5 Best Snuffle Mats (& How to Make Your Own)!

Dogs, similar to humans, also derive pleasure from having a task to perform. Busy dogs are not only happy but also lead a healthier life! Adequate mental and physical stimulation is a crucial aspect of a dog’s everyday schedule, which should be prioritized alongside food and medical care.

Despite having pet sitters and doggie daycare, it may remain challenging to provide sufficient stimulation for your furry friend during your absence. Additionally, even if you are with your dog often, you might still struggle to keep pace with their energy.

Fortuitously, there exist methods to enhance your canine’s domestic existence effortlessly. One of our preferred suggestions is to provide your furry friend with his or her own snuffle mat!

Snuffle mats work as food or treat dispensers that encourage your pet’s innate foraging behavior.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the main benefits of snuffle mats, share some of our favorite picks, and explain how to make your own DIY snuffle mat from the comfort of your own home.

In case you’re short on time, simply take a look at our top picks!

What is a Snuffle Mat?

A toy and dispenser known as a snuffle mat is created to imitate outdoor surroundings like grass and the like. The reward of treats or kibble is not given instantly, rather, your dog is challenged to search through the numerous strands of the mat to find their prize.

The utilization of snuffle mats is widespread in promoting moderation in dog’s eating habits, in order to prevent the possibility of bloat, while equally serving as a beneficial method to stimulate and maintain your dog’s mental health.

Actually, a lot of pets enjoy earning their food through work because searching and scavenging activates the pleasure centers in their minds.

It is important to keep in mind that each dog and breed is unique, meaning that what may be effective for a smaller breed could prove ineffective for a dog from the working group. Therefore, it is crucial to view the improvement of a dog’s well-being as a continuous effort.

The 5 Best Snuffle Mats for Dogs

Here are our top picks for snuffle mats, without any more delay.

1. PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat

The PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat is an enrichment mat designed in a sleek gray color to keep your dog engaged while foraging through its grass-like strands. It is suitable for dogs of any age or breed and is available in a single size.

This snuffle mat is created using eco-friendly and safe fabric acquired by PAW5’s associates in Ghana and Thailand. Moreover, it is easy to refresh this toy as it can be machine washed, which makes it perfect for dogs that drool excessively.

You can fill the snuffle mat easily by sprinkling kibble on top of it since the mat’s crevices are deep, encouraging your pet to use his nose without requiring you to frequently add more kibble.

2. Custom Snuffle Mat via Etsy

Etsy designer Kimberly Costner creates custom and sturdy snuffle mats that are surprisingly affordable. Each mat is tailored to your dog’s individual requirements and is meticulously handcrafted to order.

Characteristics: The specially made snuffle mat is soft, thanks to the use of anti-piling fleece. However, it is reinforced with flexible PVC and rubber, ensuring that it is durable enough for most dogs.

Kimberly has the option to weave three colors of your choice into your mat, adding a personalized touch. Additionally, you can provide dimensions that align with your dog’s physique. These mats can be washed by hand using warm water.

3. Best Dog on the Block Snuffle Mat

Etsy designer Eileen Gillian offers a variety of adorable patterns and sizes for her Snuffle Mat, deemed “The Best Dog on the Block,” which guarantees to provide your furry friend with entertainment.

The mats available are personalized to your preferences with custom fleece color options. You can choose from a variety of sizes, with the larger options having a higher density to suit bigger dogs with longer snouts.

These mats are particularly beneficial for puppies passionate about foraging because they are taller than other mats.

These mats are not just ordinary; they hold a special significance. Best Dog on the Block is currently aiding people in distress due to unemployment, mental illness, and other similar issues. Through her generosity, Eileen has trained and employed 25 individuals to manufacture these snuffle mats for Best Dog on the Block. Therefore, every purchase contributes to the support of those in need.

4. Sundlower Snuffle Mat

This functional Sunflower-Inspired Snuffle Mat is not only adorable, but it also has dual fleece layers allowing your furry friend to forage at different heights.

Characteristics: Constructed from soft fleece, the sunflower snuffle mat possesses a non-slip base. However, due to its singular size offering, it is best recommended for smaller breeds or young canines.

The ease of use and construction of the snuffle mat makes it relatively affordable and can also be machine washed.

5. AWOOF Interactive Feeding Mat

The AWOOF Interactive Feeding Mat comes equipped with various fun elements that ensure your pooch stays engaged. With additional pockets, nooks, and crannies, even the most astute dogs will have a blast with this snuffle mat.

The characteristics of this play mat are that it is spacious and intended for bigger dog breeds. The mat comes with removable buckles which can be used to fasten it to nearby objects, preventing it from flipping over easily. In addition, the buckles make it simple to store the mat away when it is not being used.

Made of fleece, the mat contains small spaces and crevices for your dog to explore, apart from the conventional grass-like foraging region. The AWOOF toy features a squeaker in the center and crinkly components, making it appealing to canines who enjoy loud playthings.

This mat is suitable for any breed and body type and it can be washed in a washing machine, coming in only one large size.

