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Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review 2024: Pros and Cons of This Interactive Feeder

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Overview
Our Experience
Pros & Cons
Key Features
About Messy Mutts
Is It Good Value?
FAQ

Our Final Verdict

We give Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat a rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars.

Quality: 4.9/5
Effectiveness: 4.8/5
Ease of Use: 4.8/5
Value: 4.9/5
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Are you looking for a fun and simple way to enrich your dog’s dining experience? Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat is a great option for many dogs.

This quality snuffle mat makes it easy to turn dinner time into playtime. The deep folds and endless hiding places allow dogs to use their nose to find their food, engaging the brain, slowing their pace, and providing some fun challenges to their otherwise straightforward mealtimes. Best of all, it’s machine washable, easy to use, and comes with some neat features that other snuffle mats don’t.

My Chihuahua, Papyrus, and I had the opportunity to test out this colorful snuffle mat. Find out what makes this enrichment feeder different from others and if it’s the right choice for your pup by reading my full Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat review, below.

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Overview

Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review - close up of product new and unused

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Product Type: Enrichment feeder
Best Suited For: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and rodents not prone to chewing on soft things
Price Range: Moderately priced
Contents: One snuffle mat
Specs: Base is 9 inches by 9 inches, total length with fringe is about 15 inches
Options: None
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cleaning: Machine wash cold, tumble dry

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Our Experience

Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review - pouring kibble on rug

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I first discovered snuffle mats while my dogs and I were at a friend’s house. My Chihuahua, Papyrus, was immediately enamored with her dog’s snuffle mat. He spent an hour sniffing around that clump of fleece digging out all the treats her dog had failed to find.

I knew I had to find a snuffle mat of my own for Papyrus. At fifteen, he can’t walk as far as he used to, so giving him enough enrichment to calm his mind can be a challenge. I figured an enrichment feeder like this one would be perfect to keep him busy, especially on those cold Colorado days when he’s trapped inside.

I chose the Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat because it’s not too big and is machine washable. And I know from previous experience that this company makes quality products.

As soon as it arrived, I took it out of the packaging and filled it with treats so Papyrus could test it out.

What We Liked

This snuffle mat works very much like the first one we encountered. It has strips of fleece about 4 inches long and ¾ inch wide. These pieces are sewn into the base, forming a dense layer of hiding places that the dog must push their muzzles into to get the treats or kibble out.

The fleece pieces are soft and easy to maneuver, even for my dog’s tiny muzzle. They are well-secured to the base, which is important to prevent overeager dogs from pulling them out to get at the food below.

I am also a big fan of the size of this mat. It is nice and compact but still has plenty of surface area to accommodate up to about a cup of food. It is the perfect size for my seven-pound Chihuahua but also works well for my 30-pound Dalmatian mix. This smaller size also makes it easier to store.

I am also a big fan of the color! The orange, teal, and gray scheme is cheerful without being too loud.

Of course, the most important factor is how well it entertains. And this, it does very well! It takes Papyrus about ten minutes to extract a small handful of treats from it and about half an hour to eat a full meal’s worth of kibble.

Another major plus about this snuffle mat is that it’s machine washable. I found out why this is so important that day at my friend’s house. After the dogs played with the mat for a while we discovered that it had maggots crawling around in it! The greasy kibble residue had built up over time and provided flies a place to lay eggs. Eww!

Luckily, I can ensure that doesn’t happen to my Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat by tossing it in the washer regularly.

Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review - dog eating kibble from mat

Where We Saw Room for Improvement

This mat has four large suction cups on the bottom to help keep it in place. This is important if your dog is clever enough to pick the mat up and shake it or flip it over to get the treats out.

Unfortunately, the suction cups only work well on very flat surfaces like granite tiles. Most of my flooring is slightly textured vinyl plank. The suction cups only stick to this for about five seconds before coming unstuck.

Beyond this issue, I don’t have any other complaints about this mat. It provides wonderful enrichment for my food-motivated Chihuahua and makes his meals last much longer to keep him feeling satiated.

