West Paw Toppl 2026: The Leak Fix Most Owners Overlooked

Quick Answer

The west paw toppl is a hollow, cone-shaped rubber treat toy made for stuffing, freezing, and chewing. Most reported leaks happen because owners skip the Toppl Stopper, a $9.95 two-piece insert that plugs the side opening during filling and freezing, then comes out before the dog gets it. West Paw sells the Toppl in Small ($20.95), Large ($25.95), and XL ($29.95), and one Stopper two-pack fits all three sizes. Get the seal right and most wet fillings, including broth and yogurt, stay put through a full freeze.

Key Takeaways: west paw toppl

• The Toppl has a single side opening, which is convenient for filling and the main reason liquid fillings can leak before freezing.
• The Toppl Stopper is sold separately for $9.95 and is the fix West Paw itself recommends: fill, plug, freeze.
• The Stopper comes with two pieces, a head and a tail, and one two-pack works across Small, Large, and XL Toppls.
• West Paw does not currently make a Medium Toppl, so dogs between 20 and 40 pounds sit in a judgment call between Small and Large.
• Owner reports on Chewy describe the Stopper as snug on purpose; it should not sit flush, or the seal fails.
• Independent reviews on Amazon are mixed on leak-proofing, which suggests technique and fill thickness matter as much as the part itself.
• The Toppl is top-rack dishwasher safe, and so is the Stopper, which matters for a toy that handles raw broth and dairy.
• At roughly $21 to $30, the Toppl costs more than a KONG Classic of similar size, with a different stuffing shape as the trade-off.
• No recall or safety warning for the Toppl or Toppl Stopper turned up in the most recent product checks.
• Dogs that destroy latex toys in minutes may still chew through Zogoflex rubber eventually. Replace at the first crack or missing chunk.

What is the west paw toppl and how does it work

The Toppl is a cone-shaped enrichment toy with one wide opening and one narrow opening, built so owners can stuff it with food, freeze it, and hand it over instead of a bowl. It works by slowing down eating: a dog has to lick, nudge, and work the toy to get at frozen or packed-in food, instead of finishing a bowl in under a minute.

The toy is made from West Paw’s Zogoflex rubber, the same material the company uses in its Qwizl and Tux lines. Zogoflex is a single-material rubber compound, which is part of why the Toppl and its Stopper are both dishwasher safe and why West Paw backs the material with a guarantee against normal chewing damage, according to the Toppl treat toy product page.

A bowl takes thirty seconds. A frozen Toppl can take fifteen minutes, sometimes longer for a determined retriever, and that gap is the whole point. Slower eating and longer licking sessions are the backbone of most “lick and stuff” enrichment advice, the same logic behind a lick mat for dogs or a frozen pupsicle.

Dogs that gulp food, dogs left alone during a workday, and dogs recovering from surgery and stuck resting all get mentioned by owners as good candidates. A dog who ignores every toy that isn’t edible is probably not the one buying this product’s target audience a win.

Who it suits: dogs that enjoy licking and gentle chewing, crate time and alone time routines, owners wanting slower feeding without a full slow-feeder bowl.

Who it does not suit: dogs that need industrial-strength chew toys and nothing softer, since the Toppl is rubber, not nylon or hard plastic. For those dogs, a list like best chew toys for aggressive chewers is a better starting point.

West Paw Toppl sizes

Pick the Toppl size by your dog’s weight and jaw size first, then by how much food you actually want to pack in. There is no Medium, which is the detail that trips up a lot of owners shopping for a 25-pound dog.

Size	Suggested dog weight	Capacity	Dimensions	Price (checked 2026)
West Paw Toppl Small	Under 20 lbs	¼ cup	2.5 x 3 x 3 in	$20.95
West Paw Toppl Large	20 to 60 lbs	¾ cup	3.5 x 4 x 3.5 in	$25.95
West Paw Toppl XL	Over 60 lbs	1¼ cups	3.75 x 4.75 x 4.75 in	$29.95

Check the current price on the Toppl Small or check the current price on the Toppl Large.

