DIY Snuffle Mat: How to Make a No-Sew Snuffle Mat (Sizes and Steps)
A snuffle mat is a mat covered in fleece strips where you hide kibble or treats. Your dog has to sniff and nose through the strips to find each piece. It turns a 30-second meal into a 10 to 15 minute job, and it’s one of the easiest enrichment toys to make. No sewing, about $10 to $15 in supplies, and 1 to 2 hours of knot tying.
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Short on time? Buy a ready-made snuffle mat instead:
- Snuffle mat for dogs – ready to use out of the bag
- Large snuffle mat – more room for big noses
- Snuffle ball – the same foraging game in a toy
- Lick mat – another calming enrichment option
What you’ll need to make one:
Anti-pill fleece fabric, Rubber sink mat with holes, Fabric scissors, Rotary cutter and mat.
Quick Answer
- Base: a rubber sink mat or grid with holes, about 12 x 12 inches for small dogs and 16 x 16 to 18 x 18 inches for medium and large dogs.
- Fabric: anti-pill fleece. 1 yard of 60 inch wide fleece makes roughly 250 strips.
- Strips: 1 inch wide x 6 to 7 inches long.
- Method: push each strip down through one hole and up through the next, then tie a tight double knot on top.
- Time: 1 to 2 hours for a 12 x 12 inch mat.
- Rule: supervise use and put it away after. A snuffle mat is not a chew toy.
What a Snuffle Mat Does
- Slows down fast eaters. Kibble scattered in the strips takes far longer to eat than kibble in a bowl.
- Works your dog’s nose. Sniffing is mentally tiring for dogs. A sniffing session is a good outlet on rainy days or rest days.
- Gives a calm activity. Many dogs settle while they search. It can be a useful distraction when guests arrive or during a storm.
It doesn’t replace walks and play. Think of it as an add-on.
Materials and Sizes
| Dog size | Mat size | Strips needed (about) | Fleece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lb) | 12 x 12 in | 120 to 150 | 2/3 yard |
| Medium (20 to 50 lb) | 16 x 16 in | 200 to 250 | 1 yard |
| Large (50 lb and up) | 18 x 24 in or two mats joined | 300 to 400 | 1.5 yards |
Strip counts depend on your base’s hole spacing. Tie a strip at every other hole for a lighter mat, or every hole for a thick mat that hides food better.
Shopping List
- Base: a rubber sink mat with holes, a rubber anti-fatigue or drainage mat with holes, or a plastic canvas grid. It should be sturdy and have no sharp edges.
- Fleece: anti-pill polar fleece in 2 to 3 colors. Fleece doesn’t fray when cut, so there are no loose threads.
- Cutting: sharp fabric scissors, or a rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat (much faster).
- Optional: zip ties to join two mats for big dogs, and a non-slip rug pad underneath.
Avoid: fabrics that fray or shed threads (most woven cotton), anything with sequins or glued decorations, and wire or chicken wire bases.
How to Make a No-Sew Snuffle Mat
- Cut the fleece into strips. Fold the fleece so you can cut through several layers at once. Cut 1 inch wide strips across the width, then cut those into 6 to 7 inch lengths. A rotary cutter and ruler make this go much faster.
- Plan your pattern. Mixing colors randomly hides treats better than solid rows. Lay the base flat with the “top” side up.
- Thread the first strip. Starting in a corner, push one end of a strip down through a hole and back up through the hole next to it, so the strip wraps around the bar of rubber between them.
- Tie a tight double knot on top so both ends stand up. Pull firmly. Loose knots are the main reason mats fall apart.
- Work row by row. Move across the mat one row at a time. For a thick mat, tie a strip at every hole. For a lighter mat, skip every other hole.
- Do a tug test. When you’re done, flip the mat and pull on random strips. Retie anything that slips.
- Fluff and trim. Shake the mat and trim any strips that are much longer than the rest.
Large dog? Make two 12 x 18 inch mats and join them side by side with zip ties on the underside. Trim the zip tie tails flush.
How to Introduce It to Your Dog
- Start easy. Drop treats on top of the strips where your dog can see them.
- Next session, push a few treats a little deeper.
- Once your dog gets the idea, scatter part of a meal (a 1/4 cup of kibble is plenty to start) and let them search.
- Stay nearby. Pick up the mat when the food is gone so it doesn’t turn into a chew toy.
Use dry kibble or small dry treats. Wet food and soft treats get stuck and make cleaning harder.
Safety
- Supervise every session. Fleece strips can be pulled off and swallowed by determined chewers, and swallowed fabric can cause a blockage.
- Not for chewers. If your dog chews or shreds the strips, switch to a sturdy rubber puzzle toy instead.
- Check it each time. Look for loose knots, torn strips or cracks in the base.
- Count calories. Food from the mat counts toward your dog’s daily amount. Take it out of the bowl.
Cleaning
- After each use: shake it out outside to remove crumbs.
- Weekly or as needed: wash on a gentle cycle in cold water with mild detergent, or hand wash in the sink. A mesh laundry bag helps protect it.
- Skip fabric softener. It leaves a residue and a scent.
- Air dry flat. High dryer heat can warp a rubber base. Make sure it’s fully dry before storing to prevent mildew.
Other Quick Versions
- Towel roll (5 minutes): lay a bath towel flat, sprinkle kibble across it, and roll it up loosely. Your dog unrolls it to get the food.
- Muffin tin game: put treats in a muffin tin and cover each cup with a tennis ball.
- Travel mat: use a small placemat-size grid with shorter 4 to 5 inch strips, roll it up and tie it with a ribbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fleece do I need for a snuffle mat?
About 1 yard of 60 inch wide fleece for a 16 x 16 inch mat. That gives roughly 250 strips at 1 x 7 inches.
Can I make a snuffle mat without a rubber mat?
Yes. A plastic canvas grid from a craft store works well. Avoid wire bases because of sharp ends.
How long should snuffle mat strips be?
6 to 7 inches long and 1 inch wide works for most dogs. Go up to 8 inches for big dogs and down to 4 or 5 inches for a small travel mat.
Can I put a snuffle mat in the washing machine?
Most fleece mats with a rubber base handle a gentle cold cycle. Air dry it instead of using the dryer.
Is a snuffle mat safe for puppies?
Yes, with close supervision. Puppies chew everything, so put it away as soon as the food is found.
The Short Version
- Rubber mat with holes plus fleece strips, 1 x 6 to 7 inches.
- Thread down and up through neighboring holes and double knot.
- Thick mat for fast eaters. Tug-test every strip.
- Supervise, put it away after, wash and air dry.
More DIY Dog Projects
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