It’s easy to use, easy to care for, and provides a much more enriching feeding experience than a boring old bowl.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Well-made
  • Machine washable
  • Compact size
  • Fun colors
Cons
  • Not the strongest suctions cups

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Key Features

Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review - under the mat

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How to Use

This snuffle mat is super easy to use. It works well with hard and soft treats as well as kibble and freeze-dried food. Although, if you opt for those, remember to be extra careful with the cleaning. For best results, I recommend using small treats or kibbles that can be easily buried in the fleece.

Pour the treats or kibble over the top of the mat, then use your fingers to ruffle up the strips and shake the kibbles deeper into the fabric. Then secure the mat to the floor and let your pup get sniffing!

How to Care For

The soft surfaces of these kinds of enrichment feeders mean they do require some special care. Luckily, this Round Forage Mat from Messy Mutts makes it easy.

When your dog finishes using the mat, be sure to shake out any remaining treats. This will help keep the mat cleaner between uses and avoid attracting bugs. Remember to be careful and avoid bacterial contamination and health-related problems by regularly washing this mat on cold in your washing machine. On the plus side, this mat is also dryer-friendly, although hang drying is recommended for durability.

What Makes It Different

There are a few key differences between this mat and other snuffle mats I’ve tried.

For one, it is very well made, which means it won’t fall apart even if your dog digs or pulls at it. This mat is also pretty dense compared to most. The long strips of fleece provide more hiding places for food and make the dog work harder to find it.

The suction cups on the bottom and the tightly woven base help add stability. And the compact size makes it easy to store. And of course, it is machine washable for easy care.

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About Messy Mutts

Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review - chihuahua dog with mat

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Messy Mutts has been making functional and fabulous-looking pet products that help reduce pet mess since 2014.

Manufacturing: Designed in Canada, made in China
Warranty: One-year manufacturer warranty
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $50
Other Products: Slow feeders, puzzle feeders, travel accessories, grooming products, and more

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Is Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat a Good Value?

The price range for snuffle mats is fairly wide, with cheaper options often available under $10. However, quality mats like this one tend to be priced in the upper twenty-dollar range. Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat costs less than this, making it a great value.

How We Tested

I tested this snuffle mat with the help of my Chihuahua, Papyrus. My larger dog, Ragz, also got in on the testing process to ensure this mat can stand up to dogs both big and small.

I started out by using this as any owner would, by adding treats! I tested it using a variety of treat types and kibble sizes. During this time, I made sure to note the effectiveness of the different features.

While my dogs used the mat, I timed how long they kept at it before they gave up, got bored, or finished. Luckily, they never called it quits before all the food was gone.

I also washed the mat a few times to make sure it could stand up to the process. In the same vein, I made notes about its durability as my dogs played with it.

Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review - scoop of kibble beside the mat

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of using this snuffle mat?

Snuffle mats like this one increase enrichment, improve digestion by slowing feeding, and provide stress relief.

Who might benefit from this snuffle mat?

Anxious and hyperactive dogs can benefit from using interactive feeders like this one. Older dogs with cognitive disorders can also benefit from this stimulating feeding solution.

Are there any other sizes available?

No, this is the only option for this type of mat. However, Messy Mutts offers many other interactive feeding options including a forage/snuffle mat that includes a ruffle area as well as a licking pad and hidey-holes.

Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review - anti slip base

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Conclusion

If you’ve been considering a snuffle mat for your dog, I highly suggest looking into the Round Forage Mat from Messy Mutts.

This well-made interactive feeder is compact while providing plenty of hiding spaces for kibble and treats. It’s machine washable, easy to care for, and comes with great extra features like suction cups and a sturdy base for added stability.

The post Messy Mutts Round Forage Mat Review 2024: Pros and Cons of This Interactive Feeder appeared first on PangoVet.

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On His First Walk After A Major Surgery, Retired K9 Dog Locates And Rescues Missing Man

Retirement didn’t stop a retired police dog after it located and rescued a missing person in East Sussex, England on his first ever walk since having major surgery.

The German Shepherd, named Bear, reportedly found the man in the forest on November 28 while being walked by owner, Julia Pope, a former police officer, The Guardian reveals.

What made the rescue special was that Bear, who was on his first ever walk two weeks after getting surgery to remove two benign tumors, was also celebrating his 12th birthday on the same day!