Decision rule: if your dog sits right between Small and Large on the weight chart, go Large. An oversized Toppl just means more airspace to fill with kibble before the wet layer goes in. A too-small Toppl disappears fast and barely buys you any enrichment time.

West Paw lists capacities directly on its Toppl product page, and the full lineup, including limited editions, sits on the Toppl collection page.

Toppl for large dogs or small dogs

Large dogs over 60 pounds should use the XL size, and dogs under 20 pounds should stay with Small, since capacity and wall thickness scale with the size so smaller jaws aren’t working against a toy built for a mastiff. A 70-pound Labrador given a Small Toppl will finish it in seconds and may be able to crush the walls with a hard enough bite, which defeats the slow-feeding purpose and raises durability concerns.

For dogs in the 20 to 60 pound range, Large covers most of that spread, but a 55-pound dog with a strong jaw might do better with XL if the household already owns one from a bigger dog. Puppies and small senior dogs generally do fine with Small, as long as the filling is soft enough not to strain young or worn teeth.

How much does west paw toppl cost

The Toppl costs $20.95 for Small, $25.95 for Large, and $29.95 for XL as of the most recent 2026 price check, with the Toppl Stopper priced separately at $9.95. Buying the Toppl and Stopper together typically runs $30 to $40 total depending on size.

Prices can shift slightly between West Paw’s own site and third-party retailers like Chewy and Amazon, so it’s worth comparing before buying, especially during sales events. For broader savings across pet gear, the Black Friday pet deals roundup is worth a look in the months leading up to winter holidays.

Where to buy west paw toppl

The Toppl is sold directly through West Paw’s own site, as well as through major retailers like Chewy and Amazon, and the Stopper accessory is sold the same way. Buying direct from West Paw’s Toppl Stopper page guarantees the current size-compatible version, while Amazon listings like the Small and Large Toppl pages are convenient if you already have a cart going for other pet supplies.

Decision rule: buy from West Paw directly if you want access to limited-edition colorways or the most current product specs; buy from Amazon or Chewy if you want bundled shipping with other items or faster delivery through an existing membership.

Is west paw toppl dishwasher safe

Yes. Both the Toppl body and the Toppl Stopper are listed as top-rack dishwasher safe, which matters for a toy that regularly holds raw broth, yogurt, and dairy residue West Paw’s Toppl Stopper page confirms. Hand washing is also an option and may be necessary for stubborn residue stuck in the Stopper’s narrow channel.

How to clean west paw toppl

Clean the Toppl after every use, running it and the Stopper through the top rack of a dishwasher, or hand washing with warm soapy water and a bottle brush for the narrow channels. Food residue left in a rubber toy at room temperature, especially broth or dairy, can grow bacteria faster than most owners expect, so same-day cleaning is the safer habit.

Quick cleaning checklist:

1. Rinse immediately after use to loosen stuck food before it dries.
2. Run through the top rack of the dishwasher, or hand wash with a bottle brush for the Stopper’s narrow sections.
3. Let air dry fully before refilling and refreezing.
4. Inspect for cracks or discoloration while cleaning, since this is the easiest time to catch early wear.

The leak problem and the Toppl Stopper fix

The Toppl leaks mainly because its one side opening was built for filling, not sealing, and a runny mixture finds that gap before the freezer can lock it in place. West Paw’s own fix is the Toppl Stopper, a $9.95 two-piece insert, and the company’s instructions are three words: fill, plug, freeze.

The Stopper ships as a head piece and a tail piece. One pack of two fits Small, Large, and XL Toppls, so buying by size isn’t necessary. The head measures roughly 3 x 1.75 x 2.25 inches, the tail about 2.5 x 2 x 2 inches, and together they also work as a kickstand that holds the Toppl upright while it sits in the freezer, according to West Paw’s Toppl Stopper listing.

