Glossary

Snuffle mat

A fabric mat with many strips or pockets in which food is hidden so that a dog has to sniff and forage for it.

Also called: sniffle mat, snuffle mat for dogs, foraging mat, scent mat

A snuffle mat is a base with many strips of fleece or felt, or a series of folds and pockets, in which a handful of kibble or small treats is hidden. The dog uses its nose to find the food, which is a calming and mentally tiring activity for most dogs.

It is useful for slowing down fast eaters, giving a bored dog something to do and helping an anxious dog settle. It is easy to make at home from fleece and a rubber mat.

Supervise the dog, since some chew the fabric and swallowing strips can cause a blockage that needs urgent veterinary care. Wash the mat regularly. It is a mild form of scent work, but is not the same as formal nosework training, in which dogs search for set target odors.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Enrichment Giving a dog chances to use its natural abilities, such as sniffing, chewing, foraging and problem solving, to improve its well-being. Puzzle feeder A toy or bowl that makes a dog work to get its food, giving it a mental task and slowing down eating. Scent work Any activity in which a dog uses its nose to find a target odor, from backyard hide-and-seek games to trained detection jobs. Nosework A dog sport in which dogs search rooms, vehicles, outdoor areas and containers for a specific trained odor and alert their handlers.