The best snuffle mats for dogs deliver an excellent way to keep your canine companion stimulated, and entertained. These toys are perfect for hiding the best dog treats, or bits of kibble for them to find, letting them work their brain out without constant attention.
Snuffle mats come in a range of designs, and challenge levels, so it's easy to find a mat that fits your dog's demeanor and ability level. These toys allow you to hide bits of food rather than just filling their bowl. From there, your dog will need to use their nose to sniff out the snacks you've hidden for them. It's an easy way to add more enrichment to your dog's life, keeping them occupied for minutes or hours, as they track down every bit of food you've dropped for them.
But, as with almost any item on the market these days, snuffle mats are being designed and rolled out in their hundreds, so with that many to choose from, how do you know which mat is right for your pooch? You'll be relieved to hear that unlike the best dog beds which you might invest in only to find out they're not big enough or comfortable enough, you really can't go wrong with snuffle mats.
As we mentioned, snuffle mats do come in all sorts of different designs, ranging from basic models that are best suited to puppies or those who have never used a snuffle mat before, all the way up to intricate patterns that offer tons of hiding spots for food and treats. We recommend you start with a basic snuffle mat and once your dog has mastered that, feel free to move up to something a little more complicated to make things more challenging.
Before we point out our picks for the best snuffle mats for dogs, we've got some tips from Dr. Rebecca Macmillan.
The best snuffle mats for dogs 2024
Best overall snuffle mat for dogs
Made from a soft eco-friendly, machine-washable, sustainable polar fleece material, this snuffle mat comfortable and inviting while still being durable. The mat is divided into different spaces for maximum interactivity. Strands that mimic grass on one half, and a host of flaps, pockets, and cups on the other - perfect for hiding small treats and kibble.
It comes in two sizes, medium and large, making it suitable for dogs of all sizes. The medium mat measures 23.6in x 39.4in, while the large mat is 39.4in x 39.4in. The underside is made from a rubber non-slip material to help keep it in place. The mats are easy to roll up and store away when not in use.
Awarded 4.6 out of five stars on Amazon, pet owners noted the high build quality and said their pets love it. Some users did note that their dogs got bored of it quickly, and some dogs managed to tear it apart.
Reasons to buy: Ideal for small and large breeds
Reasons to avoid: Odd color choice
Best budget snuffle mat for dogs
This Pet Arena snuffle mat is our top pick for bargain hunters. Particularly well suited to larger breeds, this mat will challenge your pup and provide them with a stimulating mental workout, while also slowing down their eating speed to improve digestion.
The multi-usage design means it can act as a snuffle mat, feeding bowl, or a small storage bag by adjusting the belt. It's made from eco-friendly, sustainable, anti pilling upgraded polar fleece material and is both highly durable and machine washable. Measuring 10.12 x 9.61 x 3.35in, it comes with a non-slip base to prevent it sliding around while your dog is foraging for treats.
On Amazon, the Pet Arena Snuffle Mat has an average score of 4.3 out of 5. Positive reviews noted that it slowed down their dog's easting speed while keeping their pooch entertained. Negative reviews noted that clever dogs were quick to solve it.
Reasons to buy: Fantastic value
Reasons to avoid: Too easy for smart dogs
Best novelty snuffle mat
This adorable and intricate snuffle mat will keep your canine companion content for ages thanks to the multitude of hiding places on offer. The flower shape in the middle of the foraging mat can hold big chunks of food while the wavy grass is ideal for disguising smaller treats.
The dimension of the large snuffle mat is 31 x 19 inches, which is perfect for all dog breeds. It also comes with velcro tape that helps to hold the mat in place. Made with super soft fabric, it features a squeaky toy for added fun and is easy to wash and store.
The Meltzer snuffle mat has a 4.4 out of 5 average user rating on Amazon, with reviewers saying their pets loved hunting for treats in it. They also praised it for being easy to clean, though some users noted that the build quality isn't the best.
Reasons to buy: Varied and fun design
Reasons to avoid: Durability could be better
Best for a challenge
The Awoof is designed to provide layers of funs and challenges for your dog. It's shaped like a large flower, with four layers of petals surrounded by an outer ring of messy fake grass strands. These are attached to a base, which continues the flower theme with four petal-shaped areas of extra puzzles.
This variety means a lot of different difficulty levels for your pooch to take on. The petals focus on fun, with bells and ringing paper folded in for extra stimulus and excitement, while the fake grass and flaps offer a tougher challenge for clever canines. The outer sections also fold inwards and connect with quick release buckles to form integrated carry bag for the mat. The buckles double as anchor points for the mat when it's in use, attaching to furniture for extra stability.
