Snuffle Mats

Discover Nova Zeal's handmade Snuffle Mats, designed to encourage natural foraging, slower feeding and mental stimulation. Crafted in the Scottish Highlands using soft fleece, they're perfect for hiding treats or kibble and creating enriching moments for dogs, cats, rabbits and other small pets.

Chocolate and tan Dachshund resting his chin on a Nova Zeal Night Sky Snuffle Mat, surrounded by navy, royal blue, teal and purple fleece on a cosy cream blanket.

Snuffle Mat FAQs

What is a Snuffle Mat?

A snuffle mat is a scent-based enrichment toy made from strips of fleece. Treats or dry food can be scattered and hidden between the fabric, encouraging your pet to use their nose to search for them.

How do I use a Snuffle Mat?

Start by placing a few treats loosely on top of the fleece so they are easy to find. As your pet becomes more confident, hide the treats deeper between the strips to make the activity more challenging. 

Always supervise your pet and remove the mat once the session has finished.

What size Snuffle Mat should I choose?

Nova Zeal snuffle mats are available in three sizes:

  • Small: approximately 20 x 20cm (8 x 8")
  • Medium: approximately 35 x 20cm (14 x 8")
  • Large: approximately 35 x 35cm (14 x 14")

The best size depends on your pet, the space available and how long you would like the enrichment session to last. A larger mat provides a wider searching area, while a smaller mat is ideal for compact spaces, travel or shorter sessions.

Can other pets use a Snuffle Mat?

Snuffle mats may also be suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets when used with appropriate food and close supervision. Always make sure the size and setup are suitable for the individual animal.

What food can I use in a Snuffle Mat?

You can use dry treats, kibble or other small pieces of suitable food that will not make the fleece sticky or difficult to clean. Smaller treats often work best because they encourage your pet to search more thoroughly.

Can a Snuffle Mat help with slow feeding?

A snuffle mat can be used to scatter part or all of a dry meal, encouraging your pet to search for their food rather than eating directly from a bowl. This can make mealtimes last longer while also providing mental enrichment.

Are Snuffle Mats suitable for destructive dogs?

Snuffle mats may be suitable for destructive dogs when introduced slowly and always under supervision. Begin with a small number of treats placed loosely on top of the fleece, then gradually increase the number of treats and hide them deeper over several days or weeks.

This helps your dog learn that the mat is for sniffing and searching rather than chewing and pulling. If your dog begins biting, pulling or chewing the fleece, calmly remove the mat and try again another time.

How should I store my Snuffle Mat?

Remove the snuffle mat after each session and store it somewhere your pet cannot access independently. Avoid leaving it in a general toy box, as this may encourage chewing or unsupervised use.

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