What it does for your dog
- Gives your dog a natural foraging job: searching for food with their nose.
- Slows down fast eaters.
- Sniffing can help many dogs settle, which makes it useful before you leave or at the end of the day.
- Low-impact, so it suits seniors and dogs on restricted exercise (with your vet's agreement).
Which dogs and situations it suits
Most dogs who are motivated by food enjoy snuffle mats, including puppies, seniors and dogs in apartments. They are especially handy for dogs that inhale their food, and as a quiet activity on wet days.
They are less suitable for dogs that chew and swallow fabric, dogs that guard food from people or other pets, and dogs that aren't interested in food. For those dogs, a scent game with a toy may work better.
What you need
- A snuffle mat, or an old towel you can roll up
- Dry food or small, dry treats from your dog's daily ration
- A quiet spot on the floor
How to do it
Preparation
- Measure out the portion of food you want to use, taken from today's meals.
- Shake the mat so the fleece strips stand up.
- Choose a spot away from other pets, so nobody feels they have to compete.
Step by step
- 1Let your dog watch you drop a few pieces on top of the mat, then put it down and let them eat those.
- 2Next time, sprinkle food more deeply between the strips.
- 3Put the mat down and step back. Let them work it out: no pointing, no helping.
- 4When they finish and start to lose interest, pick the mat up and put it away.
- 5For the towel version, lay an old towel flat, scatter food across it, roll it up loosely and tie it in a loose knot.
Make it easier or harder
Beginner version
- Use bigger, smellier pieces of food on top of the mat for the first few goes.
- Keep the session short and finish while they are still keen.
- Sit nearby so a nervous dog feels comfortable.
Advanced variations
- Push food deeper into the strips, or use smaller pieces.
- Roll the mat up loosely so they have to unroll it first.
- Hide the mat in another room and ask them to find it.
- Add a "wait" before you release them to start.
For puppies
Puppies usually love snuffle mats. Use soft kibble from their meals, keep sessions to a few minutes, and supervise closely, because puppies chew fabric.
For senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues
A snuffle mat is a great low-impact activity for older dogs. Put it on a non-slip surface, and raise it slightly on a low, stable step if bending down is uncomfortable.
Supervision and safety
- Supervise every session. Some dogs chew the fleece strips once the food is gone, and swallowed fabric can cause a blockage. Put the mat away afterwards.
- Use part of your dog's daily food so it doesn't lead to weight gain.
- Avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, and check that any treats suit your dog's diet, allergies or medical needs.
- If you have more than one dog, give each their own mat in separate spaces to avoid squabbles.
- Wash the mat regularly, especially if you use soft or wet food.
Common mistakes
- Making it too hard on day one, so the dog gives up.
- Leaving the mat out as a toy, where it can be chewed.
- Using extra treats on top of normal meals.
- Helping too much. Let them solve it.
Frequently asked questions
Are snuffle mats good for dogs?+
For most food-motivated dogs, yes: they turn eating into a foraging activity and slow down fast eaters. Supervise use and put the mat away afterwards.
How long should a dog use a snuffle mat?+
Usually 5 to 15 minutes. Pick it up when your dog has finished the food or loses interest.
Can I make a snuffle mat at home?+
Yes. Scattering food on a towel and rolling it up loosely works well. You can also tie strips of fleece through a rubber sink mat. Make sure there are no loose threads or small pieces that could be swallowed.
My dog chews the snuffle mat. What should I do?+
Stop using it unsupervised, and swap to a sturdy food puzzle toy or scatter feeding instead.
