Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Own Heart-Shaped Snuffle Mat
Dog enrichment has come a long way in the last 10 years and it seems like new ideas for enrichment are everywhere! One of the things you see everywhere are snuffle mats. There are tons of different ways to make them. I often see people recommending getting a plastic or silicone mat and weaving the fabric through it, and I’m left wondering how they keep it clean.
In our house, things need to be easy to throw in the dishwasher or washing machine, or very easy to handwash. The plastic-based mat designs make it difficult to thoroughly clean.

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This DIY project will not only engage your furry friend but also provide hours of mental stimulation: crafting your very own heart-shaped snuffle mat for dogs. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a novice, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your canine companion.
What is a Snuffle Mat?
You might be wondering, what exactly is a snuffle mat? Simply put, a snuffle mat is a versatile and engaging interactive toy designed to stimulate your dog’s natural foraging instincts. It consists of a base onto which strips of fabric are attached or woven through. These fabric strips create a textured surface that dogs can sniff and search through to find hidden treats or kibble, kind of like longer grass.
The beauty of a snuffle mat lies in its ability to provide mental enrichment and sensory stimulation for dogs of all ages and breeds. By encouraging dogs to use their noses to sniff out treats hidden within the fabric, snuffle mats tap into their innate instinct to hunt and scavenge for food. This not only provides a fun and rewarding activity for dogs but also helps to satisfy their natural desire to explore and engage with their environment.

In addition to providing mental stimulation, snuffle mats can also be used as a tool for slowing down fast eaters and promoting healthier eating habits. By scattering your dog’s meal or treats (I do not recommend using soft or wet foods with a snuffle mat) throughout the mat, you can encourage them to eat more slowly and mindfully, which can help prevent digestive issues and reduce the risk of bloat.
A snuffle mat is much more than just a toy – it’s a valuable tool for promoting physical and mental well-being in dogs. Whether used for enrichment, training, or simply as a fun activity, a snuffle mat is sure to keep your furry friend entertained and engaged for hours on end.
If you don’t have the time or desire to put towards making your own snuffle mat, there are good ones available on the market in various shapes and sizes.?Most pet stores have started carrying them, or of course, there is a large variety available online.?Snuffle mats like this one can be used flat or in a bowl shape to increase complexity.?Or this one provides a variety of colours, shapes and sizes for added interest.?Of course, there are more traditional varieties available like this one.?
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Methods and Variations
There are many different ways you can make a snuffle mat. You can also use your environment, using grass or ground cover to hide treats for your dog to sniff out.
As mentioned above, many people will use a dish mat or a similar rubber mat as a backing. The benefit to this is that it is easy to make since all you need to do is cut strips of fabric and tie them onto the mat. The downside is that it is hard to properly clean, and may become unsanitary for your dog.
The other method is to use a fabric backing. You can choose something a little firmer, but I chose to just use fleece as the backing since I know my dogs will be fairly gentle with it. From here, you can cut slits in the backing (that is what we have done here) or you can cut rows, sew them on and cut them into slits after sewing. The last option is to cut the individual ties and sew them on individually.
Materials Needed
Before we dive into the creative process, let’s gather all the materials you’ll need for this project:
- Fabric (fleece or similar material that does not fray). For a 12x12inch heart-shaped mat, about a yard of fabric is needed
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Fabric pen, or even just a thin marker to mark the fabric
- Treats or kibble for filling (try one of our recipes, like Pumpkin and Carrot Dog Treats for Happy and Healthy Dogs or How to Make Irresistible Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats at Home)

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Creating the Heart Shape:
- Lay the fabric or base on a flat surface and fold it in half. Cut a large half-heart shape (as large as you want your snuffle mat.?We did about 12×12 inches). Unfold.
- Preparing the Fabric:
- Select a soft, durable fabric that does not fray easily in colours that complement your dog’s personality. Fleece is ideal.
- Using scissors, cut the fabric into long strips approximately 1-2 inches wide and 7-9 inches long. (I used 121 1 inch by 9 inch strips)
- Creating the Snuffle Mat:
- Starting from the outside, cut a slit small than the width of your strips. Thread the strip through and tie a knot. Leaving approximately 3/4 to 1 inch between slits, repeat around the entire outside of the heart
- Start on the inside, working inward, creating two slits side by side (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart) to thread the strip through. Leave 3/4 to 1 inch between strips and be careful to not create slits too close to each other. Repeat until the entire heart is full.
- Final Touches:
- Take a moment to inspect the snuffle mat for durability and safety, ensuring all knots are secure and there are no loose pieces that could pose a choking hazard to your pup.
- Filling the Snuffle Mat:
- Once the heart shape is formed, it’s time to add the fun part – the treats! Sprinkle small treats or kibble between the fabric layers, distributing them evenly throughout the mat.
- Be generous with the treats to encourage your dog’s curiosity and engagement.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- Hand wash using a mild detergent and air dry, or use the gentle cycle in the washing machine and air dry.
- Regularly inspect for rips or tears and fix or remove damaged fabric.

Tips and Tricks
- Get creative with your snuffle mat by incorporating different textures and colours of fabric to enhance your dog’s sensory experience.
- To increase the challenge for your pup, hide small toys or puzzle pieces among the treats inside the snuffle mat.
- Regularly inspect and clean your snuffle mat to maintain its freshness and longevity.
- Do not leave the snuffle mat with your dog unattended. Ensure that any pieces that are ripped off or broken are discarded and watch carefully to ensure that no pieces of fabric are accidentally digested.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve successfully crafted your very own heart-shaped snuffle mat for dogs! Not only is this DIY project a fun and rewarding activity, but it also provides valuable mental stimulation for your furry friend. We hope you and your pup enjoy many happy hours of snuffling and searching together with your new creation.
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