Collection: Scruffle Balls

A scruffle ball is a scruffier, more irregular version of a snuffle ball, handmade using layers of fleece. Treats or dry food can be hidden throughout the fabric, encouraging your pet to sniff, search and move the ball to find them.

Its uneven shape can make foraging a little more challenging. When pushed or rolled, it may also travel in an unexpected direction, adding another element of interest to the enrichment session.

Begin by placing a few treats loosely near the outside of the fleece so they are easy to find.

As your pet becomes more confident, gradually increase the number of treats and hide them deeper within the ball.

Always supervise your pet and remove the scruffle ball once the session has finished.

Nova Zeal scruffle balls are available in two sizes:

• Small: approximately 11cm (4.5")
• Large: approximately 16cm (6.5")

The best size depends on your pet and how you would like them to interact with it. The larger size provides a wider searching area and may create a longer enrichment session.

Always choose a scruffle ball that is appropriately sized for your pet. It should be too large for them to fit fully inside their mouth, helping to reduce the risk of choking. If you are unsure, choose the larger size and supervise every session closely

Scruffle balls may also be suitable for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets when used with appropriate food and close supervision. Always choose a size and setup suitable for the individual animal.

You can use dry treats, kibble or other small pieces of suitable food that will not make the fleece sticky or difficult to clean. Smaller treats often work best because they encourage your pet to search more thoroughly.

A scruffle ball can be used to scatter part or all of a dry meal, encouraging your pet to search for their food rather than eating directly from a bowl. This can make mealtimes last longer while also providing mental enrichment.

Scruffle balls are the most interactive of our snuffle products. Their irregular fleece sections can be more tempting to grab and pull than the smoother shape of a snuffle ball, which can make it harder for destructive dogs to see them as an enrichment product rather than a toy.

They may therefore be less suitable for dogs that are prone to pulling, tugging or shredding. Always supervise use closely and remove the Scruffle Ball if your dog begins chewing or pulling at the fleece. A snuffle mat or snuffle ball may be a more suitable alternative.

Remove the scruffle ball after each session and store it somewhere your pet cannot access independently. Avoid leaving it in a general toy box, as this may encourage chewing or unsupervised use.