The Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers is a Level 2 interactive dog puzzle that combines spinning food compartments, licking enrichment, and slow feeding in one compact design.
This review looks at its three-layer design, 100+ treat compartments, Level 2 difficulty, slow-feeding potential, mental stimulation, boredom relief, cleaning, durability, safety, and whether it is a good fit for dogs that are ready for more than a basic treat toy.
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Important Safety Note
The Lickin’ Layers is an interactive food puzzle, not a chew toy. Always supervise your dog during use, teach the dog how the game works, prevent chewing on the puzzle or its pieces, inspect it for damage, and remove it if damaged.
When the puzzle is empty, store it until the next supervised session instead of leaving it available for unsupervised play.
Quick Verdict
The Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers is a strong option for dogs that enjoy food puzzles but do not need the expert-level difficulty of more advanced Nina Ottosson games. Outward Hound classifies it as a Level 2 enrichment puzzle.
Its biggest strength is versatility. The three rotating layers create a puzzle challenge, the ridged surfaces encourage licking and slower eating, and the many treat compartments give owners plenty of ways to vary the food setup.
The main limitation is that it is still a food puzzle rather than a durable chew toy. Dogs that immediately chew or bite puzzle pieces may not be a good match.
Check Lickin’ Layers on Amazon →
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Lickin’ Layers at a Glance
| Feature | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Puzzle Level | Level 2 — Intermediate |
| Layers | 3 rotating layers |
| Treat Compartments | 100+ treat compartments |
| Main Action | Spin + Lick + Search |
| Best For | Dogs ready for Level 2 puzzles |
| Main Strength | 3-in-1 enrichment design |
| Main Limitation | Not designed for chewing |
What Is the Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers?
The Lickin’ Layers is an interactive food puzzle from Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound. It is classified as a Level 2 dog puzzle, placing it above beginner-style games while remaining considerably easier than expert puzzles such as the MultiPuzzle.
The basic concept is straightforward: food is placed inside the different sections of the toy, and the dog spins the layers to reveal the hidden rewards.
The product has three rotating layers and more than 100 treat compartments, giving owners plenty of ways to change where rewards are placed from one session to another. Outward Hound lists the dimensions at approximately 2.5 inches high by 10.35 inches long and 10.35 inches wide.
What Does Level 2 Mean?
Level 2 means the dog has to perform more than one simple action to reach the reward. Instead of simply lifting one cover or pushing one piece, the dog has to interact with the rotating layers and learn how movement exposes additional food.
That makes Lickin’ Layers a useful step for dogs that have already figured out basic treat toys but are not ready for complicated multi-mechanism puzzles.
A food-motivated dog may understand the concept quickly, while another dog may need several short sessions to learn that spinning the layers is what produces the reward.
What Makes the Three-Layer Design Interesting?
The main attraction is that the dog is not interacting with one flat food surface. The three layers create multiple areas to investigate and encourage the dog to keep moving through the puzzle.
Layer 1
Introduces the dog to the spinning concept and provides accessible food rewards.
Layer 2
Adds another group of food areas that become accessible as the dog continues rotating.
Layer 3
Keeps the dog working through the puzzle instead of finishing everything from one location.
How Does Lickin’ Layers Work?
Start by placing a suitable amount of kibble or small treats into the available compartments. The goal is to make the food discoverable enough that your dog understands the connection between interacting with the toy and getting a reward.
As your dog spins the layers, different food areas become accessible. The ridged surfaces also encourage licking, meaning the dog may spend more time working through small amounts of food instead of simply swallowing a large portion immediately.
The experience is therefore a combination of searching, movement, licking, and food-based problem solving.
Why Do the 100+ Compartments Matter?
The Lickin’ Layers has more than 100 treat compartments distributed across its three layers. This gives the owner plenty of flexibility when setting up the puzzle.
You do not need to fill every compartment during every session. Using smaller amounts of food can make the puzzle more practical for everyday enrichment and helps keep puzzle rewards within your dog’s normal daily food intake.
The larger number of compartments is useful because it allows you to change the reward pattern rather than giving your dog exactly the same puzzle setup every time.
