What to Put in a Snuffle Mat: Turn Dinner Into a Game
Dry kibble and small dry treat pieces are easy starting points for a snuffle mat. Owners have also told us they use wet food. Food choice changes the cleanup: dry pieces can be shaken out, while wet food means washing after every use and drying the whole Mat before the next game.
You do not need a special recipe or a bag of extra treats to start. Set aside part of the food your dog would already eat, choose a few accessible hiding spots, and stay with them while they search.
Food choices at a glance
Kibble or treats: which should you choose?
| Food | When it makes sense | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Your dog’s usual dry kibble | An easy first game or part of a measured meal | Use food they already eat and can pick up comfortably. Set it aside from their usual portion. |
| Small dry treat pieces | A few rewarding finds during a supervised game | Check ingredients, suitability for your dog, and whether the pieces leave lots of crumbs. |
| Wet food | A supervised food search with a washable mat whose care directions allow that use | Expect food residue in the folds. Remove leftovers, wash after every session and dry the whole mat completely. |
What about wet food?
Some dogs prefer wet food, and some owners already use it in their snuffle mats. The American Kennel Club’s guide advises avoiding wet food unless you plan to wash the mat after each use.
Check the mat’s use and care directions first. Start with a small measured portion in accessible spots, stay with your dog, then remove every leftover bit and wash promptly. Open the folds to check for residue. Let the fabric, rim and backing dry completely before storing or refilling the mat. A quick shake is not enough for wet food.
The premium PuzzlePup Snuffle Mat can be used with kibble, small treats, or a little wet food. Dry pieces are easier to clear away. Wet food means removing all leftovers, machine washing cold on a gentle cycle after every use, and air drying flat until the folds and backing are fully dry.
Check a treat before hiding it
Try breaking one treat over a plate first. Choose pieces your dog can comfortably chew and collect; avoid turning the reward into powder that disappears into the fabric. A whole cookie may need breaking before it goes into the Mat.
Our Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats are baked puzzle-piece cookies that can be broken into smaller rewards. Their listed ingredients are pumpkin, gluten-free oat flour, organic peanut butter and molasses. They contain peanuts. These homemade treats are not subject to state inspection. Check the product page and your dog’s dietary needs before choosing them.
Prepare the portion before filling the Mat
- Measure the food you plan to use before adding it to the loops.
- For kibble, set aside part of your dog’s usual daily food rather than automatically adding another meal.
- For treats, account for the day’s other rewards too.
- Keep unused food separate so you can see what went into the game.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s treat guide recommends keeping treats below 10% of daily calories. Ask your veterinary team for your dog’s allowance, especially with a prescribed diet or dietary sensitivities. There is no single cookie count that fits every dog.
Make the first finds easy
Put the Mat flat in a clear space. Leave a few pieces visible near the tops of the loops before trying deeper hiding places. Watch how your dog responds: searching for food is the goal. If they pull, chew or try to swallow the fabric, end the game and put the Mat away.
Keep dogs in separate feeding spaces and supervise the full session. For a step-by-step introduction, use our first-game guide.
Check what is left afterward
Pick up the Mat when the search is finished. Open the loops, remove leftover food and inspect the folds, rim and underside. Shake out dry pieces; wash after every wet-food session, or when dry-food use leaves the Mat soiled. Let the whole Mat dry before refilling or storing it. The PuzzlePup Mat’s care directions are a gentle cold machine wash followed by flat air drying. See the complete washing and drying guide.
Choose the Mat option that fits your dog
The PuzzlePup Snuffle Mat measures approximately 23.6 × 19.7 inches laid flat, with navy and aqua loops and a raised gray border. The Mat-only option includes one Mat with no food or treats. A separate Mat + FREE treat-bag option is also listed; check its current inclusions and availability on the item page.
See the Mat’s size and current options
Want a baked reward to break into pieces? See the cookie ingredients and bag options.
Common questions
Can I use only kibble?
Yes. Your dog’s usual dry kibble is a practical starting point. Use part of the portion you already planned to feed.
Can I use wet food?
Wet food is an option for a washable mat whose use and care directions permit it, with washing after every session and complete drying afterward. Dry kibble is simpler to clear out. Check the specific mat’s directions rather than assuming every fabric feeding toy is the same.
Should I fill every hiding spot?
You do not need to. Start with a few easy finds and keep track of the food. Add difficulty only if your dog enjoys searching without grabbing the fabric.
Further reading: the American Kennel Club’s snuffle-mat guide covers small dry foods, supervision and removing the Mat after play. Product details were checked against the current PuzzlePup listings on October 6, 2026.
Keep exploring: how to choose dog treats · Mat size and space guide · all free dog guides.