But such celebration did not stop Bear from locating and alerting his owner to a man in “dense undergrowth” while on their walk.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a national charity that supports serving and retired police dogs across the UK, reveals on a Facebook post, “Unbeknownst to RPD Bear, the man was a vulnerable missing person who officers had been searching for without success.”

Pope tells The Guardian that Bear immediately “went into work mode” after it sensed the lost individual.

Recalling the incident, Pope explains, “[He] then dragged us to it, where he located and alerted us to a vulnerable man. I’m not sure he would have survived the night as it was extremely cold and almost dark at that point with no one else in the vicinity.”

The dog owner adds that Bear lead the way and helped the man back to an area where he could coordinate with local officers and reunite with his loved ones.

Pope describes the whole encounter as an “amazing stroke of luck”.

“RPD Bear, you’re a true hero, showing us that even in retirement, you can still save lives,” the Thin Blue Paw Foundation wrote.

Bear served with Sussex Police Dog Unit for seven years and was adopted by Pope in 2020 after his retirement.

In 2023, the retired police dog had to get emergency surgery due to having four herniated discs in his back, which caused him collapse. For this, he was supported by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation.

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6 Dog Proof Trash Cans That Can Survive A Dog’s Curiosity

In some households, curiosity doesn’t kill the cat, but it does the trashcan – especially when you have a dog that is naturally naughty and curious about it.

These cleverly naughty pooches see the trash can as a treasure throve of delightful delicacies instead of just that – a container used to store waste until it can be disposed of.

Cute dachshund dog, black and tan, pushed and climbed into the garbage can at home
Masarik / Shutterstock.com

While rummaging through the trash can is be a real problem, the good news is that there are a lot of dog proof trash cans that can survive even the most clever dogs out there and keep your house mess-free.

From motion sensors, locking lids to anti-tip and touch-free trash cans, there’s a dog proof trash can out there that can keep your dog safely out of the trash. Continue reading below to find the best match for you and your home!

Why Use A Dog Proof Trash Can?

Dog proof trash cans play an important role in keeping your house clean, your dog safe from any dangerous content, which therefore, gives you peace of mind.

Dogs may dig in the trash for a variety of reasons. But more often than not, it’s usually because they’re hungry, bored, or attracted to the smell of the trash can’s content.

More often than not, the trash can contains a variety of garbage. For example, during Thanksgiving, the trash can is where we put all our food scraps after all the celebration.

While these food scraps may seem harmless to you, a lot of Thanksgiving food are actually dangerous to your dog.

For example, cooked turkey bones and skin, cranberry sauce, and gravy – all of which are actually delicious food to your dog.

Furthermore, dogs who rummage through trash cans not only create a whole mess in the area, but there is also the chance that they can get stuck inside the trash can, which is also dangerous.

Key Features To Look For In A Dog Proof Trash Can

Dog sniffing dog proof trash can
Vera Aksionava / Shutterstock.com

When looking for a dog proof trash can, you have to make sure that it has features that will surely keep your pooch from getting into its content.

In saying this, here are key features that makes a trash can truly dog proof:

  1. The use of durable, high-quality materials. Trash cans made of low-quality materials are very easy to knock over, especially for big dogs determined to get into the trash can. Trash cans made of low-quality materials are cheap, but they will not last long in a household with a naughty dog!
  2. Is heavy-weight or has an anti-tip design. Dogs usually tip or knock over trash cans to easily get to its content. So, when buying a dog proof trash can, make sure it’s heavy-weight or has an anti-tip design, so your dog can’t easily tip it over.
  3. Features locking lids or pedals. Is your dog particularly smart and can find his/her way into the trash can? Well, you might want to opt for a trash can that features pedals, or better yet, locking lids!
  4. Has touch-free technology. A dog proof trash can that only opens when an object passes over the sensor is a handy option for dog owners AND people who want to avoid contact when using their trash can.

Our Top 6 Dog Proof Trash Cans

Durable, functional, and just what you need to deter four-legged dumpster divers – this list includes our top dog proof trash cans.

Continue reading to find the most suitable trash can for your household and dog!

1. Best Overall: iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can

The iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can is our best dog proof trash can because it checks all our boxes and comes with a few other amazing features, too.