Lickin’ Layers: What the Dog Does
| Action | What the Dog Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Spin | Moves the rotating layers | Reveals different food areas |
| Search | Looks for hidden rewards | Encourages food-based problem solving |
| Lick | Works food from ridged surfaces | Can extend eating time |
| Repeat | Continues through the layers | Creates a longer enrichment session |
Can Lickin’ Layers Be Used as a Slow Feeder?
Yes. One of the most useful characteristics of the Lickin’ Layers is that it can be incorporated into mealtimes rather than being used only as an occasional treat game.
The multiple food areas and ridged surfaces encourage the dog to work through the meal rather than consuming it from a conventional bowl in one quick burst. Outward Hound specifically markets the product as a slow-feeding option.
However, it is still important to use an appropriate amount of food. A slow feeder does not make unlimited treats appropriate, and puzzle food should be counted as part of the dog’s overall daily intake.
Is Lickin’ Layers Good for Mental Stimulation?
Mental stimulation is one of the main reasons to buy a Level 2 food puzzle. Instead of simply receiving food, the dog has to interact with the toy and discover how movement exposes the reward.
The spinning layers give the dog a simple but meaningful problem to solve. Dogs that enjoy food-based enrichment can spend time investigating the toy, learning the relationship between movement and reward, and repeating successful actions.
For dogs that have already mastered beginner puzzles, Lickin’ Layers can provide a useful intermediate challenge without jumping straight into an expert-level puzzle.
Can Lickin’ Layers Help With Boredom?
A food puzzle can give a dog a focused activity when it is looking for something to investigate. Instead of simply eating a treat, the dog has to interact with the toy to reach the reward.
Lickin’ Layers can therefore work well as one part of a broader enrichment routine. It is particularly useful for dogs that are motivated by food and enjoy learning simple puzzle mechanics.
Puzzle play should still complement exercise, training, sniffing, social interaction, appropriate chewing, and rest. It should not be treated as a complete solution for serious behavioral problems.
Who Is Lickin’ Layers Best For?
Intermediate Puzzle Dogs
Dogs that have already mastered simpler food puzzles.
Food-Motivated Dogs
Dogs willing to work for small food rewards.
Fast Eaters
Dogs that may benefit from a more interactive feeding routine.
Bored Dogs
Dogs that enjoy food-based enrichment activities.
Who Should Skip Lickin’ Layers?
A dog that has never used a food puzzle may be better served by a simpler Level 1 game first. Although Lickin’ Layers is not an expert puzzle, the spinning mechanism still requires the dog to understand that manipulating the toy produces food.
It may also be a poor choice for dogs that immediately chew puzzle pieces rather than manipulate them. The manufacturer explicitly states that no toy is indestructible and recommends supervised use.
If your dog becomes frustrated rather than curious, simplify the setup or return to an easier puzzle.
See Lickin’ Layers on Amazon →
Check the current Amazon listing for availability and price.
Lickin’ Layers Pros vs Cons
| What We Like | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| 3-in-1 enrichment concept | Not suitable as a chew toy |
| Level 2 challenge | May be too difficult for some beginners |
| 100+ treat compartments | Can involve a lot of food if overloaded |
| Can be used for slow feeding | Requires supervised play |
| Three rotating layers | Moving parts need regular inspection |
How to Introduce Lickin’ Layers Without Frustration
The easiest way to introduce a new puzzle is to make the first session obvious and rewarding. Do not hide every piece of food deeply or expect your dog to understand all three layers immediately.
Start with highly motivating food and make several rewards easy to discover. Let your dog see that interacting with the toy produces something valuable.
Once the dog understands the spinning action, gradually make the food placement more challenging. The goal is to create curiosity and successful problem solving rather than frustration.
How to Make Lickin’ Layers Easier
Use small, highly motivating treats and place them where your dog can easily discover them.
Keep the first sessions short and focus on teaching the basic relationship between spinning and finding food.
If your dog becomes frustrated, make the rewards easier to find rather than adding more food or making the puzzle harder.
How to Make Lickin’ Layers More Challenging
The easiest way to increase the challenge is to vary where you put the rewards.
