An $11.99 boredom-buster that turns kibble into a sniff-led puzzle
Is your dog inhaling dinner like it’s a hostage negotiation? Fast eaters, bored pups, and sniff-hungry cats often bolt food or get into trouble out of sheer boredom — and that’s where enrichment matters.
The AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat is a soft, portable feed-and-forage puzzle that turns kibble into a sniffing game. At $11.99 and rated 8.2/10 by experts, it’s a clever, low-cost way to slow meals and boost mental stimulation — just keep an eye on aggressive chewers and follow the simple wash-and-dry care to avoid odors.
Best Enrichment Choice
AWOOF Snuffle Mat for Dogs & Cats
Perfect for mental stimulation and slow feeding
8.2/10
EXPERT SCORE
A clever, low-cost enrichment tool that turns mealtime into a sniffing challenge. It’s best suited to pets that love to forage and sniff, though heavy chewers should be supervised.
Lightweight and portable for indoor/outdoor use or travel
Soft, pet-friendly materials suitable for puppies and senior pets
Good size for single or multi-pet use
Affordable way to slow-feed and reduce boredom-related behaviors
Cons
Not as heavy-duty for aggressive chewers — fabric can shift
Requires hand washing and careful drying to avoid odor buildup
AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat: Interactive Dog Feeding Game to Beat Boredom — Full Review
What is this and who is it for?
The AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat is a soft, cloth-based puzzle mat designed to hide kibble, treats, or small toys inside fabric folds and pockets so your dog or cat has to sniff and forage to find them. It’s aimed at pet parents who want to add mental stimulation, slow down fast eaters, help with weight management, or provide an indoor activity that wears a pet out without high-impact exercise.
Key features at a glance
Soft fleece and felt strips arranged into layers and pockets for hiding kibble
Approximately 18.8 x 18.8 inches — a generous single-pet mat or small multi-pet option
Lightweight and portable — can be used on floors, in crates, or taken on trips
Simple, no-tech enrichment that uses scent work to tire pets mentally
How it works (quick guide)
Spread the mat flat on the floor.
Sprinkle kibble or treats into the folds and pockets.
Encourage your pet to sniff and search — praise and reward when they find food.
Repeat for short training sessions or as part of meal times to slow eating.
Materials, dimensions, and build details
Attribute
Details
Material
Soft cloth (fleece/felt) — hand wash recommended
Size
Approx. 18.8 x 18.8 inches
Weight
Light (about 0.31 lbs / 4.9 oz)
Color options
Typically green (check current seller listing)
Included
1 snuffle mat
Benefits you’ll actually notice
Mental exhaustion: sniffing is tiring — a short sniff session can calm anxious or high-energy pets without a walk.
Slow feeding: scattering kibble through the mat extends mealtimes and reduces gulping.
Weight management aid: turning food into a “job” helps dogs burn a few extra calories via brain work and reduces boredom-related overeating.
Easy to introduce: most pets instinctively search with their nose and quickly get the idea.
Practical training and use tips
Start easy: sprinkle visible kibble on top first, then progressively hide treats deeper in the folds as your pet learns.
Short sessions: 5–20 minute sessions are ideal depending on your pet’s interest level and energy.
Supervision: especially for puppies and strong chewers — discourage chewing on the mat itself and redirect to toys if needed.
Variation: change treat size, use part of a meal, or pair with scent training games to keep novelty high.
Cleaning & care (be honest — it needs upkeep)
Hand wash only in warm water with mild detergent to avoid damaging the fleece.
Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue and odors.
Air-dry flat; avoid tumble drying to prevent mat distortion.
For quick freshening, shake outside and sun-dry; for deeper odor removal, soak briefly in a baking-soda solution before rinsing.
Who should buy this? Who should not?
Best for:
Pet owners seeking low-impact enrichment and a way to slow-feed.
Families with young or senior dogs who still enjoy sniffing games.
Apartment dwellers who need a quiet indoor activity for pets.
