7 Best Dog Snuffle Mats For Mental Stimulation (Includes Personal Experiences)
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
Want to help your pup use their foraging skills to keep them entertained and engaged? A snuffle mat might be fun for their health and mental stimulation. Hunting and sniffing are instincts for many dogs. Using a foraging mat for dogs, also known as a snuffle mat, allows you to put those instincts to use while increasing their mental and physical stimulation.
Does your dog turn into a vacuum at mealtime, sucking up their meal in seconds? Maybe they eat their treats in a single gulp without taking the time to enjoy them. A snuffle mat could be the solution you are looking for. These mats hide treats and kibble inside, causing mealtime to last up to 10 times longer!
I will explain the benefits of a snuffle mat and why you should get one. There are many snuffle mats out there, and I’ve got all the information you need to find the right one for the furry friend in your life to help bust the boredom and provide enrichment.
Overall | Portable | Largest | Small Breeds | Challenging | Silicone |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paw5 Wooly | Neecong | Stellaire Chern | Yureshmull | Fomini | OurMiao |
View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
What Is A Snuffle Mat For Dogs?
A snuffle mat is essentially an oversized fabric-filled mat that can hide treats. Think of a snuffle mat as a gym. Only instead of working out your dog’s muscles, it works one of the essential organs in their body…
Their nose.
Dogs worked for their food before they were domesticated and hand-delivered a tasty meal in a bowl. And to do that, they used their nose…
From tracking prey by scent to sniffing berries on a shrub, your dog’s ancestors would have starved without their powerful noses. While your spoiled pooch may no longer need to sniff out their next meal, they haven’t lost these instincts.
With snuffle mats, dogs bury their noses in the mat as they hunt for special treats. They mimic grass or brush outdoors using long fabric pieces tied to a mat. The different lengths and widths of material make hiding dog treats and food within the layers easy, so your pup can go foraging through the fabric to find them.
Does My Dog Need A Snuffle Mat?
Have you ever watched how your dog behaves when wandering around your house or on a walk? Your pup spends a lot of time with their nose to the ground, right?
Your dog actually sees the world through their nose. Did you know a dog’s sense of smell is 100,000 times stronger than a human’s?
Although not every dog is guaranteed to enjoy using a snuffle mat, I’ve yet to meet one that doesn’t!
These user-friendly mats only require you to spread food or treats in them and let your pup loose to find their rewards. These mats can keep a dog entertained for a good while, and my Doxie, Chips, loves her snuffle mat. She can easily spend 30 minutes sniffing out her treats.
Some dog owners even use a snuffle mat as an alternative to a simple puzzle toy to keep their pup entertained or for dogs that get frustrated with more difficult puzzle toys. My other dog, Bonkers, is food-orientated but does NOT get puzzles (stubborn, dumb, who knows?!) But he enjoys snuffle mats…
6 Benefits Of A Snuffle Mat
Nosework mats have many benefits, and here are some of the main advantages of using one.
- Mental Stimulation. Your dog’s nose gets work time in with these, which is great for hunting dogs and scenthounds, encouraging their scent and smelling skills. They encourage natural foraging behavior.
- Reduced Destructive Behavior. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to sniff out around the home, contributing to boredom and problematic behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, and digging.
- Decreases Anxiety. Snuffle mats can also be used as a distraction during events that cause anxiety, such as during fireworks. Many dogs instantly forget their fear as they focus on sniffing around the mat for treats.
- Increases Happiness. Sniffing helps activate a portion of the canine brain that releases dopamine, which makes dogs feel good. And we all know that a happy dog is a healthy dog! When you think about it, depriving your dog of using their number one sense is almost cruel.
- Versatile. A snuffle mat is a low-impact game; dogs of all ages can join in the fun. Older pups losing their eyesight still have a keen sense of smell. They might not be able to chase a ball but can enthusiastically dig through a snuffle mat. They’re also ideal for entertaining your dog when it’s too cold or hot to walk outside.
- Slower Eating Habits. If your dog eats their treats or meals too quickly, this game also helps encourage slower eating habits.
If you use a snuffle mat to slow down your dog’s mealtime, consider a slow-feed dog bowl. They are considerably easier to clean. Check out our review on the best slow-feed dog bowls for more information.
