Sodapup Enrichment Lab Podcast
The Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast features conversations with pet owners around the world who engage in food-based enrichment for their dogs. Topics will include what foods and supplements people use with their dogs as well as what types of tools they use with their dogs like slow feeder bowls and lick mats. Come along and learn from dog lovers around the world and pick up some tips and tricks that you can use to enhance your own dog’s feeding.
Episodes

Monday Apr 21, 2025
S1 E8 Katie Eyles, @indifrenchielife
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Join us for a conversation with Katie Iles, the creator behind @indifrenchielife instagram account.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Indi Frenchie Life
02:57 The Journey of Enrichment Creation
05:49 Therapeutic Aspects of Dog Enrichment
09:00 Nutritional Insights for Dogs
12:02 Creative Inspirations Behind Enrichment
14:59 Balancing Nutrition and Creativity
18:00 The Art of Presentation in Dog Meals
21:04 Past Creative Ventures and Their Influence
24:09 Practical Tips for Dog Meal Preparation
25:14 Creative Feeding Techniques for Dogs
28:40 Involving Family in Dog Care
30:10 Diverse Diets for Dogs
33:38 The Importance of Early Food Exposure
36:07 Photography and Presentation of Dog Meals
39:33 The Value of Enrichment for Dogs
Keywords
dog enrichment, Indie Frenchie Life, nutrition for dogs, creative dog meals, therapeutic pet care, raw feeding, dog training, pet wellness, dog care, dog nutrition, pet enrichment, dog photography, family involvement, raw food diet, dog training, dog breeds, healthy dog meals, puppy training, Sodapup, enrichment
Summary
In this episode of the Soda Pup Enrichment Lab podcast, host Chris Chandler welcomes Katie Eyles, the creator of @indifrenchielife on Instagram. They discuss Katie's journey into dog enrichment, the therapeutic benefits Katie gets from creating beautiful meals for her dog Indi, and the nutritional aspects of raw feeding. Katie shares her creative process, inspirations, and practical tips for preparing visually appealing and nutritious meals for dogs. The conversation highlights the connection between pet care and personal well-being, emphasizing the joy and creativity involved in enriching a dog's life. In this engaging conversation, Chris and Katie explore various aspects of dog care, focusing on creative feeding techniques and the significance of a diverse diet for dogs. They discuss the value of early exposure to different foods for puppies, share tips on photographing dog meals, and emphasize the importance of enrichment for dogs' mental health.
Find Katie and Indi:
Katie Eyles
Instagram: @indifrenchilife
Facebook: indifrenchielife
Takeaways
Katie Eyles runs the Instagram account @indifrenchielife.
She lives in northern New South Wales, Australia, on a hundred-acre property.
Katie is a professional dog trainer and has always been passionate about dog enrichment.
Creating dog meals has been therapeutic for Katie after a personal health journey.
She uses a variety of fresh ingredients, including flowers, in Indi's meals.
Katie emphasizes the importance of variety in a dog's diet for nutrition.
Her creative process often involves spontaneous inspiration from her surroundings.
Katie has previously made horse brow bands and enjoyed the creative aspect of that work.
She aims to make meals visually appealing while ensuring they are nutritious. Creative feeding techniques can enhance a dog's eating experience.
A diverse diet is crucial for a dog's health and happiness.
Early exposure to different foods can prevent fussy eating in dogs.
Enrichment activities are vital for a dog's mental well-being.
Training can serve as a form of enrichment for dogs.
Dogs benefit from a variety of nutrients in their diet.
Understanding a dog's preferences can improve meal preparation.

Monday Apr 21, 2025
S1 E8 Katie Eyles @Indifrenchielife
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Join us for a conversation with Katie Iles, the creator behind @indifrenchielife on instagram

