Are snuffle toys good for dogs?
Short answer: yes. For most dogs, a snuffle toy is one of the easiest ways to add mental exercise to the day. It lets your dog do something that comes naturally: use their nose to find food.
What is a snuffle toy?
A snuffle toy has pockets, folds or flaps where you hide treats or kibble. Your dog uses their nose to find them, and their paws and mouth to get them out. Snuffle mats are the best-known type, but there are also snuffle balls and soft snuffle toys with hidden pockets.
Why sniffing is good for your dog
- It's natural. Dogs explore the world through their nose. Searching for food is what they'd do by instinct, and everyday life doesn't give them many chances to.
- It's mental exercise. Finding treats takes focus and problem-solving. That tires a dog out in a different way than a walk or a game of fetch.
- It can help them settle. Many owners notice their dog is calmer after a sniffing session. Research points the same way: in a 2019 study by Duranton and Horowitz, dogs that did nose work became more optimistic in a behaviour test than dogs that did heelwork.
- It slows down fast eaters. Use part of their daily food and mealtime turns into a search.
Are snuffle toys good for every dog?
Most dogs enjoy them, from puppies to seniors. Keep a few things in mind:
- Puppies: keep sessions short and easy, so they get quick wins.
- Keen chewers: a snuffle toy is for searching, not chewing. Put it away after play.
- Supervision: no toy is completely risk-free, so stay close while your dog plays.
If your dog has health or behaviour problems, check with your vet or a behaviourist first.
How to get started
- Start easy. Hide treats where your dog can smell them straight away.
- Use small, dry treats your dog already loves.
- Keep it short. Five to ten minutes is plenty to begin with.
- Make it harder as they learn. Hide treats deeper, or close flaps and lids.
- Put the toy away afterwards, so it stays special.
A toy with difficulty levels makes step 4 simple. Our Strawberry Jam enrichment toy has three levels in one: strawberries out with the lid open, strawberries in, and the lid closed.
FAQ
How often can my dog use a snuffle toy?
Most dogs can use one every day. A few short sessions work better than one long one.
Can I use my dog's regular food?
Yes, dry kibble works well. Take it from their daily amount so they don't eat more than usual.
My dog loses interest quickly. What now?
Make it easier first so they get quick wins, then build up slowly. Swapping between toys helps too.