I recommend all dog families get a snuffle mat for these reasons and more. They’re inexpensive, and most dogs get a lot out of them. So, why wouldn’t you try one?!
7 Best Snuffle Mats For Dogs
I’ve picked the best snuffle mats in several categories based on price, ease of use, customer reviews, durability, and more to help you decide what would work best for you. If you’re interested in how I reviewed them, I go through this after the recommendation section.
Best Overall: Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat Review
My pick for the best overall snuffle mat is the Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat. This mat is easy to fill by just sprinkling food over the top. Your dog will enjoy foraging through this mat, sniffing out, and looking for their treats. The material strands are made from pet-safe cotton fibers, which are stiff and thick. To me, it feels like soft denim.
However, where the Paw5 Wooly shines is its ability to hide food. Sprinkling your dog’s kibble over the top of the mat is more than enough to slow down mealtime. As your dog noses around, pieces of kibble work deeper into the mat. Fortunately, even when the kibble sinks to the bottom, it’s not unreachable for a dog. After weeks of testing, none of our dogs showed any signs of abrasion.
Although this option does not have anti-slip backing, it holds itself down well, thanks to its weight. This machine-washable mat is easy to clean and also sustainably handmade from non-toxic, safe materials. Some customers complain the mat is small and may not hold up to intense chewing, but that’s standard across most snuffle mats.
My only complaint is that I wish they made the Paw5 mat in a bigger size. Larger dogs need more food, and this 11″ x 17″ mat holds only so much before it piles up and sits on top. During testing, I found that it held roughly two cups of kibble. If your pup eats more than that, you might have to split mealtimes in two or use a slow-feed dog bowl instead.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easy to fill | No anti-slip backing |
Machine-washable | It may not hold up to intense chewing |
It uses thick cotton fibers | |
Holds onto treats well | |
For any breed or size of dog | |
Sustainably made |
Price
Best Portable: Neecong Snuffle Mat Review
Need an option to take on the go? The Neecong Snuffle Mat is my winner of the best portable option. With an outer edge and cord, you can cinch this mat up to take on the go or tighten it to make treat finding a more significant challenge. You can also hang it or fold it away when not in use. Its circular design also lets you place it in a bowl for slow-feeding options.
This snuffle mat is easy to fill and made of durable, non-toxic materials. Its non-slip bottom prevents it from sliding around during foraging. At 19″ x 19″, its smaller size is ideal for small to medium-sized dogs. Some customers said their dogs also use it as a comfy bed to curl up in.
The only negative aspect of this option is that it is hand-wash only, so I recommend it only for dry treats or kibble. The felt in this mat is stiffer than others, which holds onto the treats well. The design isn’t as complicated as some customers would have liked, but this was a positive thing as a beginner snuffle mat for others.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easy to fill | Not as challenging as others |
Circle shape for bowl use | Not machine-washable |
It folds up for portability | |
Made of non-toxic, durable material | |
It has a non-slip bottom | |
Ideal as a beginner snuffle mat |
Price
Best For Large Dogs: Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat Review
The multiple options and sizing for foraging make the Stellaire Chern mat the most versatile choice. This mat has a section that looks like other foraging mats, plus other types of cups, folds, and pockets to increase entertainment. As you see, there are many choices regarding hiding treats or training tools. By mixing up the hiding spots, your dog is forced to rely on smell alone to track down each treat.
Though it does take longer to fill with treats, and customers say it isn’t very durable against extreme chewers, it’s ideal for dogs that need more of a challenge. It comes in two sizes, medium (23.6″ x 39.4″) and large (39.4″ x 39.4″) and three colors.
The soft polar fleece/felt fabric is gentle on noses. Even with multiple daily feedings, none of us saw signs of irritation or abrasion in our snout inspections. The material is made with upcycled, eco-friendly material.
This mat has an anti-slip backing and folds up easily for storage or transport. Once playtime is over, roll up the mat and use the attached ties to keep it in a neat coil. This is one of the best if you want a snuffle mat with various hiding spots!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Machine-washable | It takes longer to fill |
Features anti-slip backing | Not super durable |
It offers a variety of hiding places | |
The largest mat on my list | |
It folds up for portability | |
Made with upcycled materials |
Price
- Starts at $31.99
If you’re searching for tough dog toys, we have a guide on the best indestructible dog toys for extreme chewers.