Sunday Mar 09, 2025
S1 E7 Taylor Finton - Author of Happiest Dog on the Block
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Keywords
canine enrichment, dog activities, pet care, dog training, enrichment book, dog behavior, happy dogs, pet wellness, dog owners, enrichment activities, dog enrichment, snuffle mats, DIY dog activities, dog training, canine joy, scatter feeding, dog behavior, positive reinforcement, dog play, pet care
Summary
In this episode of the Soda Pup Enrichment Lab podcast, host Chris Chandler interviews Taylor Finton, author of 'The Happiest Dog on the Block.' They discuss the importance of canine enrichment, Taylor's journey into the world of dog enrichment, and her experiences writing the book. The conversation covers various types of enrichment activities, the significance of allowing dogs to engage in natural behaviors, and practical tips for dog owners to enhance their pets' lives through enrichment. As they explore the concept of dog enrichment, Taylor emphasizes the importance of joy and choice for dogs and offers various enrichment activities, including DIY options, snuffle mats, and scatter feeding. She highlights the need to tailor these activities to individual dogs' preferences and needs. The conversation also touches on the significance of recognizing frustration in dogs during enrichment activities and the importance of experimentation to find what works best for each dog. Overall, the discussion serves as a guide for dog owners looking to enhance their pets' lives through engaging and enjoyable activities.
Taylor Finton is the author of The Happiest Dog on the Block: Canine Enrichment Activities to Keep Your Pet Young and Healthy.
Find Taylor at:
www.bindisbucketlist.com
All other socials can be found under: bindisbucketlist
Takeaways
Enrichment activities can keep pets young and healthy.
Many pet owners unknowingly engage in enrichment.
Enrichment should be fun and joyful for dogs.
The concept of enrichment has been around for years.
Enrichment is crucial for animal welfare in zoos.
Dogs need positive outlets for their natural behaviors.
Food-based enrichment is just one of many types of enrichment activities.
Sensory experiences are vital for dogs' well-being.
Allowing dogs to sniff can significantly tire them out.
Providing choices for dogs enhances their quality of life. Dogs thrive on choice and joy in their activities.
An important element in providing enrichment is observing and understanding your dog's preferences.
Snuffle mats provide a fun foraging experience for dogs.
Scatter feeding is a fun, inexpensive enrichment activity.
DIY enrichment activities can be simple and cost-effective.
Water play can be a great summer enrichment activity.
Tailoring enrichment to a dog's size and demeanor is crucial.
Frustration can hinder the benefits of enrichment activities.
Experimenting with different enrichment products is key to finding what works.
Enrichment is a journey of learning and joy for both dogs and owners.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Canine Enrichment
06:06 The Journey into Enrichment
10:32 Writing 'The Happiest Dog on the Block'
14:02 Understanding Enrichment: What It Is and Isn't
17:31 Exploring Different Types of Enrichment
23:31 The Impact of Snifari on Dog Behavior
24:29 The Joy of Choice for Dogs
25:47 Understanding Dog Enrichment
27:26 The Magic of Snuffle Mats
28:44 Scatter Feeding: A Simple Joy
30:56 DIY Enrichment Activities
32:52 Water Play and Summer Fun
35:51 Tailoring Enrichment to Individual Dogs
38:56 Recognizing Frustration in Enrichment
41:40 Experimenting with Enrichment Products
44:34 Embracing the Journey of Enrichment
Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for dogs.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

Sunday Mar 09, 2025
S1 E7 Taylor Finton - Happiest Dog on the Block, Bindis Bucket List
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast with guest Taylor Finton, author of Happiest Dog on the Block.

