Sometimes there is no need to spend money on toys to keep your dog entertained. All you may need to do is take a few items that you already have.
Creating a DIY Snuffle Mat will give your dog a fun way to enjoy their meal times. By hiding small bits of kibble in the pieces of fabric or safe items you can get your dog to sniff them out!
It encourages natural snuffling behaviours and can be a great way to keep your dog entertained when indoors. This can be a great way to help your dog who lives in an apartment.
The best part is that you may already have everything you need!
Here are 7 DIY Snuffle Mat ideas to try.
What Is a DIY Snuffle Mat?
Snuffle Mats are a great enrichment toy for feeding your dog. The food is hidden between several pieces of fabric or suitable items. This encourages your dog to use their nose to sniff out the hidden food.
A DIY Snuffle Mat is a great way to create this for your dog. You can create a safe surface to hide the dry dog food or treats.
Dogs love to use their nose to explore their surroundings and this is a fun way to encourage them to do so.
It can help:
- Make meal times more interesting.
- Encourage natural snuffling behaviours.
- A simple way to keep your dog entertained indoors.
- Give your dog something to investigate if they get bored.
- Provide variety if your dog lives in an apartment.
Snuffle mats should not replace walks, exercise, training or socialisation but are a great addition to keep your dog busy.
1. T-Shirt Snuffle Mat
One of the easiest fabrics to use is cotton T-Shirts. If you have any clean old T-Shirts then you can create a simple snuffle mat.
What you’ll need:
- 1 or 2 clean old cotton T-Shirts
- A firm fabric to attach to
- Scissors
- A few pieces of your dog’s usual kibble
How to make:
- Wash your T-Shirt and leave to dry.
- Cut the fabric into long strips.
- Ensure they are thick and long enough to handle.
- Securely attach the strips to a suitable fabric using tight knots or stitching.
- Spread the strips out to create gaps to hide the food in.
- Check there are no loose threads or weak attachments.
- Spread a small amount of kibble between the fabric.
2. Towel Snuffle Mat
If you have an old bath or hand towel then you can create a simple enrichment mat.
Towels are very soft and easy to find. They can also be folded to create shallow creases to hide the dry food in.
What you’ll need:
- 1 clean old towel
- A few pieces of your dog’s usual kibble.
How to make:
- Find a clean towel with no damage.
- Lay the towel flat on a clean floor.
- Fold one edge loosely in the middle.
- Create several soft creases.
- Hide a few pieces of kibble in the folds.
- Let your dog investigate.
To make it easier for your dog to find the food leave some visible. As your dog gets used to the game you can hide the kibble further in the crease.
Always ensure you are supervising your dog and remove the towel if they begin to chew or pull.
3. Fleece Blanket Snuffle Mat
Old fleeces can be a great soft fabric to use. They can be easily cut into strips and tied.
What you’ll need:
- 1 clean unused fleece blanket
- A firm fabric to attach to
- Scissors
- Kibble or small dog treats.
How to make:
- Cut the fleece into similar sized strips.
- Cut a firm base.
- Securely attach the fleece strips to the base.
- Ensure there are enough strips to create gaps to hide the food.
- Gently tug the strips to ensure they are firm. Hide a few pieces of kibble between the fabric.
Your dog can gently move the soft strips with their nose to find the kibble.
Avoid using a worn or fraying fleece.
4. Braided Snuffle Mat
If you have several old cotton shirts or fabric then you can create a braided snuffle mat.
This creates nice bumps in the fabric to hide small pieces of food.
What you’ll need:
- Clean fabric scraps or old cotton clothing
- A suitable fabric to attach to
- Scissors
- Needle and thread (if required)
How to make:
- Cut several long strips of fabric.
- Take 3 strips and group them together.
- Tie them together firmly. Create several braids.
- Securely attach the braids to the base.
- Leave some gaps between the braids to hide the kibble.
- Check all the attachments are secure.
- Hide a few pieces of kibble between the braids.
5. Blanket Snuffle Mat
Sometimes you don’t need to create a mat with multiple pieces. Using an old blanket can create a simple game for your dog to find the food.
This is a great idea if you want to quickly create something for your dog.
What you’ll need:
- A clean firm blanket.
- Your dog’s usual dry food.
How to make:
- Lay the blanket on a clean non slip surface.
- Place a few pieces of kibble across the blanket.
- Fold one edge over loosely covering some of the kibble.
- Create a few folds.
- Leave some kibble visible.
- Encourage your dog to sniff.
Start with simple folds so your dog can understand there is food hidden.
Once your dog knows what to do you can create slightly more challenging folds.
6. Old Cotton Socks Sniffing Mat
Clean undamaged cotton socks can be used to create a simple sniffing mat. Just ensure they are securely attached to a suitable base.
