Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to stimulate your pet’s senses and keep them mentally active? Look no further! A DIY snuffle ball is the perfect sensory enrichment toy that you can easily make at home. Snuffle balls are designed to tap into your pet’s natural instincts, providing them with hours of entertainment and mental stimulation. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to create a personalized snuffle ball that your furry friend will absolutely adore.

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Understanding the Snuffle Ball

A snuffle ball is a specially designed toy that encourages your pet to use their keen sense of smell to search for treats or kibble hidden within its fabric layers. It mimics the foraging behaviour of animals in the wild, providing a rewarding and mentally stimulating activity. This type of enrichment helps prevent boredom, reduces stress, and keeps your pet mentally sharp.  See From Boredom to Brilliance: Discover the Magic of Mental Stimulation Games for Dogs for more information.

A snuffle ball is for food or treat foraging only and should be removed once your dog is done using it.  Make sure to monitor your dog closely and check for fraying, as loose string or material could be swallowed and cause life-threatening blockages. This toy may not be suitable for aggressive chewers.

Benefits of Snuffle Balls for Dogs

Snuffle balls have gained immense popularity as an interactive and enriching toy for dogs, and it’s no surprise why! These sensory enrichment toys offer a plethora of benefits that cater to a dog’s natural instincts and overall well-being.

This toy is great for almost any dog, but especially for dogs who, like our Sienna, do not play with toys.  Sienna is food-driven and still too shy to play with toys unless they involve food.  For a dog like her, an interactive food toy like the snuffle ball is a perfect choice. 

1. Mental Stimulation: Dogs are intelligent creatures that thrive on mental challenges. Snuffle balls engage their powerful sense of smell, triggering their natural foraging instincts. As they sniff and search for treats hidden within the fabric layers, their brains go into problem-solving mode, providing them with valuable mental stimulation.
2. Reduces Boredom: Boredom in dogs can lead to destructive behaviours, such as excessive chewing or digging. Snuffle balls present an engaging and rewarding activity that keeps them occupied and content. It redirects their focus from destructive behaviours to an enjoyable and stimulating game.
3. Alleviates Stress and Anxiety: Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety. Sniffing and hunting for treats in a snuffle ball taps into their calming and instinctual behaviours, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. It provides a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, which is especially beneficial for dogs prone to anxiety.
4. Slow Feeding: For dogs that tend to gobble down their food quickly, snuffle balls can be an excellent tool for slow feeding. By hiding their kibble in the snuffle ball, it prolongs mealtime, prevents gulping, and aids in better digestion.
5. Physical Exercise: While snuffle balls primarily focus on mental stimulation, the act of searching and moving around to access treats also provides light physical exercise. It’s an ideal activity for dogs with limited mobility or during bad weather when outdoor exercise may not be possible.
6. Enhances the Bond with the Owner: When you engage in interactive play with your dog using a snuffle ball, it strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Your presence during playtime creates positive associations with the toy and reinforces the bond of trust and love.
7. Suitable for All Ages and Breeds: Snuffle balls are versatile toys suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. Whether you have a young and energetic puppy or a senior dog, snuffle balls can be adapted to cater to their specific needs and abilities.
8. Encourages Natural Behavior: Snuffle balls encourage dogs to engage in natural and instinctive behaviours like hunting and foraging. This taps into their primal nature and satisfies their need for mental and sensory stimulation.

Incorporating a snuffle ball into your dog’s routine can be a game-changer for their mental and physical well-being. Remember to supervise your dog during playtime and use pet-safe materials when creating or purchasing a snuffle ball. With this fun and enriching toy, you’ll provide your furry companion with a whole new level of happiness and fulfillment!

How to Use a Snuffle Ball

A snuffle ball is fairly intuitive for most dogs.  Even our Sienna, who does not play with toys, took immediately to a snuffle ball.  To prepare the snuffle ball for your dog, gather some dry treats and/or kibble.  We like to use a variety.  Bury the treats or kibble into the folds of the snuffle ball.  If this is your dog’s first time using it, you may want to leave the treats closer to the surface of the ball.  Once your dog is more experienced, you can bury them deeper in the snuffle ball.

Make sure that your dog is supervised while using this toy and that the toy is removed after use.  Regular cleaning and occasional maintenance is required. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Snuffle Ball

Choosing the Fabric for your Snuffle Ball

When making a snuffle ball, you can use a variety of materials to create an engaging and safe toy for your pet. Here are some common materials that can be used:

• Fleece: Fleece fabric is another excellent option for creating snuffle balls. It has a slightly stretchy texture that can hide treats effectively, and dogs enjoy digging their noses into it.
• Felt: Felt is a thick and sturdy material that works well for holding treats securely while still being easy for dogs to manipulate and sniff.
• Up-cycled T-shirts or Fabric: Using old t-shirts or pet-safe fabric is a popular choice for making snuffle balls. The fabric should be soft and non-toxic to ensure it is safe for your pet to interact with and sniff.
• Recycled Towels: Old towels can be cut into strips or squares and fashioned into a snuffle ball. The absorbent texture of towels can hold the scent of treats effectively. Be extremely careful if you chose these, as they’re extremely prone to fray

When choosing materials, make sure they are safe for your pet. Avoid using materials with small parts or loose strings that could be swallowed. Opt for non-toxic and pet-friendly materials to ensure your pet’s safety during playtime.

Feel free to mix and match different materials to create a diverse and interesting snuffle ball that will captivate your pet’s senses and provide hours of entertainment!

