The short answer

A TOPPL turns food into something your dog can lick, sniff, and work out how to reach. Start with one open toy; add a frozen filling or a second TOPPL when your dog is ready.

Start with one open TOPPL

Add a little of your dog’s usual food and make it easy to reach. Stay nearby while your dog explores. The payoff: a meal becomes a small activity, with licking and sniffing along the way.

Ready for more?

  • Freeze a filling: Try unfrozen food first. For wet prep, the optional stopper plugs the side hole and helps the toy stand upright. Fill, freeze, then remove the stopper before serving.
  • Make a rolling puzzle: Add dry kibble, then push and twist two compatible TOPPLs together: Small + Large or Large + XL. Nudging the toy releases food. The smaller piece is a second toy, not a lid.

Keep it easy enough that food comes out. If your dog gets frustrated, go back to the open toy.

Keep it safe and simple

Use part of a regular meal, choose the right size, and supervise. The stopper stays with you—it is not a dog toy. Remove damaged toys and wash after use; TOPPL is top-rack dishwasher safe.

Sources

  • West Paw: TOPPL use and safety
  • West Paw: Toppl Stopper

Sources

  • https://www.westpaw.com/products/toppl-treat-toy
  • https://www.westpaw.com/products/toppl-stopper

One Thing Before You Go

Amazing animal fact

The Search Can Be Part of the Reward

A food puzzle changes more than the speed of a dog's meal. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior explains that food puzzles can give dogs positive experiences while acquiring food—turning dinner into something they lick, move, investigate, and solve. The challenge still has to match the learner. A dog that has never used a puzzle may need visible, easy-to-release food before the toy is stuffed tightly or frozen. Once the dog understands how their actions make food appear, the person can gradually make the activity more involved.

Why it’s fun to share: Start one meal at the easiest level and watch for the exact moment your dog discovers that moving the toy makes food appear.