DIY Dog Enrichment: Stuffed Toilet Paper Roll Treat Dispensers

With the rising cost of, well, everything, we could all use a little bit of free in our lives.  There is so much around the house that we can use for our dogs without spending any money at all (except a few treats or food that you already have around the house). 

This was a trick we discovered in one of the Facebook groups we’re in – I can’t take credit for it!  If you’re looking for a new (and free!) enrichment tool for your best friend, look no further than your bathroom. Or maybe your recycling bin.  Or the kitchen!  Remember, your trash is your dog’s treasure!

For some reason, dogs love destroying cardboard.  One theory is that they like to shred cardboard because it feels like feathers or fur in their mouth.  Not a lovely thought, but it could explain why almost all dogs love to do it.  Cardboard certainly doesn’t TASTE like an animal or bird though, thank goodness!  No animals will be harmed in the destruction of this toy. 

Understanding Dog Enrichment

Before we delve into the specifics of stuffed toilet paper roll treat dispensers, let’s take a moment to understand the importance of dog enrichment. Enrichment activities help keep dogs mentally engaged and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviours. By providing your dog with stimulating activities, you can enhance their overall well-being and happiness.

Dogs need enrichment and variety.  Enrichment activities help exercise them mentally, making a calmer, more well-rounded and even tired dog.  Mental enrichment is exhausting!  As everyone knows, a happy, enriched, mentally stimulated dog is a dog who is less likely to chew your shoes, couch, door frame, etc. 

Introducing Stuffed Toilet Paper Roll Treat Dispensers

Stuffed toilet paper roll treat dispensers are an excellent DIY enrichment option for dogs of all ages and sizes. These simple toys can be filled with treats or kibble, providing a fun challenge for your pup to retrieve their rewards. The soft texture of the toilet paper roll is gentle on your dog’s mouth, making it a safe option for playtime.

The process of making these stuffed cardboard rolls is incredibly simple.  Save up some paper towel or toilet paper rolls.  Fold in one end, and put treats and/or kibble in the other end.  I recommend using dry treats and food, not moist or raw.  You don’t want to tempt your pup to eat the cardboard with moist food.  Next, fold up the other end.  That’s it!  Time to let your doggo destroy your handiwork. 

You can make a bunch in advance for when your pup needs some enrichment, or you can quickly throw one together in next to no time.

Reminder: dogs should be supervised with any enrichment activities. 

Stuffed Toilet Paper Rolls Step-by-Step Guide

  • Get some toilet paper or paper towel rolls.  Remove any remaining toilet paper or paper towel
  • Fold one end.  It doesn’t really matter how you do it, as long as it’s closed.  You could crush it, fold two sides inward then the other two sides inward, fold it like a chip bag – whatever works.  Just don’t use tape or adhesive as you don’t want your pup accidentally ingesting it
  • Put some treats in the open end!  Any treats will do, and feel free to use a combination or even add in kibble.  It might be best to avoid any mushy treats as that could lead to your dog eating the cardboard, not just ripping it.  Use as few or as many as you like.  It’s best if it’s not jam-packed and has a little rattle to it once closed.  If you’re making these in advance, be sure to use treats that will be ok in open air for a few days (not meat or super soft treats)
  • Fold the other end.  Again, it doesn’t matter how you fold it
  • Give it to your dog, and watch them enjoy destroying it to get at the treats!  Make sure you watch them closely the first few times they have this treat to make sure they are not ingesting the cardboard.

Enrichment Ideas and Games

Once you’ve created your stuffed toilet paper roll treat dispensers, the fun can begin! Here are a few enrichment ideas and games to try with your dog including:

  • Hide and Seek: Hide the stuffed rolls around the house or yard for your dog to find.
  • Nose Work: Encourage your dog to use their sense of smell to locate the treats hidden inside the rolls.
  • Puzzle-Solving: Create more complex puzzles by placing multiple rolls in a box or container and challenging your dog to figure out how to access the treats (see Easy Homemade Free Puzzle for Dogs for more information).

Tips for Success

  • Always supervise your dog during playtime with stuffed toilet paper roll treat dispensers to ensure their safety.
  • Rotate toys and activities regularly to keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom.
  • These rolls are meant to be destroyed – don’t expect to be able to use them multiple times. It’s part of the fun!
  • Adjust the difficulty level of the enrichment activities based on your dog’s skill level and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stuffed toilet paper roll treat dispensers are a simple yet effective way to provide enrichment for your dog. By incorporating these DIY toys into your pup’s playtime routine, you can help keep them mentally stimulated and happy. We hope this guide has inspired you to get creative and try making your own stuffed toilet paper roll treat dispensers for your furry friend. Happy crafting and happy playing!


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5 thoughts on “DIY Dog Enrichment: Stuffed Toilet Paper Roll Treat Dispensers”

  1. […] Puzzle Toys and Interactive Feeders: Engage your dog’s mind by providing puzzle toys and interactive feeders. These toys require problem-solving skills and keep your dog mentally stimulated, even when physical activity is limited.  See our post on Stuffable Toys and Enrichment Activities: Unleashing Fun and Engagement with Kongs, Toppls and other Stuffed Dog Toys or these ideas in the post From Boredom to Brilliance: Discover the Magic of Mental Stimulation Games for Dogs or this DIY enrichment activity in the post Stuffed Toilet Paper Rolls.  […]

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