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In a previous post, I shared Louie’s favorite Nina Ottosson Wobble Bowl. But today, I’d like to introduce you to another toy that captures his curiosity just as well: the Avocado Nosework Toy. It stimulates your dog’s natural sniffing instinct while doubling as play and training time.
Let’s dive in.
1. Why We Use the Avocado Nosework Toy
Even though Louie already had the Wobble Bowl, I bought this toy for one simple reason:
The treats don’t fall out easily. That one feature alone makes it worth the investment.
Plus, it looks adorable.
The design and color are charming—Louie immediately knew it was meant for him.
2. Why We Don’t Use Snuffle Mats
While snuffle mats are popular, I avoid them for three reasons:
-
Hygiene Issues
They need frequent washing and can retain odors. Machine washing can also damage the fabric. -
Tearing Risk
Louie might chew off and swallow bits of fabric, which is dangerous for small dogs like him. -
Material Safety
Most are made of felt or similar fabric, which isn’t safe for ingestion.
These reasons alone are enough for me to skip snuffle mats entirely.
3. A Closer Look at the Avocado Nosework Toy
Shaped like a halved avocado, this toy opens to reveal two small compartments.
The brown "pit" has two notches—align these with the base to remove it.
Lift the clear lid upward to reveal the treat areas.
It's clearly designed with easy cleaning in mind.
(Please ignore the mess—Louie had just finished a batch of freeze-dried wagyu treats!)
I’ll refill it for the second round. You can place treats anywhere but the center area.
Then, close the lid the same way you opened it.
4. Adjustable Difficulty Level
Unlike many toys, this one lets you adjust the size of the holes, allowing you to control how easily the treats fall out.
I also took a photo comparing it to the Nina Ottosson Wobble Bowl so you can see the size difference:
| Feature | Wobble Bowl | Avocado |
|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Height | Lower | Taller |
| Treat Exit | Side/Outer | Inside |
| Two-Paw Play | Flat & Easy | Curved & Less Easy |
| Cleaning | Easy | Easy |
Louie still uses both toys interchangeably, depending on what I’ve cleaned.
Louie Playing with the Avocado Toy
Since Louie was already trained with the Wobble Bowl, he mastered the Avocado toy right away—no help needed!
You can really see how engaged and excited he is.
Final Thoughts
Louie’s little face fits perfectly into the toy, but it might not be ideal for medium to large breeds.
Since the toy requires pawing and tipping, its shape may be less suitable for bigger dogs.
However, small dogs will likely enjoy it without issue.
What’s your dog’s favorite nosework toy?
I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments.
Original Post (Korean):
https://blog.naver.com/heartkeepers/223703563443
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