DIY treat ball for dogs: how to make it and which dogs it suits

Key points

• A tennis ball with a 2-3 cm (about 1 in) slit becomes a treat dispenser.
• Tennis balls can get stuck in the throat of large dogs: use a ball clearly bigger than their mouth.
• The felt, together with the sand and dirt it picks up, wears down teeth like sandpaper.
• It's a toy to use under supervision and put away afterward, not something to chew every day.

A DIY treat ball for dogs takes five minutes with a tennis ball and a utility knife: you cut a slit, push treats inside, and your dog has to squeeze, roll and nudge it to get them out. It's a store-bought treat dispenser, for free.

Before you start, two important things. A tennis ball is a size that can be dangerous for large dogs (the one you use must be clearly bigger than their mouth), and its felt wears down teeth if your dog chews on it every day. Here's how to make it and how to use it without those risks.

Safety: size and teeth

Size matters

A tennis ball measures about 6.5 cm (2.5 in). For a small or medium dog it's perfect, but a large dog (Labrador, German Shepherd, Mastiff) can fit the whole thing in their mouth, and if it slips back toward the throat it can get stuck and block their breathing. It's a rare accident but a very serious one. Rule of thumb: the ball has to be bigger than what your dog can close their mouth around. For dogs over 25 kg (55 lb), look for large balls or a rubber treat-dispensing toy.

Felt wears down teeth

Tennis ball felt is abrasive, all the more so after it has rolled through sand or dirt. Dogs that chew on one every day end up with worn, flattened teeth, sometimes down to the point of exposing the pulp. That's why this ball is for a short play session, not for chewing on for hours.

Also

• Supervise play and put it away when they're done.
• Throw it out as soon as the slit tears or it starts shedding bits of rubber or felt.
• Use balls without paint or strong smells. Balls made for dogs, without felt, are a better option.

Which treats to use

Small, dry treats that fit through the slit and don't stick: kibble, pieces of oat and chicken cookies or pumpkin and beef treats. At first, they should come out easily; once your dog gets the hang of it, use slightly bigger pieces. More ideas in our homemade dog treats.

If you're looking for other treat games, try the treat bottle or browse the rest of our DIY dog toys.

What you need

• A new tennis ball, or a hollow dog ball bigger than their mouth
• A sharp utility knife
• A cutting board
• Small, dry treats

Step by step

1. Choose the ball

   Make sure it's bigger than what your dog can close their mouth around. If in doubt, use a bigger ball.

2. Cut the slit

   Rest the ball on the cutting board and, very carefully, use the utility knife to make a straight cut of 2-3 cm (about 1 in). Cut with your hand away from the path of the blade. This is always a job for an adult.

3. Add the treats

   Squeeze the ball on either side of the slit so it opens like a mouth and push the treats in. When you let go, it closes.

4. Show them how it works

   The first few times, squeeze the ball in front of them so they see a treat drop out. Then let them push it around with their nose and paws.

5. Put it away afterward

   Once they've got the treats out, put it away. Check the slit and the felt before each use and throw it out if it's damaged.

Frequently asked questions

Are tennis balls bad for dogs?

They're fine for a short play session, but they carry two risks. The felt is abrasive and wears down the teeth of dogs that chew on them often. And their size can be dangerous for large dogs, which can choke if the ball slips back toward the throat. For large dogs or heavy chewers, rubber balls made for dogs are better.

What size ball is safe for my dog?

The ball should be bigger than what your dog can close their mouth around, so they can't fit the whole thing in. A tennis ball works for small and medium dogs; for dogs over 25 kg (55 lb), a large rubber ball is a better idea. If your dog can close their mouth with the ball inside, it's too small.

Why are treat-dispensing toys good for dogs?

Because they make your dog use their nose, paws and brain to get the food, which is mentally tiring and reduces boredom and anxiety. They also slow down dogs that eat too fast. They're very useful on rainy days, for dogs left alone for a while, or for dogs on rest after surgery.