Mindful Pet Daily is reader-supported: when you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Our take: a good budget puzzle for teaching a two-step “unlock, then move” sequence. Skip it if your dog chews plastic.
The Dog Twister is a round level 3 puzzle from the Nina Ottosson range by Outward Hound. Treats hide in nine compartments under sliding blocks, and each block is locked by a white tab. Your dog has to lift the tab first, then slide the block to reach the food.
At a glance: Level 3 (maker’s scale) · 9 compartments, each locked by a tab · About 1 cup of kibble or treats · About 11.75 inches across · Plastic, BPA, PVC and phthalate free · Wash with warm water and soap
How it works
The board is a circle of blocks. Under each block is a small compartment for a treat or a few pieces of kibble. A white tab on each block locks it in place. Your dog lifts the tab, then slides the block along to uncover the food. The tabs are built in, so they don’t come off.
You set the difficulty:
- Learning: leave the tabs up, so your dog only has to slide the blocks.
- Full level 3: push every tab down, so each compartment needs two moves in order.
- Harder still: fill only a few compartments, so your dog has to search, and rotate it with another puzzle so the answer doesn’t become a habit.
Who it’s for
- Dogs who solve level 2 puzzles quickly and need a next step
- Dogs who like step-by-step problems: every compartment is the same two moves, so they learn the pattern
- Owners who want a budget level 3 puzzle to rotate with a second one
Skip it if
- Your dog chews plastic. The tabs and blocks are small plastic parts, and a chewer can damage them.
- Your dog flips or bats toys around. The board slides on smooth floors. A non-slip mat underneath helps.
- Your dog already beats level 3 puzzles in minutes. Look at the MultiPuzzle (level 4) instead.
What owners report
- Liked: it keeps dogs busy and works as a step up from easier puzzles.
- Split: some dogs work out the tab-then-block sequence quickly, others need help at first. Leaving the tabs up makes the start easier.
- Disliked: wear from chewing, and the board sliding around on hard floors.
Safety
- Supervise. The maker says not to leave a dog alone with a treat puzzle.
- Put it away when the food is gone, so it doesn’t become a chew toy.
- Check it before each use and replace it if anything is cracked or chewed.
- Food: use your dog’s normal kibble or treats, and count them as part of the day’s food.
Dog Twister vs Dog Casino
Both are budget level 3 puzzles from the same range.
VS · Compare with
Dog Casino
| Feature | Dog Twister | Dog Casino |
|---|---|---|
| How it opens | Lift a tab, then slide a block | Turn a bone, then pull a drawer |
| Compartments | 9 | 6 |
| Best for | Learning a lift-then-slide sequence | Dogs who paw and pull |
| Watch out for | Chewers: supervise, check the tabs | Chewers, sliding on smooth floors |
Many owners rotate the two so neither gets stale.
FAQ
Is the Dog Twister good for beginners?
It’s a level 3 puzzle, so it’s best after your dog has mastered a level 1 or 2 puzzle. Leaving the tabs up makes it a gentler start.
Do the white tabs come out?
No. The maker says the play pieces are built in and don’t come out during play. Still check the board after each session, especially with dogs who chew.
How much food does it hold?
About a cup of kibble or treats, according to the listing. Measure it from your dog’s daily ration.
Is it dishwasher safe?
The maker’s instructions say to clean it with warm water and soap between uses, so we’d wash it by hand.
Similar puzzles
- Nina Ottosson Dog Casino: budget level 3 with drawers and bone locks
- Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider: level 3, 24 compartments, wet food OK
- Nina Ottosson MultiPuzzle: level 4, the next step up
- TRIXIE Move-2-Win: level 3 from a different brand, good for rotation
- KONG Classic: for dogs who chew plastic puzzles
Compare all six: Puzzle Toys for Smart Dogs
How we research
This review brings together the maker’s information and patterns in what owners report. More in How We Review.
Last updated: October 29, 2026