Looking for a way to bust boredom and boost brainpower in your dog? Try a snuffle mat – the fun, food-filled puzzles that bring tasty treats and challenging solo play together!
With secret pockets in different shapes for hiding treats, snuffle mats mimic and trigger your pup’s natural foraging instincts for the ultimate game of hide and seek. Mentally stimulating play is essential for general enrichment, but also for busting boredom and stress, and the issues that can follow.
Snuffle mats are ideal for high-energy, high-intelligence breeds, food-motivated dogs, and pups who eat too fast, with slow-feeding options to encourage healthier eating habits with daily meals.
That said, they’re an awesome addition to any dog’s toybox, from youngsters to seniors and gentle giants to miniature mutts. So, let’s get into our best snuffle mats for dogs, and if your pup is more about the chase, check out our list of the best automatic ball launchers for dogs.
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Best for Large Dogs
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Best for Puppies
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Best for Travel
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Description: Keep your pet entertained, calm, and mentally stimulated with this colorful veggie-themed snuffle mat. Great for slow feeding and reducing anxiety, it encourages natural foraging and play. Lightweight, washable, and anti-slip—perfect for small pets at home or on the go. |
Description: The LuftPets Squeaky Duck Snuffle Mat Dog Toy is the ultimate activity mat for your furry friend. Designed for dogs, cats, rabbits, and playful puppies, the two-in-one design combines a squeaky plush duck with a hidden-treat snuffle mat that taps into your pet’s natural foraging instincts. It encourages your pet to sniff and search for their food, which is great for slowing down meals and preventing boredom. |
Description: Satisfy your dog’s foraging instincts with the adorable CHEWFFON Roll Cake Puzzle Toy! With 10 hidden treat pockets, a crinkly strawberry cream top, and adjustable difficulty levels, it’s the perfect combo of snack-time and brain game. Made with soft fleece and tough neoprene for bite-resistant play. Ideal for dogs of all sizes—makes a pawsome gift, too! |
Keep your pet entertained, calm, and mentally stimulated with this colorful veggie-themed snuffle mat. Great for slow feeding and reducing anxiety, it encourages natural foraging and play. Lightweight, washable, and anti-slip—perfect for small pets at home or on the go.
The LuftPets Squeaky Duck Snuffle Mat Dog Toy is the ultimate activity mat for your furry friend. Designed for dogs, cats, rabbits, and playful puppies, the two-in-one design combines a squeaky plush duck with a hidden-treat snuffle mat that taps into your pet’s natural foraging instincts. It encourages your pet to sniff and search for their food, which is great for slowing down meals and preventing boredom.
Satisfy your dog’s foraging instincts with the adorable CHEWFFON Roll Cake Puzzle Toy! With 10 hidden treat pockets, a crinkly strawberry cream top, and adjustable difficulty levels, it’s the perfect combo of snack-time and brain game. Made with soft fleece and tough neoprene for bite-resistant play. Ideal for dogs of all sizes—makes a pawsome gift, too!
What Makes a Great Snuffle Mat?
- Size appropriate for your dog
- Design type: slow-feeding mats for mealtimes vs enrichment mats
- Difficulty level that matches your dog’s abilities
- Dog-safe and bite-resistant materials
- A variety of textures for sensory stimulation
- Interactive features like squeakers and crinkle papers
- Anti-slip base for safety and uninterrupted play
- Fold-up or roll-up designs for storage and portability
- Machine washable for easy cleaning between uses
Top Picks
- Best For Large Dogs – LuftPets Soft Snuffle Mat For Large Breed Dogs
- Best For Puppies – LuftPets Sniff And Snuffle Mat
- Best Travel-Friendly – CHEWFFON Roll-up Birthday Cake Mat
- Best PetSmart Pick – Joyhound Classroom Snuffle Puzzle Pizza Burrow & Play Mat
- Best For Sensitive Dogs – Pet Parents Forager Bowls
- Best Budget Pick – TOMAHAUK Snuffle Mat
- Best For Beginners – PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat
- Best Snuffle Ball – Ablechien Snuffle Ball
- Best Slow-Feeding Mat – Reggie Stimulating Feeder Mat
- Cutest Design – FRISCO Vending Machine Snuffle Mat
Best For Large Dogs: LuftPets Soft Snuffle Mat For Large Breed Dogs
If you’re looking for something big enough to give your large dog a challenge, LuftPets Soft Snuffle Mat For Large Breed Dogs is perfect! It’s 24 x 24 inches, bright, colorful, and super interactive.
