The 8 Best Dog Snuffle Mats Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024

Your dog gobbles down food way too fast? Or maybe they are just bored at home? Or maybe you want to foster their foraging instinct? In any case, the snuffle mat might just be the perfect toy. The idea is so simple, but so effective that we can’t help but admire its ingenuity.

Snuffle mats are easy to make by yourself, but if you don’t have a bunch of fleece lying around, it’s probably easier to buy a new one.

To help you decide what dog snuffle to buy, our expert team, in collaboration with other specialists, spent months testing various products and finding out which options are the best for you. Today's Snuffle Mat Australia guide helps you find the best products on the market based on the results of their research.

Australia's Best Snuffle Mats Reviewed

Below you’ll find the best snuffle mats available in Australia!

This snuffle mat from Schitec features a classic design. If it’s the first snuffle mat you are getting for your puppy, we definitely recommend this one. It is well made and fairly affordable, which makes it the perfect snuffle mat to test out your dog’s preferences.

This Schitec snuffle mat is made from multiple layers of fleece. Fleece is the most common material used for snuffle mats because it’s soft enough not to irritate the dog and fluffy enough to make the sniffing game interesting. It’s also washable and dries quickly. The quick-drying feature is quite important because a snuffle mat has so many layers. If it would have been made of cotton, for example, it would take a seriously long amount of time to dry your mat.

Compared to the Wooly Snuffle Mat in our second choice, it comes with a collapsible bowl that you can use as a water bowl for your dogs, and it is one of the softest, which makes it our first choice among the snuffle mats in Australia, garnering the highest amount of good reviews.

Our dogs LOVE this snuffle mat because they enjoy sniffing their treats within its multiple layers, and they are able to eat their food slowly while enjoying their treats.

I also like that it quickly dries because I can just wash it after they eat and use it again after it dries. It's convenient, and I am happy that I can keep their snuggle mat clean all the time.

This mat features a circular flower-like design. The diameter of the mat, when spread out, is 35 centimetres. This is large enough to keep any dog amused while eating, but it might still be a bit small for larger dogs, and may just house a treat and not their full meal.

This mat includes a string that goes around the edge which allows you to tighten up the sides, making the search game a bit more interesting. When you pull the rope completely, it allows you to pack up the mat for storage or portability.

Overall, it’s a great product, especially for the price.

The Wooly Snuffle Mat from PAW 5 features a design that's slightly different from most competitors. Namely, they have used a material for their Wooly that is stronger than fleece, which is used for other options like the Schitec snuffle mat. However, it is pricier than the first option, but it is understandable because of its quality.

The stronger material greatly increases durability, making this snuffle mat perfect for pet parents whose canines tend to chew right through the fleece mats. Just like any good snuffle mat, this one is machine washable. The only downside is that it takes a bit longer to dry - but nothing unreasonable.

Being our second option, the thing that I like about this snuffle mat is that it lasts longer than the Schitec snuffle mat. You can save some money if you buy this one instead of buying more fleece mats.

The Wooly Snuffle Mat is shaped like a rectangle which is 30 cm wide and 45 cm long. For smaller breeds, this will present a whole world to explore while searching for kibble. For larger breeds, this mat will seem more like a toy - but a very interesting one at that.

The Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat is one of the most popular products in this category on Amazon. There must be a reason for that, right? Well, there is.

What sets this mat apart from others is, first of all, the size. The Stelarrie Chern Snuffle Mat comes in four different sizes, the largest one measuring 1 metre x 1 metre This is great for larger breeds as the standard-sized snuffle mats can seem like tiny toys to them, to be honest.

Unlike the first and the second options, this snuffle mat offers various sizes for different kinds of dogs, which I like because you can buy different sizes for your dogs, depending on what you need.

The mat is made from soft polar fleece to prevent irritation. It features a variety of different textures and shapes to keep the dog amused. One half is filled with the standard fleece strips you see on most snuffle mats, while the other side features pockets in different shapes which the dog can explore. It’s a real challenge any dog will love!

My dogs are surely engaged in these snuffle mats because of their creative and unique design compared to the Wooly and Schitec ones, but these features come with a price. Aside from the product, you have to pay the delivery fee, but if you can afford it, it's a great buy!

