If you’ve ever wondered whether a snuffle mat or a frozen Kong is better for your dog, you’re not alone. Many dog parents start with a stuffed Kong, then discover snuffle mats later and aren’t sure which one is actually best for anxiety, fast eating, or everyday enrichment.[1][3]
Both tools are great, but they work your dog’s brain and body in slightly different ways. In this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of snuffle mats versus frozen Kongs so you can choose the best fit for your dog’s needs (and maybe decide when to use each one).
Key Takeaways
- A snuffle mat is designed for sniffing and foraging, which taps into your dog’s natural hunting instincts and provides deep mental stimulation.[1][4]
- A frozen Kong focuses more on chewing and licking, which can help dogs self-soothe and relax.[2][5]
- Snuffle mats are usually better for slow feeding, mental work, and indoor “sniff and search” games.
- Frozen Kongs are great for chewers, dogs who love licking, and hot days when a cooling activity helps them relax.
- Many dog parents use both: snuffle mats for sniffing and problem-solving, and Kongs for chewing, licking, and longer quiet time.[3][6]
What Is a Snuffle Mat?
A snuffle mat is a soft mat with lots of fabric strips, pockets, or folds where you can hide kibble or treats. Your dog has to sniff, nudge, and search through the fabric to find every piece of food. Our pasta dog toy is the perfect snuffle mat for this.
This kind of activity is perfect for dogs who:
- Love to use their nose
- Tend to get bored easily
- Need calmer, low-impact enrichment
- Eat too fast from a regular bowl
Because snuffle mats slow your dog down and make them work with their nose, they are one of the most effective slow-feeding enrichment options for everyday meals or special treat sessions.[1][4].
What Is a Frozen Kong?
A frozen Kong is a classic rubber toy that you stuff with food (like wet food, kibble, or purees) and then freeze. Your dog has to lick, chew, and work at the opening to get the food out.
Frozen Kongs are especially popular because they:
- Encourage licking and chewing, which can be calming[2][5]
- Keep many dogs busy for 10–30 minutes depending on how they’re stuffed
- Can be prepared in batches and stored in the freezer
- Are great on hot days or after a busy outing
They’re an excellent option for dogs who love to mouth and chew and for pet parents who want a ready-to-go, grab-from-the-freezer enrichment tool. Don't miss our guide about The Science of Food Enrichment for Dogs.
Snuffle Mat vs Frozen Kong: Science Snapshot
| Feature | Snuffle Mat | Frozen Kong | What Research Suggests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary behaviour | Sniffing & foraging | Licking & chewing | Sniffing and nosework can shift dogs toward a more “optimistic” emotional state.[4] |
| Calming effect | Engages nose & brain, often reducing arousal | Chewing/licking can promote positive emotional states | Long-lasting chews are linked with positive affect and engagement in dogs.[5] |
| Best for | Fast eaters, sniffy dogs, low-impact enrichment | Chewers, crate time, hot days | Environmental enrichment reduces boredom and behaviour issues.[3][6] |
| Session length | Typically 5–15 minutes of search time | Often 10–30 minutes depending on stuffing | Short, frequent enrichment sessions are recommended by behaviour vets.[1][3] |
Benefits of a Snuffle Mat
Snuffle mats shine when it comes to mental work and natural foraging behaviour. Some key benefits include:
- Deep sniffing work: Sniffing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping dogs feel calmer and more relaxed.[4]
- Slow feeding: Dogs who inhale their food from a bowl have to slow down and search for each piece, which can support digestion.
- Low-impact activity: Ideal for senior dogs, puppies, and dogs recovering from injury who can’t do high-impact exercise.
- Confidence building: Timid or anxious dogs often gain confidence as they “successfully hunt” for their food.[1]
Snuffle mats are also perfect for small spaces, apartment living, bad-weather days, and times when you want your dog to work their brain without over-exciting their body.
Benefits of a Frozen Kong
Frozen Kongs are favourites for many dogs because they satisfy the need to lick, chew, and work on something with their mouth. Their biggest benefits include:
- Chewing and licking for self-soothing: These behaviours can help your dog relax and may support stress relief.[2][5]
- Cooling activity: Frozen food is especially appealing on hot days or after a busy walk.
- Great for crate time or alone time: Many dogs enjoy a frozen Kong when you need them to rest or settle.
- Customizable difficulty: You can adjust how hard it is by how tightly you pack the food and which ingredients you use.
Kongs are also very durable and well-suited to many strong chewers.
Snuffle Mat vs Frozen Kong: Which Is Better for Your Dog?
The best choice depends on what you want to achieve and how your dog naturally likes to interact with food.
For Fast Eaters
If your dog finishes their bowl in seconds, a snuffle mat is usually the better option. It forces them to search, sniff, and move around the mat to find each bit of kibble, naturally slowing down their eating and turning mealtime into a brain game.
