A fun, safe, and budget-friendly enriching activity for dogs

Dogs are natural sniffers, scavengers, and shredders, but many don’t get enough opportunities to engage in these essential behaviours. Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; sometimes, all you need is a humble head of lettuce! 

Yep, the snuffle lettuce - a simple, safe, and satisfying activity that provides mental and physical stimulation for your pup.

Why sniffing, scavenging, and shredding matter

Sniffing, scavenging, and shredding are more than just fun; they are species-typical behaviours. They help dogs feel fulfilled, relaxed, and engaged. Here’s why these activities are essential:

🐾 Sniffing activates a dog’s brain, lowers stress levels, and provides much-needed mental stimulation.
🐾 Scavenging taps into natural hunting instincts, offering problem-solving challenges and building confidence.
🐾 Shredding is an instinctive behavior that some dogs love, but it can be tricky to provide safely, especially for dogs prone to eating non-food items.

A snuffle lettuce combines all three in one easy, edible package!

How to make a snuffle lettuce

It couldn’t be simpler! Here’s what you need:

🥬 A head of lettuce or cabbage (cabbage is sturdier for dogs who really love to shred!)
🍖 High-value treats (freeze-dried meat, air-dried bites are my go-to)

Instructions:
Gently pull apart the leaves and tuck treats inside for scavenging.

Give it to your dog and let them sniff, shred, and search!

Why it’s a great enrichment option

✔ Safe to shred and eat - perfect for dogs who can’t have paper or fabric shredding activities.
✔ Low-cost and accessible - no fancy equipment needed!
✔ Encourages calm, focused engagement - a great activity to channel energy in a positive way.
✔ Customisable - adjust difficulty by tucking treats deeper into the layers.

Wolly & Tigg in action!

My own dogs, Wolly and Tigg, frequently enjoy a snuffle lettuce, and they always have a blast as they sniff, search, and shred their way through.

Would your dog love this activity too? Give it a try and let me know how they go!