Sunday Jan 19, 2025
S1 E6 Shannon Arnie, Tasmania, Echo & Inyx
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Welcome to Season 1, Episode 6 of the Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast. Our guest this week is Shannon Arnie from Tasmania. She is the creator behind the instagram account @echo.and.inyx. Shannon is a wealth of knowledge about food based enrichment. Come listen to her enrichment journey with her Tasmanian Smithfield hearding dog, Echo.
Keywords
pet enrichment, raw feeding, dog nutrition, cat nutrition, Tasmania, botanicals for pets, fresh feeding, animal health, pet care, sustainable feeding, pet enrichment, flower-based nutrition, creative pet food, family involvement, feeding schedules, pet treats, community support, animal nutrition, holistic pet care, pet wellness
Summary
In this conversation, Chris Chandler speaks with Shannon Arney, a pet enrichment enthusiast from Tasmania, about her unique approach to feeding and caring for her pets. They discuss the importance of food-based enrichment for dogs and cats, the variety of foods Shannon provides, and her insights into pet nutrition. Shannon shares her journey of learning about raw and fresh feeding and the role of botanicals in enhancing her pets' diets. The conversation highlights sustainable feeding practices and the joy of providing a diverse and nutritious diet for pets. In this conversation, Shannon shares her journey of creating enriching meals for her pets, including the use of botanicals she grows and produces. She discusses the therapeutic benefits of food preparation for her anxiety, the involvement of her children in pet care, and the importance of community support in pet nutrition. The conversation also covers feeding schedules, treat options, and the various forms of enrichment beyond food, emphasizing that pet care can be both creative and fulfilling.
Takeaways
Shannon lives in Tasmania with her family and pets.
Food-based enrichment enhances pet well-being.
Scatter feeding mimics natural foraging behavior in animals.
Shannon feeds her pets a variety of unique foods.
Wallaby and possum are common in Shannon's pet diet.
Dogs thrive on a diet rich in meat and organs.
Shannon emphasizes the importance of learning about pet nutrition.
“Fresh feeding” can be a way for pet guardians to feed unprocessed foods to their pets without using raw food.
Botanicals can enhance the sensory experience for pets.
Shannon's business offers organic botanicals for pets. Using flowers for pet enrichment can be beautiful and nutritious.
Creative food preparation can serve as a therapeutic outlet.
Involving family in pet care enhances the experience for everyone.
Feeding schedules can be flexible and tailored to each pet's needs.
Treats can be homemade and nutritious, like fish fudge.
Pets enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in their meals.
Enrichment doesn't have to be visually appealing to be effective.
Community support is vital for sharing ideas and inspiration.
Simple ingredients can create enriching experiences for pets.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Shannon and Her Pets
02:17 The Importance of Food-Based Enrichment
05:04 Unique Feeding Practices in Tasmania
09:41 Nutritional Insights for Dogs and Cats
12:40 Learning About Pet Nutrition
16:52 The Role of Botanicals in Pet Diets
23:42 The Art of Flower-Based Pet Enrichment
27:00 Creative Food Enrichment for Pets
32:02 Involving Family in Pet Nutrition
35:00 Feeding Schedules and Treats
37:55 Enrichment Beyond Food
39:46 Community and Inspiration in Pet Enrichment
Where to find Shannon
Instagram @echo.and.iynx
Dogs In The Meadow https://dogsinthemeadow.com.au/
All the images in the YouTube episode of the podcast are courtesy of Shannon.
Resources
https://rawfedandnerdy.com/
https://perfectlyrawsome.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rawandfresh/?ref=share&mibextid=adzO7l - this is an Australian based Facebook group which has some good information
https://dogsfirst.ie/ - Dr Conor Brady's page
Sardine fudge (as mentioned in podcast by Shannon):
Small tin of sardines in springwater
Egg
A few tablespoons of a flour of choice (I tend to use oat), this is optional and makes it more of a pancake type of texture over omelette if it's left out.
Mix together, and cook - either in the microwave for a few minutes until done, or in the oven.
Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for your pets.

Monday Dec 30, 2024
S1 E5 Sodapup Enrichment Lab: Liyisa Li, Sydney Australia
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
This episode of the Sodapup Enrichment Lab features Liyisa Li, the creator behind the instagram Lil.Appa. Give it a watch or listen to see the amazing enrichment Liyisa is doing with her Samoyed, Appa.

