DogRanking UK › Toys › Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle
Review · Toys · interactive puzzle
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle — review & rating
Is Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle a good choice?
Excellent mental stimulation with graded difficulty so the dog can progress. Fifteen minutes of nose-and-paw problem-solving tires a dog like a long walk — invaluable on wet days and for seniors. Remember it's a board game, not a chew: it goes back on the shelf afterwards.
Specification
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | treat-dispensing puzzle, difficulty Levels 1–4 |
| Material | BPA-/PVC-free moulded plastic; sliding/flip/spinning compartments — not a chew |
| Range | Dog Smart (Level 1) to MultiPuzzle (Level 4) |
| Safety | supervised problem-solving — dogs that chew plastic can break/swallow parts |
| Price | ~£18–23 |
Score across 4 pillars
| Pillar | Score | Max |
|---|---|---|
| A · Materials & build | 28 | 35 |
| B · Safety & evidence | 20 | 25 |
| C · Manufacturer credibility | 20 | 25 |
| D · Ergonomics & value | 12 | 15 |
Pros
- Strong mental stimulation, slows fast eaters
- Graded difficulty to progress the dog
- Food-safe, easy to clean
- Engages dogs of all ages
- Not a chew — chewers can break and swallow plastic
- Some dogs flip and lose the pieces
- Needs the owner present to reset and supervise
📋 Hands-on test pending — this rating is based on label analysis and public manufacturer data (that is always how we score; a hands-on test adds photos, our own measurements and Bekon’s verdict, but never changes the score).
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start with puzzles?
At Level 1 with easy wins. A dog set a puzzle that's too hard gets frustrated and gives up; raise the level only once it solves the current one without hesitation.
Can I leave my dog alone with a puzzle?
No — it's a supervised activity. A determined dog can chew off plastic flaps or pegs, and a swallowed piece risks an intestinal blockage.
Where to buy
Healthy Pet Store →Direct4Pet →Amazon.co.uk →
The links above are affiliate links — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The rating was finalised before we checked where the product can be bought.