Key features:
- 24 x 24 inches
- Colorful garden picnic design
- Multiple hiding places
- High-quality polar fleece
- Lightweight, soft, and durable
- Anti-slip base
- Rolls up for storage and travel
- Machine washable
- Quick-drying
What we like:
I really love that there are just so many different hiding places of different shapes and sizes for dogs to explore. They’re all big enough for even a larger dog to comfortable search, but not so overwhelming that little dogs can’t have fun, too.
It’s made from lightweight yet high-quality polar fleece that’s both soft and durable and an anti-slip base for safe play.
While it’s on the larger side of snuffle mats when rolled out, you can easily roll it up and secure it for quick put-away when you’re done with it, or pack it up to take it with you on your travels.
It’s machine washable (in cold water, but I’d go with the gentle cycle just as an added precaution) and quick-drying for easy cleaning.
What to consider:
Really, there’s not much to not love about this mat. It’s one of the more engaging ones that I’ve tried with Freya. As with all snuffle mats, though, you’ll want to supervise your dog while using it. It’s also not chew-proof.
Keep your pet entertained, calm, and mentally stimulated with this colorful veggie-themed snuffle mat. Great for slow feeding and reducing anxiety, it encourages natural foraging and play. Lightweight, washable, and anti-slip—perfect for small pets at home or on the go.
Best For Puppies: LuftPets Sniff And Snuffle Mat
Why should puppies miss out on the fun? Get them using their brain early on with the LuftPets Sniff and Snuffle Mat. Side note- while it’s our top pick for puppies, it’s also perfect for adult dogs.
Key features:
- 19 x 12 inches
- Plush duck design
- Simple stripey snuffle surface
- High-quality polar fleece
- Soft and lightweight
- Durable and sturdy
- Machine washable
- Fast drying
What we like:
While it’s not specifically designed for puppies, the design is both adorable and easy for younger dogs to master. It’s comforting and simple but engaging, with a high-contrast striped snuffle surface in two shades of grey (although the darker grey is kind of a brownish grey) that captures their attention.
Like their larger mat, it’s also made from high-quality polar fleece that’s soft and lightweight, but durable, sturdy, machine washable, and quick drying.
Freya loved this one because it’s very similar to what she’s used to (#6 on our list) in shape and size. I love it because it’s a big step up from her usual snuffle mat in terms of softness. Plus, it’s just a whole lot cuter!
What to consider:
Although it’s our pick for the best puppy snuffle mat, it’s not a teething toy and shouldn’t be given to teething pups to chew.
The LuftPets Squeaky Duck Snuffle Mat Dog Toy is the ultimate activity mat for your furry friend. Designed for dogs, cats, rabbits, and playful puppies, the two-in-one design combines a squeaky plush duck with a hidden-treat snuffle mat that taps into your pet’s natural foraging instincts. It encourages your pet to sniff and search for their food, which is great for slowing down meals and preventing boredom.
Best Travel-Friendly: CHEWFFON Roll-up Birthday Cake Mat
The CHEWFFON Roll-up Birthday Cake Mat is adorable and fun, with a pink roll-up design that’s perfect for travel, complete with stitched icing, sprinkles, and plush strawberries!
Key features:
- 7 x 3 x 4 inches
- Pink roll-up birthday cake design
- Requires the nose and paws
- Soft plush fleece and bite-resistant neoprene
- Velcro closure
- Ten treat pockets
- Variety of textures
- Crinkle papers
What we like:
The cake rolls out to reveal ten pockets for treat-hiding fun. It’s made from plush fleece and durable neoprene, which is super soft and bite resistant, with a variety of textures and crinkle papers for more interactivity. The roll-up feature adds an extra layer of engagement, requiring your dog to use their paws as well as their nose, but it also makes it easy to store and pack for trips away.
What to consider:
It’s not machine-washable. It’s also a bit more “fragile” than other mats. Rather than “grass-style” fleece, you hide the treats in the pockets. If you have a dog that’s easily frustrated, they could end up tearing the pockets open. Still, for non-destructive dogs who are gentle with toys (they actually do exist), it’s super fun and cute.
Satisfy your dog’s foraging instincts with the adorable CHEWFFON Roll Cake Puzzle Toy! With 10 hidden treat pockets, a crinkly strawberry cream top, and adjustable difficulty levels, it’s the perfect combo of snack-time and brain game. Made with soft fleece and tough neoprene for bite-resistant play. Ideal for dogs of all sizes—makes a pawsome gift, too!