Dogs who gulp often benefit from a combination of slow bowls and snuffle mats. If you’re exploring different slow-feeding enrichment options, a high-quality snuffle mat is a great place to start.
For Anxiety and Stress Relief
Both tools can help, but in slightly different ways:
- Snuffle mats are great for anxious dogs who need to use their nose and brain to feel more grounded and calm.[1][4]
- Frozen Kongs work well for dogs who find licking and chewing especially soothing.[2][5]
Some dogs do best when you alternate between the two, giving them sniffing sessions some days and licking/chewing sessions on others.
For Boredom and Indoor Days
On rainy, cold, or busy days, both snuffle mats and Kongs can prevent boredom from turning into barking, chewing, or other unwanted behaviours.
- Use a snuffle mat when you want a short but intense sniff-and-search session.
- Use a frozen Kong when you need your dog to be occupied and settled for a little longer.
For Dogs Who Love DIY Challenges
If you enjoy getting creative, snuffle mats pair beautifully with other quick DIY enrichment ideas, such as towel rolls, cup games, and simple foraging setups using things you already have at home.[3]
What Experts Say About Sniffing vs Chewing
“When we let dogs use their noses, we’re not spoiling them—we’re meeting a core behavioural need. Nosework and sniffing games are some of the most powerful tools we have for emotional regulation.”
— Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, Canine Cognition Researcher[4]
“Long-lasting chews and licking activities can promote positive emotional states in dogs and help them cope better with daily stressors.”
— Flint et al., Long-Lasting Chews Study, 2023[5]
“Thoughtful enrichment plans that include foraging, chewing, and choice are now considered part of good welfare for companion dogs.”
— Veterinary behaviour and welfare guidelines[1][3][6]
Can You Use Both a Snuffle Mat and a Frozen Kong?
Absolutely. Many dog parents find that using both keeps life more interesting for their dogs.
Here are a few ways to combine them:
- Serve breakfast in a snuffle mat and a frozen Kong as an afternoon quiet-time activity.
- Rotate: snuffle mat one day, frozen Kong the next.
- Use the snuffle mat for kibble and the Kong reserved for extra-special treats.
The goal is not to choose one forever, but to build a simple rotation that keeps your dog mentally and emotionally satisfied.
If you want help creating a balanced daily plan, check out our full-body enrichment routine for your dog so you can rotate sniffing, chewing, problem-solving, and sensory activities in a structured way.
How to Choose What’s Best for Your Dog
If you’re still unsure, ask yourself:
- Does my dog love using their nose and searching? → Start with a snuffle mat.
- Does my dog crave chewing and licking? → Start with a frozen Kong.
- Does my dog eat way too fast? → Lean toward a snuffle mat for meals.
- Do I need my dog occupied for 20–30 minutes? → A well-stuffed frozen Kong may work best.
Whatever you choose, you’re already doing something fantastic: turning food into a meaningful activity instead of a 30-second gulp.
Snuffle Mat vs Frozen Kong – FAQ
Can I give my dog a snuffle mat and a frozen Kong on the same day?
Yes, as long as you keep an eye on your dog’s total calories and adjust meal portions accordingly. Many dogs enjoy a snuffle mat for one meal and a frozen Kong as a separate enrichment activity.[1][3]
Are snuffle mats or Kongs better for puppies?
Both can be puppy-friendly when used correctly. Choose a soft, safe snuffle mat and a puppy-appropriate Kong size, supervise closely, and start with short, easy sessions so your puppy doesn’t get frustrated or overwhelmed.
Which is easier to clean: a snuffle mat or a Kong?
Most Kongs are dishwasher safe and very easy to clean. Many snuffle mats can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle and air-dried, but always check the care label and shake out loose crumbs between washes.
Will a snuffle mat or a frozen Kong stop my dog from barking?
They might not fix barking on their own, but they can significantly reduce boredom and frustration that often cause barking. Using food enrichment regularly can make it easier for your dog to relax and stay quietly engaged.[3][6]
Is one option safer than the other?
Both are generally safe when used as directed and under supervision. Always choose the right toy size for your dog, check for wear and tear, and remove any damaged items. If you have a dog who tends to shred fabric or rubber, supervise closely and talk to your vet or trainer about the safest options.
References
- American College of Veterinary Behaviorists – Environmental enrichment recommendations for dogs (summarised in standard veterinary behaviour texts).
- Fear Free Pets. “Using enrichment to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.” Available at: fearfreepets.com
- Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Elsevier.
- Duranton C., Horowitz A. “Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2019. Available at: ScienceDirect
- Flint H.E. et al. “Long-Lasting Chews Elicit Positive Emotional States in Dogs.” 2023. Available at: PMC
- Garvey M. “Implementing Environmental Enrichment for Dogs.” Purdue Extension VA-13-W. Available at: extension.purdue.edu