The main feature of this snuffle mat from LAMTWEK is durability. This mat is not made from fleece strips thrown together like the first, second, and third mats. Instead, it’s made with thick ‘hairs’ made from soft polyester, making it more expensive.

The ‘hairs’ are around 5 cm long which allows you to hide the food quite well. The material used and the texture is soft enough not to cause irritation for the dog, but also more resistant to wear and tear than regular fleece. In addition to this, there is a wide edge guard to keep the food from falling out. The mat is 43 cm wide and 53 cm long, which is enough to entertain the canines who are on the larger side as well as the smaller ones.

The good thing about these features is that your dogs can play with it longer while they eat, and at the same time, the food is secure on the mats.

I also like that the design allows larger dogs to enjoy it since it is durable and big enough to keep them entertained.

This snuffle mat has a non-slip backing to help keep it in place. However, in case this is not enough, you’ll be glad to learn that this one also comes with two suction cups that you can use to keep the mat firmly attached to the floor. The suction cups work best with tiles or other smooth surfaces, though.

Like the Schitec snuffle mat, it has a nonslip backing, but it is more secured by the suction cups, which is great if your dogs like to drag the mat around the place.

This snuffle mat from Kingtree is another classic snuffle mat with a useful drawstring along the edges. The mat features simply everything you would expect from a snuffle mat. It’s made from fleece which is known to be the best option.

What I like about this mat is that the design is quite similar to Schitec, but it has more strips. Also, it can be folded to be used as a feeding bowl to secure the food inside the mat. However, it is smaller than the previous options, which makes it good for smaller dogs but not the large ones.

The pieces of fleece are securely attached to the backing which is non-slip on the bottom side.

This snuffle mat from IFOYO is another adorable creation. There are multiple designs available, all of them in bright colours. What we love the most about this snuffle mat is that each of the versions offers different obstacles and pockets where you can hide food. This is guaranteed to keep even the most clever pooches interested for quite a while.

For an extra challenge, consider getting a few different mats that IFOYO offers and spreading the food throughout, this will stimulate their foraging instinct.

This mat has more designs than Stelarrie Chern Snuffle Mats. We definitely love how this mat challenges our dogs while they eat, which improves their foraging skills. The designs are also well-thought, and help dog owners hide food better.

All of the parts of this mat are made from soft and fluffy fleece which is generally the best option for snuffle mats. The only downside of this snuffle mat is that it doesn’t come with a very sturdy backing, which means it can be chewed apart quite quickly. For this reason, it’s probably the best choice for smaller dogs and not for power chewers.

This snuffle mat from Lemonda simply wins this list in the category of cuteness. This mat looks just like an adorable flower. This design makes it stand out among the previously mentioned snuffle mats. Plus, there are five different colour schemes available to match your decor. You'll love having it in your home.

We love the aesthetics of this snuffle mat that adds beauty to our homes and at the same time, entertains our dogs. 

On the other hand, the Lemonda Snuffle Mat is not just pretty, but also functional. The flower is not made of the usual tiny strips of fleece like the Schitec snuffle mat, but rather circular petals that fold up in many layers. This kind of design poses a bit of an extra challenge for the dog while also being harder to destroy. As a result, this mat might also last longer than some other options.

Our final pick is not technically a snuffle mat, but rather a snuffle-pineapple. This pineapple performs the exact same function as a snuffle mat. 

Among all of the snuffle products on this list, this is the most portable and can hide plenty of food. However, even if it can be the most entertaining one, it is also easy to tear apart because of its material.

However, instead of laying the mat out on the floor, you can fill this pineapple with food. Hiding the food might be a bit more time-consuming with this one, but searching for it will probably be extremely fun for the dog. As a plus, you can easily take this pineapple with you wherever you go to keep your canine companion entertained.

My dogs love this snuffle pineapple, especially when we are travelling. It keeps them engaged and calms them whenever we are outside. This is definitely a must-have if you constantly travel with your dogs.

The pineapple is made with a mix of oxford fabric and fleece filled with soft polyester filling. The oxford fabric is used to make the toy more durable and not overly easy to chew through, but the outer layers are made of fleece to prevent irritation. The pineapple offers a variety of hiding places for kibble all over its surface. It’s also machine washable which is frankly a must-have when it comes to toys that come in contact with dog food.