Best PetSmart Pick: Joyhound Classroom Snuffle Puzzle Pizza Burrow & Play Mat
The adorable Joyhound Classroom Snuffle Puzzle Pizza Burrow & Play Mat is our top pick from the popular pet store PetSmart.
Key features:
- 16.5 diameter
- Pizza design
- 100% polyester
- Three hiding places
- Variety of textures
- Burrowing grass, folds, and pockets
- Non-skid bottom
- Machine washable
What we like:
I just can’t get enough of the pizza design! It has three differently textured hiding places for simple but stimulating play, with burrowing base grass, ham and pineapple folds, and mushroom and pepperoni pockets, complete with a non-skid bottom.
What to consider:
It is machine washable, but must be cold-washed and line-dried. Also, some parts are more durable than others. The pockets, for example, may end up getting ripped open depending on your dog’s personality when it comes to toys.
This Joyhound® Classroom™ snuffle mat is like the most fun homework ever (thanks to lots of treats!). Your dog can sniff out success with a snuffle mat designed to encourage nose work by letting you hide dog treats (sold separately) within its fabric fold for a fun game of hide and seek. The non-skid back helps keep things in place while your dog's excitement grows. The game of guesswork helps dogs eat slower as they hunt for snacks. Only at Petsmart.
Best For Sensitive Dogs: Pet Parents Forager Bowls
If you’ve got a sensitive soul, take a look at the Pet Parents Forager Bowls. Complete with SoftSnout™ technology, the grass-like surface is non-abrasive and comfy on noses, whiskers, gums, and teeth.
Key features:
- 22 x 22 inches
- Grass-like surface
- Three levels of difficulty
- SoftSnout™ technology
- Ultra-absorbent for messy eaters
- Triple stitched for durability
- Non-slip backing
- Fold-up drawstring design
- Pocket to hide the drawstring
- Machine washable
What we like:
Not only is it super soft for touch-sensitive pups, it’s also ultra-absorbent and sturdy to withstand messy eating and even the strongest of nose-pokings! The proprietary design includes extra material in the center to absorb drool and triple-stitched fabric, with a special non-slip backing that hugs the floor.
You can fold it up and put it away or pack it for vacation with the drawstring, and there’s even a handy pocket to hide it in when your dog’s playing, so they don’t get tempted to chew it.
What to consider:
There are three designs with differing levels of difficulty to choose from. This is their “forest bowl” option, which is the hardest, but there are also “meadow ponds” and “meadow natural” options, which are easier.
Meet the Forager Bowl: a patent-pending slow feeder that’s part snuffle mat, part puzzle toy, and all-around mess-fighting genius. Designed with super absorbent material to catch dribbles and drool, plus a non-slip base for even the most enthusiastic eaters. Great for dogs and cats of all ages, at home or on the go. Bonus: cinch it up for travel or adjust the difficulty to keep your furry Einstein entertained!
Best Budget Pick: TOMAHAUK Snuffle Mat
TOMAHAUK Snuffle Mat is our top pick for buyers on a budget. It’s ultra-durable and great value for money, with a simple grass-like design that’s adjustable in size for any pet to play with!
Key features:
- 23 x 23 inches
- Size-adjustable design
- Highly visible, blue grass-like surface
- Eco-friendly and dust-proof felt
- Contained in a fold-up bowl/bag
- Non-slip bottom
- Machine washable
- Comes with a free frisbee
What we like:
It’s contained in a soft bowl-like shape that folds into itself, secured with an adjustable belt for hanging up and storage. You can also adjust the belt to create the perfect bowl size for your dog, reaching up to 23 x 23 inches for larger breeds and bigger games.
The grass-like felt is eco-friendly, dust-proof, and machine washable, with a non-slip base for safe play. It’s also a vibrant blue color, which is highly visible to dogs for a more stimulating experience, and it comes with a free frisbee so you can take playtime outdoors.
Freya has had this one for a few years now. While it’s getting worn out, the “grass” itself has held up pretty well.
What to consider:
The “grass” isn’t as soft as other snuffle mats we’ve tried. It’s more like the kind of felt that you buy for arts and crafts versus actual fleece. While it is machine-washable, you definitely want to go with the gentle cycle.
Turn mealtime into playtime with this felt cloth snuffle mat! Designed to hide food and slow down eating, it supports healthier digestion and keeps your pup mentally engaged. Non-slip backing = mess-free feeding. Bonus: it's machine washable for easy cleanup and comes with a free frisbee for extra bonding fun!