Here are the key features that we absolutely love:

  • Touch-free technology. The motion of your hands opens the motion sensor automatically so it is hygienic.
  • Comes with a locking lid. While the touch-free technology ensures the trash can can’t be easily opened, the trash can includes a locking lid to ensure that even if a dog is able to knock it over, they still won’t be able to open it and access its contents.
  • Large capacity. The trash can doesn’t need an inner bucket, so there is 25% more capacity in this 13 gallon trash can.
  • A space-saver with a high-quality, sleek design. The shape of the trash can can snugly fit in corners. It also is made of a finger-print resistant stainless steel exterior.
  • Includes an odor filters. Speaking of hygienic, the trash can comes with an AbsorbX Odor Filter, which absorbs and neutralizes the odor of the garbage inside the can. It keeps your house odorless and ensures your dog doesn’t smell all the leftover food you’ve put inside it.
  • Reasonably priced. For the quality and feature it offers, this trash can’s price is reasonable.

While we absolutely love this trash can, here are a few things you might want to consider:

  • It requires batteries or an AC adapter for it to be fully functional.
  • Batteries and the AC adapter are all not included and sold separately.
Preview Product Price
iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid and Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Rectangular Trashcan for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid and Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel… $71.74Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

2. Best Locking Lid Design: Sterilite 12.6 Gallon Locking StepOn Trash Can

Sterilite 12.6 Gallon Locking StepOn Trash Can
Credit: Amazon

If you have a dedicated four-legged dumpster diver and no amount of dog proofing is working, you might want to give the Sterilite 12.6 Gallon Locking StepOn Trash Can a try – it might just change the game for you!

Here’s why we love this dog proof trash can:

  • Locking lid feature. This trash can’s locking lid feature ensures maximum security and makes this a pet and child-proof trash can. When locked, the trash can’s lid is secured to the base. So even if the trash can is tipped over, it still cannot be accessed and accidental spills will not become a problem.
  • Includes a push-pedal. If you want a hands-free trash can that isn’t motion-sensor, then this Sterilite trash can might be what you need. You only need to step on the pedal slightly for it to open.
  • Large capacity. This dog proof trash can is designed to fit a 13-gallon trash liner, making it a perfect kitchen trash can.
  • A space-saving and unique design. While most trash cans are rectangular or circular, the Sterilite 12.6 Gallon Locking StepOn Trash Can has a D-shaped design that allows for a neat fit against walls, helping you save space inside the kitchen.
  • Made from durable plastic. This dog proof trash can is made from durable plastic that is BPA and phthalate-free.

Here are things to consider before buying this dog proof trash can:

  • The locking mechanism is kind of difficult to engage with. The lock can be pretty difficult to turn to get it to stay locked.
Preview Product Price
Sterilite 12.6 Gallon Locking StepOn Wastebasket with Lid, Large Trash Can for The Kitchen or Mudroom, Pedal and Lock, Black Lid and Base, 2-Pack Sterilite 12.6 Gallon Locking StepOn Wastebasket with Lid, Large Trash Can for The Kitchen or… $72.99 Buy on Amazon

3. Best Step Trash Can: simplehuman 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

simplehuman 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Dog Proof Trash Can
Credits: Amazon

You might think, if a dog is too clever, why suggest a step trash can? Well, this one might not be the usual step trash can your dog is expecting.

The simplehuman 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can is our best step trash can for two reasons – it features a locking lid and does not break the bank!

Here are key features we love about this dog proof trash can:

  • Features a silent close-lid. If you’re worried about the sound of the trash can’s lid signaling your dog to the kitchen, then you’ll be pleased to know that this trash can’s lid closes slowly and silently upon use.
  • Features a stay-open lid. This step trash can also stay open for as long as you like, which might be perfect if you have longer chores in the kitchen.
  • Locking lid feature. To deter the four-legged dumpster divers, the trash can features a locking lid that shuts the trash can, even if it gets knocked over. Furthermore, the locking lid feature is easy to use and extremely reliable.
  • Reasonably priced. If you’re looking for both functionality and affordability, then this dog proof trash can fits the bill.

We believe that the only thing you should consider for this trash can is the preference for stainless steel over plastic. While this is made of durable plastic, there might be some who prefer stainless steel trash cans over plastic.

