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Want to help your pup use his foraging skills to keep him entertained and engaged? A snuffle mat might be a fun thing for their mental health. Hunting and sniffing is an instinct for many dogs, but our pet pups don’t need to go looking for food. Using a foraging mat for dogs, aka a snuffle mat, allows you to put those instincts to use while increasing mental and physical stimulation. We’ve got all the information you need to find the right snuffle mat for the furry friend in your life.
| Overall | Washable | Portable | Versatile |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Paw5 Wooly | YEPPUPPY | ALOYA | STELLAIRE CHERN |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
What Is A Snuffle Mat For Dogs?
A snuffle mat or snuffle rug for dogs mimics the outdoors by using long pieces of fabric tied to a mat. The different lengths and widths of material make it easy to hide treats and food within the layers so your pup can go foraging through the fabric to find them. Your dog’s nose will get work time in with these. This game helps encourage slower eating habits. It also stimulates and engages your pup’s mind.
These mats are user-friendly and only require you to spread the food or treats out in them and then let your pup loose to find their rewards. These mats can keep a dog entertained for a good while. They encourage the use of your dog’s scent and smelling skills. Sniffing helps activate a portion of the canine brain that releases dopamine that makes dogs feel good. There are other longer-term benefits of dog scent arousal that include better memory, improved mental health, and happier life.
Best Snuffle Mat
We’ve picked the best snuffle mats in several categories based on factors like price, ease of use, customer reviews, durability, and more to help you decide what would work best for you.
Best Overall: Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat Review
Our 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 his treats. This machine-washable mat is easy to clean and also sustainably handmade from non-toxic, safe materials. Some customers complain that the mat is small and may not hold up to intense chewing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to fill | No anti-slip backing |
| Machine-washable | May not hold up to intense chewing |
| For any breed or size dog | |
| Sustainably made |
Price
Best Washable: YEPPUPPY 23″ Durable Snuffle Mat Review
If you’re looking for a washable option, we chose the YEPPUPPY as the best in this category. This mat is durably made and sewn, so it won’t deform after washing. It’s easy to fill, the polar fleece material is soft and sturdy, and the non-slip bottom keeps the mat from sliding around. Unfortunately, some customers say this mat is not very challenging, and heavy chewers may tear the material.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to fill | Not the most challenging mat |
| Machine-washable | Heavy chewers may tear the material |
| Anti-slip backing | |
| Made of eco-friendly polar fleece |
Price
Best Portable: ALOYA Snuffle Mat Review
Need an option to take on the go? The ALOYA Snuffle Mat is our winner of the best portable option. With an outer edge, you can cinch this mat up to take on the go or just tighten it a bit to make treat finding a more significant challenge. This mat is easy to fill, machine-washable, and made of durable, non-toxic materials. There is no non-slip bottom, so it may slide around during foraging, and some customers complain it doesn’t hide the treats very well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to fill | No anti-slip backing |
| Machine-washable | May not hide treats well |
| Folds up for portability | |
| Made of non-toxic durable material |
Price
Best Versatile: STELLAIRE CHERN Snuffle Mat Review
What makes the STELLAIRE CHERN the most versatile choice is the multiple options for foraging. This mat has a section that looks like other foraging mats and other types of cups, folds, and pockets to increase entertainment. Though it does take longer to fill with treats, and customers say it isn’t very durable, it does have an anti-slip backing and folds up easily for storage or to take on the go.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Machine-washable | Takes longer to fill |
| Anti-slip backing | Not super durable |
| Folds up for portability | |
| Made with upcycled materials |
Price
- Starts at: $30.98
What Are My Other Options?
BARK Beach Sandbark Snuffle Mat Review
The BARK snuffle mat is a colorful, soft, and easy-to-use option. This is perfect for small and big dogs alike. It offers plenty of hiding spots for kibble and treats. The bottom is thick, and the mat is made from 100% polyester. Plenty of pockets and ruffles keep dogs searching for more. Only for use with dry kibble and treats. Not suited for multiple dogs to use at the same time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Hand wash only |
| Anti-slip dots on the back | Not super durable |
| Folds up for portability |
Price
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
Abizoo Slow Feeder Forager Mat Review
Abizoo makes a slightly different version of the foraging mat. It is made from edible-grade silicone. Easy to clean and dry. We like that it can be used for wet and dry foods and is dishwasher safe. Works as a slow feeder and scent trainer. The leafy design lets dogs sniff and forage without tearing up your garden or yard. 32 small bumps on the bottom keep it from slipping and sliding on the floor.
Price
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 also including squeaky toys to make it more fun. Other snuffle toys have pockets to hide treats, like the Spanomic Plush Snuffle Chew Toy.
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 you have a dog that likes to lick the floor or carpet, try a licking mat and peanut butter. There is something for every pup. You just might need to try a few different things. We do not recommend trying to use one mat with multiple dogs at the same time, as this can cause fighting and aggression over treats and food.
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, how to use them, and see them in action.
Brain Games For Dogs For Mental Interaction
Foraging mats can be engaging, stimulating, and lots of fun. They may not be enough to keep an active dog mentally engaged. Brain games might be another good choice if you’re looking for other ways to keep your pup mentally sharp. Every dog is different, but brain games for dogs and interactive dog toys give you a lot of ideas on keeping your furry friend entertained so he’s happy and well-behaved.
Tagged With: Comparison, Mental Health
