- ⏱️ 5 min read
- 🐶 For dogs
- 🐱 For cats
- 👃 Sniffing game
Your dog finishes breakfast before you have poured your coffee, or your cat sleeps all afternoon and then races around at night. You want something that turns food into a little job, but you also wonder: which size do I need, and how do I stop it turning into a chew toy?
Petstone's answer for the Fleece Snuffle Ball for Dogs and Cats: choose 10 cm for cats and small dogs, 15 cm for medium pets or 20 cm for larger dogs. Hide a few dry treats near the surface at first, make it harder as your pet learns, stay nearby, and machine wash it when it gets grubby.
Quick answer
- The snuffle ball is soft fleece in layered folds; you tuck dry treats or kibble between the layers.
- The supplier lists 10 cm for cats and small dogs, 15 cm for medium pets and 20 cm for larger breeds.
- Start with treats on the surface, then hide them deeper as your pet gets the idea.
- Supervise every session and put the ball away afterwards; it is a sniffing toy, not a chew toy.
- Machine wash with mild detergent and let it air dry.
What the fleece snuffle ball is
According to the supplier, Midfox, the Fleece Snuffle Ball is made of soft fleece in a layered design, with many folds that make hiding spots for treats. It has reinforced stitching for repeat use and is machine washable. Midfox lists three uses: treat hiding, scent training and slow feeding. Petstone offers it in 13 colors.
- 10 cm
- 15 cm
- 20 cm
- 13 colors
Which size fits your pet?
| Size | Diameter | Supplier lists it for | Petstone note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 cm | About 3.9 in | Cats and small dogs | Easy for a cat to bat and nose around |
| 15 cm | About 5.9 in | Medium pets | A good middle choice if you are unsure |
| 20 cm | About 7.9 in | Larger breeds | More folds to search, so sessions tend to last longer |
If your pet falls between two sizes, Petstone suggests choosing the larger one for a bigger snout, and the smaller one for a cat.
How to use a snuffle ball, step by step
The AKC suggests starting sniffing games easy and teaching a cue, so your pet understands the game. The same steps work for a snuffle ball:
- Choose small, dry treats or pieces of your pet's kibble. Count them, and take them out of the day's food.
- For the first sessions, place a few treats on the outside of the ball where your pet can see them.
- Ask your pet to wait while you fill the ball, then release with a cue such as "find it".
- Once your pet finds the easy ones quickly, tuck treats a little deeper between the folds.
- Stay nearby the whole time. When the treats are gone, pick the ball up and put it away.
Three levels to keep it interesting
Easy
Treats sit on top or just inside the first fold. Great for day one and for cats.
Medium
Treats spread through several folds, so your pet has to nose the layers apart.
Hard
Treats pushed deep into the center. Save this for pets who already love the game.
If your pet gives up, drop back a level. UC Davis researchers advise making food puzzles easy for a cat at first so it can figure them out, then making them harder over time. Dogs benefit from the same approach.
Using it with a cat
Cats are natural foragers. In the UC Davis survey of more than 3,000 cat owners, 30% used food puzzles, 18% had tried them and stopped, and 52% had never tried one. Owners who stopped most often said their cat was not interested or never figured the puzzle out, which is why easy wins at the start matter. Use the 10 cm ball, a few strong-smelling treats on top, and short sessions. In homes with dogs or several cats, supervise or use a baby gate so each pet gets its own turn.
How to wash it
Midfox says the ball is machine washable: use a mild detergent and let it air dry. The AKC notes that snuffle balls tend to get dirty faster than mats, so plan on regular washes, especially if you use it every day. Owners also say interest can fade once the whole ball smells of food, and a wash may help. A second ball means one is always ready while the other dries.
Who it suits, and who should skip it
✅ A good fit for
- Food-motivated dogs and cats that love to sniff
- Pets that need a calm indoor game on rainy or busy days
- Owners who want a soft toy that goes in the washer
- Short training sessions where finding the treat is the reward
⚠️ Not a good fit for
- Pets that shred and swallow fabric
- Unsupervised time alone with the toy
- Pets that are not interested in treats
- Wet food, which soaks the fleece
The AKC advises always supervising sniffing toys, picking them up after each session, separating pets so they do not compete, and counting treats so you do not overfeed. If your pet swallows fabric, call your vet. If your pet vomits often after eating or seems unwell, talk to your vet, especially if signs are persistent, severe or getting worse.
Other Petstone ways to slow down snack time
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| Fleece Snuffle Ball | Sniffing and searching with dry treats |
| Round Interactive Puzzle Slow Feeder Toy | Pets that chew fabric but still need a slower snack |
| Silicone Lick Mat with Suction Base | Pets who settle by licking soft food |
Want to compare formats first? Read Snuffle Ball vs Snuffle Mat: Which Suits Your Dog or Cat? If fast eating is the real worry, start with Dog Eats Too Fast and Throws Up?
Shop this guide at Petstone
Sniffing, puzzle and licking options for dogs and cats.
MidfoxFleece Snuffle Ball for Dogs and CatsFor sniff-and-search games in three sizes.View product
MidfoxRound Interactive Puzzle Slow Feeder ToyFor pets that need a slower snack without fabric.View product
MidfoxSilicone Lick Mat with Suction BaseFor pets who prefer licking soft food.View product
🎁 Buy any 2 items and save 5%, applied automatically at checkout. Unused items can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Related Petstone guides
FAQ
What can I put in a snuffle ball?
Small, dry treats or pieces of your pet's regular kibble. Wet food soaks into the fleece and makes washing harder.
Can I leave my dog alone with a snuffle ball?
No. The AKC advises supervising sniffing toys and picking them up after each session. Fabric can be chewed and swallowed, so a snuffle ball is not a chew toy.
Which snuffle ball size is best for a cat?
The supplier lists the 10 cm ball for cats and small dogs. Start with treats on top so your cat gets quick wins.
How do I clean a snuffle ball?
Shake out crumbs, then machine wash with a mild detergent and let it air dry, as the supplier advises.
Sources
- Midfox: Interactive Snuffle Ball (sizes, fleece layers, stitching, washing, uses)
- AKC: Snuffle Mats for Dogs (introducing the game, supervision, counting treats, balls get dirty faster)
- UC Davis: Study Finds Nearly a Third of Cat Owners Use Food Puzzles (cats and food puzzles, starting easy, multi-pet homes)
Prepared by the Petstone team from product information, brand specifications and common owner questions, drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a person before publishing.