06/10/2026
Contrafreeloading: Because bowls can be boring! 💤
Contrafreeloading is the idea that most animals prefer to work for their food, rather than having it freely available. This idea has been shown across multiple species, including dogs and rats!
We don't want you to interpret this as "all food must be worked for". Instead, we want this post interpreted primarily from an enrichment standpoint. Many pets are understimulated in our homes. Whether it be a lack of appropriate exercise or mental stimulation, or both!
Our pets must live fulfilled lives. This can include having some meals from a bowl, and other meals (or portions of meals) being dedicated to enrichment activities, you keeping food in your pockets to reward desired behaviors, and much more.