Slow feeders, lick mats, and snuffle mats solve different problems for your dog, and many dog owners use the wrong type without realizing it. All three slow down eating and mentally stimulate your dog, but they function differently and suit different situations.
In short: a slow feeder replaces the food bowl and makes main meals last longer. A lick mat is a flat surface you spread soft food on, which calms the dog down. A snuffle mat hides treats in fabric strips that the dog has to sniff out. If you choose correctly, you'll have a calmer dog with better digestion. If you choose incorrectly, you risk your dog losing interest after two days.
In this article, you'll get a clear comparison between the three, with concrete recommendations based on your dog's size, behavior, and what you want to achieve.
What is a slow feeder?
A slow feeder is a food bowl with raised patterns, ridges, or labyrinths that force the dog to take time to retrieve their food. Instead of devouring the entire portion in 30 seconds, most dogs spend between 5 and 20 minutes.
Research shows that dogs who eat too quickly have up to 5 times higher risk of bloat (GDV/gastric torsion), a condition that can be life-threatening in large breeds. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that fast eating is one of the strongest risk factors, alongside deep chests and anxious temperaments.
Slow feeders work best for dry food, wet food, and raw/BARF food. They permanently replace the regular food bowl, and many dog owners have two to three in rotation to keep meals interesting.
Typical signs that your dog needs a slow feeder: they gulp down food without chewing, regurgitate after meals, or seem restless immediately after eating.
See all slow feeders at Pawesomeday
What is a lick mat?
A lick mat (also known as a lickmat) is a flat mat with texture where you spread soft food like pâté, yogurt, cream cheese, or bone broth. The dog licks the food out of the grooves, which releases calming endorphins and reduces stress levels.
A study from the University of British Columbia showed that licking behavior in dogs activates the parasympathetic nervous system and can lower heart rate by up to 15 percent compared to resting heart rate. That's why lick mats are so popular for situations like baths, grooming, thunderstorms, and alone time.
Lick mats are usually not used for main meals, but as a supplement, enrichment, or distraction. They can be frozen to last longer, making them perfect as a cooling activity on hot days.
Typical uses: calming a stressed dog, keeping a dog still during nail clipping, or providing a meaningful activity while you work.
See all lick mats at Pawesomeday
What is a snuffle mat?
A snuffle mat is a textile mat with fabric strips, pockets, and folds where you hide treats or dry food. The dog uses its nose to find the food, which mentally stimulates it in a completely different way than eating from a bowl.
Dogs use approximately 30 percent of their brain capacity to process olfactory information. 15 minutes of nose work is equivalent to approximately 60 minutes of physical activity in terms of mental exhaustion, according to behavioral researchers. This makes snuffle mats one of the most effective tools for tiring out an energetic dog without having to go for an extra walk.
Snuffle mats are best suited for dry food and small, dry treats. They should not be used with wet food, as the fabric is difficult to clean properly.
Typical uses: calm activity on rainy days, mental stimulation for active breeds, a transition phase for dogs learning to use their nose, and as a supplement to physical exercise.
See all enrichment toys at Pawesomeday
Comparison: slow feeder, lick mat, and snuffle mat
Here's an overview of the main differences between the three product types.
| Slow Feeder | Lick Mat | Snuffle Mat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Slow down eating | Calm down / distraction | Mental stimulation |
| Food Type | Dry food, wet food, BARF | Soft food (pâté, yogurt, bone broth) | Dry food, dry treats |
| Time per session | 5–20 min | 5–15 min (frozen: 20+) | 10–30 min |
| Replaces food bowl? | Yes | No, supplement | Can be used for entire portions |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher | Dishwasher | Washing machine |
| Stress Reduction | Moderate | High (endorphins) | Moderate to High |
| Best for | Dogs who gobble food | Stressed / anxious dogs | Energetic dogs, nose work |
| Price | 149–299 NOK (4-for-3) | 129–299 NOK | 199–349 NOK |
Which one is best for your dog?
The choice depends on two things: what you want to solve, and what your dog enjoys doing.
Choose a slow feeder if your dog gobbles food
If you have a dog that empties its bowl in less than a minute, a slow feeder is the most important first choice. It solves the problem at the source, every single day, without you needing to do anything extra. A good slow feeder extends mealtime from 30 seconds to 10 to 15 minutes. This reduces the risk of regurgitation, bloat, and post-meal discomfort.
For large breeds (over 25 kg), you should choose a slow feeder with deeper grooves and a strong suction cup. For small dogs and puppies, shallower patterns work better so they don't get frustrated.
