As pet owners, we all know the importance of providing our furry friends with ample stimulation and enrichment to keep them healthy, happy, and engaged. And when it comes to dogs, one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through the use of snuffle mats.
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What is a Snuffle Mat?
Snuffle mats are a popular type of enrichment toy that consists of a mat with numerous small pockets or compartments that can be filled with treats or kibble. Dogs love to search and forage for their food, and snuffle mats provide an excellent way to tap into this natural instinct while also keeping them mentally stimulated.
In Australia, there are several popular snuffle mats available, but a few stand out in terms of quality, durability, and versatility. Let’s take a closer look at three of the best snuffle mats available at Dog Games Australia:
1. Buster Activity Mat
Finally, the Buster Activity Mat is a high-quality snuffle mat that is perfect for pet owners looking for a more challenging and versatile option. The mat features a variety of different pockets, flaps, and compartments that can be filled with treats or toys and can be configured in a variety of different ways to keep your dog engaged and entertained.
One of my German Shepherds Atlas (see below) absolutely loves using the Buster Activity Mat, and I’ve found that it’s a fantastic way to keep him occupied and mentally stimulated. The mat is also easy to look after and can be cleaned quickly and easily. To get started with the Buster Activity Mat you can purchase the starter kit which includes 3 different treat-hiding activities – Envelope, Water Lily, and Cone Cloth.
Here’s a video from Kruuse the creators of the Buster Activity Mat showing how it works:
Once your dog becomes an expert with the starter kit you can buy extra add-ons to mix up the play and give them new challenges. They have a range of different challenges such as the:
For example, below is how the “Spring Roll” challenge works from the creators of the mat Kruuse:
Nina Ottosson’s Snuffle Mats
If you’ve read my blog before you’d know I’m a massive supporter of everything Nina Ottosson does especially her dog puzzles. When I heard the news that she’d released 2 snuffle mat’s I was over the moon!
As per Nina’s style they each come with different levels (easy, medium and hard) allowing you to challenge your dogs and to suit any age.
2. Garden Activity Snuffle Mat
The Garden Activity Snuffle Mat by Nina Ottosson is a fantastic option for pet owners looking for a high-quality snuffle mat that can provide their dog with hours of entertainment. The mat is made from durable and easy-to-clean fabric and features various pockets and compartments that can be filled with treats or kibble.
One of the best things about the Garden Activity Snuffle Mat is that it can be used in a variety of different ways. You can scatter treats throughout the mat to encourage your dog to forage, or you can hide specific treats or toys in the pockets to make the game even more challenging. The mat can also be used as a slow feeder to help prevent your dog from eating too quickly.
A friend of mine has a golden retriever who absolutely loves getting his dinner from the Garden Activity Snuffle Mat. The mat has become a regular part of his daily routine, and he gets so excited when he sees it come out.
3. Fast Food Activity Snuffle Mat
Another great and quirky snuffle mat available in Australia is the Fast Food Activity Snuffle Mat. This mat is made from soft, durable fabric and features various compartments that can be filled with treats or kibble.
What sets the Fast Food Activity Snuffle Mat apart is that it is designed to mimic the experience of foraging in the wild. The mat is shaped like a patch of grass and features long strands of fabric that your dog can root through to find their food. This makes the experience even more engaging and satisfying for your dog.
There are also compartments such as the ‘hot dog’ where they need to pull the hot dog out to get the treats!
Here is some video of the legend herself Nina using both mats with her dog:
In conclusion, snuffle mats are an excellent way to provide your dog with mental stimulation and enrichment, and there are several high-quality options available in Australia. Whether you choose the Garden Activity Snuffle Mat by Nina Ottosson, the Fast Food Activity Snuffle Mat, or the Buster Activity Mat, your dog is sure to love the experience of foraging for their food and toys.