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Short answer: for a small to medium dog or a curious cat, the Brainy Puzzle Feeder is the better pick. It uses slide-and-lift pieces, comes in blue or pink, works for cats and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Dog Brick is a Level 2 puzzle for dogs and is hand-wash only.
The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick by Outward Hound is one of the most searched puzzle feeders, which is why people compare it before buying anything else. Our Brainy Puzzle Feeder uses the same slide-and-lift idea in a 24 cm design that suits small to medium dogs and curious cats. Here is the side-by-side.
Dog Brick vs Brainy Puzzle Feeder at a glance
| Feature | Pets Sparkle Brainy Puzzle Feeder | Outward Hound Dog Brick |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | ✓Slide and lift pieces to reach the food | ✓Flip lids, sliders and removable bone pieces over three compartments |
| Pets | ✓Small to medium dogs and curious cats | –Dogs. Chewy says all breeds and sizes |
| Size | ✓24 cm (about 9.4 in) | –Not listed on the product page |
| Cleaning | –Easy to refill and clean | ✕Hand wash with soap and water. Not dishwasher safe (Chewy) |
| Difficulty | –Beginner-friendly slide-and-lift play | –Level 2: for dogs that have mastered Level 1 |
| Colors | ✓Blue or pink | –Blue is shown on the product page |
| Guarantee | ✓30-day money-back guarantee | –None stated on the pages we reviewed |
Checkmark means yes, cross means no, dash means the product page does not say. Rival details are taken from the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
Where the Brainy Puzzle Feeder comes out ahead
- It is made for curious cats as well as small to medium dogs. The Dog Brick page is aimed at dogs.
- It is a good first puzzle. The Dog Brick is a Level 2 puzzle that Outward Hound says suits dogs that have already mastered Level 1.
- It has a clear size: 24 cm, which fits on a counter or floor without taking over the room.
- It comes in two colors and with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Where the Dog Brick fits
The Dog Brick has three compartments with flip lids, sliders and removable pieces, and Chewy lists it for all breeds and sizes. If you have an experienced puzzle dog that needs a Level 2 challenge, it is a fair choice. For a beginner, a smaller dog or a cat, ours is the better starting point.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Brainy Puzzle Feeder if
- You have a small to medium dog or a curious cat
- This is your pet’s first puzzle feeder
- You want a 30-day money-back guarantee
Choose the Dog Brick if
- Your dog already solves Level 1 puzzles
- You want a three-compartment board with removable bone pieces
Is it worth switching?
If you are starting out, yes. The Brainy Puzzle Feeder is a gentle way into puzzle play for dogs and cats. Read how to match a puzzle to your pet in our interactive dog puzzle toy guide, and see dog puzzle feeders for the basics.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nina Ottosson Dog Brick better than the Brainy Puzzle Feeder?
For small to medium dogs, curious cats and beginners we think the Brainy Puzzle Feeder is the better pick, and it has a 30-day guarantee. The Dog Brick suits experienced dogs that want a Level 2 puzzle.
Is the Dog Brick dishwasher safe?
No. Outward Hound says to hand wash it with soap and water, and Chewy says it is not dishwasher safe.
Can cats use the Brainy Puzzle Feeder?
Yes, curious cats can use it as well as small to medium dogs.
What size is the Brainy Puzzle Feeder?
24 cm, about 9.4 inches.
Sources (links checked October 2026)
- Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Outward Hound
- Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick (Chewy) Chewy
Outward Hound and Nina Ottosson are trademarks of their respective owners. Pets Sparkle is not affiliated with or endorsed by Outward Hound. Competitor details come from the public pages listed above and can change, so check the current listing before you buy.
Mahmoud Mohamed Samir is an SEO/GEO Specialist who turns veterinary research into clear, practical feeding guides, built so pet parents get straight answers whether they search on Google or ask an AI assistant.
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