Best For Small Dogs: Yureshmull Snuffle Mat Review
I’ve added this snuffle mat to my list because this is the one I use for my intelligent Doxie, and she loves it. This mat has six foraging challenges, offering lots of mental stimulation. But best of all? The most challenging section has a squeaker, which she goes crazy for!
This squeaker might not be the best option for dogs who tend to destroy anything with a squeaker in. But many small dogs like mine could easily spend 30 minutes getting a treat out of this tricky compartment. It’s one of the best purchases I’ve made for her.
Photo by Emma Braby for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024.
It measures 25″ x 17″, is made of soft flannel, and has an anti-slip bottom. It is machine-washable and easy to clean. I’ve had this mat for a year, and it looks just as good as when I bought it. It’s pretty durable, considering she’s a tough-digging Doxie.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Challenging mat for small breeds | Too small for large breeds |
Has six challenges | |
Features a squeaking compartment | |
Made with soft flannel | |
Has an anti-slip bottom | |
Durable |
Price
Most Challenging: Fomini Snuffle Mat Review
If you’re looking for a snuffle mat for ultimate enrichment, this is one of the best! It measures 33.5″ x 19.7″ and has 16 difficult sections. It has thick grass, loop flowers, salad bowls, multilayer bones, tricky cross pockets, and fun carrots. I’ll purchase this one when my Yureshmull mat bites the dust.
Fomini’s foraging mat has four suction cups that can be attached to each corner, making it secure for strong-willed dogs. Although some customers felt the suction cups weren’t as strong as they could be, the anti-slip bottom also helps to keep the mat in place.
You can also place the loops around furniture legs if you have carpet flooring or use it outside. This is a versatile and highly rated choice. It folds up for easy storage and is simple to clean with dry treats. However, it is not machine-washable, so I only recommend dry treats for it.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
16 enrichment challenges | Hand wash only |
Has four attachment loops & suction cups | Some customers didn’t rate the cup’s suction |
Anti-slip bottom | |
Easy to roll & store | |
Large size for bigger dogs |
Price
Best Silicone: OurMiao Silicone Snuffle Mat Review
If your pup sees a soft snuffle mat as a toy, a silicone snuffle mat might be a better option for Fido. Although this is not durable against chewers, some dogs might prefer this choice. Hide their treats under the leaves, and they have to work to find them. You can also use wet treats like peanut butter or wet dog food, which is not ideal with typical fabric snuffle mats.
I like that this option has powerful suction cups on the bottom to help keep it in place. This is an excellent feature for tough pups or clever canines who chuck the mat in the air to release the treats. Not with this mat! It also means you can use it to distract them in the bathtub or during grooming time.
It is not machine-washable, but you can chuck it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. It is made with pet-safe silicone and can withstand temperatures of -20 °C to 250 °C (refrigerator, oven, sterilizer, etc). It comes in two sizes, 8″ x 8″ or 14.6″ x 7.3″, making it suitable for small and large dog breeds.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Alternative silicone snuffle mat | Not durable against heavy chewers |
You can use this with wet treats & food | |
Easy to clean in the dishwasher | |
Features powerful suction cups | |
Available in 2 sizes |
Price
- Starts at $12.99
Our Personal Experience With OurMiao
We have tried several different snuffle mats over the years (including treats wrapped up in a blanket) to help with our dog’s anxiety. I was excited to learn about this silicone mat since it seems like it would be easy to wash and more portable than other mats we’ve used. It’s similar to our Likimat we’ve tried with peanut butter, but this has more of an interaction element to it. Also love that it suctions to the floor so it doesn’t move around when he’s sniffing out treats. In fact, the suction is so strong it’s hard to pry off the ground (and counter when we’re filling it up with treats). So happy to have discovered this tool to have in our aresenal.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog mom and creative for Canine Journal
Best Budget: BARK Beach Sandbark Snuffle Mat Review
The BARK snuffle mat is a colorful, soft, and easy-to-use option. It measures 24 “x 19” and is perfect for small and medium dogs. It offers plenty of hiding spots for kibble and treats. The anti-slip bottom is thick, and the mat is made from 100% polyester.