This would be best suited to dogs who are happy with fabric and don’t have a habit of swallowing clothing.
What you’ll need:
- Old clean cotton socks
- A firm fabric to attach to
- Scissors
- Needle and thread (if required)
How to make:
- Check the socks have no holes, damage or loose threads.
- Cut suitable pieces of fabric if required.
- Securely attach the fabric to the base.
- Arrange the pieces to create shallow gaps.
- Hide a few pieces of kibble between the fabric.
- Check there are no loose pieces.
Never leave your dog with loose socks or pieces. Dogs can swallow fabric which can cause a serious blockage. If your dog has a habit of chewing then skip this idea.
7. Fabric Snuffle Mat
If you have several small clean fabric scraps then you can create a colourful DIY snuffle mat.
This is a great way to reuse suitable fabric.
What you’ll need:
- Clean cotton or fleece fabric scraps
- A strong fabric to attach to
- Scissors
- Needle and thread (if required)
How to make:
- Collect several clean fabric scraps.
- Remove any buttons, zips, hooks etc.
- Cut the fabric into manageable strips.
- Securely attach the strips to the base.
- Mix up the textures to create a simple snuffling surface.
- Check there are no loose threads, weak stitches or small loose pieces.
- Hide a few pieces of kibble between the strips.
How to Introduce Your Dog to a DIY Snuffle Mat
Some dogs will understand the game very quickly and others may need a little help.
To introduce your dog to their new DIY snuffle mat:
- Start with a small amount of food. Use a few pieces of your dog’s usual kibble.
- Place some kibble towards the top of the fabric so your dog can easily find it.
- Let your dog sniff. Don’t push their nose into the fabric.
- Once your dog understands the game hide the food between a few more strips of fabric.
- Finish the game whilst your dog is still happy and interested.
If your dog gets frustrated then make the hiding spots easier.
Safety Tips
Your DIY snuffle mat should be safe, firm and suitable for your individual dog.
Always supervise your dog whilst they play. Some dogs love to investigate the fabric but others may begin to chew.
Before and after each time check there are no loose pieces of fabric. Remove any loose threads, damaged fabric or anything your dog could swallow.
Use clean non toxic and washable fabrics. Avoid any fabric with sharp attachments, buttons, zips, elastic pieces or strong chemical smells.
As food can get caught between the fabric and moisture can build up, regularly wash your mat following the care instructions for the fabric. Ensure it is fully dry before using again.
Use a small amount of your dog’s usual kibble. This will help keep within their usual kibble allowance.
If your dog begins to chew the mat then stop. Snuffle mats are for sniffing. If your dog begins to bite, tear or swallow then remove the mat and try a safer activity.
If you’re unsure whether a DIY fabric toy is suitable for your dog then ask your vet.
FAQs
1. Can I create a Snuffle Mat Without Spending any money?
Yes! You may be able to create a simple DIY Snuffle Mat using clean old T-Shirts, Towels, Fleece Blankets or suitable fabric scraps. Just ensure they are safe and can be securely attached.
2. What fabric is best to use?
Cotton and Fleece are commonly used as they are flexible. Choose a fabric that won’t fray and is in good condition. Always supervise your dog whilst using a fabric enrichment toy.
3. How can I create a Snuffle Mat Without Sewing?
You can create a simple temporary game using a clean towel. Place a few pieces of kibble on the towel and create loose folds for your dog to investigate. To create a more permanent mat ensure all the fabric is securely attached.
4. How often can my Dog Use a Snuffle Mat?
You can offer your dog a Snuffle Mat as part of their usual enrichment. Depending on how interested they are. Ensure you supervise them whilst playing and use a suitable amount of their usual food. If they begin to get frustrated then stop.
5. Are DIY Snuffle Mats Good for dogs in an apartment?
They can be a great way to keep your dog entertained whilst in an apartment. Sniffing for food gives them something to investigate without needing much space. However they shouldn’t replace walks, exercise, training or other enrichment.
6. Can Puppies use DIY Snuffle Mats?
Some puppies can enjoy simple supervised games but they may be more likely to chew or swallow. Start with a simple game using safe materials and supervise carefully. Avoid using fabric mats if your puppy tries to eat.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend any money on expensive enrichment toys. Old T-Shirts, Towels, Fleece Blankets and suitable fabric scraps can be used to create simple sniffing mats.
Try one of these 7 ideas and see which your dog like the most. Start with a simple design and use a small amount of usual kibble. Always supervise whilst playing.
The aim isn’t to create a complicated toy but a safe and enjoyable way to encourage your dog to use their nose.
Happy Paws, Happier Homes!