Dog owners love this snuffle mat, saying it slows down their dog's eating and keeps them entertained. It's highly rated with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, though some reviewers did say it was too easy, and too flimsy for their dog.
Reasons to buy: Huge variety of challenges
Reasons to avoid: Some challenges too simple
Best environmentally friendly snuffle mat
This snuffle mat is perfect for dogs who love to sniff in long grass. It has a simple, realistically-sized grass design made from environmentally (and dog) friendly materials, but it's also surprisingly durable so your dog won't chew it to pieces in a hurry. It's also machine washable to help keep it clear of doggy slobber.
The mat measures 12in x 17in, so it is not the largest option out there, but it what it lacks in length and width it makes up for with its depth. The deep pile of fake grass makes it ideal for determined dogs who really like to work for their rewards.
This mat has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon. Users say it provided a fun challenge for their dogs, while also slowing their eating down, though some noted it had an odd odour and that their dogs ending up eating the smaller "grass" pieces.
Reasons to buy: Made from sustainable materials
Reasons to avoid: Not very big
Best interactive snuffle mat for dogs
This unassuming-looking snuffle mat has hidden depths that will provide plenty of challenges for your furry friend. Made from non-toxic, odourless materials including felt, this mat is gentle on your dog's nose and their stomach. It's also durable and machine washable, so you can keep it slobber-free.
Drop in your dog’s favorite treats – or even small toys – and rock the mat side to side a few times to drop into the recesses, then set your pooch loose on it. The Runda snuffle mat measures 17in x 21in, making it best suited to small and medium-sized breeds. it also has a non-slip base and comes with suction cups to fix it into place - great for wood, tile and vinyl floors. It also has a raised edge to stop food falling out.
On Amazon, this mat has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating. Customers say their dogs absolutely love this mat, though some noted the suction cups didn't work wouldn't stick even on smooth floors.
Reasons to buy: Simple design that dogs love
Reasons to avoid: Too small for large dogs
Best beginner snuffle mat for dogs
If your pet is new to snuffle mats, this is a great option for beginners. There are five compartments to hide the treats in, with a good mix of easy and harder levels. We love the fact that it’s machine-washable with an anti-slip bottom, which makes our lives a whole lot easier. It’s made from non-toxic polyester and can hold two cups of food.
Our tester Megan says: “Chilli usually hates working for his food, but he loved sniffing out the treats in this mat. It’s big enough for both of my pets to use together and they managed to find all the hidden treats. It’s not the most visually appealing thing, but it’s easy to fold up and store.”
How to choose the best snuffle mats for dogs
When it comes to choosing the right snuffle mat for your dog, there are a number of factors that you should take into consideration. From picking the right size and materials, to the level of difficulty, you want an option that is right for your dog, and your budget. Our expert Dr. Macmillan says this:
"Snuffle mats are a type of enrichment toy that helps dogs work their noses as they forage for treats. Most snuffle mats feature strips of fabric attached to a plastic base or mat, on which owners can hide small treats or kibbles. They are an excellent way of providing mental stimulation and encouraging natural behaviors. A good snuffle mat will get your dog’s brain working, as well as help them exercise their sense of smell. Snuffle mats are great for most dogs, but particularly those that are high-energy or prone to anxiety and boredom."
Rebecca MacMillan is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. She has recently gained her postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine!
Is this mat challenging enough for your dog?
Probably the top consideration will be how much of a challenge your chosen snuffle mat provides. All dogs are different, some are smarter than others, so if a snuffle mat has too many challenges your dog might get frustrated rather than stimulated.
You can start out simple and see how that works. Or make a judgment call and choose the challenge level you think is a good fit – no one knows your dog better than you.
Which size snuffle mat is right for your dog?
Size does matter, but most snuffle mats are suitable for most dogs. Smaller mats can provide a real challenge for large breeds with large snouts, while a large mat can have lots of small challenges – it depends on what works best for your pet pooch.
What should you look for in a snuffle mat?
You should pick a good-quality product where the fabric is securely attached to the base. Choosing a snuffle mat that features different textures and pockets will provide your dog with variety which will help to keep their interest.
A mat that is machine washable is a must (drool and treats can get messy!) and select one with a non-slip base if you plan on using it on hard flooring. Just make sure that you inspect the toy regularly for signs of wear and tear, removing it if it becomes damaged.
What kind of materials should a snuffle mat be made from?
What material the mat is made from is also something to check. All will be made from a non-toxic, dog-safe medium – if not, don’t even consider it. But you might want to think about mats made from upcycled or recycled material – this is more environmentally friendly and saves on waste. We all know dogs like to chew, so think about how durable is the material is.
