Our Experience and Review: Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Interactive Puzzle
- olddogsnewhabits
- Mar 28, 2025
- 3 min read
As a pet enthusiast, I love discovering new toys to engage Fleming. This post, we are sharing our experience with the Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Interactive Puzzle, a product designed by Nina Ottosson and distributed by Outward Hound. We purchased this toy back in 2020, and it has provided countless engaging moments for Fleming, albeit we don’t use it every day.
Design and Construction
The Dog Smart Interactive Puzzle boasts a dog distinct design, available in two vibrant combinations: orange with white bones and light blue with white bones. Made from durable BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free polypropylene, this toy promises safety for your furry best friend. According to Outward Hound, their feeding toys are composed of “food-grade” plastics.
Fleming is not a heavy chewer, and thanks to our careful usage, the toy has remained in excellent condition. We intentionally limit his playtime with this toy to about once every other month, allowing him to retain some of the mystery of the puzzle and preventing too much wear and tear.
How It Works
The interactive puzzle holds up to half a cup of dry kibble and is also well suited for wet foods. The orange tray allows kibble or treats to be dropped into bone-shaped cups, then covered with the white bones with varying heights on either end. The lower sides present a more accessible challenge, while the taller sides require Fleming to use his paws more strategically to lift the bones up and retrieve his payment.
It’s delightful to watch Fleming slowly figure it out each time, before catching on to the puzzle. Each session lasts around 4 to 6 minutes, and I find that it keeps his interest piqued as he refines his technique.
Maintenance and Durability
Cleaning this toy is a breeze. Despite humble suggestions to hand wash, we’ve successfully tossed it on the top rack of the dishwasher without any issues of wear. The black rubber non-slip stoppers on the bottom are still intact. The key to longevity seems to be in not overusing it, and we’ve practiced that with great effect.
Fun and Funner if:
Fun:
Engaging and easy to use: Promotes problem-solving skills and easy to clean
Adjustable Difficulty: The varying heights of the bones allow for adjustable challenge levels, suitable for different breeds and ages.
Funner if:
Support for Heavy Chewers: Dogs that are prone to heavy chewing had “heavier”, more durable, rubber-like, white bones to lift and work a little harder.
Stay Put: A latch to keep the bones attached could prevent loss and damage.
Conclusion
Overall, the Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Interactive Puzzle is a fun, engaging, and has brought intrigue to Fleming. It’s particularly suitable for small dog breeds, puppies, or less aggressive chewers. If you’re looking for a challenge that will keep your dog mentally stimulated without leading to frustration, this toy is a solid option.
Would I spend my last $20 on it? Probably not; however, for the right price — especially while splurging on my best friend — I’d wholeheartedly recommend this product to other small dog owners. It remains a lasting addition to our CEFT collection that promotes interactive play while minimizing the ecological impact, as we've maintained it for years. The only lingering questions I have are about its manufacturing origins and any possible recycling actions available for such products. Nonetheless, Fleming has certainly enriched his playtime with his Nina Ottosson toy, and I hope your furry besties will delight in it too!
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