Benefits Of Snuffle Mats For Dogs.

Benefits of Snuffle Mats And Puzzle Toys For Dogs.

While many pet parents may have heard of snuffle mats for dogs by now, what are they and what are the benefits? Read on for information on the benefits of snuffle mats for dogs and how they can help keep your pooch engaged, mentally stimulated and happy.

A snuffle mat, or foraging toy, is usually made from a piece of fabric. The fabric has ruffles and folds which create pockets where small bits of food can be hidden. Dogs snuffle through the fabric with their noses to find the hidden treats. Durable and washable, these mats are ideal for daily use.

A good tip is to keep a couple on hand, so you have one spare while one is in the wash. They are very lightweight, usually made from felt-type fabric and, therefore, dry really quickly.

You can also buy bowl-style snuffle mats. These usually have a drawstring to close the mat into a bowl shape (making it more challenging to find the food).  Or, you can loosen it to turn it into a larger mat. If you’re handy at sewing – you could even have a go at making your own version with scraps of material.

Puzzle toys.

Puzzle toys are similar in that they provide a lot of enrichment for dogs by getting their brains working. Puzzle toys might be as simple as a toilet roll stuffed with treats and screwed up paper. Alternatively, there are lots of puzzle toys on the market that have lids, drawers and sliders for dogs to operate with their paws, or noses, in order to get the treats.

There are lots of benefits dogs can have from using a snuffle mat or puzzle toy and it is definitely worth having one, or two, to give to your dog on a daily basis. Lets take a look at some of those benefits.

The most developed sense in dogs is their sense of smell. Sniffing is how they find out about the world around them. They can get information about other dogs, people and their environment – such as, where to find food, or potential dangers nearby.

Dogs use a large part of their brain to interpret odour. This means when they’re sniffing, they are using a big part of their brain – and this takes energy. This is one of the primary benefits of snuffle mats.

Mental stimulation can decrease boredom and reduce excess energy. Some experts say – 10 -15 minutes using a snuffle mat can burn as much energy as going for a walk.

They are particularly useful for high energy breeds who often don’t have an ‘off-switch’. Similarly, for dogs suffering with dementia, or those getting on in years, a snuffle mat can maintain brain health, in a natural way.

Snuffle mats and puzzle toys can encourage dogs to slow down when they’re eating. This can be of real benefit for dogs who tend to bolt their meals too fast. Eating food too quickly, can lead to digestive problems, like bloat. Using a foraging mat for mealtimes, encourages slower eating and better digestion.

The act of sniffing has a calming effect on many dogs and this is one of the great benefits of snuffle mats and puzzle toys. Sniffing releases the ‘feel good’ hormone dopamine which has the effect of reducing anxiety. Sniffing is a calming and soothing activity, so it’s really beneficial for anxious dogs.

For less severe phobias of thunderstorms, for example, a snuffle mat, or puzzle, can act as a distraction and reduce stress levels. They are also useful for helping to teach dogs to be left alone for short periods and can therefore, help with separation anxiety.

Foraging is an instinctive and natural behaviour for dogs. Searching for food mimics natural foraging behaviour dogs might do in the wild. This is satisfying and stimulating for dogs, while promoting calmness. Another super benefit of snuffle mats and puzzles.

Snuffle mats/puzzles are especially beneficial for; –

• High energy dogs.
• Elderly dogs with cognitive dysfunction, such as dementia. (You could include blind, or visually impaired dogs who will benefit from specific opportunities to use their noses).
• Anxious dogs, or those suffering with mild separation anxiety (snuffle mats can help with training, but are unlikely to work on their own).

Snuffle mats/puzzle toys may not work for these types of dogs; –

• Dogs that have no interest in treats.
• Dogs that only eat wet food (in this case try a ‘licky mat’)
• Dogs that become too over-stimulated, or destructive – ( i.e. dogs that will shake, or rip the mat).
• Dogs with a tendency to resource guard – ( young children, or multi-dog households).

Snuffle mats and puzzles undoubtedly provide dogs with enrichment in a natural way. They can reduce boredom and relieve anxiety and can, most certainly, provide many benefits for the average dog.

Ideally, toys should be provided while being supervised. It’s not advised to leave dogs alone with snuffle mats, in particular, if you think your dog may rip it up and eat the pieces. There are more robust food dispensing toys such as a Kong dog toy you could try instead.