Snuffle mat for dogs

I wasn't sure what a snuffle mat is.. as I am always looking for something for my St. Bernard. This would just be something he would just eat... the entire thing. bummer. lol

I made one with a dollar store rubber sink mat and strips of fleece tied thru it. My dog loves it but then expects it to be constantly refilled.

The snuffle mat was a godsend for our dog. She was a puppy mill rescue and has the highest anxiety of any rescue dogs we have had. She literally would run in circles all day. ALL DAY. Along comes the snuffle mat and she was able to focus on finding those treats. It was large and had all kinds of different areas on it. It was a pain putting her treats in it but was worth it. Another item we use is a lick mat. I spread her canned food or peanut butter on it. It all kinds of nooks and crannies and it takes her a while to get all of it out. I found both on amazon (there are so many to choose from).

I’m going to make one for my dog. I found a few different ideas on Pinterest. There is no sewing involved.

My dd’s dog initially had a snuffle mat for her dog because she would just wolf down her dinner so it slowed her down. But she’s since converted to tricky treat balls. You drop some treats or kibble in a hole in the ball and they have to roll it to get it out. It will keep the dog entertained a bit longer, and like another poster said, they might try to eat the mat

What do you use to fill the mat?  I have used cheerios and 1.5 cal training treats.

How do you tell the difficulty level?  I saw the chart but the toy doesn't list the difficulty level.

I have always thought they look fun but my dogs would eat them also.

Mine liked the silicone mat with grooves that we'd put a dab of peanutbutter on. The kids called it the Licky Mat, but I don't remember its real name. She loved that thing.

When mine was younger he’d have eaten it but now he won’t bother - too much effort for not enough taste. He’s spoiled

www.amazon.com/PAW5-Snuffle-Encourages-Foraging-Washable/dp/B01N1FV55I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3Q6HNCZGZ344O&keywords=paw+5+wooly+snuffle+mat&qid=1637253914&sprefix=paw+5+w%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A28E6KMHPSNADE&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMzdKVjFOMVIxOVdVJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjkzNDkxMThWOVRYVERITFhTOSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDE4MTg0MTc4NVg5R1NYVkVXVSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

I have the paw 5 wooly snuffle mat and love it. I had other felt snuffle mats from Amazon and my dog would chew them up. This one hasn’t had anything happen to it and we’ve had it almost a year. It simulates grass. I put her meals into it to make meal time last longer. But sometimes I put one or two treats into it and let her find them.

I also just got a licky brand licky mat and quite like it. I’ll spread pumpkin or peanut butter and put it in the freezer and it takes her 30 min to sit and lick. Sometimes I soak her kibble and spread it on and then freeze, so it takes 30 min for her to eat dinner.



I also have 2 of the puzzles. My dog likes them but pulls them apart. My fav has been the outward hound tornado. I just put the food in and it takes her a while. Or I soak the food, put it in and freeze it and she’ll work at it for 30 min. It’s a lower ‘level’ but I find easier to use for more gain then another harder one my dog just pulls apart.

I have never heard of snuffle mats so of course had to go and look.  Another thing to buy due to the Peas - thanks!!!