Here’s where owners get it wrong. Chewy reviewers note the Stopper should feel snug going in, almost stubborn, and that resistance is doing the sealing work. A piece that slides in flush and easy has not actually closed the gap, as discussed in Chewy’s reviews for the limited edition Toppl. Press until it stops, then check both ends for a flush-but-firm fit, not a loose rattle.

West Paw’s recommended sequence:

1. Stuff the wide end first with the thicker mixture (kibble, mashed sweet potato, peanut butter).
2. Press the Stopper into the narrow opening until resistance stops it.
3. Top off through the wide opening with a pourable layer (broth, yogurt, pumpkin).
4. Freeze upright for at least 3 to 4 hours, longer for a fully packed Large or XL.
5. Pull the Stopper before handing the toy to the dog. It is a filling tool, not a chew piece.

Owner reports on West Paw’s site describe bone broth staying contained with the Stopper fully seated, and Chewy reviews back that up for broth specifically. Amazon customer feedback is less uniform. Some buyers call it leak-proof, others say it loosened in the freezer, which points to fill thickness and insertion depth as the real variables, not a flaw in every unit.

West Paw’s own feeding guide, The Toy of Cooking, echoes a similar pattern for wet mixtures: very loose fillings can ooze out before the freeze sets, and an unstabilized Toppl can tip over mid-freezer, spilling its contents sideways. The fix matches West Paw’s own instructions, with improvised plugs like a baby carrot or a dense treat working in a pinch when the official Stopper isn’t on hand.

Common mistake: skipping the Stopper for a “quick” peanut butter stuff and freezing the Toppl on its side. Gravity does the rest. Stand it upright in a mug or a narrow cup if the freezer shelf doesn’t hold it straight.

5 Toppl recipes, numbered, from easy to frozen

West Paw’s own materials and the broader enrichment-feeding community both treat the Toppl as a two-layer system: a thick base to slow the dog down and a pourable top to seal the Stopper in place. Check with a veterinarian before adding any new ingredient if your dog has allergies, pancreatitis history, or a prescription diet.

1. Kibble and water press. Pack the dog’s regular kibble into the wide end, add a splash of warm water, press with a spoon, insert the Stopper, freeze flat side down for 2 hours. No new ingredients, lowest-risk starting point.
2. Peanut butter and banana. Mash half a banana into a thin layer of plain, xylitol-free peanut butter, pack it in, seal with the Stopper, freeze 3 hours. A longer-lasting, higher-calorie option, so skip it for dogs on a tight calorie budget.
3. Pumpkin and plain yogurt swirl. Mix equal parts canned pumpkin and plain unsweetened yogurt, pour into the sealed Toppl, freeze upright at least 4 hours. Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs since both ingredients are commonly used for mild digestive support.
4. Shredded chicken and bone broth. Layer shredded, unseasoned cooked chicken at the base, seal the Stopper, pour low-sodium bone broth to the top, freeze overnight. This is the combination owners on West Paw’s site specifically reported staying leak-free with the Stopper fully seated.
5. Frozen fruit and cottage cheese. Small diced strawberries or blueberries folded into low-fat cottage cheese, sealed, frozen solid for 6 hours or overnight. The densest, slowest-melting option on this list, best for longer crate sessions or a hot afternoon outside.

For more lick-and-freeze combinations outside the Toppl shape, the lick mat for dogs guide and the pupsicle recipe roundup both cover flat-format alternatives that use similar fillings.

What should I fill the west paw toppl with

Fill the Toppl with a thick base layer plus a pourable top layer for the best mix of enrichment time and leak control, using whole-food ingredients your dog already tolerates well. Kibble, mashed sweet potato, plain peanut butter, shredded unseasoned meat, canned pumpkin, plain yogurt, and low-sodium bone broth are all common choices among owners.

Avoid anything with xylitol, added sugar, onion, garlic, or excess salt, and check with a vet before using any filling if your dog has a known sensitivity or is on a prescription diet. A dense filling freezes more reliably and lasts longer than a thin, watery one, which also reduces how much the Stopper has to do to prevent leaks.

