How to Use a Snuffle Mat for Slow Dog Feeding
By The Pets Larder | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a snuffle mat to slow down fast eaters, promote digestion, and add enrichment to your dog's mealtime routine with easy step-by-step instructions.
Quick answer
Use a silicone snack pad like the Great&Small Slow Down Bee Hive Snack Pad to scatter your dog's kibble or wet food into the grooves so they have to work for each bite, naturally slowing their eating pace and adding mental stimulation.
Why slow feeding matters for your dog's health
Dogs that inhale their food can suffer from bloating, regurgitation, and poor digestion. A slow feeder mat forces them to use their nose and tongue to find each piece, which extends mealtime from seconds to several minutes. This not only aids digestion but also tires them out mentally—especially useful for high-energy breeds or dogs that seem constantly hungry.
Silicone snack pads are a step up from fabric snuffle mats because they're non-porous, easy to clean, and can handle wet foods or raw diets without trapping bacteria. The Great&Small range offers several designs, each with different groove patterns and suction cups to suit your dog's skill level.
How to introduce a snuffle mat to your dog
- Start with easy treats: Place a few high-value treats like small pieces of chicken or cheese on top of the mat in plain sight. Let your dog sniff and eat them freely. This builds positive association without frustration. If your dog seems unsure, scatter treats on a flat surface near the mat first, then gradually move them onto the mat.
- Gradually hide the food: Once your dog is comfortable eating from the mat, start tucking kibble or treats into the grooves and crevices. Encourage them to use their nose to find the hidden pieces. Keep the first few sessions short—2 to 3 minutes. Common mistake: hiding food too deeply too soon. Your dog may give up if the challenge is too high. Start shallow and increase difficulty over several days.
- Use the mat for full meals: Replace your dog's bowl entirely with the snack pad for one meal per day. Spread their regular kibble or wet food across the mat, pressing it into the grooves. For wet food, use a spatula to smear it thinly so it takes longer to lick off. Check that the mat is stable—if using a model without suction cups, place it on a non-slip surface or hold it steady until your dog learns to eat gently.
- Clean the mat after every use: Rinse the silicone pad under warm water and wash with mild soap. Most Great&Small snack pads are dishwasher safe on the top shelf. For stuck-on wet food, soak for a few minutes before scrubbing. Silicone can hold onto odors if not dried thoroughly. Air dry completely before storing to prevent mold or smells.
Product facts
- Great&Small Slow Down Bee Hive Silicone Snack Pad: Segmented silicone design suitable for dry treats, kibble, wet foods, raw foods or pastes. You can use it for any meal type, not just dry kibble, making it versatile for dogs on mixed or raw diets.
Great&Small Slow Down Bee Hive Silicone Snack Pad - Great&Small Slow Down Pennines Silicone Snack Pad: Features suction cups to keep it secured during the most excitable mealtimes. Suction cups prevent the mat from sliding around on slippery floors, so your dog stays focused on the food rather than chasing the mat.
Great&Small Slow Down Pennines Silicone Snack Pad
