What are snuffle mats? | How to use snuffle mats
What is a snuffle mat?
If you’re looking for a fun and enriching way to keep your fur-kids entertained, snuffle mats are a must try! A snuffle mat is a specially designed feeding mat that mimics the textures and scents of grass or foliage, allowing pets to use their noses to sniff out hidden treats or kibble. Typically made from durable materials like fleece, these mats have various pockets and folds where you can hide food, promoting an engaging and rewarding experience.
Common terms for snuffle mats include sniffing pads, sniffing mat, treat rugs, or foraging mats.
Can cats/rabbits use snuffle mats too? What size should I choose?
Cats and rabbits can use snuffle mats too! As with dogs, choose a snuffle mat that is appropriately sized. It should be large enough for them to explore but not so big that it becomes overwhelming.
Benefits of Using Snuffle Mats
Mental Stimulation
Snuffle mats are excellent for mental engagement. They encourage pets to use their natural foraging instincts, which can help reduce boredom and associated destructive behaviors.
Slower Eating
If you have a dog or cat that tends to eat too quickly, using a snuffle mat can slow them down. This is particularly beneficial for preventing digestive issues like bloating.
Stress Relief
Engaging your pet in a fun and challenging activity can help reduce anxiety and stress. This is especially useful for pets that may struggle with separation anxiety or are easily stressed by environmental changes. They can also serve as an alternative outlet for fun during rainy days!
Bonding Time
Using a snuffle mat can also enhance the bond between you and your pet. Engaging with them during the feeding process, praising them, and playing together fosters trust and affection.
How to use snuffle mats?
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Introduce the Mat Gradually
When first introducing the snuffle mat, let your pet sniff it without any food. This helps them become familiar with it. You can even use a bit of praise to encourage them to explore.
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Add Treats or Kibble
Once your pet seems comfortable, sprinkle a few treats or their regular kibble throughout the mat. Start with an easy-to-find placement so they can quickly experience success and joy from their efforts.
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Encourage Foraging
Encourage your pet to use their nose to find the hidden food. You might need to demonstrate a bit by moving some of the fabric aside to show them where the treats are. This can help spark their curiosity.
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Supervise Initially
Keep an eye on your pet the first few times they use the mat. This ensures they’re not chewing on the mat itself or eating too quickly. Supervision also allows you to observe how they interact with it and adjust the difficulty level for future use.
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Vary the Difficulty
As your pet becomes more adept at using the snuffle mat, increase the challenge. Hide treats deeper in the folds, use different types of food, or even incorporate toys alongside the treats to keep things fresh and exciting.
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Clean the Mat Regularly | How to wash snuffle mats
To maintain hygiene, clean the snuffle mat regularly. Make sure to remove the treats from the mat first! While some mats may labelled as machine washable, our advice is to handwash the mat with water and air-dry so as to maximize the longevity of the mat, and minimize the chances of forgotten treats/kibbles in the machine!
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Keeping your pet engaged with snuffle mats
Tip 1. Variety is king. Try to use a variety of treats with different smells and textures each session. Fur-kids have their individual preferences for shapes and colors too; you may need to experiment with different mats.
Tip 2. If you have multiple fur-kids, introduce them to the mat one at a time (or get one mat each!).
Tip 3. Limit the time the snuffle mat is laid out and be present at play time. Snuffle mats are meant to create additional playtime between you and your pet, and NOT to replace walks or quality time with you!
Final Thoughts
Snuffle mats are a fantastic tool for pet owners looking to enrich their pets’ lives. With a bit of creativity and patience, you can turn mealtime into an adventure, keeping your furry friend entertained and mentally stimulated. So, why not give it a try? Your pets will thank you for it!