All protocols
Enrichment
Foraging & Food Search
A short, supervised search using food already counted in today’s feeding.
What it is
A short, supervised search using food already counted in today’s feeding.
Why we created it
Foraging turns part of a meal into enrichment without adding extra food.
Goal
An easy, enjoyable search within the normal feeding plan.
Before you begin
You’ll need
- Some of today’s meal food, portioned first.
- A clean, familiar, enclosed area.
- Other animals separated.
What you’ll do
Your first session
- Place a few pieces of food where they are visible and easy to reach.
- Let your dog investigate, pause or opt out — no pressure.
- Keep it easy. Later, you might partly hide pieces that are still reachable.
Things to notice
- Engagement.
- Frustration.
When to stop or get help
- Resource conflict, suspected swallowing of something unsafe or choking, distress or loss of control.
- No uncounted extra treats, packaging your dog could shred, or hiding places they can’t reach.
- Therapeutic or weight-plan food rules still apply.
About this guide
Don’t make placement, area and duration harder all at once.
Low-intensity guide suitable for most healthy dogs.
Adapted into plain language from Nara’s prepared protocol material. It is general information, not a diagnosis or veterinary prescription, and it doesn’t report trial results.