Best For Beginners: PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat
If you want something a little simpler for beginners or low-energy dogs, the PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat is our top pick. It’s also great for slow-feeding and daily meals.
Key features:
- 18 x 12 inches
- Grey grass-like design
- 100% organic cotton
- Patented strands mimic the look and feel of grass
- Simpler hide-and-seek
- Ideal for slower mealtimes
- Handmade and sustainably made
- Long-lasting for daily use
- Machine washable
What we like:
It’s a simple yet unique mat with patented grey strands that mimic the look and feel of real grass to inspire your dog’s natural foraging instincts. It’s perfect for slowing down fast eaters for daily meals, but also works well as an engaging hide-and-seek game for dogs that need a less complex challenge.
It’s ideal for dogs of any age or size, with an 18 x 12-inch layout, and it’s handmade using 100% organic natural cotton. It’s also sustainably made and designed to be long-lasting and machine washable for everyday use.
What to consider:
If you’re looking for something more interactive to challenge your dog’s brain, this isn’t it.
This feeding mat stimulates a dog’s natural foraging instincts by mimicking the hunt for food in grass and fields, stimulating their noses and brains to earn their meals. This mat is made using non-toxic and safe materials and also very durable. Make mealtime hunting experience for your furry friend with PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat.
Best Snuffle Ball: Ablechien Snuffle Ball
For ball fans, the Ablechien Snuffle Ball is our top pick. Made up of 28 multi-colored “petal” pockets, your pup can sniff out treats whilst rolling and throwing the ball.
Key features:
- Made up of 28 colorful petal pockets
- High-quality polar fleece
- Resistant to tears and accidents
- Odorless and non-toxic
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Comes with a storage bag
What we like:
It’s made from high-quality, non-toxic, odorless polar fleece that doesn’t tear easily for long-lasting performance and lesser risk of accidents. It’s also machine washable and dryer safe, and it comes with a convenient storage bag that keeps it clean and out of the way when you’re not using it.
What to consider:
It’s a little on the expensive side, but it’s of fantastic quality and can entertain dogs of all abilities.
Banish boredom with the soft, scent-stimulating Snuffle Ball! Perfect for curious pups, this fleece ball hides treats inside to encourage foraging and prevent destructive behavior. Made from non-toxic, durable polar fleece and totally machine washable for hassle-free cleanup. Bonus: it’s gentle on your pup’s nose but tough enough for daily play. Just don’t forget—no toy is chew-proof, so supervise the fun!
Best Slow-Feeding Mat: Reggie Stimulating Feeder Mat
Does your pup eat too fast? Check out the Reggie Stimulating Feeder Mat! Our top slow-feeding pick is designed for everyday mealtimes and guaranteed to slow down even the speediest of eaters.
Key features:
- 20 x 20 inches
- Brown bowl mealtime design
- Suitable for any dry dog food
- High-quality & non-toxic materials
- Loops to slow down eating
- High walls to stop spillage
- Non-skid bottom
- Machine washable
What we like:
The Reggie snuffle mat is 20 x 20 inches and suitable for dogs of any age and breed. It’s made from high-quality, dog-friendly, and non-toxic materials, with carefully designed loops that help to slow down eating speed and reduce digestive issues. Complete with high, round walls to stop spillage and a non-slip bottom, the neutral brown design blends in seamlessly with any home’s decor.
What to consider:
This probably goes without saying, but it’s not suitable for wet food. It’s also not ideal for destructive dogs.
This vet-approved snuffle mat combines beauty and function to deliver daily mental stimulation while slowing down mealtime. Long fabric loops encourage natural foraging, helping reduce stress, boredom, and bloating. Perfect for pups of all ages—from playful puppies to wise seniors—and chic enough to complement your home décor. Because your dog’s brain deserves as much attention as your living room style!
Cutest Design: FRISCO Vending Machine Snuffle Mat
For lovers of cuteness, it doesn’t get much cuter than the FRISCO Vending Machine Snuffle Mat. The adorable vending machine design is also unique and challenging, with a bunch of hidden compartments for treats and food.
Key features:
- 39 x 25 inches
- Sweet vending machine design
- A variety of hiding places and textures
- Pockets, loops, ruffles, and flaps
- Large hidden compartment & door
- Crinkle papers and squeakers
- Non-skid base
- Hand-wash only
What we like:
It’s big enough for dogs of all sizes to enjoy at 39 x 25 inches, with a super interactive design, complete with squeakers and crinkle papers. Each item in the vending machine has different compartments, from simpler pockets to loops, flaps, and ruffles, and there’s an entire section hidden beneath a large door for even more brain-busting fun.
