The Benefits of Lick Mats, Puzzles, and Snuffle Mats

Quick Take

• Repetitive licking does something to a dog's brain that most owners never expect. See how licking affects dogs →
• Choosing the wrong puzzle difficulty doesn't just bore your dog. It can actively make things worse. Find the right difficulty →
• There's a free enrichment technique that uses nothing but your dog's regular kibble and delivers real results. Try scatter feeding free →

If you’re a dog owner, you know how much your pup loves a good walk. It’s great to get outdoors and exercise with your pet, but it’s not always possible to spend 20 minutes away from work and other responsibilities. Even if you do have time, the weather may not always cooperate. When your dog is full of energy, anxiety, or nervous tension, being stuck inside can be a challenge. However, items like lick mats, snuffle mats, and pet puzzles can help. 

These mats and toys can be great ways to keep your dogs occupied when they’re stuck indoors. Though items like this won’t replace a walk, they can allow dogs to sniff, lick, search, solve problems, and even work for their food. Let’s take a look at these engaging items.

What are Lick Mats?

A lick mat is a flat, textured mat usually made from silicone, with grooves and ridges designed to hold soft food. You can spread a thin layer of dog food, pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, or another soft, dog-friendly treat on the mat. 

Instead of eating the food quickly, the dog has to lick the surface repeatedly. According to the American Kennel Club, repetitive licking can be associated with the release of endorphins that can reduce stress during grooming, thunderstorms, or crate time, while also slowing down fast eaters and promoting dental health. 

With that said, for dogs with serious anxiety or behavioral problems, a lick mat should be considered a supplemental anxiety tool rather than a cure.

What are Snuffle Mats?

A snuffle mat is a bit different from a lick mat in that it encourages dogs to sniff rather than lick. A typical snuffle mat is covered with strips of fleece or fabric. Owners hide kibble or small treats among the strips, and the dog has to sniff through the material to find them. The American Kennel Club describes snuffle mats as a way to give dogs a “nose workout” that provides mental enrichment. They can also be great for fast eaters because finding individual pieces of food takes longer than simply eating from a bowl.

What are Dog Puzzle Toys?

Some puzzles are designed specifically for canines. These vary in difficulty, but they’re all designed to either entertain your dog or help with anxiety. Some are simple ball toys that release kibble when a dog rolls or pushes them. Others have compartments, sliding pieces, flaps or other mechanisms that require the dog to figure out how to reach the reward. Experts say that food puzzle toys can provide enrichment, make mealtime more interesting, and slow down dogs that eat too quickly. There’s also research suggesting that feeding through toys can decrease activity levels, which is good for days when you’re too busy for a traditional walk outside. 

Keep in mind that not all puzzles are one-size-fits-all. The important thing is to choose an appropriate difficulty level. A puzzle that is too difficult can frustrate a dog rather than entertain them. VCA Animal Hospitals recommend starting with easier foraging toys and increasing the difficulty as the dog becomes more proficient.

Can These Toys Replace a Walk?

These toys can come in handy when the weather is bad, or you otherwise can’t take your pet for a walk. However, these activities should never replace walks full-time. A dog still needs appropriate physical activity to maintain fitness, muscle strength, and overall health. A puzzle toy isn’t going to provide the same cardiovascular workout as running around outside.

Still, the toys have their merits. The American Animal Hospital Association says enrichment can help dogs burn excess energy, reduce boredom and stress, and prevent problem behaviors. It specifically notes that mental challenges can be as tiring as physical exercise in some situations.

These activities can lead to the release of endorphins that help your dog feel better. However, the levels of endorphins released during activity with lick and muzzle mats are not as high as those released during a walk. That said, research on canine environmental enrichment has identified that snuffle mats, lick mats, and puzzle feeders are useful as supplements. Scent-based activities can also provide a mentally tiring outlet for dogs and may help anxious or highly excited dogs channel their energy into a calmer activity.

What Do They Cost?

Needless to say, puzzles and mats can be incredibly beneficial. They’re also affordable and readily available. Pet stores, online pet retailers, and major retailers sell lick mats, snuffle mats, and puzzle toys in a variety of sizes and difficulty levels. Prices vary, but basic lick mats and snuffle mats commonly cost around $10 to $25, while many puzzle toys fall somewhere around $15 to $35. More elaborate or larger products can cost $40 or more.

You can find a large selection of helpful items at Chewy, Petco, PetSmart, Walmart, or Target. 

What Other Options Are Out There?

If your dog loves its lick mat and you’re looking for other ways to supplement play and walk time, you have options. If your budget only allows for the cost of food, you could try a free activity like scatter feeding. Instead of putting your dog’s entire meal in a bowl, scatter some of their kibble around a safe area and let them search for it. You can also hide treats around a room and encourage your dog to find them, play hide-and-seek, or spend a few minutes teaching a new trick.

You can also search online at dependable pet care websites, like the ASPCA, which has a whole page dedicated to DIY enrichment activities, such as muffin tin puzzles and indoor agility courses.

No matter what you do, remember that safety is key. Supervise dogs when they use a new enrichment toy, especially if they are aggressive chewers. VCA recommends making sure toys are appropriately sized and taking them away if pieces begin breaking off. Also, when it comes to puzzles, start easy. Your dog should be able to figure out how to get the reward without becoming frustrated. 

Finally, remember that treats and food used in enrichment count toward your dog’s overall diet. So, be mindful. Using some of their regular kibble can be an easy way to avoid adding unnecessary calories.

Consider Lick Mats, Puzzles, and Snuffle Mats for a Happy Pup

The bottom line is that these fun, intriguing options can be great for a dog that needs a little extra activity. Lick mats, snuffle mats, and puzzle toys can help by encouraging natural behaviors such as licking, sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving. They may help reduce boredom, slow down eating, and provide a positive outlet for dogs that are restless or stuck indoors. Mental stimulation is as important as physical activity, so consider adding one of these fun options to your routine.