Choose a lick mat if your dog is stressed or anxious
Lick mats are the best tool for calming a nervous dog. Licking is self-soothing behavior, and a lick mat channels this in a constructive way. Use it during grooming, thunderstorms, or as a calm evening activity. Spread bone broth or pâté on it, freeze it, and your dog will have a meaningful activity for 20 to 30 minutes.
Choose a snuffle mat if your dog needs more mental stimulation
Energetic breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Labradors have an enormous need for mental challenges. Snuffle mats force the dog to actively use its nose, which is far more tiring than most owners realize. It's an excellent tool for rainy days, for injuries that limit physical activity, or as a daily routine to take the edge off their energy.
Many dog owners combine all three
In practice, this is not an either/or choice. The most common solution among experienced dog owners is to use a slow feeder for all main meals, a lick mat as a calm evening activity or during grooming, and a snuffle mat as extra enrichment a couple of times a week. Rotation keeps interest high and provides the dog with variety in its daily life.
Common mistakes when choosing enrichment products
Some mistakes we see more often than others in customer feedback.
Mistake 1: Too difficult too fast. If your dog has never used a slow feeder before, start with a simple pattern. If you go straight for the most difficult design, your dog might get frustrated and give up. Gradually build up the difficulty.
Mistake 2: Snuffle mat with wet food. Fabric and soft food are a bad combination. It gets stuck in the fibers and becomes difficult to wash properly. Only use dry food or dry treats in the snuffle mat.
Mistake 3: Lick mat without a suction cup. Many dogs push the lick mat around the floor. A mat with a suction cup, attached to the floor, wall, or in the bathtub, makes the dog concentrate on licking instead of chasing the mat.
Mistake 4: Only one slow feeder in rotation. Dogs that use the same slow feeder daily for months become experts and gobble food almost as fast as from a regular bowl. Have two to three different designs in rotation and switch every other week.
What should you put in a slow feeder, lick mat, and snuffle mat?
The content is as important as the product itself. Here are some suggestions based on what works best in practice.
In the slow feeder
Dry food is the most common, but you can also use wet food, BARF, or homemade food. For an extra challenge, you can add a little bone broth over the dry food and freeze the entire slow feeder, which significantly extends the meal.
In the lick mat
Bone broth works excellently, either alone or mixed with pumpkin powder for extra fiber. Pâté, natural unsweetened yogurt, and cream cheese are also popular options. Freeze-dried toppers crushed and mixed with a little water provide a nutritious blend that is easy to spread.
In the snuffle mat
Dry food and small, dry treats work best. Freeze-dried treats that can be broken into smaller pieces are perfect. Avoid sticky or soft food.
Summary
A slow feeder, lick mat, and snuffle mat are three different tools that address different needs. The slow feeder slows down eating and replaces the food bowl. The lick mat calms the dog down through licking and endorphin production. The snuffle mat mentally stimulates the dog through nose work. Most dog owners benefit from combining all three to provide their dog with variety and enrichment in their daily lives.
See all slow feeders · See all lick mats · See all enrichment toys
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a slow feeder be used for puppies?
Yes, puppies can use a slow feeder from when they start on solid food, usually around 4 to 6 weeks of age. Choose a model with a shallow pattern so the puppy doesn't get frustrated. Many breeders recommend slow feeders from the start to establish a calm eating pattern early on.
How many slow feeders should one have?
At least two with different patterns. Dogs that use the same slow feeder daily learn the pattern and eat increasingly faster. By rotating between two to three different designs, you keep the challenge up. Many customers start with one and add more as they see the effect.
Does a lick mat help with separation anxiety?
A lick mat can help as part of a broader training program, but it doesn't solve separation anxiety alone. Licking releases endorphins that calm the dog down, which can make the transition to alone time smoother. A frozen lick mat given just before you leave can give the dog a positive association with you leaving the house. For severe separation anxiety, you should also work with a behavior consultant.
Can you use a lick mat and slow feeder at the same time?
Absolutely, and it's a popular combination. Many dog owners use the slow feeder for the main meal and the lick mat as a dessert or evening activity. Some models, such as the combined slow feeder and lick mat with suction cup, have both functions in one.
How do you clean a snuffle mat?
Most snuffle mats can be machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius. Use a laundry bag to protect the fabric strips. Air dry afterwards, as a tumble dryer can shrink the material. Wash after five to ten uses, or more often if you notice it starting to smell.
Which type is best for a large dog?
For large dogs (over 25 kg), a slow feeder with deep grooves and a strong suction cup is most important. Large dogs have the highest risk of bloat and gastric torsion from fast eating. Lick mats work well for all sizes, but choose one large enough so the dog doesn't tip it over. Snuffle mats should have dense enough fabric so that treats don't fall straight out.
