WEST PAW Toppl Review: The Enrichment Toy My Dog Can’t Get Enough Of

If you’re a dog owner, you know the look. The one that says, “I’m bored. Entertain me. Or I’ll entertain myself… with your new shoes.” Finding ways to keep our furry friends mentally stimulated is one of the biggest challenges of modern pet parenthood. A tired dog is a happy dog, but a mentally engaged dog is a well-behaved genius. For years, I’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate enrichment toy—something durable, safe, and engaging enough to outlast my dog’s notoriously short attention span. And to be honest, I think I’ve finally found it.

Enter the WEST PAW Toppl Treat Dispenser. It might look like a simple cup-shaped toy, but don’t let its unassuming design fool you. This little marvel from Bozeman, Montana, has quickly become an essential piece of gear in our household. In this deep-dive review, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about the Toppl, from its clever design and tough-as-nails material to how it stacks up against the competition. Is it the right choice for your pup? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways: The 30-Second Summary

For those in a hurry, here’s the scoop:

• Brilliant for Brains: This isn’t just a treat holder; it’s a puzzle. The inner ‘teeth’ and unique shape actively engage your dog’s problem-solving skills, fighting boredom and anxiety.
• Safe & Durable: Made in the USA from West Paw’s proprietary Zogoflex material. It’s non-toxic, BPA-free, and surprisingly resilient. It’s gentle on the mouth but tough enough for most dogs.
• Incredibly Versatile: You can stuff it with kibble, smear it with peanut butter, or fill it with yogurt and freeze it for a long-lasting challenge. Plus, you can connect the small and large sizes to level up the difficulty.
• Effortless Cleanup: The wide-mouth design makes it much easier to clean than other puzzle toys. Plus, it’s top-rack dishwasher safe, which is a game-changer for busy pet parents.

Our Reviewer’s Verdict: The Bottom Line

After several weeks of putting the Toppl through its paces with my Golden Retriever, a notorious power-chewer with a PhD in food puzzles, I can say this with confidence: the WEST PAW Toppl is a premier enrichment toy that genuinely lives up to the hype. Its design is deceptively simple but remarkably effective. The combination of durability, safety, and sheer versatility makes it a standout in a very crowded market. While no toy is truly indestructible, the Zogoflex material has held its own impressively. It’s an investment, for sure, but it’s one that pays dividends in the form of a happier, more settled dog and—let’s be honest—your own peace of mind. It earns a definite two paws up from our team.

A Deep Dive into the Toppl’s Features

What makes the Toppl more than just a colorful cup? It’s all in the details. Let’s break down the features that make this interactive dog toy so effective.

1. Interactive and Engaging by Design

The magic of the Toppl lies in its open design combined with soft, rounded inner ‘teeth’. These flexible little prongs grip treats and kibble, creating a fun challenge. Your dog can’t just tip it over and get a windfall. They have to nuzzle, paw, and lick to work the food out. This process mimics natural foraging behaviors, which is incredibly satisfying for dogs and helps to burn mental energy. A 15-minute Toppl session can be as tiring as a 30-minute walk for some dogs!

2. Durability and Safety (Hello, Zogoflex!)

As a reviewer, safety is my number one concern. West Paw makes all their toys in the USA, and the Toppl is crafted from their proprietary Zogoflex material. This stuff is fantastic. It’s non-toxic, BPA-free, latex-free, and even FDA-compliant (meaning it’s safe enough to eat off of). It has a satisfying give that dogs love to chew on, but it’s tough enough to withstand some serious chomping. It’s a far cry from cheap, brittle plastics that can splinter and cause harm.

3. Customizable Difficulty for All Skill Levels

This is perhaps the Toppl’s most brilliant feature. You can buy a small and a large Toppl, and they are designed to interlock. By pushing the small one into the large one after filling them, you create a much more difficult puzzle. Your dog has to figure out how to work treats out of two small side holes instead of the large main opening. This ‘level-up’ feature means the toy grows with your dog’s skills, preventing them from getting bored once they’ve mastered the basic level. It’s a fantastic way to extend the life and value of the toy.

