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DIY SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS

The snuffle ball for dogs is gaining popularity as an enriching and fun activity for our furry friends. But what exactly is a snuffle ball, and how can it enhance your dog’s daily life? To answer that, we need to start with their incredible nose.

A dog’s nose is truly extraordinary—far more powerful than a human’s, by a factor of 10,000 to 100,000! While you might catch the delicious aroma of a freshly baked pizza, your pup can detect every single ingredient.

When you take your dog on a walk, you may be busy admiring the scenery, but your dog is likely focused on the ground, sniffing out all the fascinating scents around them. Sniffing is how dogs explore their world, gather information, and even read messages left by other dogs (known as “pee-mail”). Plus, it’s just plain enjoyable for them!

This is where a snuffle ball comes in—it’s designed to stimulate your dog’s powerful sense of smell. Why is that important? Sniffing isn’t just fun for dogs; it’s also mentally engaging. It activates their nose and a significant part of their brain, helping to burn off energy and promote relaxation. Enrichment activities like using a snuffle ball can transform sniffing into a rewarding and calming experience for your dog.

WHAT IS A SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS?

Still wondering, “What exactly is a snuffle ball?” Think of it as a puzzle for your pup! A snuffle ball is a toy made of fabric, with treats hidden inside the folds. Your dog uses their powerful sense of smell to sniff out the treats and figure out how to access them. It’s an excellent enrichment tool that keeps your dog engaged and entertained, offering both mental stimulation and physical activity, which can help tire them out over time.

HOW TO USE A SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS

Using a snuffle ball is simple and fun for both you and your dog! First, grab some of your dog’s regular food or their favorite treats. Hide them inside the folds of the fabric in the snuffle ball. Once it’s filled, hand the ball over to your dog and let them use their nose to sniff out the hidden snacks. It’s a great way to provide mental stimulation and keep your pup entertained as they work to uncover their treats!

HOW TO MAKE SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS

SNUFFLE BALL MATERIALS

To make your own DIY snuffle ball for dogs, you’ll need the following materials:

  • 1.5 yards of fabric (fleece is a great choice)
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Piece of cardboard
  • Zip ties or string (4 pieces, each 8 inches long)
  • Sandpaper or hot glue gun (if you’re using zip ties)
  • Xacto knife (optional, for precise cuts)

INSTRUCTION

Ready to create your own DIY snuffle ball for dogs? Follow these 10 easy steps:

Step 1: Start by cutting the fleece into 32 circles, each with an 8-inch diameter. To make this easier, use a piece of cardboard as a template for cutting. If you prefer a bigger or smaller snuffle ball, feel free to adjust the diameter of the circles accordingly to fit your desired size for the finished ball.

    Step 2: Take each of the fleece circles and fold them in half, then fold them in half again to form a cone shape. This will create a layered, compact fold that will help conceal the treats inside once the ball is assembled.

    Step 3: Take the end of your scissors or an Xacto knife and carefully cut a small hole, about ¾ inch from the bottom of each cone shape. Make sure to cut through all four layers of the fabric to ensure the hole is big enough for the zip ties or string to pass through later.

    Step 4: Take 8 of your folded fleece circles and slide them onto the string or zip tie. Once they’re all on, tie the string or zip tie loosely, leaving some extra room for the fabric to move freely. This will allow the fabric to form a ball shape as you continue building the snuffle ball.



    Step 5: Add 8 more of the folded fleece pieces onto your second string or zip tie. Before you close the zip tie or tie a knot in the string, make sure to slip it through the first string or zip tie so that the two are linked together. This will help connect the layers and form the base of your snuffle ball.


    Step 6: Repeat step 5 for the remaining two sets of folded fleece circles, adding 8 more pieces to each string or zip tie and linking them together as you go.

    Step 7: Once all the layers are linked and positioned, tighten the zip ties or re-knot the strings to secure everything in place, shaping the fabric into a ball.

    Step 8: Trim any excess ends of the string or zip ties to give the snuffle ball a neat, finished look.

    Step 9: If you used zip ties, gently soften the sharp ends with sandpaper, or apply a small amount of hot glue over the ends to ensure they are smooth and safe for your dog to play with. This will prevent any potential injuries while they enjoy their new snuffle ball.

      Step 10: Now that your snuffle ball is complete, fill it with your pup’s favorite treats or their kibble. Once it’s all packed, let your dog sniff out and enjoy the treats hidden inside—watching them have fun and engage their sense of smell!



      OLD FASHIONED DONUTS

      These old-fashioned sour cream donuts are soft, cake-like, and topped with a delicious vanilla glaze. Best of all, since they’re made with a non-yeasted dough, you can have them ready in no time!

      INGREDIENTS

      For the Donuts:

      • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
      • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
      • 2 large egg yolks
      • 2 1/2 cups cake flour, plus extra for dusting
      • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
      • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
      • 2/3 cup sour cream
      • Vegetable oil, for frying

      For the Vanilla Glaze:

      • 2 cups powdered sugar
      • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
      • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
      • 3–4 tablespoons milk

      INSTRUCTIONS

      • Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Whisk in the salt, then set aside.
      • Mix the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
      • Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks and increase the speed to medium. Continue mixing until the ingredients are well combined, about 1 minute, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
      • Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add one-third of the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add half of the sour cream and mix until just combined. Repeat this process by adding half of the remaining flour mixture, followed by the rest of the sour cream, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix until no streaks of flour remain, stopping to scrape the bowl as needed.
      • Chill the Dough: Lightly oil a large bowl and transfer the dough into it. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, allowing the butter to firm up.
      • Roll the Dough: Generously flour a baking sheet. Flour a large piece of wax paper and tip the dough onto the wax paper (it will be sticky!). Flour the top of the dough and cover it with a second piece of wax paper. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Carefully remove the top piece of wax paper.
      • Cut the Donuts: Generously flour a 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter. Cut out the doughnuts, coating the cutter with flour between each cut. Use a spatula to transfer the doughnuts to the floured baking sheet and gently brush off excess flour. Gather the scraps, knead them gently, and repeat the process.
      • Fry the Donuts: Line a plate with paper towels and set a cooling rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot to 325°F. Carefully place 3 doughnuts into the oil at a time, ensuring they have enough room to float. They will initially sink but should rise to the surface. Once they rise, gently flip them with a skewer, chopstick, or butter knife. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden, then flip and fry the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Transfer the doughnuts to the cooling rack and drain for about 1 minute.
      • Make the Glaze: Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl. Whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
      • Glaze the Donuts: While the doughnuts are still hot, dip the ridged top side into the glaze and place them on the cooling rack, glazed side up. Repeat the process until all the doughnuts have been fried and glazed. Serve immediately. Enjoy!