DIY Snuffle Mats & Food Games: Affordable Enrichment for Ageing Pets

As our pets get older, their physical and mental needs change. While they may slow down with age, their need for stimulation and enrichment doesn’t disappear. 

In fact, keeping senior pets mentally engaged can improve their quality of life and even delay cognitive decline. 

One fun and affordable way to do this is by making your own snuffle mats and food games at home.

What Are Snuffle Mats?

Snuffle mats are enrichment tools designed to mimic the experience of foraging. Typically made from fleece strips tied onto a rubber mat or similar base, these mats hide dry food or treats between the fabric layers. Pets then use their noses to sniff out and find the food—engaging their natural instincts and providing mental stimulation.

Snuffle mats are particularly good for ageing pets as they:

• Encourage gentle, low-impact activity

• Stimulate the brain through scent work

• Slow down eating, which can aid digestion

• Provide a calming activity for anxious animals

How to Make a DIY Snuffle Mat

Creating a snuffle mat at home is easy and inexpensive. Here's what you'll need:

• A rubber sink mat or non-slip mat with holes (available at most pound shops)

• Fleece fabric (repurpose old blankets or clothes)

• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut the fleece into strips roughly 2–3 cm wide and 20 cm long.

2. Tie each strip through the holes in the mat using a simple knot.

3. Keep tying strips until the mat is densely packed with fleece.

4. Hide dry kibble or treats in the fleece and let your pet explore!

5. Remember to supervise your pet during play and check the snuffle mat for any damage before and after use

Top tip: Choose different fleece colours to make it visually stimulating too!

More DIY Food Games for Senior Pets

Aside from snuffle mats, there are plenty of other enrichment activities you can create at home:

1. Muffin Tin Puzzle

Use a muffin tray, place treats in a few cups, and cover them with tennis balls. Your pet must use their nose or paw to uncover the treats.

2. Towel Roll-Up

Lay out a towel, sprinkle treats across it, then roll it up. Pets must unroll the towel with their nose to find the food.

3. Cardboard Tube Feeder

Use empty toilet roll tubes. Fold one end, drop in some kibble, then fold the other end. Let your pet work out how to open it.

4. Scatter Feeding

For dogs with good mobility, scatter their dry food across the garden or a safe outdoor space. For cats or less mobile pets, scatter it on a snuffle mat or across a mat indoors.

Tailoring Games for Older Pets

Senior pets may have mobility or sensory challenges, so it’s important to tailor enrichment activities to suit their needs:

• Avoid games that require too much jumping or bending

• Keep activities short and positive

• Use high-value treats to maintain interest

• Always supervise during play

Why Enrichment Matters in Old Age

Cognitive enrichment has been shown to reduce symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans) and keep older cats more alert and content. It also helps maintain a routine and gives pets a sense of purpose.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a fortune on pet toys to keep your ageing pet happy and engaged. DIY snuffle mats and homemade food games are simple, cost-effective ways to bring joy and mental stimulation into their daily routine. 

A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to caring for senior pets.