Not recommended for:
Aggressive chewers who will tear fabric for fun — a heavy-duty sniff mat or slow feeder bowl is a safer bet.
Pets with severe food possessiveness unless supervised closely during early sessions.
Pros vs. reality (a candid look)
Pros: It makes sniff time accessible, portable, and affordable. It’s a simple concept that delivers results for many dogs and cats.
Reality check: The mat shifts on slick floors, so you may want to place it on a rug or underlay. The fabric smell noted by some buyers usually fades after washing, but persistent damp environments can force more frequent cleaning.
Quick packing and travel notes
Because it’s light and malleable, the mat folds or rolls into small bags and can be tossed into a crate or car for travel enrichment.
Keep it in a separate bag for travel so crumbs and kibble don’t scatter around luggage.
Final practical recommendations
Rotate enrichment toys: use the snuffle mat a few times a week, and alternate with puzzle feeders and scent games to prevent boredom.
Supervise new users: first few sessions are the best time to teach gentle searching and to correct chewing.
Use as part of a feeding plan: measure kibble and put a portion into the snuffle mat to replace some bowl meals and support portion control.
This mat is a simple, effective solution for pet parents who want to add scent-work enrichment without a big investment in high-tech gadgets. It won’t replace walks or interactive play, but it will give your pet a purposeful, calming activity and can become a staple in a pet-friendly home that values mental fitness as much as physical activity.
How do I introduce the mat to a dog that’s never used one?
Start slow and make it fun. Let your dog sniff the mat while it is empty so they get comfortable with the new object. Use high-value treats or a few pieces of kibble to lure them in.
Place several visible treats on top of the mat so your dog sees immediate rewards.
Praise and click (if you use a clicker) when they find a treat.
Gradually tuck treats a little deeper as they improve.
Keep sessions short and positive — 5–10 minutes for beginners.
Supervise puppies closely to prevent chewing. If your dog seems anxious, try the mat on a non-slip surface or use a leash for gentle guidance. Increase difficulty and session length slowly.
Can I use the snuffle mat for a full meal?
Yes — you can hide a measured portion of dry kibble to replace a bowl meal. This slows eating and adds mental enrichment.
Measure the usual portion to avoid extra calories.
Use dry kibble or small, firm treats for cleanliness and easier cleanup.
Avoid hiding large amounts of wet food; it can be messy and promote bacterial growth unless you wash the mat right away.
Watch overall daily calories if you’re combining mat sessions with other treats. This technique is great for fast eaters and weight management when used correctly.
Is the mat safe for puppies and senior dogs?
Generally yes. The soft fabric is gentle on noses and teeth. Both puppies and seniors can benefit from the mental work.
Puppies: Always supervise. Young dogs may mouth or chew the fabric. Limit sessions and remove the mat if chewing starts.
Seniors: Offer shorter sessions and place the mat on a stable, low surface if mobility is limited. Snuffling is low-impact and helps keep the brain active.
If your dog has dental issues or is an extreme chewer, consult your vet and supervise every use.
How often should I wash it?
Wash as needed and follow the care spec: hand wash only.
Rinse out loose debris after each use.
For regular use, hand wash in warm water with mild detergent about once every 1–2 weeks.
Wash immediately after greasy or wet food, or if the mat smells or looks dirty.
Rinse thoroughly and air dry flat in shade. Do not tumble dry.
You can add a little white vinegar to the rinse for odor control. Always make sure the mat is completely dry before the next use to prevent mildew.
My dog tears fabric — is this mat right for them?
Probably not without supervision. The mat is designed for sniffing, not for heavy chewing.
If your dog is an aggressive chewer, supervise every session and remove the mat at the first sign of shredding.
Inspect the mat regularly and remove any loose bits to avoid ingestion.
Consider sturdier enrichment alternatives such as KONGs, hard rubber puzzle toys, or metal slow-feeder bowls for chewers.
When in doubt, choose chew-proof options and reserve the mat for supervised enrichment only.