This mat has plenty of pockets, and ruffles keep dogs searching for more. It’s a hand-wash option, but it’s ideal for dry kibble and treats. It has a cute beach design and folds up for easy storage.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easy to use | Hand wash only |
Anti-slip dots on the back | Not super durable |
Folds up for portability |
Our Personal Experience With BARK Sandbark Mat
I use the BARK Sandbark mat with my dogs. For my larger dog Daisy, who is about 75 pounds, it helps her slow down from eating her kibble too fast. As she gets older, she is more possessive over her food. The mat helps her stay interested and not just gobble food down too fast. The mat does not slip around too much, and she is able to find her food easily.
My smaller dog Falkor also likes this mat. He loves treats, so is always after those. He is about 17 pounds and not very large. He likes to dump his kibble from his bowl on the ground, making a big mess. Along with that, the kibble tempts other pets, like my cats, to try and sneak a bite. The mat allows him to root about for food and spread the kibble out on a safe surface rather than the floor.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Owner & Writer For Canine Journal
Price
What Are My Other Options?
Not sure a snuffle mat is right for your pup? You have some other options to encourage foraging, including snuffle toys.
Some snuffle toys like this Carrot Puzzle by MeijieM keep your pup guessing where treats are hidden while including squeaky toys to make it more fun. Other snuffle toys like the Spanomic Plush Snuffle Chew Toy have pockets to hide treats.
Suppose slow feeding is the goal. In our ultimate dog food bowl guide, we point out the Outward Hound Fun Feeder as the best in this category.
If your dog likes to lick the floor or carpet, try a licking mat with peanut butter. There is something for every pup, and you might need to try a few different things.
I do not recommend using one mat or toy with multiple dogs simultaneously, as this can cause fighting and aggression over treats and food.
How Did I Review The Snuffle Mats?
It surprised me that few high-quality snuffle mats are on the market. Ordinarily, I spend hours of research narrowing down which products to purchase. But in the case of snuffle mats, I chose to buy the most popular and available.
Next, I enlisted the help of our four-legged testers. In addition to our usual gang of testers, I hauled the snuffle mats down to my local dog park and spent the day asking various dog owners if they would let their dogs test them.
Some looked at me like I was crazy, but most were happy to participate.
This added another 18 dogs to the test, including a Pit Bull determined to drag the entire mat to a secluded space and a Miniature Dachshund that almost got lost in the largest mat.
Each snuffle mat was graded on how well it performed. I considered the following when choosing the winners:
- Did the snuffle mat slow down mealtime?
- How easily could food be hidden in the snuffle mat?
- Could a broad range of dogs use the snuffle mat?
- Did the snuffle mat show signs of wear after use?
- Did the snuffle mat lift or slide around the floor?
- How easy was it to clean?
- Did the snuffle mat material irritate snouts?
And that’s all there was to it. My top picks excelled in each of these areas.
3 Snuffle Mat Testing Observations
While testing the qualities listed above, I made some observations that are worth mentioning.
1. Small, Dry Treats & Kibble Work Best
Each snuffle mat I tested varied in how it hides dog treats. Some use pockets a dog can open with their nose, while others use ruffled material where food is hidden in the ridges.
But no matter how you hid the treat, small treats worked best. Large treats were more challenging to hide. They often stuck out from underneath straps or on top of ruffles.
When this happened, mealtimes were not slowed down. My dogs were quickly able to retrieve the treat.
It is for this reason that smaller treats work best. But not just little treats. Dry treats.
Feeding your pup greasy or oily dog treats will quickly gunk up the snuffle mat, requiring frequent cleaning in the washing machine.
Oh, and no wet food. You don’t want to deal with that mess. Canned and raw food is best served in a bowl, not on a mat.
2. One Snuffle Mat Per Dog
You shouldn’t purchase a snuffle mat for them to share if you have multiple dogs. Sharing one isn’t the best idea.
Some dogs are perfectly happy to share with the other dogs they live with. But for others, sharing food brings out the worst – even if your pup usually is comfortable sharing.
Or, like my two dogs, my Doxie stole the snuffle mat and didn’t let my other dog get a look in!
It’s best to think of a snuffle mat like a dog bowl. You wouldn’t let your dogs share a dish, would you?
Of course, you know your dog best. But if you choose to share mats, monitor mealtime closely. If you notice any aggression, you need to buy another mat.
3. Some Dogs Just Don’t Get Snuffle Mats
When it comes to snuffle mats, there are three types of dogs:
- The Puzzle Solver. This dog happily uses their nose to track down each treat or piece of kibble hiding in the mat, no matter how long it takes.
