Our Experience and Review: Nina Ottosson and Outward Hound - Treat Tumble Puzzle
- olddogsnewhabits
- Apr 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
As responsible pet parents, we owe it to them to provide not just love and care but also mental and physical stimulation. One of the most effective ways to keep your furry friend engaged is through enrichment toys—and the Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble by Outward Hound is a standout example. Whether you’re new to the world of canine enrichment or a seasoned pro, this blog will guide you through the wonders of interactive toys like this one.
Design and Construction
The Treat Tumble comes in two vibrant color combinations: a large red and yellow ball and a smaller blue and yellow-green version. Both are crafted from polypropylene plastic that is free from BPA, PVC, lead, and phthalates, ensuring your pet's safety during play. Outward Hound emphasizes that their feeding products use food-grade plastics, and while the small ball is marked as made in Sweden, the large version carries the "Nina Ottosson Sweden" logo, it is more likely related to where it was designed than manufacturing. The robust, hard plastic construction is built to withstand enthusiastic play. If you have a larger dog or a strong chewer, I suggest the larger (red and yellow) Treat Tumble to reduce their ability to gnaw on the puzzle. Both small and large are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
How It Works
The Treat Tumble is a Level 1 puzzle toy, making it perfect for beginners or dogs new to enrichment games. Simply fill the ball with your dog's favorite dry kibble or treats through one of the two dispensing holes. As your dog plays, paws, and rolls the ball, food is gradually dropped, rewarding curiosity and persistence. This interactive process not only slows down fast eaters but also provides a satisfying mental and physical workout, keeping your dog engaged for up to 10 minutes per meal in our experience.
This simple yet effective design encourages problem-solving and keeps dogs entertained while slowing down fast eaters—a win-win for both pets and their owners.
Maintenance and Durability
Cleaning the Treat Tumble is straightforward—just rinse with warm soapy water and wipe down the exterior. For extra easy, it can be placed on the top shelf of the dishwasher. While filling the ball with a full meal may require a funnel for convenience, the toy's simple design means there are few crevices for food to get stuck. Wet foods are not recommended due to the challenge of cleaning the interior thoroughly. After nearly five years of frequent use (up to 40 times a month!), our Treat Tumble still looks almost new, a testament to its durability. Just remember, no toy is indestructible, so always supervise play and inspect for damage with every use.
Fun and Funner if:
Fun:
Dog-approved: Consistently excites and entertains, with Fleming eagerly anticipating every use.
Engages mind and body: Encourages problem-solving and physical activity, reducing boredom and stress.
Slows down fast eaters: Dispenses food gradually, promoting healthier eating habits.
Funner if:
Less Noise: The hard plastic construction can be loud as it rolls and bumps into furniture, which may test human patience. Construction with a soft rubber or similar type of materials could help.
Opened at the top or in the middle: Filling with a full meal can be tricky or just discouragingly annoying.
Where to buy
Amazon.com: Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Interactive Puzzle Ball Dog Toy, Level 1 Beginner, Blue, Small
Conclusion
The Treat Tumble Interactive Puzzle Game by Nina Ottosson for Outward Hound is a fantastic investment for any dog owner looking to add excitement and enrichment to their pet's daily routine. It is simple enough to get any dog with any level of intelligence, interested in CEFTs. The Treat Tumble is safe with durable design and promotes engaging play making it a staple in our home, consistently delivering joy and mental stimulation for my furry bestie. While it may be a bit noisy and require some patience when filling, the benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences. If you want to see your dog light up with anticipation at mealtime and enjoy mental enrichment the Treat Tumble is a must-have addition to your pet toy box. Find links above to buy yours. Happy playing, everyone! Thank you for growing with us! 🐶❤️
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