Any creative twists to increase difficulty?
Yes — there are simple ways to make the game harder and more engaging.
Hide treats under tighter bundles of fabric or deeper pockets.
Use many small kibble pieces instead of a few big treats to extend the search.
Create a scent trail by dragging a treat from another room to the mat, then tuck the end treat into the mat.
Mix in a favorite toy as a ‘prize’ among the kibble so your dog has to hunt for it.
Use the mat as part of a training cue — teach “find it” and reward successful searches.
Rotate treats and patterns so the mat stays novel. Avoid essential oils or anything toxic; stick to pet-safe, smelly treats like small pieces of liver or cheese.
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My cat claimed it within five minutes and then proceeded to ignore her actual food bowl. Classic.
Also — PSA: do NOT underestimate how dramatic your pet will act when they ‘find’ a treat. Expect Oscar-worthy reactions.
On the practical side: easy to fold, inexpensive, and simple to store. If you want complex puzzle toys this isn’t it, but for boredom-busting it’s surprisingly effective.
Ha — pets are the best actors. Glad it worked as a boredom-buster for you. And yes, it’s intended as low-complexity enrichment rather than a multi-step puzzle toy.
Mixed feelings here.
I bought it because the price was right and the idea is cute. My pup enjoys it but:
– Some treats get too hidden (tiny kibble can slip down into folds), which can frustrate anxious dogs.
– Cloth means you need to hand-wash and air dry, so not great for heavy droolers.
– The edges had a couple loose fibers after a few uses — nothing major, but I trimmed them.
Would buy again for training or slow-feed sessions, but with caveats.
I’ve had the same issue with tiny kibble. I put a layer of larger treats on top and hide tiny kibble between — mixes the challenge and keeps them motivated.
Michael — good tip, thanks! I’ll try that next time.
Another quick tip: dampen the mat slightly (not soaking) to keep treats from falling too deep — then let it dry fully between uses.
Thanks for the honest feedback, Priya. Good note about tiny kibble — try using slightly larger treats or partially crushed pieces so they don’t slip deep into folds. Also agree that monitoring for loose fibers is wise.
Bought this for my beagle last month — she absolutely LOVES it. Turned breakfast into a little scavenger hunt and slowed her down.
Pros: cheap ($11.99), folds up for travel, easy to hide kibble.
Cons: hand wash only and I’d keep an eye on big chewers.
Overall: great simple enrichment for the price. 😊
Seems well-priced and the expert rating (8.2) makes sense — simple and effective.
A couple thoughts:
– The size (18.8 x 18.8 in) is decent for small/medium pets but may be small for large breeds.
– Cloth material and hand-wash-only means it might not be ideal if your dog likes to slobber a lot.
– I trimmed a few loose threads after a month — none of my dogs chewed through it, but ymmv.
Would recommend for puppies and cats, with supervision for big dogs.
Also worth noting: if you’re traveling, stuffing it with treats can keep them busy in hotels. Just tuck it away after use so the cleaner doesn’t think it’s a rug 😂
Great points, Olivia. Size is often overlooked — for big dogs you might want to get multiple mats or look for a larger model. And yes, hand wash is the way to go to preserve the fabric.
Thanks — I’ve got a lab. Do you think two mats side-by-side would do the trick?
Exactly — multi-mat setups are a good hack for larger dogs. And thanks for the travel tip, Lily!
John: probably! I’ve done that with puzzle mats before. Makes the game last longer and gives more sniffing area.
Tried it with my two cats and my terrier. Results:
1) Cats actually preferred napping on it, go figure.
2) Terrier had a blast sniffing out treats for about 10–15 minutes — good mental exercise.
3) It’s lightweight (0.31 lb) so it moves around on the floor if they get too excited.
If you have a power chewer this isn’t a toy, more like a short-term activity mat, but for mellow dogs/cats it’s solid.
Did you try using kibble vs. treats? My pup loses interest faster with tiny kibble but loves when I hide chunkier treats.
