Snuffle mat dinner for dogs: how to play

Serve dinner hidden in a snuffle mat so your dog sniffs out every piece. Turns a 30-second meal into 10 minutes of nose work.

You'll need

Put the mat on a non-slip floor away from busy walkways. Measure the meal.

Fluff up the fabric strips so they stand upright.
Sprinkle the kibble over the mat, then rub it in with your fingers so pieces drop deep between the strips.
Put the mat down and say "Find it".
Stay nearby for the first few meals so you can see how your dog uses it.
When your dog walks away, shake the mat over a bowl to check for missed pieces.
Pick the mat up and store it out of reach.

Make it easier: Leave half the food sitting on top of the strips.
Make it harder: Bury everything deep, or knot a few strips loosely over the food.

Nose buried, tail gently wagging, pausing to sniff and returning to corners.

Your dog chews or pulls at the strips, paws frantically, or gives up and walks off.

Supervise: dogs who chew fabric can swallow strips. Swap to a puzzle toy if your dog chews the mat.
Wash the mat often.
Calm meal play is fine; save running games for about an hour after eating, especially for deep-chested breeds.

Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.

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