What to consider:
It’s hand-wash only, which is a bit annoying, but it is great value for money considering the size and interactivity.
We’ve all been there before—our snacks get stuck in the vending machine, and we try everything in our power to get them. Good thing your pooch doesn’t have to worry about that with this vending machine snuffle mat, from Frisco by Chewy! This fun activity comes with a machine base, and plenty of places to stow food and snacks. Help stimulate their brain while they have the time of their life and reward them with little treats that they’ll find along the way.
Top Tips on Snuffle Mat Safety
Although it’s a solo-play toy, you should always supervise your dog with their snuffle mat, especially with young dogs, just in case they rip it. Every dog toy is a potential choking hazard, and snuffle mats are no exception!
We would also recommend against giving aggressive chewers and teething puppies snuffle mats, and it’s important to clean and check them regularly for any uneaten food to prevent mold and bacteria build-up.
A word about snuffle mats and durability
So, I’ve been seeing a lot of negative reviews on snuffle mats that mostly center around “my dog destroyed it” type comments. I feel like these are really unfair criticisms. Look, snuffle mats aren’t designed to be indestructible, and they really aren’t meant to be “all-day toys.” By that, I mean that you shouldn’t just leave them out all day every day and expect your dog not to destroy them.
Freya is SUPER destructive with toys, yet all of her snuffle mats are still in great condition. Her LuftPets mats are in “like new” condition and even the one she’s had for years is holding strong (albeit getting on the dingy side). How? Because I only let her play with it for a few minutes each night. She has “snuffle time” at 8PM as part of our nightly training routine. I supervise her. When she’s found all of the treats, I put the mat away and then we go outside together.
Over time, she’s learned that these mats are ONLY for snuffling. Now, even when I accidentally leave them out after playtime is over, the most she does is sniff through them to see if more treats have magically appeared. So, just supervise your dog in the beginning and train them to treat the mats for what they are- fun little sniffing games and puzzles- rather than as an everyday “must destroy” toy.
What About DIY Snuffle Mats?
Another topic that I want to address here is DIY snuffle mats, because I know at least one of you is thinking “why would I spend $20+ on something I could probably make myself?” Look, if you’re super crafty, don’t mind spending about that much on supplies, and have A LOT of patience, go for it. You probably can make your own.
If, on the other hand, you are me (or like me), I wholeheartedly and emphatically warn you against trying it. I actually did try to make my own once. I bought a shower mat that has holes in it ($5, and this was 10 years ago) and a bunch of those fleece blankets that used to go for $2.50 on Black Friday at Walmart. I thought I was so clever.
I spent about an hour cutting the fleece blankets into strips. Not too bad, right? Then I started looping them through the holes. One by one. For hours. And hours. And hours. Then I gave up and bought a snuffle mat online. That project is still sitting somewhere in the back of my closet about 1/4 of the way done.
So, yeah, you CAN make your own. But it’s not an easy process, and at best (again, unless you’re a crafting genius) you’ll end up with something that looks like a fluffy bathmat. Seriously, just save yourself a lot of time, money on supplies, and frustration and buy one online.
FAQs
Which treats work best for a snuffle mat?
You can use whatever you want in your pup’s snuffle mat, but it’s best to stick to dry treats like biscuits or bits of chicken, and things that are less smelly to stop it getting gross and needing constant cleaning. If they’re on a diet, try cutting treats up small or using bits of kibble.
Can snuffle mats help with separation anxiety?
Yes! Snuffle mats can help with all kinds of anxiety by burning up your dog’s excess energy, so there’s less left for anxious thoughts. That said, we don’t recommend leaving your anxious pup alone with their mat. It’s better to have a play session before you separate!
How often should I wash my dog’s snuffle mat?
Check it over for food every time you use it, and wash it every couple of weeks if you use it regularly, or whenever it feels dirty or smelly.
Final Thoughts
Snuffle mats are a great way to spice up your dog’s life! Marrying tasty treats with solo play, they’re ideal for dogs who get bored easily, as well as those who need to slow down at mealtimes.
Which of our top picks caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below, and share your other favorite ways to keep your dog entertained. If your dog is a heavy chewer and you don’t want them to miss out, check out our list of the ten best indestructible dog toys!
