Snuffle Balls

Nova Zeal Snuffle Balls are handcrafted enrichment toys designed to encourage natural sniffing and foraging behaviour. 

Soft fleece folds create layers where treats or kibble can be hidden, turning playtime into a rewarding scent-led challenge. Snuffle Balls stimulate the brain, reduce boredom and provide an engaging outlet for curious noses. 

Each snuffle ball is handmade in the Scottish Highlands using anti-pill fleece for softness, durability and long-lasting enrichment play.

Perfect for dogs that enjoy sniffing games, Nova Zeal Snuffle Balls support calm, focused interaction while adding colour and creativity to everyday enrichment.

Dachshund sniffing treats beside a colourful fleece snuffle ball dog enrichment toy by Nova Zeal.

Snuffle Ball FAQs

What is a Snuffle Ball?

A snuffle ball is a scent-based enrichment toy made from layers of fleece. Treats or dry food can be hidden throughout the folds of fleece, encouraging your pet to sniff, search and move the ball to find them.

How do I use a Snuffle Ball?

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 inside the ball.

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

What size Snuffle Ball should I choose?

Nova Zeal snuffle balls are available in four sizes:

  • Pocket: approximately 6 cm (2.5")
  • Small: approximately 11.5 cm (4.5")
  • Medium: approximately 16.5 cm (6.5")
  • Large: approximately 21.5 cm (8.5")

The best size depends on your pet and how you would like them to interact with it. Smaller balls are easier for little pets to explore, while larger sizes provide a wider searching area and can create a longer enrichment session.

Always choose a snuffle 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.

Can other pets use a Snuffle Ball?

Snuffle 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.

What food can I use in a Snuffle Ball?

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.

Can a Snuffle Ball help with slow feeding?

A snuffle ball can be used to hide part or all of a dry meal, encouraging your pet to search and move around while eating. This can make mealtimes last longer while also providing mental enrichment.

Are Snuffle Balls suitable for destructive dogs?

Snuffle balls may be suitable for destructive dogs when introduced slowly and always used under supervision.

Begin with a small number of treats placed close to the outside, then gradually increase the number of treats and hide them deeper over several days or weeks.

This helps your dog learn that the ball is for sniffing and searching rather than chewing or pulling. If your dog begins biting, tugging or chewing the fleece, calmly remove the ball and try again another time.

How should I store my Snuffle Ball?

Remove the snuffle 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.

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