Snuffle mats hit the headlines last year as a new enrichment accessory for animals of all sizes, from dogs and cats to guinea pigs and ferrets. You can buy snuffle mats online and in local and chain pet supply stores. You can make your own snuffle mats, too—easily, with a small investment of time.
Snuffle—verb: breathe noisily through the nose due to a cold or crying. “Alice was weeping quietly, snuffling a little”; (especially of an animal) make repeated sniffing sounds as though smelling at something. “the collie snuffled around his boots”—noun: a sniff or sniffing sound. “a silence broken only by the faint snuffles of the dogs.” From the Dutch snuffelen, to nose (in something), derivative of snuffen, to snuff.
To nose in something—exactly what an animal will do naturally when presented with a new perspective, especially in scents. Dogs, of course, would walk with their noses to the ground (or kitchen counter) all day if they could, but other animals are not that different. They interact with their surroundings nose first, because their sense of smell is such an essential aspect of their lives and survival.
It’s an instinct that makes interacting with a snuffle mat an enriching experience for pets.
Photo by Tess Starr
How does it work?
▪ You provide a snuffle mat, a hungry animal companion, and kibble or treats.
▪ You place the snuffle mat on the floor and “stock” it with kibble or treats.
▪ You let the animal “snuffle” the mat for kibble or treats until they’re gone.
How do I maintain it?
▪ Take the snuffle mat outside and shake it off well before using it again.
▪ Do not use soft or sticky treats—ever. Only dry kibble or dry treats.
▪ Wipe it off, vacuum it, or hose it off as needed outside or in the shower.
What are some benefits?
▪ Slowing down a fast eater by feeding from a snuffle mat instead of a bowl
▪ Boredom relief—mental and physical exercise in one fun activity
▪ Excellent entertainment for animals on restricted activity or crate rest
How do I make a snuffle mat?
You need:
▪ A rubber mat with holes
▪ Sharp scissors
▪ Polar fleece
Rubber anti-fatigue mats and similar matting with holes should be readily available at local home-supply stores, although you may need to cut the mats to smaller sizes. Also check online.
Polar fleece is, of course, available at fabric stores. Look for markdowns on ends of bolts, or sales! Thrift stores are another source of polar fleece, even from garments . . . although you’ll have to launder it, and cutting may be more complicated than with flat pieces of material. The colors are totally up to you!
Here’s a link to a video that shows you what to do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJQY08LPfts
Google for more videos: “snuffle mat” “how to make”
Some Cautions
▪ Do not leave your animal unsupervised with a snuffle mat. Be there to observe, to encourage, and to end the session when all the visible treats have been consumed.
▪ Do not get your hands (or feet) in the way of an animal snuffling on a snuffling mat! Your pet knows what to do. He or she doesn’t need guidance, just an observant human sitting back and enjoying the scene.
▪ Do not let toddlers or young children “watch” unsupervised, and certainly do not let them sit on the floor or on the ground with the animal and the snuffle mat. That is asking for trouble!
▪ Do not “fight” the dog for the snuffle mat when it’s time to put it away. Instead, be prepared with a high-value treat or treats to “trade,” or make sure the animal has left the area before you pick the mat up to shake it out and store it safely.
▪ Do not use a snuffle mat for more than one animal at a time, in general. While it’s possible that two animals who have no resource-guarding issues and who do not compete for food might safely snuffle the same mat at the same time, please don’t take any chances. It’s much wiser to use a separate snuffle mat for each animal, in a separate location, to avoid any conflict between pets.
▪ Do not use a snuffle mat with a destructive animal, especially one who already has issues with chewing on fabric (like rugs or cushions). You’d only be encouraging more of the same.
▪ Do not use a snuffle mat for a dog with the potential of suffering from bloat or torsion. Those dogs should not be allowed to consume any quantity of dry kibble or treats because of a possible bad reaction that could be fatal. Ask your veterinarian if your dog might be susceptible to bloat or torsion.
▪ Do not leave snuffle mats out where your animals might access them on their own.
You can make your own snuffle mat, you can buy one from a local pet supply store, or you can order one online. You can offer to buy the supplies if a crafty friend or relative will create a snuffle mat for your critters. You can purchase top-dollar fabric and matting or you can haunt the thrift stores until you find what you need at a bargain price. You can make a tiny snuffle mat for your hamster or a giant-sized snuffle mat for your 50-pound dog.
If it eats dry food, your animal should have a chance to experience a snuffle mat—one of the latest fads among smart and happy pets!
DIY Snuffle Mat