Toppl vs KONG Classic in one table

The Toppl and the KONG Classic solve the same basic problem, slower food delivery, with different shapes and different stuffing logistics. Choose Toppl if a single wide opening and a flat stand-up base matter to you; choose KONG Classic if a narrower, bouncier chew shape and decades of owner familiarity matter more.

Feature	West Paw Toppl	KONG Classic
Opening style	One wide side opening	Narrow bottom hole, hollow core
Stands upright on its own	Yes, flat base	No, needs a holder or stand
Leak control accessory	Toppl Stopper, sold separately	Kong Stuff’N paste or peanut butter plug
Dishwasher safe	Yes, top rack	Yes, top rack
Sizes available	Small, Large, XL	XS through XXL, more size granularity
Price (checked 2026)	$20.95 to $29.95	Typically $10 to $17 depending on size

Decision rule: if your dog is a side-mouth chewer who likes to roll a toy around, the KONG’s rounded shape tends to get chased more. If your dog prefers to hold a toy still between its paws and lick straight down, the Toppl’s wide flat opening and stand-up base work better for that posture.

West paw toppl vs KONG Wobbler which is better

The Toppl is better for stationary licking and freezer prep, while the KONG Wobbler is better for dogs that want to chase a toy around the floor to release dry kibble. The Wobbler is a weighted, rolling toy designed for dry food only, so it doesn’t handle frozen or wet fillings the way the Toppl does.

Choose the Toppl if freezer prep and slow licking sessions are the goal, especially for crate time or post-surgery rest. Choose the Wobbler if your dog needs more physical movement built into mealtime and you’re feeding dry kibble without any wet mix-ins. Some owners rotate both, using the Wobbler for active play sessions and the Toppl for calmer, frozen enrichment later in the day.

Toppl vs Zippys which West Paw toy is better

The Toppl is better for stuffing and freezing wet or thick fillings, while Zippys are a simpler tug and fetch toy from West Paw’s Zogoflex lineup without a hollow stuffing cavity. If slow feeding and enrichment are the goal, Toppl is the right pick. If the goal is interactive play and tug sessions, Zippys fit that role instead, and the two aren’t really direct substitutes for each other.

Households that want both enrichment and play often end up owning one of each, since neither fully replaces what the other does.

West paw toppl alternatives and similar toys

Owners looking for alternatives to the Toppl usually land on the KONG Classic, KONG Wobbler, or a flat lick mat depending on whether they want a stuffable cone shape, a rolling kibble toy, or a flat surface for spreadable food. The best dog puzzle toys roundup covers several enrichment options outside the stuffable-cone category, which is worth a look for dogs that get bored of the same shape quickly.

For dogs that need something closer to indestructible, pairing a Toppl rotation with a harder option from the best chew toys for aggressive chewers guide covers both the enrichment and the heavy-chewing side of a dog’s day.

Is Toppl durable and how long does it last

The Toppl is made from Zogoflex rubber, which holds up well to normal licking and gentle chewing, but it is not marketed as an indestructible toy for dogs that chew aggressively. How long it lasts depends heavily on the individual dog’s chewing style, with some Toppls lasting years and others showing wear within weeks under a strong chewer.

Inspect the toy regularly for cracks, missing chunks, or thinning walls, and retire it at the first sign of damage rather than waiting for a full failure. West Paw backs its toys with a guarantee against destruction under normal use, which is worth checking directly on the Toppl treat toy product page if a toy fails unexpectedly.

Is Toppl safe for puppies

The Toppl can be safe for puppies when sized correctly and filled with soft, age-appropriate ingredients, but very young puppies with baby teeth should avoid dense frozen fillings that could strain developing jaws. Small size is usually the right starting point for puppies under 20 pounds, and supervision during the first few uses helps confirm the puppy handles the toy’s opening and the Stopper piece safely.

Puppies that are still teething may prefer a softer, less-frozen filling to start, gradually working up to a fully frozen Toppl as their jaw strength develops. For general training alongside enrichment routines, the 5 essential commands every puppy should learn guide pairs well with early toy introductions.

