Slow Feeders, Lick Mats and Snuffle Mats: Which Suits Your Dog?

Quick answer: A slow feeder bowl is the simplest swap for everyday meals. A snuffle mat suits dogs who love to sniff and forage. A lick mat works best with soft or wet food and as a distraction during grooming or bath time. A puzzle feeder adds a little problem-solving. Many owners use two or three and rotate them.

If your dog finishes dinner before you have put the bag away, you are not alone. Plenty of owners look for ways to make mealtimes last a little longer and give their dog something to think about. Slow feeders, lick mats, snuffle mats and puzzle feeders all do this in different ways, and the right choice depends on your dog, their food and your routine.

Here is a plain guide to how each one works and who it tends to suit.

At a glance: which feeder suits which food?

Slow feeder bowls: the easy everyday option

A slow feeder bowl looks like a normal bowl with raised shapes inside. The pattern means your dog has to eat around the ridges rather than taking big mouthfuls. Our Slow Feeder Dog Bowl has a raised pattern that encourages slower eating and a non-slip base, and it is suitable for small, medium and large dogs.

Best for:

• Dogs on dry kibble who eat their meals very quickly
• Owners who want a simple change with no extra prep
• Busy mornings when you just need to put the bowl down

Because it works just like a bowl, there is very little for your dog to learn. Many dogs get the hang of it quickly.

Snuffle mats: for noses that love to work

Dogs explore the world through their noses, and a snuffle mat makes good use of that. You scatter kibble or treats into the soft fabric folds and your dog sniffs them out. The Snuffle Mat for Dogs has fleece-style folds of different difficulty, folds up for travel and is machine washable on a gentle cycle.

Best for:

• Dogs who love sniffing on walks
• Rainy days when walks are shorter than usual
• Turning part of a meal, or a few treats, into a game

Snuffle mats work best with dry food. Start by scattering food on the top of the folds so it is easy to find, then tuck it deeper as your dog gets more confident. Always supervise, and put the mat away if your dog starts to chew it rather than sniff.

Lick mats: for soft food and grooming time

A lick mat is a flat, textured mat that you spread with a thin layer of soft food. Your dog licks it clean, which naturally takes a little while. Our Lick Mat for Dogs and Cats is silicone, about 20 cm across, and has suction cups that hold it to smooth surfaces such as the bath, tiles or a cupboard door.

Best for:

• Dogs on wet food, or meals with a wet topper
• Keeping your dog occupied during bath time, nail trims and brushing (see our at-home grooming routine)
• Cats as well as dogs

A very important safety point: never use spreads containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Check the label on any peanut butter or spread before you use it. If you are unsure what is suitable for your dog, ask your vet. As with all of these, supervise use and remove the mat if it is chewed.

Puzzle feeders: a little problem-solving

Puzzle feeders sit somewhere between a bowl and a toy. Food goes into compartments and your dog works out how to get to it. Our Puzzle Feeder for Dogs and Cats has a non-slip base and comes in a paw print or pentagon design.

Best for:

• Dogs who enjoy a challenge
• Homes with both dogs and cats (our guide to indoor cat enrichment has more ideas for cats)
• Adding variety to a weekly routine

Wash it after each meal, and supervise use, especially in the early days.

Which one should you choose?

Think about the food

Dry kibble works well in slow feeders, snuffle mats and puzzle feeders. Wet food, mashed food and pet-safe spreads are better suited to a lick mat.

Think about your dog

A dog who loves sniffing will usually enjoy a snuffle mat. A dog who is easily frustrated may prefer a slow feeder, which is less of a puzzle. Some dogs enjoy the challenge of a puzzle feeder; others lose interest. Watch how your dog responds and adjust.

Think about your routine

Slow feeders need no prep at all. Snuffle mats and puzzle feeders take a minute to fill. Lick mats take a minute or two to spread, and are handy to have ready for grooming sessions.

Practical tips for any feeder

• Introduce one new feeder at a time, and keep the first few sessions easy
• Use part of your dog's daily food allowance rather than adding extra
• Wash feeders regularly, as food can collect in ridges and folds
• Put a silicone bowl mat underneath to catch spills and stray kibble
• Rotate feeders through the week to keep things interesting

If you are concerned about how quickly your dog eats, their weight, or their digestion, ask your vet before making changes. They can advise on what is right for your dog.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use more than one type of feeder?

Yes, and many owners do. A common pattern is a slow feeder for weekday breakfasts, a snuffle mat for a few treats in the afternoon, and a lick mat saved for bath night. There is no single right answer, only what works for your dog and your home.

What can I put on a lick mat?

Your dog's usual wet food, a little mashed food or a pet-safe spread. Never use anything containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and check labels carefully. If you are unsure, ask your vet.

Can I put wet food in a snuffle mat?

It is best not to. Snuffle mats are designed for dry kibble and small dry treats; wet food is harder to clean out of the folds. Use a lick mat for wet food instead.

Is a slow feeder the same as a puzzle feeder?

Not quite. A slow feeder works like a normal bowl with raised shapes inside, so there is little to learn. A puzzle feeder hides food in compartments, adding a bit of problem-solving to the meal.

If you would like to browse, you will find all of these in our Feeding and Play & Enrichment collections.