How to Make a Dog Piñata

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Serena Faber-Nelson Updated 11 July 2026 · 6 Min Read

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over. Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

It really doesn't get much more fun than a DIY dog piñata. Combining the mental workout of a treat ball with the sparkle of party decor, a dog piñata keeps your pup happily entertained as they nudge and paw treats free. Once you've made one, you'll never plan a dog birthday party without it.

Here's how to make a dog piñata step by step, plus an easy tennis ball version for a quick everyday enrichment toy.

To make a dog piñata, cut a small hole in a paper mache letter or number, punch two holes at the top and thread twine for hanging, then cover it in fringed tissue paper. Once dry, fill it with small dog treats and hang it low enough for your dog to shake the treats free with their snout and paws. Unlike a party piñata, a dog piñata is designed to stay intact.

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Why Your Dog Will Love a Treat Piñata

A dog piñata isn't just adorable for photos. It's a genuine enrichment activity. Working treats free from the piñata engages your dog's problem-solving skills and taps into their natural foraging instincts, the same reason snuffle mats and treat balls are so popular.

It's the perfect centerpiece for a dog birthday party, but it also makes a fun rainy-day boredom buster any time of year.

What You'll Need

• Paper mache numbers or letters to spell out your dog's name or age (craft stores carry these in various sizes)
• Non-toxic craft glue
• Crepe or tissue paper (metallic gold tissue looks especially festive)
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• String or twine
• Small dog treats

A quick tip: if your dog's name is very long, spelling out their full name will take a while. A single initial or their age in numbers works just as well and comes together much faster.

How to Make a Dog Piñata: Step by Step

1. Cut the treat opening. Using your craft knife, cut one or two small holes in the base of each paper mache number or letter. This is the entry and exit point for the treats.
2. Add the hanging holes. Punch two small holes in the top of each letter and thread twine through for hanging.
3. Make your fringing. Take your tissue paper and, leaving it folded as it comes in the package, cut off a strip about 3cm wide. Snip fringing along the strip about 1cm apart and halfway up. Unfold to reveal one full strand of fringed tissue. Repeat until you have enough fringing to cover all your letters.
4. Glue on the fringing. Starting from the bottom and working up, glue the fringing on piece by piece. Glue the un-fringed edge down, then overlap each new strip so only the fringe shows. Continue until the letter is fully covered, then leave to dry.
5. Fill with treats. Once dry, fill each piñata with small dog treats, shaking them down inside.
6. Hang and play. Hang your piñata at your dog's height and let them use their snout and paws to shake the treats free.

How to Make a Tennis Ball Piñata for Dogs

If you want a quicker, sturdier version for everyday play, a tennis ball treat dispenser is a great alternative to the paper mache piñata. Here's how:

1. Take a clean tennis ball and, using a craft knife, carefully cut a single slit about 2 to 3cm long across one side. An adult should always do this step.
2. Squeeze the ball to open the slit and drop in a few small treats.
3. Thread a length of twine through the slit or tie it around the ball to hang it, or simply let your dog roll it around on the floor.
4. As your dog nudges, paws, and bites the ball, treats fall out through the slit.

Unlike the decorative piñata, the tennis ball version is made to withstand chewing, so it works well as a longer-term enrichment toy. Always supervise your dog, choose a ball sized appropriately so it can't be swallowed, and replace it if it starts to break apart.

Handy Tips for the Perfect Dog Piñata

• Due to the smaller nature of the piñata, you may need to cut smaller pieces of fringing to cover corners neatly.
• If you can't thread string through the top, use a stapler to attach the hanging string to the finished piñata.
• Always supervise your dog with the piñata. It's designed for them to use their snout and paws to shake treats free, like a treat ball. Don't let your dog bite or eat the paper mache piñata.
• Unlike a regular party piñata, the dog piñata is designed to stay intact rather than break apart.

FAQ

How do you make a piñata for dogs?

Cut a small hole in the base of a paper mache letter or number, punch two holes at the top and thread twine for hanging, then cover the shape in fringed tissue paper using non-toxic glue. Once dry, fill it with small dog treats and hang it at your dog's height. Your dog nudges and paws the piñata to shake the treats free, and unlike a party piñata, it's built to stay intact.

Is a dog piñata safe?

A dog piñata is safe when used with supervision. It's designed for dogs to shake treats loose with their snout and paws, not to bite or eat. Use non-toxic glue, keep an eye on your dog the whole time, and take the piñata away if your dog tries to chew or ingest the paper mache. The tennis ball version is sturdier and better suited to dogs who like to bite.

What treats work best in a dog piñata?

Small, dry treats work best because they fall out easily as your dog moves the piñata. Training treats, small biscuits, or kibble are all good choices. Avoid anything soft, sticky, or large that could clog the opening or get stuck inside. If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, use treats you know they tolerate well.

How do you make a tennis ball treat dispenser for dogs?

Cut a single slit about 2 to 3cm long in a clean tennis ball, squeeze it open, and drop a few small treats inside. Your dog then pushes and paws the ball to release the treats through the slit. Always cut the ball yourself rather than letting your dog do it, choose a ball too large to swallow, and supervise play, replacing the ball if it begins to break down.

Can puppies use a dog piñata?

Yes, puppies can enjoy a dog piñata with close supervision. Because puppies explore with their mouths, watch carefully to make sure they're shaking treats free rather than chewing the piñata itself. Hang it low enough for a small pup to reach comfortably, and keep sessions short and positive so it stays fun.

Have fun, and happy party planning! For more dog party ideas, try our DIY dog birthday crown, or browse all our DIY dog projects for more inspiration.

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