isn’t about making dogs “work” in a human sense. It’s about offering playful, natural ways to feed their minds as well as their bellies. It honors who dogs truly are: explorers, sniffers, problem-solvers, joyful creatures who love having small jobs to do.
A little challenge can make a big difference—and your dog might thank you for it with brighter eyes, a busier nose, and a happier, healthier mealtime rhythm.