Monday Dec 30, 2024
S1 E5: Sodapup Enrichment Lab: Liyisa Li, Sydney, Australia
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
This podcast episode features Liyisa Li, the creator behind the IG account Lil.Appa which features extraordinarily beautiful imagery of Appa's enrichment meals.Keywordsdog enrichment, pet care, dog training, healthy treats, pet community, Instagram dog, dog photography, pet nutrition, dog behavior, enrichment toolsSummaryIn this conversation, Liyisa shares her journey of enriching her dog Appa's life through creative and engaging food preparation. She discusses the importance of local sourcing for treats, the role of enrichment in training, and how it has fostered a sense of community among dog owners. Liyisa emphasizes the joy of watching Appa use his brain to solve food puzzles and the satisfaction she derives from creating visually appealing meals for him. The conversation highlights the balance between fun and functionality in pet care, showcasing how enrichment can enhance the bond between dogs and their owners.Find Liyisa and Appa at linktr.ee/lil.appa.All the images in the YouTube episode of the podcast are courtesy of Liyisa Li. TakeawaysEnrichment is crucial for keeping dogs mentally stimulated.Local sourcing of treats enhances the quality of pet care.Using kitchen scraps can be a sustainable way to enrich a dog's diet–although please consult your vet or other resources since not all human foods are safe for dogs. Enrichment tools can aid in training and reduce anxiety in dogs.Community sharing on platforms like Instagram fosters connections among pet owners.Bulk preparation of meals can save time during busy weeks.Observing a dog's problem-solving skills can be rewarding for owners.Understanding a dog's preferences can help tailor enrichment activities.Enrichment can prevent destructive behaviors in dogs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Liyisa and Appa01:58 The Journey into Enrichment04:52 Unique Treats and Local Sourcing09:57 Preparation and Creative Presentation14:54 The Role of Enrichment in Training20:00 Community and Sharing Experiences24:46 Final Thoughts on EnrichmentKeep your dogs safe!Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
S1 E4 Sodapup Enrichment Lab, Adam Baker Discusses Holiday Enrichment Products
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Unleashing Holiday Cheer for PetsIn this episode of the Soda Pup Enrichment Lab podcast, host Chris Chandler and guest Adam Baker discuss exciting new holiday products for pets, including treat dispensers, slow feeder bowls, and innovative Jelly Shots, gelatin treats for dogs. They explore the benefits of food enrichment for dogs, emphasizing the importance of mental stimulation and healthy eating habits. The conversation highlights various seasonal products designed to enhance the feeding experience for pets, encouraging creativity and fun during the holidays.TakeawaysAn enriched pet is a happy pet.The new red Honey Pot is a popular item.Slow feeder bowls help dogs eat at a healthier pace.Dogs prefer to use their brains to get food.The Gnome treat dispenser is versatile and cute.Jelly Shots, a gelatin snack, are a fun treat for dogs.Different dogs have different food drives and frustration tolerance which should inform your choice of enrichment activities for them.Seasonal products can be used year-round.Using various bowls keeps feeding interesting for dogs.Soda Pup offers a wide range of holiday-themed products.Sound Bites"We have a red honey pot!""The gnome is super cute!""We have jelly shots for dogs!""Fill up those stockings!”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Soda Pup Enrichment Lab02:03 Holiday Product Preview05:56 The Benefits of Slow Feeder Bowls09:59 Innovative Treat Dispensers14:00 Jelly Shots and Lick Mats17:51 Exploring Seasonal Products21:59 Conclusion and Holiday WishesLinks to productsHoney Pot eCuphttps://sodapup.com/products/large-honey-pot-durable-pup-x-rubber-treat-dispenser-enrichment-toy?_pos=1&_sid=7af1c8d71&_ss=rSanta Slow Feeder eBowlhttps://sodapup.com/products/santa-design-ebowl-enrichment-slow-feeder-bowl-for-dogs?_pos=1&_sid=c08f536d0&_ss=rPine Tree Slow Feeder eBowlhttps://sodapup.com/products/tree-design-ebowl-enrichment-slow-feeder-bowl-for-dogs?_pos=3&_sid=0a81af987&_ss=rGnome Treat/Food eDispenser and Chew Toy, rubberhttps://sodapup.com/products/gnome?_pos=1&_sid=63cad84a7&_ss=rSnowman Treat eDispenser and Chew Toy, rubberhttps://sodapup.com/products/mkb-snowman-durable-rubber-chew-toy-treat-dispenser-large-red?_pos=1&_sid=de7bb84d5&_ss=rChristmas Tree Treat eDispenser and Chew Toy, rubberhttps://sodapup.com/products/mkb-christmas-tree-durable-rubber-chew-toy-treat-dispenser-large-green?_pos=1&_sid=3fd8e8860&_ss=rGift Box Treat eDispenser and Chew Toy, rubberhttps://sodapup.com/products/sp-gift-box-durable-rubber-chew-toy-treat-dispenser-red?_pos=1&_sid=0bb794e6d&_ss=rCandy Cane Chew Toy, nylonhttps://sodapup.com/products/sp-candy-cane-chew-toy-red?_pos=1&_sid=4581cf55c&_ss=rChristmas Tree Chew Toy, nylonhttps://sodapup.com/products/mkb-christmas-tree-ultra-durable-nylon-dog-chew-toy-for-aggressive-chewers-green?_pos=4&_sid=3fd8e8860&_ss=rSnowflake eChew, nylonhttps://sodapup.com/products/sp-snowflake-ultra-durable-nylon-dog-chew-toy-for-aggressive-chewers-white?_pos=3&_sid=8b31422ca&_ss=rSnowman Chew Toy, nylonhttps://sodapup.com/products/mkb-snowman-ultra-durable-nylon-dog-chew-toy-for-aggressive-chewers-white?_pos=2&_sid=8b31422ca&_ss=rKeywordsSoda Pup, pet enrichment, holiday products, dog toys, slow feeder bowls, treat dispensers, jelly shots, lick mats, pet care, dog health

Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
S1 E3 Sodapup Enrichment Lab Podcast: Sanne Romijn - Netherlands
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Keywords
dog enrichment, pet photography, Labrador care, dog nutrition, creative dog meals, enrichment ideas, dog care tips, pet lifestyle, dog training, dog owner advice, Sodapup, lick mats
Summary
In this episode of the Enrichment Lab, host Chris Chandler welcomes Sanne Romijn, a dog enrichment content creator, dog photographer, blogger, and R+ (positive reinforcement) trainer from the Netherlands. They discuss Sanne's journey into dog enrichment, the importance of offering variety in dog meals, and how to creatively engage dogs through food. Sanne also talks about how providing these activities for her dogs enhances her own creativity. The conversation emphasizes that enrichment doesn't have to be complicated and encourages dog owners to find joy in the process of caring for their pets.
Find Sanne Romijn–Dog Mom, Dog Photographer, Blogger, R+ Dog Trainer and Behaviorist
linktr.ee/dogblognl
Website: dog-blog.nl
IG: @dogblognl
All the images in the YouTube episode of the podcast are courtesy of Sanne.
Takeaways
Enrichment can be simple and doesn't have to be elaborate.
Dogs enjoy the process of enrichment regardless of presentation.
Variety in food is key to keeping dogs engaged.
Using seasonal ingredients can enhance dog meals.
Photography can be a fun way to document dog enrichment activities.
Patience and creativity are essential in dog photography.
Dogs have individual preferences for food and treats.
Engaging dogs in natural behaviors is enriching for them.
Enrichment can be a shared joy between dogs and their owners.
It's important to ensure dogs receive balanced nutrition.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Enrichment and Guest Background
09:52 Creating Engaging Meals for Dogs
16:01 Understanding Dog Nutrition and Preferences
26:01 Final Thoughts on Enrichment and Personal Reflections
Additional information:
More information about PMOC as mentioned in the episode: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/proopiomelanocortin-pomc-gene-mutation
Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for dogs.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
S1 E3 Sodapup Enrichment Lab: Sanne Romijn Netherlands
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Keywordsdog enrichment, pet photography, Labrador care, dog nutrition, creative dog meals, enrichment ideas, dog care tips, pet lifestyle, dog training, dog owner advice, Sodapup, lick matsSummaryIn this episode of the Enrichment Lab, host Chris Chandler welcomes Sanne Romijn, a dog enrichment content creator, dog photographer, blogger, and R+ (positive reinforcement) trainer from the Netherlands. They discuss Sanne's journey into dog enrichment, the importance of offering variety in dog meals, and how to creatively engage dogs through food. Sanne also talks about how providing these activities for her dogs enhances her own creativity. The conversation emphasizes that enrichment doesn't have to be complicated and encourages dog owners to find joy in the process of caring for their pets.Find Sanne Romijn–Dog Mom, Dog Photographer, Blogger, R+ Dog Trainer and Behavioristlinktr.ee/dogblognlWebsite: dog-blog.nlIG: @dogblognlAll the images in the YouTube episode of the podcast are courtesy of Sanne.TakeawaysEnrichment can be simple and doesn't have to be elaborate.Dogs enjoy the process of enrichment regardless of presentation.Variety in food is key to keeping dogs engaged.Using seasonal ingredients can enhance dog meals.Photography can be a fun way to document dog enrichment activities.Patience and creativity are essential in dog photography.Dogs have individual preferences for food and treats.Engaging dogs in natural behaviors is enriching for them.Enrichment can be a shared joy between dogs and their owners.It's important to ensure dogs receive balanced nutrition.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Enrichment and Guest Background09:52 Creating Engaging Meals for Dogs16:01 Understanding Dog Nutrition and Preferences26:01 Final Thoughts on Enrichment and Personal ReflectionsAdditional information:More information about PMOC as mentioned in the episode: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/proopiomelanocortin-pomc-gene-mutationAlways check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

What is Canine Enrichment?
There are many types of enrichment for dogs, including food-based enrichment which is the topic of this podcast. Dogs have natural foraging instincts which, when put to work, lead to happier, more stimulated dogs. Podcast host, Chris Chandler, will meet with dog lovers from around the world who are actively engaged in food based enrichment with their dogs. They will discuss not only what they are feeding their dogs, but also what tools they use. Come along as we learn tips and tricks from enrichment practitioners from around the world.
Sodapup is the leader in food-based enrichment tools like slow feeder bowls, treat dispensing puzzle toys, and lick mats.