Preview Product Price
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black… $49.99Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

4. Most Stylish: Function Home Trash Can Cabinet

Function Home Trash Can Cabinet
Credit: Amazon

Function Home Trash Can Cabinet is where style meets function. If you’re looking for a stylish trash can that will still be able to do the job, then this is the trash can for you.

While this trash can is an open-lid type, it doesn’t look like a trash can at all and is made of heavy-weight materials that will not easily get tipped over by a dog.

Here are other reasons of why we are in love of this stylish trash can:

  • Has a stylish wood design. The trash can’s wood design and color makes it easy on the eyes as it blends beautifully with the interior of any home.
  • Made of eco-friendly materials. The trash can is crafted from low emission sturdy MDF board, which is good for the environment and is durable.
  • Comes in three colors. This dog proof trash can comes in three colors: grey, white, and black.
  • Features a stainless steel lid leash. The trash can features a stainless steel lid leash for ease of access.

While we’re in love with this stylish trash can, here are things to consider before buying this trash can:

  • You have to assemble the product before you can fully use it.
  • Other customers have reported that the screws provided were either too small, not the right length, or did not fit the holes properly.
Preview Product Price
Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Dog Proof Trash Can, Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bathroom, White Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Dog… $69.99Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

5. Best For Large Capacity: simplehuman 15.3 Gallon Stainless Steel Dual Compartment Recycler

If you live in a big household and require a large, dog proof trash can, then check out the simplehuman 15.3 Gallon Stainless Steel Dual Compartment Recycler.

Thanks to its large capacity, this trash can solves two problem: recycling your trash and keeping it away from your dog.

Aside from these, here are other key features that you might want to check out:

  • Heavy-duty design. This trash can is made of stainless steel so you know it’s made of durable materials. With its heavy-duty design, dogs will have a hard time trying to knock this one over!
  • Has a dual compartment. One side of the trash can is for the trash, while the other is for easy disposal of recyclables.
  • Features a steel pedal. The trash can’s steel pedal is engineered to last 150,000 steps – that’s more than 20 steps a day for 20 years.
  • Easy-to-clean. The invisible silver-ion coating allows ease of cleaning. Furthermore, the coating will not dull the natural shine of the steel and can resist fingerprints.
Preview Product Price
simplehuman 58 Liter/15.3 Gallon Step Can Liner Pocket, Brushed Stainless Steel Dual Compartment Recycler simplehuman 58 Liter/15.3 Gallon Step Can Liner Pocket, Brushed Stainless Steel Dual Compartment… $199.99Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

6. Best For Small Spaces: simplehuman 1.2 Gallon Round Bathroom Step Trash Can

simplehuman 1.2 Gallon Round Bathroom Step Trash Can
Credit: Amazon

Does your dog also snoop around the bathroom or your home office trash? Well, the simplehuman 1.2 Gallon Round Bathroom Step Trash Can might just be the answer to your problem.

This trash can works well in small spaces, but is still hard to tip over by dogs. Here are some key features we admire:

  • Stainless steel exterior. This dog proof trash can features a stainless steel exterior and a stainless steel pedal.
  • Durable. The trash can is made of stainless steel, including its pedal, which is engineered to last over 150,000 steps.
  • Has a non-skid base. The trash can cannot be tipped easily, thanks to its durability and its non-skid base that keeps the can steady.
  • 1.2 gallon capacity. The capacity and size of the trash can is perfect for small spaces in your home, such as the bathroom and the office.

While the trash can is durable and cannot be easily tipped over, extremely stubborn dogs might still be able to find ways to access its content, so use with caution!

Preview Product Price
simplehuman 4.5 Liter / 1.2 Gallon Round Bathroom Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel simplehuman 4.5 Liter / 1.2 Gallon Round Bathroom Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel $29.99Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

Conclusion

Keeping your dog out of the trash can be challenging, especially when they find countless ways to access it, but not totally impossible.

We believe that choosing a solution that fits your home and your dog’s behavior is the best way to deal with this kind of problem.

However, if tweaking your current trash can is not working and you’ve tried everything you can think of, investing in one of these dog proof trash can might just be what you need to do. It will save you a lot of headaches and money.

Not to mention, it keeps your dog and children away from dangerous trash can content, keeps your household clean, and gives you peace of mind.

Do you have any dogproofing tips or dog proof trash can recommendations? Share them in the comments below!