Does your dog suffer from anxiety? Are they destructive in the house? Do you struggle to keep them occupied? Does your dog eat their food too quickly? A snuffle mat for dogs may help.
This post will look at what a snuffle mat is, how to use one, and the benefits a snuffle mat can provide to both you and your dog.
Table of Contents:
Related: Best Dog Lick Mat For Your Pup, Best Snuffle Ball For Dogs
What Is A Snuffle Mat?
A snuffle mat is a mat that has material sewn onto it that creates areas to hide treats and food.
Depending on how the snuffle mat is constructed, your dog may need to dig through, lift, and push aside pieces of fabric to get to the food that is hidden within it.
Who Is A Snuffle Mat Good For?
A snuffle mat is good for all dogs that are food motivated, but is especially good for:
- Dogs that get bored easily.
- Pups that eat their food too quickly.
- Those with anxiety.
Who Is A Snuffle Mat NOT Good For?
A snuffle mat is not good for dogs that chew or eat non-food items.
The materials used on a snuffle mat can be easily chewed. Some dogs may even rip up the mat while trying to get to the food.
If your dog is rough on their toys, a snuffle mat may not be good for them. Some dogs just don’t have the patience for it and may then pick up the mat and shake it around, throwing all the hidden food over the ground to eat it.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Snuffle Mat?
A snuffle mat is not only a great way to keep your dog occupied, it can provide other benefits as well:
- If your dog suffers from stress or anxiety, a snuffle mat can help take their mind off of what stresses them by allowing them to focus on a task.
- Provides mental stimulation for your dog, which can be just as beneficial as taking your dog out for a walk.
- Allows your dog to practice nose work to sniff out food, like they would in the wild, encouraging sniffing and foraging.
- Acts as a slow feeder. If your dog has a tendency to gulp down their food, snuffle mats offer a way to slow them down by having to search for their food which can be spread out throughout the mat.
What Is The Best Material For A Dog Snuffle Mat?
Snuffle mats should be made of a material that is gentle on your dog’s face and nose yet durable enough to withstand their paws as they rummage through the mat.
Most snuffle mats use a fleece material. Fleece is easily sewn onto the mats and can be constructed into different patterns for which to hide food.
How Do I Choose A Snuffle Mat For My Dog?
When deciding on a snuffle mat for your dog, here are a few things to look for:
Size and Shape
Snuffle mats come in all different shapes and sizes. Choose the size and shape best for the size of your dog and one that accommodates the amount of time you want them to be occupied.
Patterns
Look for a mat with different patterns for which to hide the food. You will want your dog to have to perform different tasks in order to get to the hidden food.
Material
As mentioned above, you will want a material that is gentle on your dog’s face and nose. If your dog is a chewer but you would still like to try a snuffle mat, there are some that come in silicone, which would be more durable than a fabric mat.
Machine Washable
Snuffle mats can get dirty fast. You will want one that is easy to clean so it can be used over and over again.
Non-Slip Bottom
Mats can move around as your dog goes hunting for their food. A non- slip backing can help diminish how much the mat moves while your dog is using it.
Storage
Look for a mat that can be easily stored when not in use. Most will either fold or roll up.
How Often Should Dogs Use A Snuffle Mat?
A snuffle mat can be used as often as you would like. Just make sure you are cleaning it between uses to avoid any build up of bacteria.
Snuffle mats are best used:
- During times of stress or anxiety (thunderstorms, fireworks).
- Feeding time to slow them down.
- When you can’t take your dog out for a walk (too busy, bad weather).
- To keep your dog occupied when you have company over.
- When you want to provide extra mental stimulation for your pup.
Can You Leave A Dog Alone With A Snuffle Mat?
It is best not to leave a dog alone while using a snuffle mat. Mats can be easily ripped if your dog becomes aggressive while searching for food. You want to be sure your dog doesn’t swallow anything they shouldn’t eat.
Do Snuffle Mats Help With Anxiety?
Snuffle mats are a great way to help your dog with anxiety. If you notice a particular trigger for your dog, you can have them use the snuffle mat to allow them to focus on a specific task, thereby taking their mind off the stressful event.
Should You Wash A Snuffle Mat Before The First Use?
It is always a good idea to wash your mat before using it the first time, since your dog will be eating off of it.
How Often Should You Wash A Snuffle Mat?
A snuffle mat should be washed after every use. This will help ensure that bacteria does not build up on it. You can hand wash it or even put it in the wash machine or dishwasher, depending on what material it is made out of.
What Food Do You Put In A Snuffle Mat?
The best type of food to put in a snuffle mat really depends on what you are using it for.
For slow feeding: Use your dog’s kibble if you have a fabric mat. If you are using a silicone mat, you can use both kibble and wet food.
For mental stimulation/anxiety reduction: Use a combination of kibble and your dog’s favorite treats.
Best Snuffle Mats For Dogs
Here are 5 snuffle mats your dog may enjoy. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Soft Material
Pet Parents Forager Snuffle Mat
This snuffle mat is made of “soft snout” material to keep your dog from injuring their snout.
- Measures 12 x 18 inches or 19 x 21 inches.
- Available in various colors.
- Made of “SoftSnout “ material to help keep your dog from injuring their snout or gums.
- Non- slip bottom.
- Triple stitched edges.
- Machine washable.
- Rolls when not in use.
Best Traditional
Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat For Dogs
This mat is a traditional snuffle mat with various types of hiding places to put treats and kibble.
- Measures 39.4 x 23.6 inches or 39.4 x 39.4 inches.
- Comes in various colors.
- Non-slip bottom.
- Rolls up when not in use.
- Machine washable.
- Made of polar fleece material.
Best Silicone
Femont Silicone Snuffle Mat
This silicone mat is slip resistant and dishwasher safe.
- Measures 16.3 x 16.3 inches.
- BPA free.
- Made of food grade silicone material.
- Can be washed in the dishwasher.
- Uses wet or dry food.
- Waterproof.
- Slip resistant with a suction cup bottom.
Best Design
ToriKuri Snuffle Mat For Dogs
This mat comes in various designs for you to hide food in.
- Available in different designs:
- Fish measures 20 x 20 inches.
- Football Field measures 30 x 20 inches.
- Pineapple measures 22 x 17 inches.
- Oxford cloth backing on the fish and pineapple.
- Non-slip bottom on the football field.
- Made of fleece material.
- Machine washable.
- Rolls up when not in use.
Best With Noisemakers
Zgxiaole Snuffle Mat For Dogs
This mat has noisemakers included in it to further entice your dog.
- Measures 17.3 x 23.6 inches.
- Non-slip bottom.
- Machine washable.
- Felt material.
- Includes 2 noisemakers.
- Can be folded up when not in use.
A snuffle mat for dogs can help improve your dog’s eating habits, provide mental stimulation, and help reduce stress and anxiety. If your dog suffers from fast eating, boredom, or anxiety, a snuffle mat is a great option available to help them.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.