Snuffle mats and lick mats are two of the most popular dog enrichment toys, and they're often mentioned in the same breath. They're both mats, they both use food, and they both keep dogs busy. But they work in very different ways, and most dogs have a clear preference. If you're deciding between a snuffle mat and a lick mat, here's a side-by-side look at what each one does, when to use it, and which might suit your dog best.
The quick answer
- A snuffle mat is for sniffing and searching. You hide dry food in fabric and your dog uses their nose to find it.
- A lick mat is for slow licking. You spread soft food over a textured surface and your dog licks it clean.
One is an active search game. The other is a steady, sit-still activity. Many owners end up using both at different times of day.
What is a snuffle mat?
A snuffle mat is a mat made of fleece strips or folds. You scatter kibble or small dry treats into it, and your dog noses through the fabric to find every piece. Our fleece snuffle mat is about 28 in (72 cm) across, with plenty of places to hide food.
What it's like for your dog: busy and searching. Expect lots of sniffing, nudging and tail wagging as they hunt around.
Works with: dry kibble and small, dry treats. Wet or sticky food doesn't belong in fabric.
What is a lick mat?
A lick mat is a flat mat with grooves, ridges or patterns on top. You spread something soft over it, like plain yogurt, wet food or a little dog-safe peanut butter, and your dog works it out of the texture with their tongue. Our dual-texture lick mat is 15 x 15 cm (about 6 x 6 in), with oval grooves on one half and a honeycomb pattern on the other, plus suction cups to help hold it in place.
What it's like for your dog: steady and focused. Most dogs settle in one spot and lick away.
Works with: soft, spreadable foods. A thin layer spread right into the grooves lasts longer than a thick dollop on top.
Snuffle mat vs lick mat: side by side
| Snuffle mat | Lick mat | |
|---|---|---|
| Main activity | Sniffing and searching | Licking |
| Food type | Dry kibble, small dry treats | Soft spreads, wet food |
| Energy level | Active, moving around the mat | Low-key, staying in one spot |
| Setup | Scatter and hide food | Spread a thin layer |
| Cleaning | Shake out crumbs, wash when needed | Rinse with warm soapy water after each use |
| Great moments to use it | After a walk, rainy days, mealtimes | Bath time, nail trims, quiet evenings |
When a snuffle mat is the better pick
- Your dog is a big sniffer on walks.
- You want to turn part of a dry meal into a game.
- You need an indoor activity on a day when walks are short.
- You'd like something with almost no clean-up after each use.
When a lick mat is the better pick
- You want your dog to stay in one place for a few minutes, like during a bath or nail trim.
- Your dog eats wet food or enjoys soft treats.
- You want an easy activity for winding down in the evening.
- You have a small dog or a cat, since our lick mat is sized for cats and small dogs.
Can you use both?
Yes, and they pair nicely because they cover different moments. A common routine looks like this:
- After a walk or mid-day: a few minutes on the snuffle mat with kibble from your dog's daily portion.
- In the evening: a thin spread on the lick mat while you put your feet up.
If you want both, the Lick Mat and Snuffle Mat Set bundles them together for less than buying each one on its own. Add a slow feeder dog bowl for mealtimes and you've got the 3-piece Dog Enrichment Toy Set.
Tips for getting started
For the snuffle mat: start easy. Put food on top of the fleece so your dog finds it right away, then hide it deeper over the next few sessions. Our step-by-step guide on how to use a snuffle mat covers the first session in detail.
For the lick mat: spread a thin layer at first so your dog gets a quick reward, then cover more of the surface as they get the hang of it. For spread ideas and cleaning tips, read our lick mat ideas.
For both: use food from your dog's normal diet where you can, and stick to foods you already know agree with them.
Safety tips
- Supervise your dog with both mats, and pick them up when the game ends.
- Snuffle mats are for sniffing, not chewing. If your dog starts tearing at the fleece, end the session.
- Replace either mat if it's torn, cracked or worn.
- Clean lick mats after every use, and wash snuffle mats regularly so they stay fresh.
The bottom line
If your dog loves to search, start with a snuffle mat. If you want a quiet, sit-still activity, start with a lick mat. If you can't decide, try both and let your dog choose. You'll find both, plus slow feeders and puzzles, in Dog Enrichment. Every order ships free in the US, delivered in 7-14 business days.