A snuffle mat turns mealtime into a game. You scatter kibble or treats across a mat made of soft fleece strips, and your dog uses their nose to find every piece. Sniffing is one of the most natural and calming things a dog can do, and ten minutes of snuffling is often as tiring as a short walk.
We have compared five snuffle mats currently available on Amazon UK, covering starter mats, large mats and an adjustable design. We explain who each suits, what we like and what to watch out for, so you can pick the right one for your dog.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
OSDUE Snuffle Mat | Good starter | £12-£14 | 4.3/5 |
Vivifying Snuffle Mat (66 x 42cm) | Big mat, big dogs | £13-£15 | 4.2/5 |
RUNDA Pet Snuffle Mat | Durable and well reviewed | £22-£25 | 4.3/5 |
IOKHEIRA Snuffle Mat | All sizes | £16-£18 | 4.4/5 |
PET ARENA Adjustable Snuffle Mat | Adjustable difficulty | £10-£12 | 4.2/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
OSDUE Snuffle Mat for Dogs
Best for: a popular, well-priced starter mat
The OSDUE snuffle mat is made from soft fleece strips woven into a rubber-backed base, so a dog has to sniff and nose through the fabric to find scattered kibble or treats. It engages the sense of smell, which is a dog’s most powerful tool.
It is a good size for most dogs, and it has a non-slip base that helps it stay in place. The fleece can be washed, and the mat rolls up for storage.
It costs around £13 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across almost 1,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Good starter mat
- Encourages natural foraging
- Machine washable
Worth knowing:
- A determined chewer could eat the fleece
- Colours can fade over time
Specifications:
- Type: fleece snuffle mat
- Use: kibble and treats
- Cleaning: hand or machine wash
- Brand: OSDUE
Vivifying Snuffle Mat (66 x 42cm)
Best for: a big mat with an excellent review count
Vivifying’s snuffle mat is large at 66 x 42cm, which makes it a good choice for medium and big dogs, or for dogs that need a larger foraging area. It has a sturdy base and thick fleece strips.
A big mat holds a lot of food, and it takes longer for a dog to work through, which makes it ideal for keeping a dog busy while you work or cook.
It costs around £14 and averages 4.2 out of 5 across more than 2,500 ratings.
What we like:
- Large size
- Lots of ratings
- Sturdy build
Worth knowing:
- Slightly lower rating than some rivals
- Takes up space when in use
Specifications:
- Type: fleece snuffle mat
- Size: 66 x 42cm
- Use: kibble and treats
- Brand: Vivifying
RUNDA Pet Snuffle Mat for Dogs
Best for: a well-made mat with good ratings
The RUNDA snuffle mat has a felt-like base with fleece strips, and it is made for feeding, training and enrichment. It can be used for a whole meal or for treats, and it helps slow down fast eaters.
It is made from durable materials and is designed to be washed. It has an above-average price, but it is among the best-reviewed mats.
It costs around £24 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across nearly 2,900 ratings.
What we like:
- Durable materials
- Good for training and meals
- Lots of ratings
Worth knowing:
- More expensive than average
- Not suitable for heavy chewers
Specifications:
- Type: snuffle mat
- Use: feeding and training
- Cleaning: washable
- Brand: RUNDA
IOKHEIRA Snuffle Mat for Large, Medium and Small Dogs
Best for: a mid-sized mat for all dogs
The IOKHEIRA snuffle mat is designed for small, medium and large dogs and comes in a bright, pleasant design. It is a good choice for owners who want a mat that suits several dogs in the household.
The mat uses thick fleece strips that hide treats well, and the base is sturdy enough to sit flat on the floor.
It costs around £17 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 330 ratings.
What we like:
- Suitable for all sizes
- Good ratings
- Hides treats well
Worth knowing:
- Fewer ratings than the best sellers
- Mid-range price
Specifications:
- Type: snuffle mat
- Suitable for: small to large dogs
- Use: kibble and treats
- Brand: IOKHEIRA
PET ARENA Adjustable Snuffle Mat
Best for: an adjustable mat that grows with your dog
The PET ARENA mat has an adjustable design that lets you change the difficulty, so a beginner dog can start with easy foraging and work up to a harder challenge. It has a sturdy base and thick fleece strips.
The adjustable design is a good way to keep a clever dog interested, and the mat is washable and easy to store.
It costs around £11 and averages 4.2 out of 5 across more than 7,600 ratings.
What we like:
- Adjustable difficulty
- Very low price
- Thousands of ratings
Worth knowing:
- Fleece can fray with heavy use
- Slightly lower average
Specifications:
- Type: adjustable snuffle mat
- Use: kibble and treats
- Cleaning: washable
- Brand: PET ARENA
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Snuffle Mat
What to Look For
Look for a mat with a sturdy base, thick fleece strips and a non-slip backing. It should be washable, since it will get messy, and it should be big enough for your dog to work on comfortably.
Check the stitching and the strips. Strong stitching and thick strips last longer, and they are less likely to be pulled out by a keen dog.
Types of Snuffle Mat
Fleece strip mats are the standard design. Some mats have pockets, pouches or layers that hide food more deeply. Adjustable mats let you change the difficulty. Rubber-based mats are easier to clean but may be less flexible.
For a beginner, a simple fleece mat is a good place to start.
Which Dogs Benefit Most
Snuffle mats are useful for almost every dog. They are especially good for fast eaters, bored dogs, puppies, older dogs and dogs that need mental stimulation because they cannot walk far. Anxious dogs may also find sniffing calming.
Dogs that chew and swallow fabric should not be left alone with one.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good snuffle mat costs £10 to £25. Spending more does not usually get a better mat, but a durable, well-made one is worth having.
Frequently asked questions
What is a snuffle mat used for?
A snuffle mat is used for slow feeding and enrichment. You hide food in the fleece strips, and your dog sniffs it out. It exercises the mind, slows eating and provides a calming activity.
Are snuffle mats good for fast eaters?
Yes. Dogs have to work to find the food, so meals take longer. This can reduce gulping and help with digestion.
How do I clean a snuffle mat?
Shake out crumbs after each use. Most mats can be hand washed in warm soapy water or put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Dry them fully before using again.
Are snuffle mats safe to leave with my dog?
They are safe for most dogs when supervised. Do not leave a dog that chews or eats fabric alone with one, and check regularly for loose strips.
How do I introduce my dog to a snuffle mat?
Start with a few treats on top of the mat, then hide them deeper as your dog understands the game. Keep it easy at first and make it more challenging over time.
Conclusion
For most owners, the OSDUE mat is a good first buy, and the Vivifying mat is the best pick for a large dog thanks to its size. The IOKHEIRA mat suits households with dogs of different sizes, and the RUNDA mat is a durable, well-reviewed option if you want to spend more.
The PET ARENA adjustable mat is a very low-cost way to change the level of challenge. Whichever you choose, supervise your dog at first, wash it regularly and enjoy the calmer mealtimes.