The only downside is that this pineapple is fairly easy to chew through, so if your dog is of the kind that likes murdering plush toys, this might not be the right choice after all.

What Is A Snuffle Mat?

For those who haven’t heard about it, lets get the biggest question out of the way first. What exactly is a snuffle mat? Well, according to the RSPCA “a snuffle mat is a toy that gives your dog (or cat!) the opportunity to sniff out hidden treats, or even just her dinner. Your pet’s natural foraging instincts will kick in so it’s a great way to keep her brain and nose occupied.” (1)

Related: Nosework For Dogs - The Benefits Of Scent Training

Well, if you haven’t seen a snuffle mat yet, this still doesn’t explain it. A snuffle mat is basically a mat equipped with lots of layers of fabric (they can be arranged in any way you like) in order to hide food from your dog. This way, your canine companion can have fun while searching for treats inside the mat, or even a whole meal.

The Benefits of Snuffle Mats

But what exactly is the point of making it difficult for your dog to find their food? Well, there are a couple of different reasons you might want to choose to do so:

Fostering The Foraging Instinct

All dogs have the ancient foraging instinct - they like to rely on their sense of smell a lot and they enjoy sniffing out food, it’s in their nature. This is why many canines will enjoy the challenge of searching for food. More often than not, it can be very beneficial for them, providing mental stimulation and a release of excess energy.

Helping Slow Down Fast Eaters

One of the cases where a snuffle mat can help your dog’s health is with canines that simply eat too fast:

Now, of course, if your dog is gobbling down food you should first consider if there is an underlying reason, such as the dog simply being too hungry (3). However, some dogs are simply crazy about food, in that case, a snuffle mat is the perfect choice.

Getting Rid Of Excess Energy

Snuffle mats are also great for dogs that have too much energy. Some canines seem to need stimulation 24 hours per day, others not so much, but boredom can always be dangerous for dogs. Over time, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and destructive behaviour. Using snuffle mats is a great way to combat all that by offering mental and physical stimulation indoors.

What I Look for in a Snuffle Mat

We’ve covered all the reasons why snuffle mats are great, but how do you choose the best one? Here is what you need to consider:

Material

The material it is made of is probably the most important feature of a snuffle mat. Since your dog will be digging around it (often with their nose) you want the material to be soft. This is why fleece is often used to construct snuffle mats. The downside of fleece is that it’s really easy to tear apart. Some manufacturers offer materials like polyester fabric that are sturdier but still quite soft.

Size

Always make sure to check the size before buying a snuffle mat online. Sometimes they can appear larger than they are in photos. Snuffle mats don’t necessarily need to be very large, but they need to be large enough for your dog for the game to make sense.

Design

Snuffle mats are commonly made with lots of fleece strips arranged on a mat. However, sometimes they also come in various interesting designs. Some snuffle mats will include pockets and hiding places in various shapes to keep your dog guessing. Which one will work best? It really depends on your pooch’s personality.

My Final Verdict

Want a quick recommendation for your new snuffle mat? We love the SCHITEC Snuffle Mat for Dogs for its simple but effective design. We can never go wrong with a classic snuffle mat, especially if it's our dog's first time eating and playing with it.

However, if your canine loves destroying things and chews right through the fleece, the PAW 5 Wooly Snuffle Mat offers a solution that's a bit tougher and more durable. But whatever snuffle mat you choose, you can always rely on what your dog enjoys the most.

References

1. “DIY dog enrichment projects for you and the kids”. March 19, 2020. RSPCA. Retrieved October 3, 2023. https://www.rspcansw.org.au/blog/animal-care-information/diy-dog-enrichment-projects/
2. Coates, Jennifer. August 14, 2015. “How to Get Dogs to Eat Slower”. PetMD. Retrieved October 3, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/dr-coates/2015/august/how-get-dogs-eat-slower-33018
3. “Controlling Your Pet’s Eating Behavior”.  January 28, 2020. PetMD. Retrieved October 3, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_controlling_pets_eating_behavior