How to Use a Treat Dispensing Toy for Slow Feeding
By DogTuff | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn step-by-step how to use a treat dispensing toy for slow feeding, from choosing the right treat size to cleaning and rotating toys for lasting mental stimulation.
Quick Answer
To use a treat dispensing toy for slow feeding, choose treats that fit the toy's opening, load it with your dog's meal or treats, and supervise the first use. Adjust the difficulty by freezing wet ingredients or using a stopper to create a longer-lasting challenge.
Why Slow Feeding Matters
Dogs that gulp their food can experience digestive upset, bloating, and even choking. A treat dispensing toy slows down eating by requiring your dog to work for each piece, promoting better digestion and a calmer mealtime. It also provides mental stimulation, which can reduce boredom and destructive behavior.
Not all treat dispensing toys are created equal. Some are designed for kibble, others for wet food, and some can be frozen for an extra challenge. Understanding your dog's eating style and the toy's design helps you choose the right one and use it effectively.
Choosing the Right Treat Size
The size of the treat matters more than you might think. If the treat is too large, your dog may get frustrated; too small, and the food falls out too easily, defeating the purpose of slow feeding. For toys like the West Paw Toppl, specially shaped refill treats are designed to fit the toy's interior petals, making loading easy and consistent.
If you're using kibble, check that the pieces are slightly larger than the toy's dispensing holes. You can also use soft treats or wet food that sticks to the inside, slowing down the process even more.
Adjusting Difficulty for Your Dog
Every dog is different. A toy that's too easy may not slow them down, while one that's too hard can cause frustration. Start with an easy setup—loosely packed treats—and gradually increase difficulty by freezing the toy or using a stopper to plug the hole. This keeps the challenge appropriate and prevents your dog from losing interest.
For example, the West Paw Toppl Stopper plugs the hole, allowing you to fill the toy with wet food or broth and freeze it. This turns a simple treat toy into a longer-lasting puzzle that keeps your dog engaged for much longer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Treat Dispensing Toy
- Choose the right toy and treat size: Select a treat dispensing toy that matches your dog's size and chewing style. Check that the treats you plan to use fit through the openings or are designed for the toy—like the West Paw Toppl Treats for Toppl toys. If treats are too big, your dog may get stuck; too small, and they'll fall out too quickly. A quick test with one treat ensures it dispenses at the right difficulty before you load the whole meal.
- Load the toy appropriately: For dry kibble, fill the toy loosely so pieces can fall out with effort. For wet food or a frozen challenge, pack the food tightly and use a stopper like the West Paw Toppl Stopper to plug the hole. This prevents food from spilling out too easily and extends the feeding time. If your dog finishes in under five minutes, pack the food more tightly or freeze the toy for a harder challenge.
- Supervise the first few uses: Introduce the toy when your dog is calm. Watch to ensure they don't chew off and swallow large pieces, especially if the toy isn't designed for aggressive chewers. Remove any stoppers or non-edible parts before serving—the Toppl Stopper is not a toy and must be taken out before your dog eats. If your dog tries to destroy the toy, switch to a more durable option or use it only under supervision.
- Adjust difficulty as your dog improves: As your dog gets faster, increase the challenge by freezing the filled toy or using a stopper to create a vacuum. This engages their problem-solving skills and provides longer-lasting mental stimulation. Remember to adjust the amount of food to maintain a balanced diet. Aim for a feeding session that lasts 10-15 minutes; if it's shorter, increase difficulty; if longer, simplify.
- Clean and rotate the toy: After each use, wash the toy thoroughly with warm soapy water or on the top rack of the dishwasher if it's dishwasher-safe. Let it dry completely before storing. Rotate between two or three different treat toys to keep the novelty high and prevent boredom. A clean, dry toy prevents mold and bacteria, and rotating toys keeps your dog engaged.
Products That Help
- West Paw Toppl Stopper: The West Paw Toppl Stopper plugs the hole to make filling and freezing easier and doubles as a kickstand for stability during meal prep. It fits all Toppl sizes and is not a dog toy—remove it before serving. This stopper lets you freeze wet ingredients inside the Toppl for a longer-lasting slow-feeding challenge, and the kickstand keeps the toy steady while you load it.
West Paw Toppl Stopper - West Paw Toppl Treats – Beef Recipe 8 oz: West Paw Toppl Treats – Beef Recipe are flower-shaped treats designed to fit inside every size West Paw Toppl, sitting within the toy's five interior petals. These pre-shaped treats drop right into the Toppl, so you can set up a slow-feeding puzzle in seconds without measuring or cutting food.
West Paw Toppl Treats – Beef Recipe 8 oz
