These toys are made specifically to entice dogs into sniffing and foraging. Usually created with fleece strips tied to a plastic base with holes in it, Snuffle Mats create a space where treats are easily hidden. The hidden treats encourage nose work and natural canine foraging tendencies.
 
A dog's sense of smell is in between 10,000 and 100,000 times more prominent than that of a human, and it's one of the ways dogs interpret the world around them. Using snuffle mats allows your dog to decode what's in front of them with their nose. This can:
Alleviate stress.
Provide mental stimulation.
Encourage slower eating habits.
Initiate sniffing and foraging centers of the brain, which are pleasurable for the dog.
Create mental stimulation for dogs on restricted exercise