4. Freezer-Friendly for Long-Lasting Fun

The Toppl’s wide opening makes it the perfect vessel for all sorts of freezable concoctions. Think plain yogurt, pumpkin puree, bone broth, or wet dog food. Just fill it up, pop it in the freezer for a few hours, and you have a doggy popsicle that can keep your pup occupied for 30 minutes or more. This is an absolute lifesaver on hot summer days or during crate training when you need to create a positive, long-lasting association.

5. Easy to Clean—Seriously.

Anyone who has tried to scrub dried peanut butter out of the nooks and crannies of other puzzle toys knows the struggle. The Toppl’s simple, open-bowl shape makes it worlds easier to clean. A quick rinse and a scrub with a bottle brush usually do the trick. But the real win? It’s top-rack dishwasher safe. Just toss it in, and it comes out perfectly clean and sanitized. This convenience factor cannot be overstated.

The Good & The Not-So-Good

No product is perfect for everyone. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what we loved and what you should consider.

Is This The Right Toy For Your Dog?

The Toppl has broad appeal, but it really shines for specific types of dogs and owners:

• Anxious or Bored Dogs: If your dog exhibits destructive behaviors, paces, or barks excessively when left alone, the Toppl can provide a healthy, engaging distraction.
• Fast Eaters: Use it as a slow feeder for meals! It forces your dog to eat at a healthier pace, which can improve digestion and prevent bloat.
• Puppies and Seniors: The Zogoflex material is gentle on developing puppy teeth and the sensitive mouths of older dogs.
• Owners New to Enrichment: Its easy-to-fill and easy-to-clean design makes it the perfect entry-level enrichment toy. You’re more likely to use it if it’s not a hassle!

Toppl vs. The Competition (A Quick Showdown)

The most obvious comparison is with the KONG Classic. So, how do they stack up? The KONG is a fantastic toy with its unpredictable bounce and durable rubber. However, its small opening can be incredibly difficult to fill and, more importantly, to clean. Some dogs also get frustrated by the small opening and give up. The Toppl’s wide-mouth design solves both of these problems. It’s much easier for owners to prepare and easier for dogs to get started with. While the KONG might offer a tougher challenge for experts, the Toppl’s interlocking system gives it a unique edge in customizability. In our opinion, they’re both great tools, but the Toppl is the more user-friendly and versatile option for daily enrichment.

Your Questions Answered (FAQs)

What size Toppl should I get for my dog?

West Paw provides a sizing guide, but a good rule of thumb is: Small for dogs under 20 lbs, Large for dogs 20-60 lbs, and XL for dogs over 60 lbs. However, if your goal is to interlock them for a greater challenge, you’ll need to buy a Small and a Large, regardless of your dog’s size.

My dog is a ‘super chewer.’ Will the Toppl survive?

The Toppl is very durable, but it’s classified as an enrichment toy, not a dedicated chew toy. It’s designed for supervised play. If you give it to a power chewer with the intent of letting them sit and gnaw on it for hours, they will likely destroy it. For interactive, food-focused sessions, it holds up remarkably well.

What are the best things to stuff inside a Toppl?

The possibilities are endless! Start simple with their regular kibble mixed with a few high-value treats. For a longer-lasting challenge, use wet ingredients. Some of our favorites are: plain Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, wet dog food, or a smear of xylitol-free peanut butter. Freezing it takes the experience to the next level.

Final Thoughts: Our Wrap-Up

In a world full of flimsy, forgettable dog toys, the WEST PAW Toppl stands tall. It is a thoughtfully designed, exceptionally well-made product that delivers on its promise of interactive enrichment. It’s more than just a way to dispense treats; it’s a tool for building confidence, reducing anxiety, and preventing boredom-related behavior problems in your dog. The ease of use and cleaning makes it a sustainable habit for owners, which is half the battle. While the initial cost might be higher than some alternatives, its durability and versatility provide outstanding long-term value. If you’re looking to upgrade your dog’s mental wellness routine, the Toppl is, without a doubt, a fantastic choice.