West Paw Zogoflex Toppl and Qwizl: A Complete Guide for NZ Dog Owners

Posted by Petdirect on 9th Apr 2026

If you have spent any time looking at enrichment toys for dogs, chances are you have come across West Paw. The American brand is known for its Zogoflex range, a line of tough, non-toxic, dishwasher-safe dog toys made from a proprietary material that is built to last. West Paw toys are a favourite among dog owners who want something durable, safe, and genuinely useful for keeping their dogs mentally stimulated.

This guide covers the two West Paw Zogoflex toys available at Petdirect, the Toppl and the Qwizl, including what makes each one different, how to use them, which size to choose, and creative ways to get the most out of them.

What Makes West Paw Zogoflex Different?

Zogoflex is West Paw's signature material, and it is what sets these toys apart from standard rubber or plastic alternatives.

Tough and Flexible

Zogoflex is designed to withstand aggressive chewing without cracking, splintering, or breaking apart. It has a firm but flexible feel that dogs find satisfying to chew on, and it bounces back to its original shape after being compressed.

Non-Toxic and BPA-Free

Zogoflex is free from BPA, phthalates, and latex. It is FDA-compliant, meaning it meets food-contact safety standards. You can confidently stuff it with food and treats without worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into your dog's snacks.

Dishwasher Safe

Both the Toppl and Qwizl are fully dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy. No more scrubbing dried peanut butter out of crevices by hand. Just pop them on the top rack and they come out ready for the next use.

West Paw Zogoflex Toppl

The Toppl is West Paw's treat-dispensing enrichment toy, and it is one of the most popular food puzzle toys for dogs in New Zealand. Its wide, open design makes it easy to fill and easy for dogs to access, which makes it a great option for puppies, seniors, and dogs who are new to enrichment toys.

How the Toppl Works

The Toppl has a rounded base with a wide opening at the top, lined with soft, flexible ridges that grip food and treats. You fill it with your dog's favourite snacks, and they work to lick, nudge, and chew the food out. The open design means dogs get rewarded quickly, keeping them engaged without frustration.

What to Put in a Toppl

The Toppl's wide opening makes it incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Spread peanut butter (xylitol-free) or cream cheese around the inside ridges for a licking challenge
Fill with wet dog food and freeze overnight for a long-lasting frozen treat on hot days
Layer kibble, banana slices, and a smear of yoghurt, then freeze for a multi-texture puzzle
Stuff with cooked sweet potato or pumpkin mixed with a few training treats
Use it as a slow feeder by putting your dog's regular meal inside instead of a bowl

For more stuffing and recipe ideas, check out our guide to lick mat recipes for dogs, many of which work perfectly in a Toppl too.

Toppl Size Guide

Small

Best for small dogs and puppies under 10 kg. The smaller opening provides a bit more challenge and is easier for little mouths to hold and manipulate.

Large

Suits medium to large dogs from 10 to 35 kg. The wider opening holds more food and is easier for bigger dogs to access.

Extra Large

Designed for large and giant breeds over 35 kg. Holds a generous amount of food and stands up to powerful jaws.

Nesting Trick

Buy a Small and a Large Toppl together and nest the small one inside the large one, open-side to open-side. This creates a sealed puzzle ball that takes much longer for your dog to work through. It is one of the best enrichment hacks going.

West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl

The Qwizl is a treat-holding chew toy designed to make a single treat last much longer. It is shaped like a bone with a central channel that grips treats firmly, forcing your dog to chew and work at it to get the reward out.

How the Qwizl Works

Slide a treat stick, dental chew, or bully stick into the central channel. The Zogoflex material grips the treat tightly, so your dog has to chew around the toy to access it. This extends the life of treats that would normally be demolished in minutes, and it keeps your dog focused and occupied.

What to Put in a Qwizl

Dental chew sticks (the Qwizl was designed with these in mind)
Bully sticks or pizzle sticks
Dried sweet potato or carrot sticks
Any long, firm treat that fits the central channel

Qwizl Size Guide

Small

Best for small to medium dogs. Fits standard-sized dental chews and smaller treat sticks. Light enough for smaller dogs to carry and chew comfortably.

Large

Suits medium to large dogs. Holds larger treats and bully sticks securely. The extra size gives bigger dogs more to grip onto.

Toppl vs Qwizl: Which One Should You Choose?

Both toys are excellent, but they serve different purposes. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.

Choose the Toppl If...

You want a versatile food puzzle that works with wet food, kibble, spreads, and frozen fillings. The Toppl is ideal for slow feeding, mealtime enrichment, calming anxious dogs, and keeping puppies or seniors occupied. It is the more flexible of the two toys.

Choose the Qwizl If...

Your dog loves chewing on treat sticks and you want to make them last longer. The Qwizl is perfect for dogs who demolish dental chews or bully sticks in seconds. It turns a quick snack into a longer, more satisfying chewing session.

Many dog owners end up getting both. The Toppl handles mealtime enrichment and frozen treats, while the Qwizl extends the life of chew treats. Together, they cover most enrichment needs.

Who Are West Paw Toys Best For?

West Paw Zogoflex toys suit a wide range of dogs and situations.

Dogs who eat too fast and need a slow feeder alternative (Toppl)
Anxious dogs who benefit from calming, focused activities (both). Read more about how enrichment helps ease dog anxiety
Puppies who need safe, non-toxic chewing options (both)
Senior dogs who need gentle mental stimulation (Toppl)
Dogs left home alone who need something to keep them busy (both)
Dogs who destroy standard rubber toys quickly (both, Zogoflex is tougher than most)
Dogs who demolish treat sticks too fast (Qwizl)

Care and Cleaning Tips

Both toys are dishwasher safe. Place on the top rack for easy cleaning after each use.
For stubborn residue, soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes before washing.
Inspect regularly for signs of wear. While Zogoflex is very durable, no toy is truly indestructible. Replace if you notice deep gouges or pieces coming away.
Frozen fillings can be prepared in batches and stored in the freezer, so you always have a ready-to-go enrichment toy on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are West Paw toys safe for aggressive chewers?

Zogoflex is one of the toughest toy materials available and holds up well against strong chewers. However, no toy is completely indestructible. Always supervise your dog with any toy and replace it if it shows significant wear.

Can I freeze the Toppl?

Yes. Freezing a stuffed Toppl is one of the best ways to use it. Fill it with wet food, yoghurt, or a mix of treats and freeze overnight. The frozen filling takes much longer for your dog to work through, providing extended enrichment.

What size Toppl should I get?

Small for dogs under 10 kg, Large for dogs 10 to 35 kg, and Extra Large for dogs over 35 kg. If you want to use the nesting trick (small inside large), buy both a Small and a Large.

Can puppies use West Paw toys?

Yes. Both the Toppl and Qwizl are safe for puppies. The Small Toppl is a great first enrichment toy for young dogs. Start with easy fillings so your puppy learns how the toy works without getting frustrated.

How long do West Paw toys last?

With normal use, Zogoflex toys last a long time. Many owners report using the same Toppl or Qwizl for years. Durability depends on your dog's chewing intensity, but Zogoflex is significantly tougher than standard rubber toys.

What is the difference between the Toppl and a KONG?

Both are treat-dispensing toys, but the Toppl has a wider opening that is easier to fill and easier for dogs to access. This makes it less frustrating for beginners, puppies, and senior dogs. The Toppl is also dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup simpler. For a full comparison of interactive toys, see our interactive dog toys guide.