A DIY snuffle mat is one of those crafts you can make in an afternoon and use for months. You hide kibble or a few treats among strips of fabric, and your dog has to find them with their nose, which is exactly what they love doing most. Here you'll see how to make a snuffle mat for dogs with cheap materials and how to use it safely.
In this article:
- What a snuffle mat is for
- Materials you'll need
- How to make it step by step
- Quick no-knot version
- For large dogs and for cats
- How to use and wash it
- Frequently asked questions
What it's for: the benefits of a snuffle mat for dogs
Sniffing gives a dog information and makes them concentrate. That's why ten minutes of searching can tire them out more than a short, rushed walk. These are the benefits of a snuffle mat for dogs:
- Mental stimulation: very handy on rainy days or when they can't go out much.
- Slower eating: if you serve part of their food among the strips, they can't wolf it down in one go.
- Less boredom: it channels energy that would otherwise end up in chewed cushions.
- A moment of calm: many dogs end up relaxed. It doesn't replace a walk, or a professional if there's anxiety, but it helps.
It's one of the simplest forms of environmental enrichment for dogs. Our guide to homemade scent games for dogs has seven more games.
Materials for a DIY snuffle mat
You need a base with holes, some fabric and a pair of scissors. The easiest base is a rubber sink or shower mat with finger-width holes; one of about 30 x 40 cm works for most dogs. For the fabric, this table will help you choose:
| Fabric | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece | Doesn't fray and washes well | You'll need to buy it if you don't have old clothes |
| Cotton T-shirts | Free and easy to cut | Shed threads with use |
| Old towel | Very hard-wearing | Heavier and harder to knot |
Fleece wins: an old blanket is enough for a whole mat. Avoid wool and fabrics that shed fluff.
How to make a snuffle mat for dogs step by step
- Cut the strips. About 3 cm wide by 15 cm long. For a medium-sized base you'll need between 100 and 150.
- Thread the first strip. Push it down through one hole and bring it back up through the next one, so that both ends point upwards.
- Knot it. Tie a simple, tight knot so your dog can't pull it loose.
- Fill it row by row. Work one row at a time without leaving gaps. The denser it is, the harder it will be for them to find the treats.
- Check the base. Turn it over and tug a few strips at random to make sure they don't come loose.
Allow one to two hours of work, depending on the size.
Quick no-knot version in ten minutes
Want to try it out before you start cutting? Roll up an old towel with treats inside, like a burrito, or scrunch up a fleece blanket on the floor and hide the kibble in the folds. That way you'll see whether your dog gets hooked on the game.
Snuffle mat for large dogs and for cats
For a large dog, use a bigger base of about 50 x 70 cm, slightly longer strips and double knots: they pull harder and need room to push their nose in.
A snuffle mat for cats works best when it's small and has short strips, about 8 or 10 cm long, so the cat can see straight away that there's a reward. At first, leave a few treats in plain sight: cats tend to get frustrated sooner than dogs.
How to use and wash it safely
- Start easy: at first, treats almost in plain sight; then hide them deeper and deeper.
- Always supervise: if your dog chews or pulls out the strips, take the mat away. Swallowing fabric can cause digestive problems; if you notice any symptoms, see your vet.
- Dry food only: wet food leaves a smell and is hard to clean off.
- Put it away afterwards: if it stays on the floor, it ends up as a chew toy.
- Wash it often: shake it out after each use and put it in the washing machine on a cold wash, inside a mesh laundry bag. Let it dry completely so it doesn't stay damp.
For wet food or yoghurt, a silicone slow feeder is a better fit, like the one we're preparing at Velia Select, with a bowl and raised areas for licking and foraging, and it's dishwasher-safe. It will be in the shop very soon.
A DIY snuffle mat costs very little and gives your dog some mental work every day. For more ideas, take a look at the Velia Select pet collection.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a dog use a snuffle mat?
Between 10 and 20 minutes per session is enough for most dogs. You can use it every day with part of their food, as long as it doesn't replace walks.
What is the best fabric for a DIY snuffle mat?
Fleece, because it doesn't fray and stands up well to washing. Cotton works, but it sheds threads.
Can you wash a snuffle mat in the washing machine?
Yes, if the base is rubber and the fabric is fleece. Use a gentle cold cycle and let it dry completely before using it again.
Can a puppy use a snuffle mat?
Yes, with treats that are very easy to find and always under supervision, because puppies tend to chew everything.