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A snuffle mat is one of the simplest enrichment tools available — and one of the most effective. Hide your dog’s kibble or some treats in the fleece fibres, and your dog spends the next 10–15 minutes sniffing them out. That sounds minor, but the mental effort involved genuinely tires dogs out, often more effectively than a walk of the same duration.
This guide covers everything: what snuffle mats are, where to buy them in Australia, what to put in them, how to make your own, and answers to the most common questions.
What Is a Snuffle Mat?
A snuffle mat is an interactive enrichment puzzle — typically a rubber mat with holes threaded with fleece strips that create a dense, shaggy surface. You hide treats or kibble in the fibres, and your dog uses their nose to find them.
The difficulty scales with the length of the fleece strips: shorter strips are easier for beginners, longer strips create a harder search. Most dog owners start easy and build up as their dog gets the hang of it.
Why They Work
🐾 What Snuffle Mats Do for Your Dog
Mental Stimulation That Actually Tires Them Out
Sniffing is energetically expensive for dogs. A focused snuffle mat session can tire a dog out more than a walk of the same duration — which makes it useful on rainy days, for dogs recovering from surgery, or for owners who can’t always provide enough physical exercise. A tired dog causes less mischief.
Slows Fast Eaters
Used at mealtimes instead of a bowl, a snuffle mat naturally forces your dog to eat more slowly — reducing the risk of bloat and making the meal more satisfying. Dogs that inhale their food in 30 seconds can spend 10+ minutes on the same amount of kibble in a snuffle mat.
Taps Into Natural Foraging Instincts
Dogs are built to search for food, not find it in a bowl. A snuffle mat replicates foraging behaviour — hunting through grass and vegetation for scattered food — which is deeply satisfying in a way that simply eating isn’t. It contributes to a more content, less frustrated dog.
Builds Confidence in Anxious Dogs
Snuffle mats let dogs succeed at something using their natural talent. Regular small wins in a low-pressure activity can genuinely help anxious or timid dogs build confidence. It’s also a useful self-control exercise — ask your dog to sit and wait while you set it up before releasing them to search.
Where to Buy a Snuffle Mat in Australia
Snuffle mats are hard to find in physical pet stores. Etsy is the best place to find Australian handmade options — there are makers across the country. Here are four worth looking at:
Sydney, NSW — SnoodyB
SnoodyB on Etsy · Sydney, NSW · View on Etsy →
Adelaide, SA — PilchardProjects
PilchardProjects on Etsy · Adelaide, SA · View on Etsy →
Perth, WA — WestieWearDogKilts
WestieWearDogKilts on Etsy · Perth, WA · View on Etsy →
Sunshine Coast, QLD — PebblesandPaws
PebblesandPaws on Etsy · Sunshine Coast, QLD · View on Etsy →
How to Use a Snuffle Mat
✅ Using Your Snuffle Mat
How to Set It Up
- Scatter your dog’s kibble or small dry treats throughout the fleece fibres — push some deeper in for more difficulty
- Use it instead of a food bowl at mealtimes, or as a brief enrichment session during the day
- Ask your dog to sit and wait while you prepare it — a good self-control exercise before the fun begins
- Supervise your dog while they use it, and remove the mat once all treats are found
What to Put In It
- Kibble: The easiest option — use part of your dog’s daily ration so you’re not adding extra calories
- Small dry treats: Broken into small pieces. Dehydrated jerky works well — try a local farmers market or make your own with a food dehydrator
- Air-dried food: Brands like Ziwi Peak work well for dogs that aren’t motivated by standard kibble
- Avoid wet or sticky treats — they make the mat messy and much harder to clean
Size Guide
- Size matters less than you’d think — start with a small mat to see if your dog engages with it before investing in a large one
- If your dog loves it and you want longer sessions, buy a second small mat or add toilet paper rolls and egg cartons to the play area alongside it
- No hard rules — use what works for your dog and your space
Snuffle Mats vs Slow Feeders
🆚 Which One?
Snuffle Mat
Engages the nose intensively — more of a true enrichment activity. Works well with kibble or small treats. Harder to clean. Better for mental stimulation as a dedicated session.
Best for: Mental enrichment, boredom busting, enrichment feeding sessions
Slow Feeder Bowl
Slows eating without the sniff-intensive element. Easier to clean. Better as a permanent mealtime replacement. Less stimulating than a snuffle mat but more practical for daily use.
Best for: Daily mealtime pacing, fast eaters, easy cleanup
You don’t need to choose — rotating between both keeps things interesting for your dog and covers different needs.
DIY: How to Make a Snuffle Mat
Making your own is time-consuming but costs very little — under $20 in most cases using materials from Bunnings and Kmart.
🛠️ DIY Snuffle Mat
Materials
- Plastic mat with holes — from Bunnings, around $7–$20 depending on size
- Fleece fabric — old clothes work, or a fleece blanket from Kmart ($4–$10)
- Scissors
Steps
- Cut the fleece into strips — approximately 5cm wide and 20cm long (adjust to preference)
- Take one strip, thread it through a hole from the back of the plastic mat
- Tie the two ends into a knot at the front of the mat
- Repeat across all holes in all directions until the mat is fully covered
- Give it a shake to fluff up the fleece, then hide some treats and let your dog try it
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Snuffle Mat FAQ
Are snuffle mats good for puppies?
Yes — snuffle mats are well-suited to puppies as they tap into natural foraging instincts and provide appropriate mental stimulation. Supervise closely though, as puppies are more likely to chew and eat the mat rather than just search it. Remove the mat as soon as the treats are found.
Do snuffle mats actually make dogs tired?
Yes — sniffing is genuinely energetically demanding for dogs. A focused snuffle mat session often tires a dog out more than a walk of the same duration. This is why mental stimulation is so valuable, particularly on days when outdoor exercise isn’t possible.
Are snuffle mats safe to leave dogs with unsupervised?
No — supervise your dog during snuffle mat sessions and remove the mat once all the treats are found. An unsupervised dog may chew or eat the fleece, or use the mat as a toilet. The session itself should be short and purposeful, not an ongoing toy left out.
What are snuffle mats made of?
Most commercially made snuffle mats use a rubber or plastic base mat with polyester or cotton fleece strips tied through the holes. Handmade Etsy versions vary — check with the seller for specific materials if this matters to you.
Can you wash a snuffle mat?
Yes, but check the specific mat’s instructions — some are machine washable, others should be hand washed only. When in doubt, hand wash to preserve the fleece and extend the mat’s life. Given the cost of buying or the time invested in making one, it’s worth being careful with cleaning.
My dog isn’t interested in the snuffle mat — what should I do?
Start with higher-value treats rather than kibble — something with a strong smell your dog is genuinely motivated by. Also check the fleece density: if the strips are very long and dense, the puzzle may be too hard for a first session. Begin with treats placed more visibly and gradually hide them deeper as your dog builds confidence with the activity.
