Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle
Dogs who need mental stimulation and owners who want to slow down treat time
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy
Dogs who love foraging and owners looking for interactive puzzle play
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle
Dogs who need mental stimulation and owners who want to slow down treat time
The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is the best intermediate puzzle toy in this comparison — the combination of sliding compartments and removable bone covers creates genuine cognitive challenge for most dogs. The food-safe, dishwasher-friendly construction makes cleanup effortless. Smart dogs may outgrow it quickly, but for most dogs it provides 15-30 minutes of focused enrichment per session.
Strengths
- Level 2 puzzle difficulty with sliding compartments and removable bones challenges dogs mentally
- BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free composite material is food-safe
- Dishwasher-safe top rack for easy cleaning after treat use
Limitations
- Smart dogs may solve the puzzle too quickly — limited replay difficulty
- One size only — may be too large for very small breeds or too small for giant breeds
- Plastic construction can be chewed and damaged if used as a chew toy
When to Choose Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy
Dogs who love foraging and owners looking for interactive puzzle play
The Hide-A-Squirrel is one of the most engaging enrichment toys available — the hide-and-seek mechanic taps into dogs' natural foraging instincts, and the squeaky squirrels sustain interest across multiple play sessions. Durability is the main weakness, making this best suited for supervised play. The availability of replacement squirrels is a smart touch that extends overall value.
Strengths
- Hide-and-seek concept with squeaky squirrels in a plush tree trunk engages natural foraging instincts
- Multiple sizes available with varying numbers of squirrels (junior, large, jumbo, ginormous)
- Replacement squirrels sold separately — extends the toy's lifespan
Limitations
- Plush squirrels and trunk are not durable against moderate to heavy chewers
- Squeakers in squirrels can fail after repeated use and washing
- Stuffing in trunk can be pulled out by determined dogs
