Enrichment

Autumn canine enrichment: DIY dog treats, games, and more

Haley Young

8 Oct

2025

At coffee shops, pumpkin spice is on the menu. At pet stores, toy aisles overflow with Halloween treats and chews. Depending on where you live, you might have felt the temperatures start to plummet. That all means one thing: Fall is here!

A new season means a fresh roundup of favorite enrichment activities. Here are some fun foods, outings, and at-home experiences to share with your dog before life gets even busier when the winter holidays round the corner.

What is enrichment, again?

At its simplest, enrichment encompasses experiences that “enrich” our dogs’ lives. Anything that brings our pups joy—and gives them opportunities to act on natural canine instincts like sniffing, scavenging, and playing—can count as enrichment!

Pair mental enrichment activities (like food searches and trick training) with physical enrichment activities (like leaf-peeping walks and fast-paced games) for a balanced routine this autumn.

Seasonal eats

Treat your dog to some fall-themed snacks. Canines are primarily carnivores, but their digestive systems can process pet-safe vegetables, fruits, and other tidbits in moderation. Adding variety to meals is a great way to bust food-related boredom!

If your pup tolerates dairy, take them to get a pup cup from your favorite coffee shop. Some stores will even add a little plain pumpkin purée to make it a dog-friendly latte!
Speaking of pumpkin, plain pumpkin can be a healthy, fibrous treat atop your dog’s regular meal or frozen in an enrichment toy, like a kong.
Bake homemade dog treats. Your dog will love them—and it’s a great way to warm up your kitchen! We’ve saved some of our go-to recipes here. Might I suggest the banana muffins for the autumn mood?
If you’re looking for a snack to share, sauté some apples. I like to chop up a big Granny Smith and cook it with a touch of butter and cinnamon. The result serves perfectly with yogurt or a little ice cream—both things your dog can have in small amounts!
Experiment with other dog-safe seasonal vegetables like carrots, which thrive in cooler temperatures. You might even be able to bring your dog with you to a local farmers market to buy them fresh!

Outdoor adventures

Make the most of autumn’s crisp days by getting outside with your pup.

Go on a long walk or hike. Our dogs are less likely to overheat in the fall, which makes it the perfect time to tackle more strenuous adventures. (Just remember to check sunrise and sunset times as daylight hours grow shorter.) And if it’s safe, let your pup sniff!
Visit a pet-friendly corn maze, apple orchard, or pumpkin patch. If your dog is up for some novelty, these make for adorable photo ops—not to mention socialization and training opportunities. Be sure to check the rules and make sure your dog can handle the crowds ahead of time. When in doubt? Sit on the edge and take it all in!
Take your pup leaf peeping. Simply drive around a local park or wooded street for an easy version, or make it a full-day adventure on a nature trail.

Indoor enrichment activities

Work your dog’s brain inside when the weather calls for coziness.

See if your dog is up for wearing a matching Halloween costume or sweater with you this fall. (Read more about how to choose clothing—and see if your pup is comfortable—here.)
Set up an indoor food search. Hide a few treats while your dog isn’t looking. (They can hold a sit stay out of sight, or you can tuck them in another room for a minute if you need to.) Then release them to sniff out the goods!
Visit a pet-friendly store to let your dog investigate new scents. You might even snag one of those fall-themed toys or treats.
Give your dog a puzzle toy. These can be store bought or DIY. If you’re out of time and low on inspiration? Just toss some treats in leftovers from your recycling bin for a low-effort scavenging opportunity.