- The Flipper. This dog merely wants the food as quickly as possible.
- Mr or Mrs. No Clue. Some dogs don’t understand why you’re hiding treats from them.
Almost none of the 22 dogs who used the snuffle mats attempted to flip them during testing. Even a super-sized Great Dane and an overly enthusiastic Pitbull played nice.
Even so, you’ll want to keep it in mind, as snuffle mats are unsuitable for flippers…
One German Shepherd owner I interviewed gave up on snuffle mats for this very reason. Her pup figured out that eating kibble off the floor was quicker and constantly flipped the snuffle mat.
Will your dog do the same? It’s hard to say.
Unfortunately, it may take trial and error to determine whether your pup will use their mat appropriately. However, if your dog has a history of getting frustrated by puzzle toys, it might be worth skipping the snuffle mat.
DIY Snuffle Mat
If you’re wondering how to make a snuffle mat at home, this five-minute video from Bishop Animal Shelter shows you how to make DIY snuffle mats.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many frequently asked questions about snuffle mats. If you don’t see your question, comment below, and we’ll find the answer for you.
Do All Dogs Like Snuffle Mats?
Maybe not all dogs, but I’ve never met a dog who doesn’t yet. My intelligent Dachshund loves her snuffle mat and uses it several times a week. My other not-so-intelligent dog, Bonkers, doesn’t understand traditional puzzle toys, but he enjoys sniffing out treats with the mat.
Do Snuffle Mats Really Work?
Yes, rather than watching your dog swallow each treat, you throw them in a single gulp and spread them across a snuffle mat. This way, it will take your pup time and effort to find each treat, extending feeding time and increasing mental stimulation. You can use a mat to slow their eating time for small breeds, but for larger dogs, you want to consider a slow-feeding bowl.
Do Snuffle Mats Make Dogs Tired?
Yes, snuffle mats can tire dogs out. The fabric mats allow you to hide treats to encourage foraging skills and expend their energy. Although you shouldn’t expect Fido to spark out on the couch, snuffle mats are one of the best enrichment games for mental stimulation inside the home.
Will My Dog Destroy A Snuffle Mat?
This depends on your dog’s playing behavior. A snuffle mat might not hold up if your dog is a heavy chewer. However, choosing a durable mat and supervising playtime can help prevent damage. Over time, even the most enthusiastic chewers can learn to sniff and seek rather than destroy.
Are Snuffle Mats Good For Puppies?
Snuffle mats may not be appropriate for puppies. You see, puppies love to play, even when they are in the middle of eating. Unfortunately, for snuffle mats, puppies play by biting. Sharp puppy teeth can quickly shred a snuffle mat, which was not designed to be chewed on. We have a guide on the best teething toys for puppies.
Can I Use A Snuffle Mat For Mealtime?
Yes, for dogs that eat far too quickly, a snuffle mat can be a good alternative to a dog bowl. Some dog owners I spoke to during my research fed their pooch every meal in a snuffle mat. “If you stop and think about it, a dog bowl is a human invention,” says Ruth, a proud owner of two Beagles. “While it makes sense for us to eat out of a bowl, it’s boring for a dog to receive a meal without working for it. My dogs love the hunt as much as the meal.”
Brain Games For Dogs For Mental Interaction
Phew, if you made it this far, congratulations! You now know which snuffle mat is best for your pooch. Foraging mats can be engaging and fun and offer mental stimulation. In addition to snuffle mats, brain games might be another good choice if you’re looking for more dog enrichment and other ways to keep your pup mentally sharp. Every dog is different, but our guides on flirt poles for dogs and other interactive dog toys can give you more ideas on keeping your furry friends entertained so they are happy and well-behaved. Barn hunting is another fun sniffing sport to check out.
Do you use any of these snuffle mats? Which snuffle mat does your dog use for enrichment? Let me know in the comments below!
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Bonkers doesn’t really play with toys, but he is very food-motivated and enjoys sniffing out treats in our snuffle mat, offering him mental stimulation. Chips is a big fan of their snuffle mat and uses it several times weekly. Before joining the Canine Journal team, Emma was a full-time dog walker and sitter and has decades of experience with dogs. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience online to help other dog owners and their pups thrive. She works with a professional team to make Canine Journal a current and trusted go-to resource.