Dog ‘IQ Test’ Goes Viral: How an Expert Pet Puzzle With 28 Compartments Works
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22.08.2026 07:28
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2 min read
Videos showcasing the Nina Ottosson MultiPuzzle interactive toy are once again pulling in millions of views on social media. The set is a complex mechanical maze featuring 28 hidden food compartments that requires creative problem-solving and fine motor skills from pets.
Outward Hound classifies the puzzle under its highest difficulty tier, Level 4 (Expert). This is the most advanced level in Swedish pet designer Nina Ottosson’s lineup, built for pets that have already mastered basic puzzle games.
Four-step logic: locks, sliders, and rotating discs
Unlike standard snuffle mats or basic slow-feeder bowls, the Dog MultiPuzzle forces pets to execute sequential actions:
- Locks: Orange locks block the movement of adjacent elements—dogs must first unlatch the lock with their nose or paw;
- Guided sliders: Once the stopper is released, outer tiles slide along the outer perimeter toward the revealed food compartments;
- Central rotor: The inner rotating wheel turns to align slots and grant access to additional internal hidden compartments.
Difficulty can be adjusted manually by leaving some compartments open for beginners or locking all 28 mechanisms for experienced dogs.
Mental stimulation over rapid eating
While often dubbed a “dog IQ test” online, from a scientific perspective it is a tool for mental stimulation (enrichment) and environmental enrichment. According to Outward Hound’s guide, actively searching for food reduces anxiety in hyperactive dogs, prevents destructive behavior born out of boredom, and slows down eating, protecting the gastrointestinal tract from issues caused by gulping down kibble.
The puzzle is designed specifically for dogs using food-safe, BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free plastic. Owners are advised to supervise play to prevent pets from attempting to chew through the mechanical sliders.
