WHAT EXACTLY IS A SNUFFLE MAT?
Well, essentially a snuffle mat is a mat made for dogs with pieces fo fabric in which treats can be hidden. Snuffle mats can be made out of different material. They can be different sizes and shapes. But they all work the same way. Treats or kibble can be hidden between pieces of fabric.
Benefits of snuffle mats
Snuffle mats are very beneficial for dogs.
It satisfies their sniffers (dogs have a need to sniff things. Using their noses to find the hidden treats benefits their mental well-being)
It is positive food activity (even though they are eating food, it’s requiring physical and mental energy in order to receive the food. So it’s much better than just getting food without putting forth effort.)
Stimulates them mentally (I am sure my dog gets just as bored as people do sometimes. This is a fun game that stimulates them mentally.)
Mentally stimulated dogs are happy dogs!
Where to get a snuffle mat?
There are many options for providing your pup with a snuffle mat. You could purchase one nowadays at almost any pet retailer online and possibly in store. You can get them on etsy or amazon. The most fun is to make one yourself! (Stimulating for you and your dog…. it’s a win win.) So, if you have some extra time and want to make a snuffle mat… here’s an easy way to do it:
Home Made Snuffle Mat!
1. Get a sink mat with holes (I got a rubber mat with round holes at Wal Mart)
2. Get a yard of fleece fabric.
3. Cut it into strips approximately 9”x2” (You could also vary the size)
4. Loop a strip of fabric through the first 2 holes going down.
5. Tie the ends together on the other side of the mat.
6. Then loop another piece of fabric starting at the same hole into the next 2 holes going down.
7. Tie the ends together on the other side of the mat and repeat this going down the entire mat.
8. Then go back to the first holes and loop the fabric through going across.
9. Tie the ends together on the other side of the mat.
10. Repeat this going across the mat. (You will have a few pieces of fabric in each hole).
11. Get a handful of treats or kibble.
12. Hide the pieces between the fabric
13. Let the pup enjoy!