Why won’t my dog use the Toppl

A dog may ignore the Toppl if the filling isn’t appealing enough, if the toy is too hard to get into right away, or if the dog simply isn’t food-motivated by toys in general. Some dogs need an easier first experience, like a lightly frozen or unfrozen filling, before graduating to a fully frozen version that takes real effort to access.

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Start with a soft, unfrozen filling the first few times so the dog learns the toy holds food.
2. Use a strong-smelling filling like peanut butter or bone broth to build initial interest.
3. Offer the Toppl when the dog is hungry, not right after a full meal.
4. If the dog still ignores it, try a different shape entirely, since not every dog responds to a cone-style toy the same way they respond to a flat lick mat for dogs.

⭐ Top 5 Features We Love

1. One-opening design that’s actually easy to fill. The wide mouth takes a spoon without the finger-jamming that narrow KONG openings require.
2. The Toppl Stopper doubles as a kickstand. It is not just a leak fix, it also holds the toy upright in the freezer so fillings set in layers instead of pooling to one side.
3. Zogoflex rubber with a recycled-material claim. West Paw states the Stopper uses 12% recycled ocean-bound plastic blended with its Zogoflex compound, made in the United States, according to the Toppl Stopper product page.
4. Dishwasher-safe across the whole system. Both the Toppl body and the Stopper are listed as top-rack dishwasher safe, which matters given how often broth and dairy end up inside.
5. Strong manufacturer-reported satisfaction. West Paw’s own product page lists a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 713 reviews on the Toppl and 95% of reviewers saying they would recommend it, per the Toppl treat toy listing. These are company-hosted reviews, not independent lab testing, so treat them as a satisfaction signal rather than a safety guarantee.

⚠️ Things to Look Out For

1. No Medium size exists. Dogs in the 20 to 40 pound range have to pick a side, and that gap is one of the most common complaints in size-related reviews.
2. The Stopper is sold separately. A base Toppl purchase doesn’t include the leak fix; budget the extra $9.95 if leak control matters to you.
3. Insertion technique affects the seal. Reviewers note the Stopper needs real pressure to seat correctly, and a loose fit defeats the purpose.
4. Not rated for aggressive chewing beyond normal rubber durability. Zogoflex is tough but still rubber. Inspect for cracks or missing chunks and retire the toy early if your dog chews hard enough to wear through it.
5. Very wet fillings can still ooze before the freeze sets, even with the Stopper installed, if the toy tips over mid-freeze. Stand it upright in a mug or narrow cup as backup support.

Cleaning, and when to replace it

Clean the Toppl and its Stopper after every use, since both parts are top-rack dishwasher safe and handle raw broth, dairy, and meat residue that shouldn’t sit around at room temperature. Hand washing with warm soapy water and a bottle brush works too, especially for the narrow Stopper channel where food can hide.

Replace the Toppl once you see a visible crack, a chunk missing, or a chewed-through wall, same rule as any rubber enrichment toy. A small tear near the opening isn’t just cosmetic, it’s a spot where a determined chewer can tear off a piece large enough to swallow.

West Paw backs its toys with a guarantee against destruction for normal use, which is worth checking directly on the Toppl treat toy product page before assuming a damaged toy is a dead loss.

FAQ

The bottom line

The Toppl earns its price with a shape that’s genuinely easier to fill than most competitors, and the leak complaints that show up in reviews usually trace back to one missing accessory: the Toppl Stopper. Buy the Stopper alongside the toy, seat it with real pressure rather than a light push, and stand the Toppl upright while it freezes. That combination, backed by West Paw’s own fill-plug-freeze instructions, solves most of the mess owners report.

For dogs that also chew destructively between licking sessions, pair the Toppl rotation with a harder option like the KONG Classic comparison guide, and keep a lick mat or pupsicle in the freezer as backup for days when the Toppl is in the dishwasher.

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