The Best Snuffle Mats for Dogs
Snuffle mats are great enrichment toys for dogs, and you can use them as a toy and distraction or an enjoyable training tool. The long fibers on the mat mean you can tuck in a few treats for your pooch to find, or if you have a large mat you can hide a whole meal’s worth of kibble. This is perfect for slowing down fast eaters, especially dogs that eat too fast and then vomit. Additionally, finding the food in the mat is exciting for your dog, and they’ll use a lot of energy. This makes snuffle mats ideal for energetic dogs if they need to be indoors for the day. When searching for the best snuffle mats for dogs, we looked for mats that are covered in fabric strips long enough to obscure food, are easy to clean, and also durable enough to hold up to lots of sniffing and eating. Our overall favorite was the snuffle mat from Awoof, because the felt cloth is very strong and the mat can be closed up into a bag for easy storage. However, it’s on the small side, so if you want something larger we’d recommend the snuffle mat from Yinxue. It’s large enough to hold a full meal’s worth of food, and the polar fleece is durable and machine washable. Keep reading to see our full reviews of the best snuffle mats for dogs.
Awoof Pet Snuffle Mat for Dogs
Keep your dog entertained with this fluffy green snuffle mat. Hunting for treats or kibble engages your dog’s natural foraging instincts, and the intense searching will help wear out energetic pups. The mat is edged with a drawstring, so you can lay it out flat or form it into a bowl shape that will help slow your dog down during mealtimes.
Pros:
- We love how this snuffle mat promises to keep our dogs occupied. They won’t eat as fast, so it can make meals last longer.
- This mat is a good size for both puppies and grown dogs.
Cons:
- The felt strips are machine washable, but hand-washing is recommended to keep the snuffle mat in great shape.
Pet Arena Adjustable Snuffle Mat for Dogs
One size fits all
This snuffle mat will grow with your dog because you can adjust the size. Drawing in the sides makes it the perfect dimensions for puppies or small dogs, while laying it out flat is great for larger pooches. The polar fleece strips are anti-pilling, and they’re made of eco-friendly material.
Pros:
- The non-slip bottom is very nice because it keeps the mat from sliding around while dogs eat.
- This mat is very sturdy, and you can wash it in the washing machine, which is convenient.
Cons:
- The fabric strips are very stiff, which some dogs might find irritating.
Awoof Snuffle Mat Dog Feeding Toy
Pack it up
If your dog needs an upgraded challenge, this puzzle snuffle mat is the perfect option. Besides the usual fabric strips, there are several sewn-in pockets and cups that provide an engaging challenge for your pooch. As an added bonus, the four leaves of the mat fold up around the center and strap closed, so it’s simple to store.
Pros:
- We love how the mat folds up and securely closes because it makes it easy to store or bring along on trips.
- The thick fleece and flat pocket designs mean it’s harder for chewers to rip pieces off of this mat.
Cons:
- Getting treats from the many pockets is great entertainment for your dog, but it takes longer to prepare the mat and fill it with kibble.
Yinxue Durable Pet Snuffle Mat
Room to move
This roomy, rectangular mat measures 22″ by 16″, so there’s plenty of space for larger dogs to sniff around. It can also be a good option for small dogs if you have the space because you can hide fewer treats, and finding them will be more of a challenge. The fabric strips are long and cover food well, and we found that it kept our dogs occupied for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Pros:
- The fleece is thick and sturdy, and it holds up well to repeated clawing and snuffling.
- We loved the mental stimulation our dogs got from using the mat, and they loved it as well.
Cons:
- Snuffle mats aren’t designed to be chewed, but the soft fabric strips can come off if your dog tears at them.
Paw 5 Wooly Snuffle Mat for Dogs
Snuffle mats get dirty quickly, and you should clean off the food residue and dried saliva at least once a week. This snuffle mat is a snap to clean because you can put it in the washer and the dryer. There’s no need to worry about hand washing the mat or waiting for it to air dry, and it’s well-made and sturdy enough to last for a long time.
Pros:
- We like the rolled fabric strips because they look durable and don’t seem like they will tear easily.
- It’s easy to fill the mat with kibble, but it may still be a challenge for your dog to find every piece.
Cons:
- This mat is a bit pricier than other models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a snuffle mat?
A snuffle mat is a mat covered in long strips of fleece so that you can tuck treats inside the fabric for your dog to find. It’s a great brain teaser for your dog because they have to rely on their sense of smell to find the hidden treats. Hard treats like kibble or liver bites are better than soft treats because they won’t get the snuffle mat dirty.
How do I train my dog with a snuffle mat?
You can use a snuffle mat to teach your dog self-control by having them sit and wait before they’re allowed to sniff the mat. You can then give them a release command like “okay” or “go” to indicate that they can go ahead to the snuffle mat. The treats or kibble inside are a great reward, but verbal encouragement like “good girl” is also excellent reinforcement for good behavior.
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