Frozen Kong vs Lick Mat vs Toppl: Which Keeps Dogs Busy Longest When It’s Too Hot?

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When it’s 92°F by 10 AM, a long walk isn’t the answer and your dog knows it. That’s when frozen enrichment saves the day. But not all frozen toys are equal.

We froze the three most popular options — KONG Classic, LickiMat Classic, and West Paw Toppl — with the exact same filling to answer one question: which one actually keeps your dog busy longest when it’s too hot to go outside?

What We Tested (And How)

Same kitchen, same freezer, same recipe. That way we could compare the toy, not the food.

1. KONG Classic – Amazon

The original red powerhouse. Super durable natural rubber, hollow center, bounces unpredictably. Best known for being able to take serious chewing.

2. LickiMat Classic – Amazon

Flat mat with textured grooves that forces slow licking instead of gulping. Designed for anxiety, boredom, and slowing down fast eaters.

3. West Paw Toppl – Amazon

A rounded, wide-mouthed puzzle from Montana. Softer than a KONG, dishwasher-safe, and much easier for flat-faced breeds or seniors to get into. Also made with non-toxic Zogoflex.

How We Froze Them For a Fair Test

We used the same mix for all three: plain kibble + spoon of smooth peanut butter (xylitol-free) + plain non-fat yogurt + a few blueberries + water to bind. Fill, freeze 4-5 hours.

• KONG: stuffed tight, plugged the small hole with peanut butter
• LickiMat: spread thin, about 1/4 inch thick — freezing thin makes it last
• Toppl: filled and placed on a small cup to stay upright while freezing

All three were given to the same two dogs (35-lb mixed breed, 68-lb lab) on different afternoons inside with AC, after a short potty break.

The Results: Which Lasts Longest?

Your mileage will vary by dog, but here’s what we saw:

Winner for long-lasting busy work: KONG Classic, by a mile, especially when packed tight and fully frozen.

Winner for calming without frustration: LickiMat. The repetitive licking really does help anxious dogs settle after a hot, overstimulating morning.

Winner for beginners, seniors, and flat-faced dogs: Toppl. No narrow hole to struggle with.

When To Use Each One

Use a Frozen KONG When…

• You need 20+ minutes of quiet while you work. It’s the best for power chewers.
• Your dog gets wired after a summer walk and needs a cool-down routine that actually helps him settle.
• You want something you can prep in bulk on Sunday.

Use a LickiMat When…

• Your dog is anxious during storms, fireworks leftovers, or visitors. Licking lowers heart rate.
• You need a grooming helper — stick it to the tub with a bit of yogurt during a post-lake rinse. It pairs perfectly with the 5-minute dry-and-check routine that prevents swimmer’s ear.
• Your dog gulps food. Thin frozen layers force slower eating.

Use a Toppl When…

• Your dog is new to food puzzles or gives up easily. The wide opening keeps success high.
• You have a bulldog, pug, or senior who struggles with KONGs.
• You want the fastest cleanup. It goes straight in the dishwasher.

5 Prep Tricks That Make Frozen Enrichment Last Longer (Without Frustration)

1. Layer it. Kibble, then yogurt, then blueberries, then plug with peanut butter. Layers freeze harder than one mush.
2. Freeze upright in a cup. Especially for Toppls — no leaking, no mess in the freezer.
3. Don’t overfill LickiMats. A thin spread that you freeze solid lasts longer than a thick glob. Think butter on toast.
4. Double freeze. Freeze 2 hours, add more topping, freeze again. Creates a tougher core.
5. Work in pairs. Keep 2-3 in the freezer so you always have one ready when you need low-heat ways to tire your dog out before 9 AM and it’s already too hot.

If you’re building a full indoor rotation, mix these with other indoor brain games that tire dogs out in 15 minutes and vet-approved frozen dog treats for variety.

Safety and Summer Tips

• Always supervise the first few times. No toy is truly indestructible, especially with strong chewers.
• Skip xylitol/birch sugar in peanut butter — check the label every time.
• If your dog has a sensitive stomach, start with just kibble + water frozen, then add richer toppers.
• Keep portions reasonable. Frozen enrichment is part of daily calories, not extra. For hot days when appetite is low, a frozen Toppl is often more appealing than a bowl.
• Thaw check: if your dog has dental issues, let the toy sit 5 minutes before giving — rock-hard frozen can be uncomfortable.

FAQ

Which frozen toy lasts longest for power chewers?
A tightly packed, double-frozen KONG Classic. In our test it lasted almost twice as long as a Toppl because the small hole restricts access.

Can I give my dog a frozen KONG every day in summer?
Yes, if you count it toward daily calories and use dog-safe fillings. For sensitive stomachs, stick to kibble + a little pumpkin or yogurt and skip heavy peanut butter daily.

Which is best for anxious dogs?
A LickiMat Classic. Slow, repetitive licking is naturally calming and great paired with crate time, grooming, or after an over-exciting walk.

PupPursuit Team

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