BONUS: DIY dog toys you can make from items in your house

The vast assortment of dead dog toys could make one feel like they are throwing money away if their dog has a talent for demolishing stuffed toys in just 20 seconds. As a result, toy funerals may seem to occur too frequently.

Having toys is crucial for ensuring dogs remain content, engaged and prevent them from causing mischief. However, shelling out cash for them should not necessarily be a requirement. Numerous options for crafting homemade dog toys utilizing unwanted items that have been present for extended periods, including things like outdated clothing such as jeans or T-shirts, bed sheets, or towels are readily available.

Have a look at these brilliant concepts for creating your own dog toys. Select one and start your crafting adventure!

1. Interactive dog feeder toy

Dog Tipper has created a durable feeding toy that requires a PVC pipe as its primary element and challenges your dog to work for its treats. To make the toy, you will need some handy skills to drill holes into the pipe. It’s best to secure the pipe in a vise before attempting this. Smooth out the edges of the holes with sandpaper and wash the entire pipe in a dishwasher. Finally, seal off both ends of the pipe using PVC caps.

2. Plastic bottle tug toy

If you happen to bring home a plastic bottle every once in a while, instead of discarding it, why not turn it into a tug toy? This easy plastic bottle toy by Eigil the Staffy is a great example. Plastic bottles are no longer trendy, but repurposing them can be beneficial.

3. Ball tug toy

To create a fun dog toy that can be tugged, you will require a tennis ball, an old T-shirt, and scissors. As per She Knows, lay the t-shirt flat and cut it into three strategic parts. Proceed to wrap the ball inside two of the pieces and use the smallest piece to fasten the toy. The extra cloth can be cut into strips and braided for added fun.

4. Rope ball toy

To deal with the knotting process involved in making this rope toy recipe from Instructables, you will require patience and pliers. The items you will need include a lacrosse ball, 3/4-inch diameter rope and some electrical tape. Begin with unwinding around 10 to 15 feet of the rope and securing the ends with tape. If you have expertise in tying knots, you will find the succeeding stages effortless; otherwise, there are instructions available for each knot. Pliers can assist you in drawing the rope strands through.

5. T-shirt rope toy

You can repurpose the stack of unworn T-shirts in your closet by creating a T-shirt rope toy for your canine companion. Permacrafters offers an effortless instructional guide on Instagram for making this trendy DIY dog toy. You and your pooch will both benefit from this ingenious idea!

6. DIY agility jump

Adding extra exercise to your dog’s routine is a breeze thanks to this agility jump that can be conveniently assembled in your backyard or, for the daring few, your living room. Gone to the Snow Dogs constructed their agility jump by utilizing furniture grade PVC pipe – available in both white and blue variations – in combination with diverse furniture grade PVC fittings. The crucial element in this process is acquiring a PVC pipe cutter, as well as the knowledge of how to operate it proficiently. Each part should be cut precisely according to the instructions provided, notably the lengthy white pipes (to be used as the ground bar) that must measure 47 inches in length. Follow the provided guidelines accurately and there may even be some spare pieces for your future endeavors.

7. No-sew denim dog toy

If you don’t have a sewing machine, it’s not a problem at all. Siva Sobieski McMullin has a solution – all you require to create this denim dog toy is a pair of scissors and an old pair of jeans. The resulting toy is uncomplicated, robust, and incredibly enjoyable to chew on!

8. Towel tug toy

Tattered towels are given new life when they’re fashioned into (washable!) toys for your pup — and the operative word here is: easy! Per Good Housekeeping , just cut three strips of towel, about 4 inches wide and at least 12 inches long. Tie them off at one end with a small towel strip (1 inch wide and 6 inches long). Braid and use another strip to tie off the end.

9. Apple pie pupsicles

The frozen yogurt dog treats from Dalmatian DIY, made with only three ingredients, are both adorable and delicious for your dog. Although a cute silicone mold is used, any shape will suffice, since your dog will only be focused on devouring them. In a bowl, combine half a cup of yogurt and half a cup of unsweetened applesauce or pureed apple. Adding a sprinkle of optional Ceylon cinnamon is possible. Freeze the mixture completely, and with a happy grin, serve!

10. Sweet potato rope toy

A great approach to incorporate fiber into your furry friend’s daily routine while making it enjoyable is to follow these steps: Begin by cleansing a sizable sweet potato and cutting it into 1 inch round parts. Utilize a cookie cutter or apple corer to carve a hole through the center of every piece, as illustrated in this Elmo’s Kitchen video. Bake the sweet potato rings for 5 hours in the oven to dehydrate them. Finally, tie a knot at the end of a string (roughly a foot in length) and thread the potato rings onto it.

11. Simple sock toy

The enigmatic entity responsible for taking a single sock from each laundry load would encourage you to repurpose the remaining sock with this clever dog toy. All you need to do is cut a hole in the toe section of a full-length sock, insert a water bottle, and knot the ends with twine. The Barkington Post suggests sewing both ends for added longevity.

12. Homemade squeaky toy

Do you have a puppy that loves squeaky toys? Make a quick and easy homemade squeaky toy by using some socks and the squeakers from old toys. This will provide hours of entertainment for your furry friend.