You can also use different food textures. Outward Hound suggests increasing the challenge by freezing xylitol-free peanut butter, wet food, or plain Greek yogurt.
The goal should be to make the dog investigate the puzzle rather than simply memorize one predictable movement pattern.
What Treats Work Best in Lickin’ Layers?
Small treats and appropriately sized pieces of kibble are practical choices because they are easy to distribute across the different food compartments.
For a longer enrichment session, wet food or plain Greek yogurt can be useful. Outward Hound also suggests freezing xylitol-free peanut butter, wet food, or plain Greek yogurt to increase the challenge.
Always check ingredients before using human foods with your dog. In particular, peanut butter must not contain xylitol.
Which Puzzle Level Is Right for Your Dog?
| Level | Typical Challenge | Best Match | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | One simple action | Beginners | Dog Smart |
| Level 2 | Multiple movements | Intermediate dogs | Lickin’ Layers |
| Level 3 | More complex sequences | Advanced dogs | Dog Casino |
| Level 4 | Multiple advanced mechanisms | Expert puzzle dogs | MultiPuzzle |
How Easy Is Lickin’ Layers to Clean?
Food puzzles need regular cleaning, particularly when you use wet food, yogurt, peanut butter, or other moist ingredients.
Pay attention to the grooves and food compartments where residue can remain after a session.
Outward Hound provides care instructions for the product and recommends cleaning it after use. Allow the puzzle to dry properly before storing it for the next supervised session.
What Is Lickin’ Layers Made From?
Outward Hound describes Lickin’ Layers as being made with food-safe materials that are free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
The product is designed for dogs to manipulate, lick, and search for food. These material specifications should not be interpreted as making the toy indestructible or suitable for chewing.
How Durable Is Lickin’ Layers?
The product is designed for interactive puzzle play rather than heavy chewing. That means durability depends heavily on how your dog uses it.
A dog that spins the layers and licks the food is using the product as intended. A dog that bites, throws, or attempts to chew the puzzle may damage it much faster.
Treat Lickin’ Layers as a supervised enrichment toy, not as a heavy-duty chew product.
Lickin’ Layers Safety Checklist
Supervise
Stay present during puzzle sessions.
Prevent Chewing
The puzzle is not a chew toy.
Inspect
Check the layers and moving sections for damage.
Replace if Damaged
Stop using the puzzle if it becomes damaged.
8 Common Lickin’ Layers Mistakes
1. Starting Too Hard
Make the first session easy to understand.
2. Filling Every Compartment
Use an appropriate amount of food for the session.
3. Letting the Dog Chew
Redirect chewing and keep the activity supervised.
4. Using It Unsupervised
Store the puzzle when the session is finished.
5. Making Rewards Predictable
Change reward locations between sessions.
6. Expecting Instant Mastery
Give your dog time to learn the spinning action.
7. Ignoring Frustration
Simplify the setup if your dog becomes stuck.
8. Treating It Like a Chew Toy
Lickin’ Layers is designed for enrichment, not chewing.
Is the Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers Worth Buying?
For the right dog, Lickin’ Layers offers a useful combination of food enrichment and slower feeding in one product.
The three rotating layers give the dog a simple problem to solve, while the large number of treat compartments allows the owner to vary the setup. The ridged surfaces also make the product more than a conventional treat board because licking becomes part of the feeding experience.
The biggest reason not to buy it is if your dog is primarily a chewer or has no interest in food puzzles. In that case, another type of dog toy may provide better value.
View Lickin’ Layers on Amazon →
Check Amazon for the current price, availability, and exact listing information.
Final Verdict: Is Lickin’ Layers Worth Buying?
The Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers is a versatile Level 2 food puzzle that combines three rotating layers, 100+ treat compartments, licking enrichment, and slow-feeding potential into one product.
Its strongest feature is versatility. Instead of buying a separate puzzle, lick mat, and feeding solution, owners can use the same product for several types of food-based enrichment.
For a food-motivated dog that has already mastered beginner puzzles, Lickin’ Layers can be a fun intermediate challenge. For heavy chewers or dogs that need unsupervised toys, however, a different product would be a better choice.
View Lickin’ Layers on Amazon →
Check Amazon for current price and availability.
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