We recently added two new food toys to our arsenal, courtesy of Company of Animals. We were sent the Mini Green Slow Dog Feeder and the Nina Ottosson Mix Max Treat Puzzle, Advanced Level.
Mr. N doesn't/won't eat kibble so I put some jerky pieces in the feeder. After eating the treats around the edges, Mr. N approached the feeder like he does food puzzles and tried to tip it over. He had trouble reaching the ones in the middle. I think his muzzle isn't long enough to nab the treats there effectively.
I specifically asked for an advanced food puzzle because Mr. N does all of the ones at home in less than a minute and it completely ruins the point of having him be occupied for a while. The MixMax comes in three difficulties (easy, medium and advanced) and can be combined with the other levels.
There are four yellow round pieces. The dog needs to slide the yellow piece out of a corner and slide it over to an exit in order to retrieve the treat. The treat needs to be small enough to fit under the circle but big enough so that it can't be retrieved through the hole. Mr. N ate all the small pieces I put in initially through the holes.
It took him a little longer to solve than his other ones and he enjoyed playing with it once he figured out he couldn't "cheat" anymore. This toy is perfectly-sized for Mr. N but for medium to large dogs, I think the pieces are too small to be played without strict supervision.
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| This is Mr. N's triumphant "I got the food out" face |
This post was sponsored by The Company of Animals. They are not responsible for the contents of this article. All opinions expressed are our own.
Cool toy, Mr. N. I have a bunch of food puzzle toys. Some are tougher than others - especially since my buck teeth make picking up bone-shaped cups kind of difficult. In spite of this and in spite of my tiny brain, Mom says I learn to solve the puzzles like a champ!
ReplyDeleteLove and licks,
Cupcake
I tease Mr. N about his pea-sized brain too.
DeleteWe have the food puzzle and it didn't work for us. We pulled the pieces in the corners off with our mouths and tried to eat them. Even cat bro Bert tried it and pulled the pieces off with his paws to get the food rather than doing it the correct way. I guess we are too impatient. We have a bigger puzzle for Bailie, but she always picks it up and shakes the treats out, so I guess we are not puzzle dogs. Mom is bummed because it seems like it should be so fun for us. You did good Mr. N!
ReplyDeleteHave you guys tried the Kong Wobbler? It sounds like it would be up your alley.
DeleteThe second food puzzle is interesting, I wonder if Haley would figure that out. She loves treat balls and especially homemade treats in boxes that she can tear up and shred before getting the treats. Our family room often looks like a cardboard bombing site, lol!
ReplyDeleteFood puzzles are always a huge hit here in Doodleville. We created aDIY one from Sugar the Golden Retriever with a couple of muffin pans and tennis balls. Talk about hours of fun. I place kibble in the pans and they love it. Way to go Mr. N. entertaining the children. #sweetie
ReplyDeleteThat orange one looks pretty complex, way to go Mr.N!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun game! And getting a treat is a pretty special prize, for sure.
ReplyDeletePurrs,
Seville
I love food puzzle toys! I really like the IQ treat ball and any other ones that can be set to various levels of difficulty. When I have foster dogs, they usually eat most of their meals out of puzzle toys.
ReplyDeleteI have just started recently using slow feeder bowls and I am finding them a great way to make meal time last longer, especially when I have to feed the dog in his/her crate. I haven't tried the green grass one that you reviewed here, but would like to try it in the future!
Mr. N has and likes the IQ ball too.
DeleteWe tried a puzzle toy, I just thought it was a chew toy so not a huge success. Love Dolly
ReplyDeleteI can see how that would be a problem Dolly lol.
DeleteThat last pic is SO cute! We have one treat puzzle for Rita. The first time I tried it with her she just glared at me so annoyed. She very much had a "why would you do this to me?" look on her face. But once she figured it out, I think she kinda thought it was fun. But what she really liked was taking the plastic puzzle pieces out and batting them around like hockey pucks. She's so odd.
ReplyDeleteThe Mic Mac toy looks pretty challenging - it's one I might try for Ruby.
ReplyDeleteThis looks fun. We have never tried one of these puzzles, but I bet Ruby would love it.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Mom should get 5 of them! Or maybe we should just cut straight to the treats!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't tried any puzzles but Walter could use one of those slow feeders.
ReplyDeleteI love that slow dog feeder and have thought of getting one for my Springer who hoovers her food in seconds flat. It would give her something different from her bowl.
ReplyDeleteWe have never done a food puzzle, but this looks like such fun! Now I feel inspired to DIY and pin some at home food puzzles! Thanks for sharing! Mr. N, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThat last photo? Totally made my day! I adore Mr. N's triumphant "I got the food out" face! :)
ReplyDeleteWe have a couple of Nina Ottosson, and Riley seems to be the expert out of all the dogs! I'm glad to see Mr. N's smiling face from his accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteThis looks cool and you pictures are so sweet :)
ReplyDeleteMr. N's face of triumph is adorable!
ReplyDeleteWe have the large dog version of the Green feeder for Nala, and I love it! It really slows her down, and she's much more likely to go take a nap after eating than to attempt to scrounge up an extra breakfast or three when she eats out of it.
I'd love to try one of the more complicated Nina Ottosson toys with her, but I haven't been able to bring myself to spend the money! Good to know that this one is more appropriate for a smaller dog, though--thanks for the tip!
Mr. N looks very proud of himself, as he should be! We have that slow green feeder for our beagle, and it really slows her way down eating which we needed.
ReplyDeleteOur crew doesn't seem to have the patience for those types of toys (or maybe it's me that doesn't!), and Sheba especially just likes to walk off with the pieces.
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
You are very clever Mr. N!
ReplyDelete