Nova Zeal

08/06/2026

We’re going to Barklove 🐾

I’m so excited to share that Nova Zeal will be part of Barklove on 05.07.26.

Barklove is made for dog lovers, by dog lovers, and you don’t even need to bring a dog, just a love of them.

I’ll be bringing handmade, design-led enrichment for curious dogs, including snuffle toys made to encourage sniffing, foraging and play.

Nova Zeal has also created something specially for Barklove, which I’ll be sharing more about soon.

It feels very exciting to be part of an event that celebrates dogs, thoughtful small businesses, and the people who love them.

Tickets are available now through Barklove:
https://www.universe.com/events/barklove-tickets-1C3HFZ

Hope to see some of you there. 💙

08/06/2026

Is there a cuter way to start the week than getting photos and videos of Bear? I don’t think so. 😅

Bear is 10 weeks old and has already fully claimed his new Nova Zeal arrivals. I think we can safely say emotional support snuffle mat status has been confirmed.

Snuffle mats are a lovely way to introduce gentle, sniff-led enrichment for puppies, giving busy little brains something calming and natural to focus on.

I’m also 100% biased, but daxies really are the cutest pups there are.

Thank you so much to Bear’s family for sharing these adorable photos and videos, and for letting me post them. (Lucy Thompson)

Bear is using one of our Small Snuffle Mats, available here:
novazealstudio.com/products/warm-snuffle-mat-for-dogs

07/06/2026

Hi, I’m Nicole, the person behind Nova Zeal.

I thought it was time for a little reintroduction, especially for anyone who has found Nova Zeal more recently.

Nova Zeal began with my love of design, colour and enrichment that feels as good as it looks. My background is in textile design, so colour, texture and thoughtful making have always been a big part of how I create.

That design background still shapes Nova Zeal now, from the way colours are chosen to how each product is made by hand.

Every snuffle mat, snuffle ball and tug is handmade in small batches here in the Scottish Highlands, with real dogs, curious noses and everyday enrichment in mind.

Remi and Archie are the heart behind the brand. Remi reminds me how important calm, confidence and thoughtful enrichment can be. Archie brings the fun, the energy and the toy obsession.

Nova Zeal is all about design-led enrichment for dogs and small pets, made with care, colour and intention.

Thank you for being here and supporting handmade.

Nova Zeal
Design-led enrichment for curious pets.

05/06/2026

Rolling into the weekend with a little colour and a lot of enrichment.

Our handmade snuffle balls are perfect for turning treats or kibble into a slower, sniff-led activity. Just hide food between the fleece folds and let your dog forage, sniff and work it out at their own pace.

Great for rainy days, calmer weekends, dogs who need extra mental stimulation, or anyone looking for an easy enrichment option at home.

Each one is handmade in the Scottish Highlands using soft fleece, with plenty of texture and hiding spots for curious noses.

Available now on the Nova Zeal website.

Shop snuffle balls here:
novazealstudio.com/collections/snuffle-balls

31/05/2026

24/05/2026

We’ll be at Ellon Castle Gardens Spring Fair on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May with lots of handmade enrichment toys for curious dogs.

I’ll be bringing a colourful mix of snuffle mats, snuffle balls, Scruffle Balls, tugs and a few other bits for dogs who love to sniff, forage and play.

Walled Gardens, Ellon Castle
Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May
10am to 4pm
£2.50 entry
Dog-friendly venue
Card payments accepted

You’ll find us there with Exclusively Highlands.

Come say hello if you’re visiting.

18/05/2026

We can’t wait to be back at P in the Park again this year!

It’s always such a lovely event, and this year’s line-up looks amazing. We’re really looking forward to being there with our handmade enrichment toys and seeing lots of familiar and new faces.

Pop along, have a wander, and come say hello if you’re visiting. 🐾

16/05/2026

15/05/2026

New on the Nova Zeal blog: What Is a Snuffle Mat?

This simple guide explains how snuffle mats work, why dogs enjoy scent-led enrichment, and how to use one with treats or kibble at home.

They can be especially useful for calm indoor enrichment, rainy days, puppies, small dogs, and dogs who need a slower activity during rest or recovery.

Read the full guide here:

Learn what a snuffle mat is and how it encourages natural sniffing, foraging and enrichment for curious dogs. A simple guide to scent-led play.

13/05/2026

A little corner of colour and enrichment.

Taken at Wildwoodz last weekend, with handmade snuffle mats, Scruffle Balls, snuffle balls, tug toys and natural treats on the table.

Each Nova Zeal product is designed to encourage sniffing, foraging and play, whether that’s slowing down mealtimes, adding enrichment to a rainy day, or giving curious pets something fun to explore.

From bold colour combinations to softer seasonal palettes, every design is handmade with texture, colour and everyday enrichment in mind.

Design-led enrichment for curious pets.