Best Snuffle Mats for Dogs in NZ: How Nose Work Toys Boost Calm and Enrichment

Posted by Petdirect on 10th Apr 2026

Dogs experience the world through their noses. With up to 300 million scent receptors compared to our 6 million, sniffing is not just something dogs do on walks. It is how they process information, explore their environment, and decompress. That is why nose work toys like snuffle mats, lick mats, and puzzle feeders are some of the most effective enrichment tools you can give your dog.

This guide covers the best snuffle mats and nose work toys available in New Zealand, how they work, why they are so good for your dog's wellbeing, and how to choose the right one.

Why Nose Work Toys Are So Good for Dogs

Nose work and food-based enrichment toys tap into your dog's strongest natural instinct. Here is why they make such a difference.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

Sniffing and licking are naturally calming activities for dogs. They trigger the release of feel-good hormones and lower cortisol levels. A 10-minute session with a snuffle mat or lick mat can be as tiring as a 30-minute walk, making these toys ideal for anxious dogs, dogs recovering from surgery, or rainy days indoors. Learn more about how enrichment helps ease dog anxiety.

Slows Down Fast Eaters

Dogs that inhale their food in seconds miss out on the satisfaction of eating and can develop digestive issues like bloating and vomiting. Snuffle mats, lick mats, and slow feeders turn mealtime into a 10 to 20 minute activity, which is better for digestion and more mentally fulfilling.

Provides Mental Stimulation

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for dogs. Nose work toys challenge your dog to problem-solve, use their senses, and work for their food, which keeps their brain sharp and prevents boredom-related behaviours like destructive chewing or excessive barking.

Best Snuffle Mats

Snuffle mats are fabric mats with deep folds, pockets, and strips that you hide kibble or treats in. Your dog uses their nose to sniff out and forage for the food, mimicking natural scavenging behaviour.

The PawzNDog Snuffle Mat is the top seller in this category, with a generous size and deep fabric folds that provide a good challenge. The M-PETS Stratege is a round snuffle mat with a slower feeder design, combining snuffling with slow feeding in one product.

How to Use a Snuffle Mat

Scatter kibble or small treats throughout the folds and pockets
Start easy by placing treats on the surface so your dog learns how it works
Gradually hide treats deeper in the folds as your dog gets more confident
Use it for part or all of your dog's regular meal to turn feeding time into enrichment
Always supervise to make sure your dog is sniffing, not chewing the fabric
Machine wash regularly to keep it clean and hygienic

Best Lick Mats

Lick mats are flat or textured mats that you spread soft food onto. The repetitive licking action is naturally soothing for dogs and provides a different type of enrichment to snuffle mats. They are especially good for anxious dogs, during bath time, or as a calming activity before bed.

LickiMat is the leading lick mat brand, and Petdirect stocks the full range. The Classic Buddy is the original flat lick mat, while the Tuff Buddy is a more durable version for stronger chewers. The Wobble has a suction base that sticks to the floor, and the Slomo features a slow-feeder pattern. The UFO is a suction-mounted mat perfect for sticking to walls or bath surfaces, and the Slodog is designed specifically as a slow-feeder bowl alternative.

What to Spread on a Lick Mat

Peanut butter (always xylitol-free)
Plain yoghurt or cottage cheese
Mashed banana, pumpkin, or sweet potato
Wet dog food spread thin
A mix of any of the above, frozen for a longer-lasting challenge

For more ideas, check out our guide to lick mat recipes for dogs.

Best Puzzle Feeders and Treat-Dispensing Toys

Puzzle feeders take enrichment a step further by requiring your dog to solve a problem to access the food. They are great for dogs who have mastered snuffle mats and lick mats and need a bigger challenge.

Nina Ottosson puzzles are the gold standard for dog puzzle toys. The Challenge Slider, Wobble Bowl, and Puzzle Twister each offer different difficulty levels and mechanics. The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl is a versatile treat-dispensing toy that works brilliantly with frozen fillings. Pup & Purr offers the Treat Spinner and Snack Stacker, both affordable options that keep dogs working for their rewards.

How to Choose the Right Nose Work Toy

For Beginners

Start with a snuffle mat or a flat lick mat like the LickiMat Classic Buddy. These are the easiest for dogs to figure out and provide instant reward, which builds confidence and interest in enrichment toys.

For Anxious Dogs

Lick mats are the best choice for anxious dogs because the repetitive licking action is naturally calming. The LickiMat UFO is great for sticking to surfaces during stressful situations like bath time or thunderstorms. Read more about building a calming routine for dogs.

For Fast Eaters

A snuffle mat or the LickiMat Slodog turns a 30-second meal into a 15-minute activity. For kibble-fed dogs, a snuffle mat is the simplest slow-feeding solution. For wet food, a lick mat or the LickiMat Slomo works well.

For Smart or High-Energy Dogs

Dogs who breeze through basic enrichment need puzzle feeders like the Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider or the West Paw Toppl with frozen fillings. Rotate between different toys to keep things interesting. See our dog enrichment routine guide for more ideas.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Nose Work Toys

Start easy and increase difficulty gradually. If your dog gives up, the challenge is too hard.
Rotate toys every few days to prevent boredom. Dogs lose interest in the same toy used daily.
Use part of your dog's regular meal in enrichment toys rather than adding extra treats on top.
Freeze lick mat and Toppl fillings for a longer-lasting challenge, especially on hot days.
Always supervise your dog with fabric snuffle mats to prevent chewing and ingestion.
Clean all enrichment toys after each use. Lick mats and Toppls are dishwasher safe. Snuffle mats can go in the washing machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are snuffle mats safe for dogs?

Yes, when used under supervision. The main risk is a dog chewing and swallowing the fabric rather than sniffing for treats. Always watch your dog during use and put the mat away when they are done. If your dog is a fabric chewer, a rubber lick mat or puzzle feeder may be a safer option.

Can puppies use snuffle mats?

Yes. Snuffle mats and lick mats are great for puppies. They provide mental stimulation, help with teething (frozen lick mats), and teach puppies to work calmly for food. Start with easy setups and always supervise.

How often should I use enrichment toys?

Daily is ideal. Many dog owners use a snuffle mat or lick mat for at least one meal a day, and rotate puzzle toys throughout the week. Consistency is key for building a calm, enriched routine.

Can I use a snuffle mat instead of a food bowl?

Yes. Feeding your dog's regular kibble in a snuffle mat instead of a bowl is one of the simplest enrichment swaps you can make. It slows eating, provides mental stimulation, and makes mealtime more satisfying.

What is the difference between a snuffle mat and a lick mat?

A snuffle mat is a fabric mat with folds and pockets for hiding dry treats or kibble. Your dog sniffs and forages to find the food. A lick mat is a flat or textured surface that you spread soft food onto. Your dog licks the food off, which is a calming, repetitive activity. Both are excellent enrichment tools, but they work differently.

Do nose work toys actually calm dogs down?

Yes. Sniffing and licking are both self-soothing behaviours for dogs. They activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower heart rate and reduce stress. Many dog owners notice a visible difference in their dog's energy and anxiety levels after regular use of nose work toys. For a broader look at enrichment, see our interactive dog toys guide.