Thanks for the detailed rundown, Mark — love that you tested it across species. Good note about the mat sliding; placing it on a rug or under a non-slip pad helps. Also agree: supervise the first few uses with any dog that mouths aggressively.
I put a thin towel under mine and it stops the sliding. Works like a charm and gives extra padding for older dogs.
My cat claimed it within five minutes and then proceeded to ignore her actual food bowl. Classic.
Also — PSA: do NOT underestimate how dramatic your pet will act when they ‘find’ a treat. Expect Oscar-worthy reactions.
On the practical side: easy to fold, inexpensive, and simple to store. If you want complex puzzle toys this isn’t it, but for boredom-busting it’s surprisingly effective.
Ha — pets are the best actors. Glad it worked as a boredom-buster for you. And yes, it’s intended as low-complexity enrichment rather than a multi-step puzzle toy.
Mixed feelings here.
I bought it because the price was right and the idea is cute. My pup enjoys it but:
– Some treats get too hidden (tiny kibble can slip down into folds), which can frustrate anxious dogs.
– Cloth means you need to hand-wash and air dry, so not great for heavy droolers.
– The edges had a couple loose fibers after a few uses — nothing major, but I trimmed them.
Would buy again for training or slow-feed sessions, but with caveats.
I’ve had the same issue with tiny kibble. I put a layer of larger treats on top and hide tiny kibble between — mixes the challenge and keeps them motivated.
Michael — good tip, thanks! I’ll try that next time.
Another quick tip: dampen the mat slightly (not soaking) to keep treats from falling too deep — then let it dry fully between uses.
Thanks for the honest feedback, Priya. Good note about tiny kibble — try using slightly larger treats or partially crushed pieces so they don’t slip deep into folds. Also agree that monitoring for loose fibers is wise.
Bought this for my beagle last month — she absolutely LOVES it. Turned breakfast into a little scavenger hunt and slowed her down.
Pros: cheap ($11.99), folds up for travel, easy to hide kibble.
Cons: hand wash only and I’d keep an eye on big chewers.
Overall: great simple enrichment for the price. 😊
Seems well-priced and the expert rating (8.2) makes sense — simple and effective.
A couple thoughts:
– The size (18.8 x 18.8 in) is decent for small/medium pets but may be small for large breeds.
– Cloth material and hand-wash-only means it might not be ideal if your dog likes to slobber a lot.
– I trimmed a few loose threads after a month — none of my dogs chewed through it, but ymmv.
Would recommend for puppies and cats, with supervision for big dogs.
Also worth noting: if you’re traveling, stuffing it with treats can keep them busy in hotels. Just tuck it away after use so the cleaner doesn’t think it’s a rug 😂
Great points, Olivia. Size is often overlooked — for big dogs you might want to get multiple mats or look for a larger model. And yes, hand wash is the way to go to preserve the fabric.
Thanks — I’ve got a lab. Do you think two mats side-by-side would do the trick?
Exactly — multi-mat setups are a good hack for larger dogs. And thanks for the travel tip, Lily!
John: probably! I’ve done that with puzzle mats before. Makes the game last longer and gives more sniffing area.
Tried it with my two cats and my terrier. Results:
1) Cats actually preferred napping on it, go figure.
2) Terrier had a blast sniffing out treats for about 10–15 minutes — good mental exercise.
3) It’s lightweight (0.31 lb) so it moves around on the floor if they get too excited.
If you have a power chewer this isn’t a toy, more like a short-term activity mat, but for mellow dogs/cats it’s solid.
Did you try using kibble vs. treats? My pup loses interest faster with tiny kibble but loves when I hide chunkier treats.
Thanks for the detailed rundown, Mark — love that you tested it across species. Good note about the mat sliding; placing it on a rug or under a non-slip pad helps. Also agree: supervise the first few uses with any dog that mouths aggressively.
I put a thin towel under mine and it stops the sliding. Works like a charm and gives extra padding for older dogs.