DIY Snuffle Mat for Dogs

heather handmade sewing

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Learn to make a DIY snuffle mat for dogs that is an interactive feeding toy. This homemade sewing project is washable and keeps dogs busy!

We have a sweet young dog that we love so much, but when the kids are at school he often gets bored with nobody to play with. I love to play with him, but I still have things to get done.

I started researching interactive games and toys for dogs, and I loved the idea of snuffle mats but knew I could make one easily with fabric in my stash.

The great thing about a DIY snuffle mat is that they are interactive and washable, and they work a dog’s mind and nose. Since I finished this for our puppy, he loves eating breakfast this way!

diy snuffle mat for dogs

When using the DIY snuffle mat just attach the ribbon around two table or chair legs. Then add food or treats in all the little hiding spots.

We started the using the snuffle mat with a mix of kibble and treats so that our dog, and now we just use kibble because he loves it. I love that I can wash it whenever it gets dirty!

diy snuffle mat for dogs

Do you love to sew? Try one of these sewing projects:

diy snuffle mat for dogs

DIY Snuffle Mat for Dogs

supplies and materials

  • 2 yards of polar fleece
  • 1 yard of felt
  • Scraps of polar fleece or sweatshirt fleece
  • Pieces of ribbon and Velcro
  • Sewing tools
  • Sewing machine
diy snuffle mat materials

Cut the felt to 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall.

cut felt to 24x36

Cut a piece of fleece to the same size, 24 inches by 36 inches.

cut fleece to 24x36

Cut another piece of fleece to the same size, 24 inches by 36 inches.

Layer the fleece, then the felt, then the fleece in a little sandwich.

cut fleece to 24x36

Cut three strips of fleece.

cut three strips

Pin the strips to the fleece sandwich. Pin in four places and twist the piece in between the pins. Sew on each side and at each pin.

pin and twist

Cut four strips of fleece. Pin them to the fleece sandwich in two “X” shapes. Pull the center up a little before pinning so there is a gap under the fabric. Sew on each of the strips to secure.

pin in "x" shape

Cut four large rectangles. Layer them to create something like shingles. Pin one long side of each rectangle and then sew along that edge. Flip the other layers out of the way while you’re sewing so they don’t get caught in the seam.

pin four layered rectangles

Cut out three large circles and layer them larger to smaller on the fleece sandwich. Pin down the center of the circles through all the layers. Sew down the center of the circles.

pin three circles layered

Cut a rectangle and then pin it to the fleece sandwich with two tunnels. Sew a straight line on each short side and down the center.

pin two tunnels

Cut two long strips of fabric. Cut slices through one long side of each piece. Sew the uncut side in a spiral onto the fleece sandwich. Once one piece is sewn on start sewing on the other piece.

sew around edge

Cut two pieces of ribbon. Cut some velcro for each side. Sew the ribbon and the velcro onto the center of each side.

add velcro and ribbon

Sew around the fleece sandwich 1/2 inch from the edge. If the fabric has adjusted at all then you might need to trim the edges to match.

diy snuffle mat for dogs
diy snuffle mat for dogs

DIY Snuffle Mat for Dogs

Yield: Snuffle Mat
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Confident Beginner
Estimated Cost: $15

Learn to make a DIY snuffle mat for dogs that is an interactive feeding toy. This homemade sewing project is washable and keeps dogs busy!

Materials

  • Sweatshirt fleece fabric
  • Felt
  • Polar fleece

Tools

  • Sewing tools
  • Sewing machine

Instructions

  1. Cut the felt to 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall.
  2. Cut a piece of fleece to the same size, 24 inches by 36 inches.
  3. Cut another piece of fleece to the same size, 24 inches by 36 inches.
  4. Layer the fleece, then the felt, then the fleece in a little sandwich.
  5. Cut three strips of fleece.
  6. Pin the strips to the fleece sandwich. Pin in four places and twist the piece in between the pins. Sew on each side and at each pin.
  7. Cut four strips of fleece. Pin them to the fleece sandwich in two "X" shapes. Pull the center up a little before pinning so there is a gap under the fabric. Sew on each of the strips to secure.
  8. Cut four large rectangles. Layer them to create something like shingles. Pin one long side of each rectangle and then sew along that edge. Flip the other layers out of the way while you're sewing so they don't get caught in the seam.
  9. Cut out three large circles and layer them larger to smaller on the fleece sandwich. Pin down the center of the circles through all the layers. Sew down the center of the circles.
  10. Cut a rectangle and then pin it to the fleece sandwich with two tunnels. Sew a straight line on each short side and down the center.
  11. Cut two long strips of fabric. Cut slices through one long side of each piece. Sew the uncut side in a spiral onto the fleece sandwich. Once one piece is sewn on start sewing on the other piece.
  12. Cut two pieces of ribbon. Cut some velcro for each side. Sew the ribbon and the velcro onto the center of each side.
  13. Sew around the fleece sandwich 1/2 inch from the edge. If the fabric has adjusted at all then you might need to trim the edges to match.

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diy snuffle mat for dogs
heather sewing

I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather

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