Materials Needed

• 1.5 yards / 1.4 metres of fabric – make sure that it is pet-safe and non-toxic.  Fleece works best, but you could upcycle an old fabric or use an alternative fabric.  See the Choosing the Fabric for your Snuffle Ball section above. 
• Fabric scissors
• A piece of cardboard
• Marker or fabric pen
• Thick string and a needle OR 4 zip ties, a lighter and sandpaper
• Treats or kibble

Total Time: about 2 hours

Step 1: Find a circular object in your home that is about 8 inches / 20 centimetres wide (a bowl, a plate, etc).  Trace the shape onto a piece of cardboard to make a template.

Step 2: Using the cardboard template, trace 32 circles (in close proximity to avoid waste) onto the fabric.  Cut out the circles

Step 3: Fold each circle in half, then fold each half circle in half again to create a 1/4 pie slice

Step 4: Set in stacks of 8.

• If you are using thick string and a needle, cut approximately 8 inches / 20 centimetres of string.  String on 8 circles at the smallest point, about a 3/4 inch /  2 centimetres from the folded point.  Tie the string together and cut off the excess string. 
• If you are using a zip tie, cut a small slit in the smallest point of the folded circle ensuring that you cut through all 4 layers, leaving about a 3/4 inch / 2 centimetres from the folded point.  Pass the zip tie through all 4 layers.  Add 8 folded circles to the same zip tie and do up the zip tie.  Cut the end of the zip tie and melt the cut end slightly with a lighter, dabbing it carefully with a damp finger (watch out, it’s hot!) to press down the melted edge.  Sand the cut end slightly to ensure there are no sharp edges. 

Step 5: Repeat Step 4, but this time before tying the string or zip tie, pass it through the string or zip tie from the first bundle in order to attach the two bundles.

Step 6: Repeat Step 4 twice more, each time attaching the string or zip tie to the strings or zip ties of the preceding bundles (pass it through all preceding strings or zip ties).  When the 4th is attached, make sure it is taut in order to bring all 4 bundles together tightly. 

Step 7: Fluff your snuffle ball!  Gently tug at the fabric to separate it slightly, creating a rounded, fluffy ball.

Step 8: Fill it with treats and watch your dog enjoy it! 

Safety Precautions

While creating a snuffle ball is a fun DIY project, it’s essential to prioritize your pet’s safety. Ensure that the fabric used is non-toxic and pet-safe. Supervise your pet during playtime to prevent any accidental swallowing of fabric or treats.

Make sure that you regularly inspect the snuffle ball for any loose fabric or stings and make repairs as needed.  A snuffle ball should be used under supervision and should be removed once your dog is done using it.  A snuffle ball is for food or treat foraging only and should not be used as a regular toy. 

Regular cleaning is needed to keep your pup safe from any dirt, dust, slobber and anything else that might accumulate on the ball after use. 

Introducing the Snuffle Ball to Your Pet

Once your snuffle ball is complete, it’s time to introduce it to your pet. Show them the ball and encourage them to explore by sniffing and searching for treats. You can also roll the ball gently to entice them to interact with it.

Cleaning a Snuffle Ball: How to Keep Your Pet’s Toy Fresh and Safe

Regularly cleaning your dog’s snuffle ball is essential to ensure their toy remains fresh, hygienic, and safe for playtime. Over time, the fabric can accumulate dirt, dust, and pet slobber, making it important that the toy be washed regularly.

1. Inspect Before Cleaning: Before diving into the cleaning process, carefully inspect the snuffle ball for any signs of wear and tear. Look for loose threads, holes, or damage that may compromise the toy’s integrity. If you notice any damage beyond repair, it’s best to retire the snuffle ball and create a new one to ensure your pet’s safety during play.
2. Remove Treat Residue: Begin by removing any leftover treats or kibble from the snuffle ball. Shake it gently to dislodge any hidden treats, or use your fingers to pick them out. This step is crucial to prevent mold or bacteria growth, as leftover food particles can attract unwanted pests.
3. Hand Wash or Machine Wash: The cleaning method depends on the materials used in the snuffle ball:
   • Hand Wash: If the snuffle ball is made from delicate fabrics or has intricate designs, it’s best to hand wash it. Fill a basin with warm water and a mild pet-safe detergent. Submerge the snuffle ball and use your hands to gently agitate the water, ensuring the detergent reaches all the nooks and crannies. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
   • Machine Wash: For snuffle balls made from sturdier materials like fleece, a gentle machine wash can be suitable. Place the snuffle ball in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase to protect it from getting tangled with other items in the wash. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a pet-safe detergent. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as they may irritate your pet’s skin or damage the fabric.
4. Air Dry: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from the snuffle ball, but avoid wringing or twisting it. Lay the toy flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it to air dry completely. Direct sunlight may cause fading, so it’s best to let it dry indoors.
5. Disinfect Regularly: To ensure your dog’s snuffle ball remains germ-free, consider disinfecting it periodically. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the snuffle ball and allow it to air dry. The vinegar helps eliminate bacteria and odours, leaving the toy fresh and clean.

By following these cleaning steps regularly, you can maintain a hygienic and enjoyable snuffle ball for your furry friend. A clean toy not only keeps your pet healthy but also ensures they continue to engage in stimulating playtime, fostering a happy and healthy bond between you and your beloved companion.

Conclusion

With a DIY snuffle ball, you can provide your pet with an enriching and entertaining sensory experience right in the comfort of your home. Stimulating their natural instincts and keeping them mentally engaged is crucial for their overall well-being. So, gather your materials, follow our easy guide, and create a delightful snuffle ball that your furry friend will cherish for days to come!

Remember, every pet is unique, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make the snuffle ball a personalized and enjoyable experience for your beloved companion. Happy crafting and bonding with your furry friend!