A lot of times when I post videos of Pharaby talking about her Toppl, I get questions with people wanting to know what a Toppl is, what's inside, what does it do, and why dogs like them. So today, I’m answering all of these questions.
A Toppl is a wobbly, slow feeder enrichment toy made by West Paw. They come in three sizes. They have little knobs that stick up inside to make it harder to get food out. You can fill it with any food for your dog, really, but I enjoy putting Pharaby's wet food in a Toppl, and sometimes I top it with something fun, like a yogurt bit or a special treat. But 99% of the time, it’s just wet food in her Toppl.
Of course, I can't say for sure why they like it, but I think Pharaby enjoys the activity rather than just eating from a bowl. Since it moves around and wobbles while she's eating, it must add a layer of fun for her.
The purpose of a slow feeder is to slow dogs down when they're eating, which helps prevent them from gulping their food too quickly. This can have a lot of negative effects, such as choking or digestive upset, but one major concern is bloat, especially for barrel-chested breeds like standard poodles. Bloat, also known as gastric torsion or GDV, is a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Slowing down the eating process with a slow feeder like the Toppl reduces the risk of bloat, as it prevents dogs from inhaling large amounts of air with their food.
Pharaby has never been one to rush through her meals, but since she enjoys the Toppl, I’m more than happy to use it. It gives her mental stimulation while keeping her safe from any potential risks.
Another benefit of the Toppl is its versatility. You can connect a small and large Toppl together to create a rolling-style slow feeder puzzle, which dispenses small amounts of kibble or treats as your dog rolls it. This adds another layer of enrichment by engaging their problem-solving skills. Plus, they’re amazing to freeze! You can put almost any liquidy food (or broth) in the Toppl, seal it with a Toppl stopper, and freeze it for a couple of hours to create a long-lasting, cooling treat for your dog.
In addition to slowing down eating and preventing bloat, the Toppl helps keep dogs engaged and entertained. For dogs with a lot of mental energy, enrichment toys like this can help reduce boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors. Plus, since it's dishwasher-safe and made from durable, non-toxic material, it's convenient and safe for everyday use. I love how open the top is, I find it much easier to clean than some other slow feeder style enrichment toys that are similar in size.
If you're interested in getting a Toppl for your dog, you can find them in my Amazon shop, linked below. They’re a great way to make mealtime more engaging, prevent fast eating, and give your pup a fun challenge! Plus, they’re easy to clean and built to last. Be sure to check out the videos of Pharaby talking about her Toppl to see it in action and get some ideas for how to use yours. Your dog will thank you!
