West Paw Toppls: My Favourite Stuffable Enrichment Tool
Toppls are one of the easiest, most versatile enrichment tools you can add to your dog’s daily routine — especially if you have a big dog, a bully breed, or a dog who gets frustrated with tighter, hard-to-reach toys like Kongs.
They’re wide, stable, and incredibly easy for dogs to hold and work on, which means more successful enrichment and far less frustration.
Below, you’ll find my favourite ways to use them for raw-fed and kibble-fed dogs, plus ideas to keep things fresh, fun, and confidence-building.
🧠 Benefits of Toppl Enrichment
Toppls offer a mix of physical, sensory, and cognitive enrichment. They help dogs slow down, problem-solve, and stay happily engaged without pushing them into the frustration zone.
🌱 Supports emotional regulation — licking and slow foraging help dogs decompress.
💪 Great for bully breeds + big dogs — the open shape makes it easier to get started and stay successful.
🍽️ Perfect for raw or kibble meals — incredibly adaptable.
🐾 Encourages natural licking + scavenging behaviour in a safe, structured way.
🧩 Low-frustration design — ideal for dogs who shut down or escalate with difficult puzzles.
🥣 What You’ll Need
A West Paw Toppl (small, medium, or large — or two that can snap together)
Your dog’s regular meal: raw, kibble, soft food, or a mix
Toppers your dog loves (yoghurt, pumpkin, veggies, broth, etc.)
Optional: a chew to anchor inside (bully stick, duck foot, dried fish)
A freezer if you want longer-lasting enrichment
🍖 How to Use Toppls with Raw-Fed Dogs
Raw feeders love Toppls because they’re easy to stuff and easy to clean.
Spoon raw into the base of the Toppl.
Add textures: veggies, broth cubes, goat’s milk, or scrambled eggs.
Freeze for longer-lasting enrichment.
Add a chew sticking out the top to increase interest and challenge.
This setup works beautifully for dogs who eat fast or get easily overstimulated by bowls.
🍗 How to Use Toppls for Kibble-Fed Dogs
Kibble works just as well — you just need a binder or topper.
Here are simple ways to adapt:
Soak kibble in warm water for 5–10 minutes until soft.
Mix in a spoonful of yoghurt, pumpkin, canned food, or broth to create “stickiness.”
Fill the Toppl and freeze if you want more duration.
Add a small chew, crunchy treat, or veggie stick sticking out for extra motivation.
This lets kibble-fed dogs enjoy the same sensory, licking, and problem-solving benefits.
🌀 Variations to Keep Things Interesting
Snap two Toppls together to make a more advanced puzzle.
Layer textures (soft → crunchy → soft) for dogs who love variety.
Make a “Toppl Sundae” with fruit puree, yoghurt swirls, and a crunchy topper.
Use it as a meal replacement for dogs who need slower eating or calmer routines.
Offer after walks or training to help bring arousal levels down.
🐶 Who This Activity Is Great For
Puppies learning to settle
Bully breeds who struggle with narrow puzzles
Reactive dogs who need calming routines
Big dogs who knock traditional toys around too easily
Dogs recovering from injury or on restricted movement
Any dog who benefits from slow, satisfying enrichment
💡 Tips & Troubleshooting
If your dog gets frustrated, start with soft fillings that fall out easily.
If your dog finishes too fast, freeze the Toppl or snap a second one on top.
Offer on a mat or in a crate to help encourage calmer behaviour.
Rotate fillings so the novelty stays high.
